When it comes to your vaginal health, understanding the differences between various infections is crucial. One common source of confusion is the connection between Candida (which can cause vaginal yeast infections) and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). 

They often cause similar symptoms and it can be hard to tell them apart, but understanding the difference between a Candida and an STD is key to getting the right treatment and looking after your reproductive health.

Let's dive into what Candida is, what STDs are, how to tell them apart, and how to test for and treat both.

What is Candida?

Candida is a type of fungus that naturally lives in small amounts in various parts of your body, including your mouth, gut, and vagina. It’s a normal part of your vaginal microbiome, but when there’s an imbalance — often due to factors like antibiotics, sex, or hormonal changes — it can multiply and lead to a yeast infection, known as vaginal candidiasis. 

Most yeast infections are caused by a strain called Candida albicans, but other Candida species can overgrow, too. These include Candida glabrata (C. glabrata), responsible for around 5% of yeast infections, C. tropicalis, C. parapsilosis, and C. krusei, among others. 

What is a sexually transmitted disease?

Sexually transmitted diseases — also referred to as sexually transmitted infections (STIs) — are infections that are primarily spread through sexual contact. Common STDs include: 

STDs can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites, and they usually spread through vaginal, anal, or oral sex.

Is Candida a sexually transmitted disease?

The short answer is no — Candida isn’t classified as a sexually transmitted disease. While sex can trigger a yeast infection, they aren’t typically passed on through sexual contact. It’s also possible to develop a yeast infection even if you’re not sexually active. 

Sexual activity can bring on a yeast infection because friction or changes in your vaginal pH can trigger an overgrowth of Candida. While rare, a yeast infection can be passed to your partner during sex, but this is not the same as an STD.

Vaginal yeast Infection vs STD symptoms

Knowing the difference between a yeast infection and an STD is important because the treatments are very different.

Symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection include:

Vaginal yeast infections can range from mild to severe, and while they’re typically uncomfortable, they don’t cause long-term health problems when treated properly.

Symptoms of a sexually transmitted disease can vary widely depending on the infection. Here are common symptoms to watch for:

  • Chlamydia and gonorrhea: Unusual vaginal discharge, painful sex, a burning sensation when you pee, and pelvic pain.
  • Genital herpes: Painful sores or blisters around the vulva and vagina, burning or discomfort when you pee.
  • HPV: Often doesn’t cause symptoms, but some strains cause genital warts.
  • Trichomoniasis: Yellow-green, frothy discharge with an unpleasant or fishy odor, itching, and discomfort. 

Unlike yeast infections, many STDs can have serious long-term consequences if untreated, including pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), infertility, or increased risk of cancer (in the case of HPV).

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Treatment for yeast infections vs STDs

The good news is that both yeast infections and STDs can be treated effectively, but the approaches differ.

Yeast infection treatment

Over-the-counter antifungal medication (such as creams or suppositories like Monistat) is commonly used to treat mild yeast infections. 

For more complicated or severe infections, your healthcare provider might recommend prescription antifungal medications, such as fluconazole. These treatments generally work within a few days, and you’ll usually see relief from symptoms quickly.

In the case of recurrent yeast infections caused by a strain other than Candida albicans, your healthcare provider may recommend boric acid suppositories.

STD treatment

Treating STDs varies depending on the infection:

  • Bacterial STDs (like chlamydia and gonorrhea) can usually be cured by taking antibiotics, like doxycycline, azithromycin, and ceftriaxone.
  • Viral STDs (like herpes or HPV) can’t be cured, but symptoms can be managed with antiviral medications or preventative vaccines.
  • Parasitic STDs (like trichomoniasis) can be treated with antibiotics like metronidazole.

It’s important to finish your entire treatment plan, even if your symptoms go away or you start feeling better, as untreated infections can lead to complications. 

