How Long to Wait for Sex After Yeast Infection Treatment

If you’ve recently been treated for a yeast infection, you might be wondering how long you should wait before getting intimate again. It’s a totally valid question. While you can have sex with a yeast infection, it’s always better to wait until you’ve finished the full treatment. Below, we give you the lowdown about why waiting is important, and how to avoid future infections so they don't get in the way of your sex life.

What is a yeast infection?

A yeast infection, or vaginal candidiasis, is caused by an overgrowth of the Candida fungus (usually Candida albicans). This fungus naturally lives in your body and is often part of your healthy vaginal flora, without causing any trouble. But sometimes, things can throw off the balance of your vaginal microbiome, allowing Candida to multiply and cause problems.

Yeast infection symptoms

Common yeast infection symptoms include:

• Intense vaginal itching
• Vaginal inflammation
• A burning sensation, especially when you pee or have sex
• Unusual discharge that can be thick and white, like cottage cheese
• Redness, swelling, and soreness in the vaginal area

Vaginal yeast infections are super common — around 75% of women will have at least one episode of vaginal candidiasis, and 40%–45% will have two or more episodes according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). They’re not considered sexually transmitted infections (STIs), but sex can sometimes play a role in triggering or exacerbating vaginal yeast infections.

How can sex trigger a yeast infection?

Sex might not directly cause a yeast infection, but it can create the perfect storm for Candida overgrowth. Here’s how:

• Changes in pH balance: Your vagina is naturally acidic, with a pH between 3.8 and 4.5. This acidic environment helps keep yeast and bacteria in check. Semen, on the other hand, is alkaline, which can temporarily raise your vaginal pH and give Candida a chance to thrive.
• Friction and irritation: Sex can sometimes irritate the vaginal tissues, especially if there’s not enough lubrication. This irritation can weaken the vaginal lining, making it easier for Candida to take over.
• Condoms and lubricants: While condoms are essential for protection against STIs and unwanted pregnancies, some condoms and flavored lubes contain sugars or additives that can disrupt your vaginal microbiome and encourage yeast growth.

Why should you wait for sex after treatment?

When you’re treating a yeast infection, your body is in recovery mode. Here’s why holding off on sex is a good idea:

• Recovery time: Yeast infections cause inflammation and irritation, and sex can worsen that, delaying your healing process.
• Risk of discomfort: Even if symptoms seem to be gone, your vaginal tissues might still be sensitive, and sex could cause pain, burning, or irritation.
• Preventing reinfection: Having sex too soon can increase the chances of passing yeast between you and your partner or reintroducing Candida into your system.
• Medication interference: If you’re using a vaginal cream or suppository, sex can disrupt the medication and reduce its effectiveness.

How long to wait for sex after yeast infection treatment

A good rule of thumb is to wait at least five to seven days after completing treatment — but that depends on how severe your symptoms are, and the type of treatment. If your symptoms persist or you’re unsure whether the infection has fully cleared, it’s worth giving it a little extra time. Your body will thank you for your patience.

Yeast infection treatment

Yeast infection treatment depends on the severity of symptoms, along with your medical history. Options range from over-the-counter antifungal treatments to prescription medications and alternative remedies like boric acid.

• Over-the-counter treatments: For mild to moderate yeast infections, topical antifungal treatments are often the first choice. These include creams, ointments, suppositories, or vaginal tablets containing active ingredients like clotrimazole, miconazole, or tioconazole. You usually use these daily for seven days. You can also use Evvy's Anti-Itch Vulva Cream for fast-acting relief from external itching and irritation.
• Prescription oral antifungal medication: For more severe yeast infections or recurrent infections, a doctor may prescribe fluconazole, an oral antifungal medication. This is typically taken as a single dose but may require additional doses over several days for persistent or complicated infections.
• Boric acid suppositories: Boric acid is a natural antifungal and antibacterial compound that can help restore the vaginal pH and combat resistant strains of yeast. It's particularly effective for recurrent yeast infections if traditional treatments fail, or if you have less common yeast strains, like Candida glabrata. Boric acid is inserted into the vagina in capsule form, usually once daily for seven to 14 days.

