You know me: I try to do what I can to hit every woman-related topic known to man (If I can), and boy, if there is something that needs to be addressed on this platform, right here and right now, it’s sexual experiences that, somehow, end up having yeast infections attached to them after the fact.
Gee, can there be a bigger roller coaster ride than feeling the pure elation that sex provides, only to go through climbing-the-walls itching, burning, and vaginal discharge due to a yeast infection a few days after it?
If this has been your personal testimony, and it’s been more than 1-2 times, my goal is to provide you with some science and then some tips that can prevent this from being a future issue.
Because the last thing that I want you to feel is like you can’t totally enjoy sex, simply because you’re nervous that an annoying ass yeast infection is awaiting you on the other side of having it.
A Yeast Infection. Revisited.
GiphySo, it’s not like yeast infections don’t get their fair share of attention over on this side of the internet. You can read articles that I’ve written like “Yeast Infections Happen Most Before Your Period. Here's Why.,” “Do You Get More Yeast Infections In The Spring? There's A Reason For That.,” “What To Do For Yeast Infections (On Other Parts Of Your Body)” to prove that point. Still, just for the sake of making sure that you are able to connect the dots between a yeast infection and how sex can potentially increase the chances of you experiencing one, let’s briefly recap what a yeast infection is.
Candida is a type of fungus that naturally develops within your body. Typically, it is harmless yet when you experience an overgrowth of it within your system, that can lead to a yeast infection — not just in your vagina; however, that is what we are going to focus on today. And when this type of infection occurs, it can lead to symptoms like incessant itching, burning, swelling of your vagina and vulva (the outer part of your vagina), a thick discharge and discomfort during sex.
Although things like antibiotics, a weakened immune system and fluctuating hormones can be what creates the “perfect storm environment” for a yeast infection, it’s important to also keep in mind that, any time your system is imbalanced, that can help to cultivate a yeast infection too.
Let’s now build on this fact.
Now Here’s How Sex Can Cultivate the Environment for a Yeast Infection
GiphySo, here’s the deal about yeast infections and why some people tend to get them after having sex. Although sex itself doesn’t actually cause a yeast infection to transpire, the bacteria that comes along with copulation can find itself being the culprit. This can include the bacteria that is exchanged during vaginal intercourse, anal sex and even oral sex.
For instance — and this might be TMI for some but if you’ve read my content enough, you know that I am perfectly fine with that — I remember many years ago, after not having sex for a while and getting a new partner, after he went down on me, about a week later, I had one of the nastiest yeast infections that I’ve ever had in my entire life (I have a fungal sensitivity, so I have to stay on top of that). My nurse practitioner told me that his saliva (along with the alcohol content that was in it because alcohol contains sugar) probably threw my pH balance off and that is what led to the infection (the more you know, the more you freakin’ know!). So, there’s real life proof that oral sex can help to give you a yeast infection, if you are not careful).
OK, but if things are going perfectly fine in the vaginal health department until you have sex and I’m saying that science says that coitus itself is not the cause. If that is indeed true, what the heck is going on?
Good question.
What Makes You More Susceptible to a Sex-Related Yeast Infection
GiphySo, here’s the deal. Even though sex doesn’t give you a yeast infection per se, there are things that can “work together” with the act to make you more vulnerable to this type of health issue.
- If you engage in unprotected sex, the sperm/semen (or again, saliva if it’s oral sex) from your partner could temporarily throw your pH levels off which could lead to a yeast infection.
- Although you should always participate in protected sex (especially if you’re not in an a monogamous or exclusive long-term relationship), the double-edged sword here is if you are allergic to latex, if the spermicide is too strong and/or you use lube that contains glycerin (which has sugar in it which yeast naturally thrives off of) — these things could also cause a yeast infection.
- If you have a “bang, bang, bang” partner (which isn’t always or necessarily a bad thing — LOL), the friction from the intercourse could lead to inflammation in your vagina which could throw off its balance of yeast which could also trigger a yeast infection.
- Not properly cleaning those sex toys before moving them from body part to body part? That could cause bacteria to move around which could absolutely lead to a yeast infection.