How to test for yeast infections and STDs

If you’re unsure whether your symptoms are caused by a yeast infection or an STD, getting tested is the best way to figure out what’s going on. Testing can give you peace of mind and help you take the right steps toward treatment.

To diagnose a yeast infection, your doctor will first ask about your symptoms and medical history. They will then perform a pelvic exam to examine your vulva and vagina for signs of infection, such as swelling, redness, and abnormal discharge. They may use a speculum to examine the inside of your vagina and cervix. Your doctor may also take a swab of vaginal fluid from the inside of your vagina to look for the presence of Candida. This vaginal swab can help to prevent misdiagnosis and unnecessary antifungal overuse.  

STDs can be diagnosed in several ways, depending on the type of infection you're being tested for. Common methods include:

  • Blood test: Blood tests are used to check for viral infections like HIV, herpes, syphilis, or hepatitis. This test involves drawing a small amount of blood, usually from your arm.  
  • Vaginal swab test: For some infections, such as HPV, chlamydia, trichomoniasis, or gonorrhea, your healthcare provider may use a swab to collect a sample from your vagina.  
  • Physical exam: Some STDs can only be diagnosed if you have an active outbreak. Your healthcare provider will look for visible sores or warts, and they may examine them and take a sample to test for herpes or genital warts.  
  • Urine test: Used to detect bacterial infections like chlamydia and gonorrhea. You’ll simply provide a urine sample, which will be sent to a lab for testing. Urine tests aren't as effective for treating STIs in women.

Evvy’s Vaginal Health Test + STD Test offers a convenient at-home vaginal health test that can detect both yeast infections and four of the most common STIs — along with other imbalances that can lead to vaginal infections. 

With Evvy, you can collect a sample at home using a simple swab and send it to a lab for analysis using a pre-paid mailer. In a few days, you’ll receive a detailed report about the organisms in your vagina, including Candida, which can help you and your doctor decide the next steps. Eligible users will also receive personalized care to treat disruptive bacteria and yeast through Evvy’s Clinical Care platform. 

FAQ

Can you transmit Candida sexually?

It's not very common, but it's possible to pass on Candida through sexual activity. Even though Candida isn't officially considered a sexually transmitted infection, it can still be spread during sex. If one partner has an overgrowth of Candida, it can potentially be passed to the other partner, especially if their immune system is weakened. This can lead to yeast infections for both partners. However, it's essential to note that yeast infections are usually caused by various factors like antibiotic use, hormonal changes, or imbalances in the vaginal microbiome, rather than just through sexual transmission.

What is the main cause of Candida?

Candida infections in women can happen due to an imbalance in the vaginal environment. There are a few reasons why Candida might overgrow and yeast infections occur. Taking antibiotics is a common cause, as they not only kill harmful bacteria but also the healthy bacteria that keep Candida in check. Similarly, certain hormonal birth control, especially those with higher doses of estrogen, can disrupt the natural balance of bacteria and yeast in the vagina, making it easier for Candida to overgrow. Douching or using scented feminine hygiene products can also disturb the natural pH of the vagina, increasing the risk of a yeast infection. Spending a long time in wet clothes like swimsuits or workout gear can create a moist environment, which is perfect for Candida to thrive. Pregnancy is another risk factor due to hormonal changes that can make yeast infections more common. Uncontrolled diabetes is also a significant factor, as higher sugar levels in the body provide more food for yeast to grow. Finally, having a weakened immune system, whether from conditions like HIV or medications, makes it harder for the body to control the growth of Candida, leading to more frequent infections.

Can I be sexually active if I have Candida?

Most women have Candida present in their body without it causing any issues. If you're not experiencing any uncomfortable symptoms like abnormal vaginal discharge, discomfort, or itching, there's no reason to avoid sex. But, if you have an active yeast infection, you should abstain from having sex until you've finished your full course of treatment and your symptoms have cleared. Having sex with a yeast infection isn't just incredibly uncomfortable, but it can also make the infection harder to treat.