Tips for preventing yeast infections

While yeast infections can happen to anyone, there are some steps you can take to reduce your risk — both in general and when it comes to sex.

• Use lube wisely: Avoid flavored or sugar-based lubricants, as these can feed yeast.
• Choose the right condoms: Safe sex can help reduce the risk of developing a yeast infection, but the type of condom you use matters. Choose unflavored, unscented, spermicide-free condoms. This goes without saying but if you have a sensitivity or allergy to latex, don't use latex condoms. 
• Wear breathable fabrics: Opt for cotton underwear and avoid tight, non-breathable clothing that traps moisture.
• Stay dry: Yeast thrives in a moist environment, so change out of wet clothes (like gym wear or swimsuits) as soon as possible.
• Practice good hygiene: Wash your vulva with warm water (no harsh soaps), always wipe front to back, and stay away from vaginal douches.

When should you see a healthcare provider?

If you notice frequent yeast infections (more than three a year) or if your symptoms don’t improve after treatment, it’s time to check in with your healthcare provider. There might be an underlying issue, such as uncontrolled diabetes, hormonal changes, or a weakened immune system, that needs attention. You may also have a non-albicans or treatment-resistant type of Candida. In these cases, they may recommend a longer treatment course or alternative treatment options.

Waiting to have sex after a yeast infection can feel frustrating, but it’s a small price to pay for ensuring a full recovery and preventing further discomfort. After all, when you’re healthy and comfortable, intimacy will be that much more enjoyable.

FAQ

How do you know if a yeast infection is gone?

You'll know your yeast infection has cleared up when those uncomfortable symptoms are gone. That means no more itching, burning, irritation, or thick, white discharge. If you've completed your treatment and feel back to normal, it's likely the infection has cleared. But if you still have some lingering symptoms or they show back up soon after treatment, it might mean the infection needs a little more attention, or there could be something else going on. If you're ever unsure, it's always a good idea to reach out to your healthcare provider to make sure everything's back to normal. 

Does sex still feel good with a yeast infection?

That depends on how bad your symptoms are, but generally, no — having sex with a yeast infection doesn't feel good. Yeast infections can cause itching and burning in and around the vagina, making any type of sex (penetrative or not) uncomfortable. Sex can also make yeast infection symptoms worse, so it’s smartest to wait until the infection has cleared up and you don’t have any symptoms before getting intimate again. 

Can a man give a woman a yeast infection?

Theoretically yes, a man could play a role in a woman developing a yeast infection, though it doesn’t happen very often. If a man has a yeast infection or has yeast on his skin, he might pass the yeast to his partner through sexual contact, but there are no documented cases of this happening in the scientific literature. However, it is more likely that certain sexual activities, especially unprotected sex, can introduce changes that affect the vaginal environment, such as pH shifts or friction, making it easier for a yeast infection to happen. While yeast infections aren’t technically classified as sexually transmitted infections, sexual activity can certainly influence their occurrence.

Can I have sex while taking fluconazole?

Technically, you can have sex while taking fluconazole, but it’s generally not recommended until your yeast infection has fully cleared. Fluconazole is an antifungal medication that works over several days to eliminate the infection, and during this time, your vaginal tissues may still be inflamed or irritated. Having sex too soon can cause discomfort, prolong healing, and potentially disrupt the medication’s effectiveness. To make sure you get the best results and avoid any irritation or reinfection, it's a good idea to wait until you feel completely better. Usually, this happens a few days after taking fluconazole, but it can take a little longer depending on how your body reacts and the severity of the infection. If you're ever in doubt, it's perfectly fine to give it a bit more time or reach out to your healthcare provider.