- If your partner already has a yeast infection, that could give you a yeast infection.
And that last one? If your partner (or you) has a yeast infection and it’s not properly treated, that could result in you exchanging the yeast infection back and forth — and an untreated yeast infection can result in prolonged fatigue, gastrointestinal issues and bleeding and sores in your vaginal area (usually from incessant scratching).
What You Should Do If You (or Your Partner) Has a Yeast Infection
GiphyAlthough yeast infections are far more prevalent in women than they are in men, that doesn’t mean that men can’t get them. In fact, research reveals that somewhere around 1 in 25 men will end up with one at some point in their lifetime (as opposed to 75 percent of women will have at least one at some point in their lives); especially if they happen to be uncircumcised due to the yeast that could potentially get trapped inside of their foreskin (because yeast thrives in dark, warm and wet areas).
And although some men can experience similar symptoms of a yeast infection that women do, it should also go on record that men can have a yeast infection and not even know it; the word for this is asymptomatic. That’s why, if you do have sex with someone and you end up with a yeast infection, it’s important to discuss it with them, so that they can get tested — just to be sure that either they don’t have it or, if they do, you both can get treated, so that you’re not passing the infection back and forth to each other.
That said, if this is the first time having a yeast infection for either one of you, it’s best to go to a doctor to get a thorough diagnosis (if it’s not, these days, there are at-home tests that you can take like this one here). The main reason is because there are some STI/STDs that have similar symptoms to a yeast infection (including chlamydia, gonorrhea and herpes), so you need to be sure that there aren’t any other underlying health issues going on and that you get the type of treatment that will resolve the actual issue that you have.
5 Tips for Preventing a Yeast Infection (When You’re Sexually Active)
GiphyAight, so now that I’ve hopefully broken down how a yeast infection and sexual activity can find themselves intersecting in some ways, I want to make sure that you’re aware of some of the proven things that you can do to prevent this from being a personal issue for you and your partner. Ready?
1. Take probiotics. Again, as someone who has a fungal sensitivity, I’ve had more yeast infections (not just vaginal ones either; my breasts aren’t small, so…) than I would’ve ever thought that I would over the course of my lifetime. Something that has helped to keep them at bay? Daily probiotics. Always remember that your vaginal tract is chocked full of both good and bad bacteria, so it’s wise to have as much good bacteria in there so that your system can combat the bad. Probiotics can help make that happen.
2. Use other kinds of condoms. Although roughly only 1-6 percent of people are allergic to latex (including latex condoms), if you sense that you might be one of them, always keep in mind that there are alternative options including polyisoprene and polyurethane ones. You can read more about the pros and cons of both of these by checking out “These Are The Kinds Of Condoms Your Vagina Would Actually Prefer.”
3. Clean up. You know how you’ve been told to wipe from front to back and not the other way around? Along these same lines, whether it’s a body part or a sex toy — don’t be out here getting all carried away by going into one, umm, hole with something and then moving into another hole without cleaning things off first. That’s a primo way for bacteria to spread around…and that’s just what a yeast infection wants to happen.
4. Be careful when it comes to hot tub sex. Speaking of breeding grounds for infection — if you’re on vacation and the urge hits you while you’re in a hot tub, uh, you might want to rethink that. I once read that “…the infection risk from hot tub is so significant that in the US, the Centers for Disease Control has released official advice on how to prevent this.” Yeah, you can never assume that people who were in the tub before you are as clean as you are or that the establishment that offers the tub does a thorough job of cleaning it either. So, if you want to be adventurous…try your hotel (or vacation house) shower or something. You’ll be much better off.
5. Keep your stress levels down. If your partner (or your relationship) is constantly stressing you out and you combat it with “make-up sex,” in its own weird way, that could be giving you a yeast infection too. Here’s how: stress lowers your immunity and when that happens, the cortisol levels in your body end up spiking which raises your blood sugar levels, which can make it easier for yeast to be “fed” and that can trigger a yeast infection. Just one more reason to not let a man stress you out, even if the sex is good. You could look up and end up with fried nerves and a nasty yeast infection — and who wants that, chile? Exactly.
