Can Oral Sex Cause a Yeast Infection or BV?

Oral sex can be a fun and pleasurable experience for many people. Not only does it feel good, but the lubrication it provides can be a lifesaver for anyone dealing with vaginal dryness that might otherwise make sex uncomfortable or even painful. But as with all things in life, there’s a flip side to consider — unprotected oral sex can pose some risks to your vaginal health. Although it doesn’t carry the risk of unwanted pregnancy, oral sex can increase your chances of developing a vaginal infection. 

Let’s dive into what’s happening behind the scenes (or under the sheets) when oral sex enters the picture and how it could potentially contribute to issues like yeast infections or bacterial vaginosis (BV).

What happens to your vaginal microbiome during oral sex?

Your vaginal microbiome is a carefully balanced ecosystem of bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms that helps keep your vagina healthy. But when you introduce a partner’s mouth into the equation, things get a little complicated.

The mixing of microbiomes (both oral and genital) can introduce new pathogens and disrupt the natural balance in your vaginal environment. Like penetrative sex, oral sex is also considered to be a risk factor for bacterial vaginosis.

The mouth is home to billions of bacteria and fungi — it's the second-largest and most diverse microbiome in your body after the gut. When your partner’s oral microbiome comes into contact with your vagina, microbes from their mouth can hitch a ride and make their way into your vagina.

Oral sex and bacterial vaginosis

BV occurs when the balance of good and bad bacteria in your vagina gets out of whack. Symptoms can include a fishy odor, unusual discharge, and irritation — but some people don’t experience any symptoms at all. While BV isn’t considered a sexually transmitted infection (STI), it can be triggered by sexual activities, including oral sex, due to the introduction of unfamiliar bacteria.

In a 2019 study of people with vulvas having sex with other vulva owners, 85% reported receiving oral sex from their partner. Findings showed that those who engaged in oral sex (and used sex toys) were more likely to have a vaginal microbiome with disruptive bacteria. 

Can oral sex cause a yeast infection?

Sex itself doesn’t directly cause yeast infections (vaginal candidiasis), but it can increase the risk of one developing by disrupting the vaginal environment

Vaginal yeast infections are caused by an overgrowth of the Candida fungus (usually Candida albicans), which is naturally present in your body. The good bacteria in your vaginal flora usually keep Candida levels in check, but several factors — including sexual contact — can create the perfect environment for yeast to overgrow.

Here’s how: if your partner’s oral microbiome has an abundance of Candida or other fungi, it’s possible for those microbes to transfer to your vagina. If your vaginal environment is already a little off balance — perhaps due to stress, antibiotics, or hormonal changes — this could tip the scales in favor of a yeast infection. And, as mentioned above, saliva can alter the vaginal pH and introduce microbes that, which can throw off your natural balance and give Candida the perfect opportunity to thrive.

How to lower your risk of vaginal infections 

Oral sex is a fantastic way to connect with your partner and explore pleasure, but it’s worth being mindful of how it might impact your vaginal health. The good news? There are steps you can take to reduce your risk of vaginal infections while still enjoying oral sex:

• Practice good oral hygiene: Encourage your partner to brush, floss, and rinse before performing oral sex. A clean mouth is less likely to introduce harmful bacteria or fungi.
• Use barrier methods: Dental dams or cut-open condoms can provide a protective layer between your partner’s mouth and your vulva. This simple step can go a long way in reducing the exchange of microbes.
• Stay tuned to your body: Pay attention to any changes in your vaginal health. If you notice unusual symptoms like itching, irritation, or unusual discharge, don’t hesitate to check in with a healthcare provider.

FAQ

Is it common to get a yeast infection after oral sex?

While it’s not super common, it's possible to develop a yeast infection after receiving oral sex. Vaginal yeast infections happen when there’s an overgrowth of Candida, a fungus that naturally lives in small amounts in our bodies, including the mouth and vagina. If the person giving oral sex has a lot of yeast in their mouth, like with oral thrush, it might get passed along to the genital area. Plus, saliva can sometimes throw off the natural pH balance of the vagina, creating an optimal environment for yeast to grow. Other factors, like chronic stress, a weakened immune system, or recent antibiotic use, can also make someone more prone to vaginal yeast infections. If you notice any symptoms like itching, irritation, redness, or unusual discharge, it’s a good idea to talk to a healthcare provider. They can help you figure out what’s going on and explore treatment options.

Can a man’s saliva give a woman a yeast infection?

Yes, saliva can sometimes play a role in the development of vaginal yeast infections in women, but it's not something that happens very often. Saliva can have the fungus Candida, which is naturally found in our mouths. If a partner happens to have an overgrowth of yeast, like oral thrush, it could be passed to the vagina during oral sex. Plus, since saliva has a different pH and bacteria compared to the vaginal environment, it might disrupt the natural balance, making it easier for Candida to grow. While this scenario is possible, it's pretty uncommon for healthy individuals. Keeping up with good oral hygiene and being aware of any signs of oral thrush can help minimize the risk. If someone finds themselves dealing with frequent yeast infections, chatting with a healthcare provider can be really helpful for more guidance.

What to do after oral sex to prevent infection?

The key word here is “prevent”. Though you may think that washing your vulva or using a vaginal douche might reduce your likelihood of an infection after having sex, that’s not really the case. It might make things even worse. If you want to reduce your risk of developing a vaginal infection after having oral sex, prevention is key. The best thing to do if use a barrier method such as a dental dam. Dental dams (or a cut-open condom) prevent the transfer of bacteria from someone's mouth to your vagina and prevent their saliva from altering your vaginal pH. While we’re on the subject, here’s a friendly reminder that you should get tested for STIs after having unprotected oral sex, especially if it’s with a new partner.