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 irritation and swelling, called inflammation, can be painful. And having sex can make your symptoms worse. If you have a sexually transmitted infection, you can spread the infection to your partner.
The most common causes of vaginal infection are:
- Yeast infection, also called candidiasis.
- Bacterial vaginosis.
- Trichomoniasis.
Yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis aren't sexually transmitted infections. You can get them without having sex. But they're more likely to happen to people who have sex.
If you have bacterial vaginosis, wait to have sex until the infection clears. Or use condoms during sex. If you have ongoing yeast infections that a healthcare professional has diagnosed, it may be OK for you to have sex.
Stop having sex with a yeast infection if sex makes your symptoms worse. And be aware that some of the creams and other medicines used to treat the condition may weaken latex condoms and diaphragms.
Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted infection. Wait to have sex until you and your partner complete treatment and you no longer have symptoms.
With
Tatnai Burnett, M.D.
Jan. 28, 2025
- Expert view: Think you have a vaginal infection? Here's what you need to know. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. https://www.acog.org/womens-health/experts-and-stories/the-latest/think-you-have-a-vaginal-infection-heres-what-you-need-to-know. Accessed Oct. 11, 2024.
- Workowski KA, et al. Sexually transmitted infections treatment guidelines, 2021. MMWR Recommendations and Reports. 2021; doi:10.15585/mmwr.rr7004a1.
- Vaginal yeast infections. Office on Women's Health. https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/vaginal-yeast-infections. Accessed Oct. 11, 2024.