I have thrush should i treat my partner

Also, because many of the symptoms are uncomfortable, individuals may choose to refrain from sexual activity while they have a yeast infection to minimize pain and itching.

When a woman has sex with another woman, there is some evidence to suggest they can transmit a yeast infection. However, one study found no evidence supporting the transmission of the infection from woman to woman through sex. While yeast infections in men are rare, it is possible for a man to get an infection by having sex with a person who has a vaginal yeast infection. Uncircumcised men are more susceptible to developing a yeast infection.

A yeast infection is not a sexually transmitted infection STI. However, some prevention methods, such as condoms, can help reduce the risk of spreading a yeast infection to a partner. A person should generally avoid sexual activity until all the symptoms clear up.

Yeast infections usually clear relatively rapidly once a person begins treatment. Many over-the-counter OTC treatment options require up to 7 days to clear up the infection. The fungus Candida causes yeast infections. This fungus lives in and on various parts of the human body, including the skin, the mouth, and the vagina. In the vagina, the Lactobacillus bacteria typically keeps Candida numbers in check. If there is a shortage or imbalance of Lactobacillus compared to Candida , a yeast infection may occur.

Most yeast infections are easy to treat. However, if a person experiences multiple, recurring yeast infections, they should speak to a doctor as Candida may not be the underlying cause or OTC remedies may be ineffective.

When left untreated, the symptoms will typically get worse. However, some mild yeast infections may get better without treatment. Anti-Thrush remedies are available over the counter from a pharmacy or you can get a prescription from your GP or sexual health clinic.

If you suffer from Thrush regularly we recommend you attend a sexual health clinic to discuss treatment and management options. Thrush is a common infection. Most people carry it on their skin or in their bowel.

It is therefore unlikely that you will pass it to your partner. Your partner should only be treated if they have symptoms. If you have Thrush, you may not feel like having sex, so it may be helpful to talk to your partner about your symptoms. If you have Thrush, it's best to avoid having sex until you've completed a course of treatment and the infection has cleared up.

If you have had Thrush before, you may be able to recognise the symptoms and go straight to a pharmacy for treatment. You can also speak to a sexual health clinic or GP about recognising and treating Thrush.

The clinician may wish to carry out a physical examination, or take a swab from inside your vagina. If your symptoms remain or recur after treatment, you may require further testing to see whether your symptoms are being caused by a different sexually transmitted infection. Or you may need a longer course of treatment. Discuss with the clinician who gave you the treatment.

Thrush is not sexually transmitted so it is up to you whether you tell your partner. Always make sure to dry yourself fully after washing. It is best to avoid fabric conditioners when washing intimate garments. If you are going to have a bath, ensure that the water is not too hot and avoid using perfumed bubble baths and bath soaks. Some women may not realise that they are allergic to fabric dye, so choose white underwear when and if you can.

If possible, do not wear underwear while sleeping. These additives can increase vaginal dryness and make you more susceptible to catching vaginal infections, such as thrush. If you are using lubricated condoms, ensure that they are also free from such additives.

Higher blood sugar levels help the Candida fungus to multiply and even small improvements in your blood sugar can make a big difference when it comes to thrush. Take part in activities that help you relax and unwind as often as possible. It is common to develop thrush while pregnant and having a thrush infection will not harm your baby.

However, it is important that you see your GP or midwife for anti-thrush treatment, rather than treating yourself. This is because the treatment for thrush is likely to be different while you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

It is recommended that intra-vaginal anti-thrush medications alone e. It is possible for thrush to be passed between partners during sexual intercourse, although this is not common. However, if you or your partner are concerned about any possible symptoms of thrush, it is always best to consult a healthcare professional for appropriate diagnosis and treatment.

Recurrent vaginal thrush does not usually cause any long-term health problems for women. However, if you struggle with repeated episodes of thrush, it might affect your mood, sexual relationships and overall quality of life.

The most important step in tackling recurrent thrush is to make an appointment with a healthcare professional who can help you identify any factors which might be pre-disposing you to thrush infections and prescribe the best treatment regimen for you.

If you continue to struggle with recurrent episodes of thrush despite adequate treatment, your GP can refer you to a specialist gynaecology or genitourinary medicine sexual health clinic. Interplay among vaginal microbiome, immune response and sexually transmitted viral infections Int J Mol Sci ; DOI: Scenario: Recurrent Infection. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence.

Last revised: May Published: Lloyds Pharmacy. Published: April Published: June Published: November