Are vaginal yeast infections contagious?
During sexual contact, are vaginal yeast infections contagious?
Whilst it is possible that vaginal yeast infections are contagious during sexual contact, it is unusual. Because of the differences between male and female sexual organs, a woman is more likely to contract vaginal thrush from her sexual partner if he is infected with male yeast infection as the female genitalia are not as exposed to air (making an easier habitat for candida overgrowth to happen once the fungus has been introduced to the vagina - being warm and damp).
Bt contrast, male genitalia are exposed to the air and have the opportunity to dry out as well as gain contact with air (if loose fitting ujnderwear is worn). Being exposed to air and being dry causes the fungus to dry out making a vaginal yeast infection less contagious for men who are worried about it spreading to their penis.
The only real exception to this is when there is sustained and regular sexual contact with a partner who has a yeast infection. If this happens, your partner may experience red or itchy small bumps on the penis. If this happens, he should see his doctor and obtain treatment.
If you think that either of you have a yeast infection, it is advisable, during treatment, to use a condom during sexual intercourse as this will reduce the risk of passing the infection back and forth. You should also avoid the risk of passing infection from the rectal to the vaginal / penile area.
Are there any other situations where vaginal yeast infection may be contagious?
If a woman has a vaginal yeast infection, it is important to pay attention to personal hygiene and avoiding cross contamination between household members - say by sharing bath towels. If you suspect that that you have a yeast infection, make sure that you are the sole user of your towels, flannels and bath sponges until the infection has cleared up. This is good personal hygiene practice anyway …but can be overlooked sometimes when, say, a child grabs the first towel that comes to hand in the bathroom.
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