Candidiasis is a fungal infection that can affect the oral cavity, digestive tract, skin, vulva, vagina, and rectum. Yeast infections (such as thrush) are caused by Candida fungi.
While Candida fungus is present in 20-40% of the population, its overgrowth and the development of the disease occur only under certain conditions:
- Hormonal changes, for example during pregnancy or while taking oral contraceptives.
- Iatrogenic (due to treatment) nature. Antibiotics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, steroid inhalers, and oral contraceptives disrupt the natural balance of microorganisms, leading to the proliferation of fungi and the development of infection.
- In patients with diabetes (if it is not compensated)
- And in 80-90% of people with weakened immune systems (HIV infection)
The main symptoms of this unpleasant ailment are:
- Itching,
- Swelling and redness of the small labia,
- Possible burning during urination,
- Curd-like discharge,
In men, this is a coating on the head of the penis, swelling, and redness of this area. Also, both partners may experience discomfort during sexual intercourse.
Why you shouldn't have sex during the treatment of thrush
There are several reasons why it is worth avoiding sex with thrush:
- In the first place, this is the risk of infecting the partner.
- The second is the risk of acquiring other infections.
Intimacy is always microtraumas, which on the inflamed surface of the genital organs can easily lead to additional infection. Most often, conditionally pathogenic microorganisms are involved, which were already present in the microflora: chlamydia, mycoplasma, ureaplasma against the background of untreated candidiasis in both sexual partners. Also:
- Dry, inflamed mucous membrane is very sensitive and does not tolerate irritations, so during sexual intercourse, a woman feels itching and even pain. The appearance of microtraumas leads to a longer healing and treatment.
- When using local contraceptives or moisturizing agents, there is a possibility of reducing the effectiveness of medications for treating thrush. Some drugs may need to be replaced or the treatment regimen changed fundamentally.
- Possible spread of infection to the urethra.
- Psychological aspect. An unsatisfying sexual act can have a long-term impact on the partner's attitude towards sex and on relationships in general.
Kissing is possible with thrush if the process is not spread to the oral cavity; otherwise, there will be an infection of the partner as well.
Is it possible to have sex with a yeast infection using a condom?
A logical question arises - maybe sex with thrush is possible using a condom as a precaution? Theoretically, this can prevent infection, but a condom will not protect you from pain during sexual intercourse. In addition, quite severe itching - one of the constant companions of thrush - is unlikely to allow you to get at least some pleasure from the process. But even if infection with the fungus was avoided, the woman will most likely receive a lot of unpleasant sensations and additional problems. It is better to undergo a course of treatment, make sure there is no risk of relapse, and postpone sexual pleasures until complete recovery.
Both partners must undergo treatment for thrush. This will eliminate the risk of re-infection
As a rule, after all examinations and tests, the doctor will prescribe antifungal agents for internal and local use. You should not self-medicate; a specialist will select a treatment regimen that suits each patient individually. Preparations for topical use are very popular - these are various ointments, solutions, and for women, these are also vaginal suppositories and tablets. It is worth emphasizing once again that both partners must undergo treatment - if a woman completely completes the course and gets rid of candidiasis, the first time she has sex, her partner will infect her again. Neglected thrush is fraught with transition to a chronic form, the treatment of which is a much longer and more expensive process in all understandings.
In addition, possible complications in women include cystitis, or inflammation of the bladder. This occurs when the disease spreads to the urinary system, and this is not affected by the fact that a condom is used during sexual intercourse; the infection can penetrate there with or without it.
Both men and women should follow simple rules that, coupled with careful adherence to medical recommendations, will help speed up recovery. Everything is quite simple - you need to take care of personal hygiene, use only your own towel, soap, washcloth, etc., try to choose cotton underwear - you will have to forget about synthetics and lace, in addition, you need to reconsider your lifestyle - stress and poor nutrition are harmful affect the state of the immune system. You will have to exclude sweet, hot and spicy foods from your diet, as well as alcohol and tobacco.
Oral sex during a yeast infection
It is also better to postpone oral sex during thrush for some time - after all, Candida fungus also develops on the mucous membrane of the oral cavity, which will further aggravate and prolong treatment. Read more about Oral candidiasis.
The main thing to remember if you find thrush in your body is that this disease has nothing to do with the penetration of bacteria and viruses into it, it is a fungus that develops in favorable conditions for itself, and this is a signal that not everything is in order in the body , and you need to urgently contact a specialist.
Treatment, taking into account current medications, takes a fairly short period and it is worth abstaining from any type of sexual relations for a better and faster recovery
