Is it harmful to have sex if I have a vaginal infection?

Answer From Tatnai Burnett, M.D.

Having sex when you have a vaginal infection or vaginal inflammation may be uncomfortable and might make your symptoms worse. If the source of your infection is a sexually transmitted infection, you may also spread the infection to your partner. If you have chronic yeast infections (candidiasis), confirmed by a doctor, you may have sex without concern for worsening symptoms as long as you're comfortable.

The most common causes of vaginal infection are:

  • Yeast infection (candidiasis)
  • Bacterial vaginosis
  • Trichomoniasis

Yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis aren't sexually transmitted infections, but having new sexual partners increases the risk of bacterial vaginosis.

However, trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted infection. To prevent possible reinfection, wait to have intercourse until you and your partner complete treatment and you no longer have symptoms.

With

Tatnai Burnett, M.D.

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Feb. 08, 2022 See more Expert Answers

See also

  1. Painful intercourse (dyspareunia)
  2. Painful urination (dysuria)
  3. Pelvic exam
  4. Symptom Checker
  5. Vagina
  6. Vaginal bleeding
  7. Vaginal discharge
  8. Vaginal odor
  9. Vaginitis
  10. Yeast infection during pregnancy