Is Yeast Infection Contagious?

healthyhabitz007
May 8, 2021
5 min read

Updated: May 16, 2021

Yeast refers to microscopic fungi that have oval cells and reproduce through budding. There are many types of yeast that we consume on a daily basis like brewer's yeast and baking yeast that are generally not harmful to human beings. Candida, on the other hand, is a harmful yeast type that when an overgrowth occurs could lead to a host of different medical issues. Candida yeast could cause an infection of the mucous membranes and the skin. This means that yeast infection mainly occurs in the body parts that are moist, warm, and folded together. These body parts include the armpits, genitals (vagina or head of the penis), underneath the breast, fingernails, and toenails. Yeast infection can also occur in the mouth causing oral thrush.

If you want to get rid of a yeast infection permanently in a safe and holistic way then get your copy of YEAST INFECTION NO MORE HERE.

What causes a Yeast Infection?

Candida albicans is the name of the predominant fungus that could cause a candida yeast infection. Normally, we all have trace amounts of candida in our bodies but when there is an imbalance in this fungus we develop a yeast infection. Several risk factors can increase the chances of you developing the infection. The people who are more prone to yeast infection include:

Those receiving cancer treatment or having HIV that leads to infection by weakening their immune system.
People with diabetes, both type 1 and type 2.
Obese people having large skin folds that make it easy for fungi to thrive.
People who have used antibiotics for a long period of time.
People that sweat excessively.
Smokers and alcoholics.
Infants especially in areas exposed to urine and feces.
People with genetic tendencies to skin infections.

Signs and Symptoms of Yeast Infection

The signs of yeast infection will vary depending on the body part affected. Vaginal yeast infection has symptoms like:

Vulvar Itching
Pain on Urination
Pain during Sex
Redness or soreness of the Vulva
Thick and white or thin and Watery Vaginal Discharge

Penile yeast infection on the other has the following Symptoms:

Itching on the penis especially on the tip
Redness
Sores or white patches on the penis
Problems getting an erection or maintaining it
Difficulty in urination
Discharge with an unpleasant smell

Skin yeast infection is associated with symptoms such as inflammation, itchiness, skin peeling, redness, and skin bumps. Yeast infection of the mouth also comes with signs such as white patches on the inside of the cheeks or the tongue. You may also experience pain that is common when eating or drinking.

Is Yeast infection Contagious?

The short answer too is yeast infection contagious is yes. Candida yeast infection can be spread trough sex, kissing, breastfeeding and even sharing bath water with someone who is infected. This however does not mean that those activities will lead to a yeast infection because each of our bodies and immune systems are different and will react differently to the candida fungus.

Sex

While it is not common to transmit a yeast infection to your partner during sex, it is not rare, either. This means that it is possible to get a yeast infection from an infected partner and hence it is important to avoid sex until your partner gets well. While the risk of transmitting is very minimal that is not the only factor to consider since most ladies will experience pain during intercourse if they suffer from a severe yeast infection. Sex will therefore make ladies with yeast infection uncomfortable and can cause more inflammation and disrupt the creams and medications they are using for treatment. This could prolong the healing time. Oral sex with a partner having yeast infection can also cause thrush or yeast infection of the mouth and therefore you are encouraged to use a dental dam when engaging in oral sex with an infected partner or not to engage in it until your partner is healed.

Kissing

If you have a yeast infection of the mouth, can kissing your partner make him or her sick? The simple answer to this question is yes if your partner is at a higher risk because he or she is suffering from diabetes or having any other predisposing factor, then he will most probably contract thrush from you. Oral thrush will take hold only if the conditions are right and therefore it is an opportunistic infection. It is good to let your partner know if you have thrush just in case he or she has a weakened immune system but a smart move is always to wait until you recover from the infection.

Breastfeeding

It is possible to have a yeast infection on your nipples or breast especially if you have been using antibiotics or you are having a vaginal yeast infection. Your baby can contract oral thrush when breastfeeding in case your nipples are infected. The opposite is also true where you can contract yeast infection on your nipples in case the baby has oral thrush.

Bathwater

It is very unlikely for your bath partner to contract an infection in case you have a vaginal yeast infection. However, using very hot baths or scented soaps can significantly increase the risk of infections or even worsen the existing ones. Always use warm water instead of hot and a bar of plain mild soap. It is also recommended to avoid sexual intimacy when bathing if one of you has a yeast infection. The water environment will make the sexual transmission of yeast infection much easier.

What are the Treatments for Yeast Infection?

You may treat your yeast infection in two ways; either using over-the-counter ointments and creams or some home remedies. Over-the-counter drugs for yeast infection include Miconazole, Imidazole, clotrimazole, oral fluconazole, and hydrocortisone cream. However, it is very important to be diagnosed first by a doctor since the symptoms of yeast infection may be similar to those of other infections. You can also treat your yeast infection especially vaginal yeast infection with the following home remedies:

Plain Greek Yogurt: Yoghurt is a probiotic because it has live bacteria's like lactobacillus acidophilus. Probiotics usually work effectively against candida Albicans.
Coconut Oil: Pure, organic coconut oil has antifungal properties which work against the fungus that causes yeast infection.
Tea Tree Oil: Dilute tea tree oil with coconut oil and apply it to the affected areas for its antifungal properties.
Apple Cider Vinegar: add apple cider vinegar to lukewarm bath water and soak for about 20 minutes. Its acidic component gets rid of the yeast.
Boric Acid: Its antiseptic properties can get rid of the yeast. Avoid using it orally or on broken skin.