Our skin and bodies are home to many living organisms. These bacteria and fungi play a key role in our bodies’ natural ecosystems. However, your ecosystem may become unbalanced, which can result in skin irritation, rashes, and pain. One common infection is a yeast infection caused by an overgrowth of Candida albicans
The problem affects both women and men in various places on or in their bodies including the mouth, anus, vagina, or between folds of skin. Balanitis is an umbrella term that refers to inflammation and irritation of the penis. Several conditions can potentially cause balanitis symptoms, including a yeast infection.
If you have an active yeast infection, it’s possible that for you spread that yeast infection to a partner who is already susceptible to yeast overgrowth.
Yeast infections after sex
Each time a person has sex, he or she can pass Candida to their partner. That’s because yeast lives on the tongue, the genitals, and elsewhere on the human body. Most of the time, this Candida fungus is benign. A yeast infection is not contagious in the usual sense because almost every person already has this strain of fungus on their body.
A man can give a woman a yeast infection through sex. However, it doesn’t always lead to an infection for his partner. Approximately, 75% of women will have at least one vaginal yeast infection in their lifetime.
Because men are less likely than women to experience genital yeast infections, many men fail to recognize their risk of a Candido infection or know what balanitis is.
Yeast thrives in warm, moist environments, such as in the folds near the head of the penis or on the foreskin. Uncircumcised men tend to experience yeast infections at higher rates than their circumcised peers. The symptoms can include red or white rashes, itching, irritation, or a white film on the penis. If a man has balanitis caused by yeast, his sexual partner may develop a yeast infection as well.
The vagina and anus naturally cultivate Candida because they are warm, and the skin and membranes in the genitals can be sensitive to changes in pH, bacterial colonization, or other factors.
If a partner is already at risk of developing yeast infections, he or she may develop an infection after having sex. But yeast infections are not classified as sexually transmitted infections because there are other lifestyle factors and health conditions that can lead to a yeast infection other than sex.
Oral thrush
Oral thrush is a yeast infection of the mouth and throat. Oral thrush may result from a variety of sources such as poor dental hygiene, dry mouth, or treatment with antibiotics or inhaled corticosteroids. People with a weakened immune system, AIDS, cancer, or diabetes, or those who have had an organ transplant, are also at risk of getting oral thrush.
Steroids may weaken the body’s immune system, which can enable an overgrowth of Candida. Antibiotics can disrupt the body’s normal levels of healthy bacteria. Without a good balance of beneficial bacteria, fungi like Candida can overgrow, causing an infection.
How to prevent a yeast infection
Some preexisting conditions can predispose a person to develop a yeast infection. Some risk factors for contracting a yeast infection include an immunodeficiency condition, pregnancy, or diabetes.
There are also various dietary and hygiene choices that can lead to yeast infections. People with these health issues may have trouble managing their risk of yeast infections, but these lifestyle factors may be easier to avoid.
Actions that may make someone more susceptible to Candida overgrowth include:
- Sharing a toothbrush with someone who has oral thrush
- Not bathing thoroughly
- Not changing clothing after sweating profusely
- Sitting for extended periods of time in wet clothing or a wet swimsuit
- Wearing the same unwashed underwear over multiple days
- Sharing underwear with someone who has a genital or anal yeast infection
People may consider these preventive techniques to avoid getting or spreading a yeast infection:
- Avoiding a diet that is high in sugar
- Wearing loose, breathable clothing
- Wearing cotton underwear instead of polyester or synthetic fabrics
- Showering and changing clothes after exercising
- Wearing condoms or dental dams
- Abstaining from sex until a yeast infection is resolved
- Washing your body regularly with unscented soap and water
Final thoughts
A yeast infection can be very uncomfortable, painful, and easy to spread to a partner. You should seek a doctor’s advice to properly diagnose your infection because yeast infection symptoms could also resemble those of other conditions like STIs, hemorrhoids, or strep throat.
Although yeast infections are common, they warrant medical attention. The Candida organisms will rarely go away on their own. Untreated infections will likely get worse and may cause other painful complications. Most of these infections clear up quickly with over-the-counter creams or prescription drugs. An antifungal treatment can help provide you and your skin with some relief.