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Kayla Nicole says she wore a dress that was once worn by Braxton herself for the Halloween costume. “It’s not a secret Toni is more on the petite side. I’m obsessed with all 5’2” of her,” she tells xoNecole via email. “But I’m 5’10'' and not missing any meals, honey, so to my surprise, when I got the dress and it actually fit, I knew it was destiny.”
The episode was the perfect way for the multihyphenate to take control of her own narrative. By addressing the viral moment on her own platform, she was able to stir the conversation and keep the focus on her adoration for Braxton, an artist she says she grew up listening to and who still makes her most-played playlist every year. Elsewhere, she likely would’ve received questions about whether or not the costume was a subliminal aimed at her ex-boyfriend and his pop star fiancée. “I think that people will try to project their own narratives, right?” she said, hinting at this in the episode. “But, for me personally – I think it’s very important to say this in this moment – I’m not in the business of tearing other women down. I’m in the business of celebrating them.”
Kayla Nicole is among xoNecole’s It Girl 100 Class of 2025, powered by SheaMoisture, recognized in the Viral Voices category for her work in media and the trends she sets on our timelines, all while prioritizing her own mental and physical health. As she puts it: “Yes, I’m curating conversations on my podcast The Pre-Game, and cultivating community with my wellness brand Tribe Therepē.”
Despite being the frequent topic of conversation online, Kayla Nicole says she’s learning to take advantage of her growing social media platform without becoming consumed by it. “I refuse to let the internet consume me. It’s supposed to be a resource and tool for connection, so if it becomes anything beyond that I will log out,” she says.
On The Pre-Game, which launched earlier this year, she has positioned herself as listeners “homegirl.” “There’s definitely a delicate dance between being genuine and oversharing, and I’ve had to learn that the hard way. Now I share from a place of reflection, not reaction,” she says. “If it can help someone feel seen or less alone, I’ll talk about it within reason. But I’ve certainly learned to protect parts of my life that I cherish most. I share what serves connection but doesn’t cost me peace.
"I refuse to let the internet consume me. It’s supposed to be a resource and tool for connection, so if it becomes anything beyond that I will log out."
Credit: Malcolm Roberson
Throughout each episode, she sips a cocktail and addresses trending topics (even when they involve herself). It’s a platform the Pepperdine University alumnus has been preparing to have since she graduated with a degree in broadcast journalism, with a concentration in political science.
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Anyway, I personally think that the less shallow folks out here may contemplate calling things “quits” or they at least distance themselves a bit from their partner (and what I’m referring to is serious relationships) due to all of the stress and strain that oftentimes comes with the holidays whether it be financial, familial, due to their tight schedules or something else.
Listen, I would hate for you and your man to miss the fun and happiness of experiencing this time of year, all because you are so overwhelmed or irritated that you can’t really enjoy it. That’s why I have a few practical tips for how to avoid allowing the typical holiday season stress from INFECTING your relationship.
Manage Your Expectations
GiphyUnmanaged expectations. If there is a main reason why the holiday season tends to be so stress-filled for so many people, I’d bet good money that this is the cause. And when you’re in a long-term relationship, expectations can manifest themselves in all sorts of cryptic and/or unexpected ways. You might have relatives who assume that you are going to be with them for Thanksgiving or Christmas when you have other plans in mind. You might be thinking that you are going to spend one amount for presents while your man is thinking something totally different. When it comes to scheduling, your signals may be crossed.
And you know what? To all of these scenarios, this is where clear and consistent communication come in. Don’t assume anything. Don’t dictate anything either. From now until New Year’s, mutually decide to check in once a week, just to make sure that you are both on the same page as it relates to the holidays and what you both are thinking will come along with it. The less blindsided you both feel, the less stressed out you will be. Trust me on this.
Set (and Keep) a Budget
GiphyOkay, so I read that last year, 36 percent of Americans incurred some type of holiday-related debt. Hmph. Last year, there was still some sense of normalcy in this country, chile, so I can only imagine what finances are gonna look like over the next several weeks. That said, since I don’t know a lot of people who don’t find being broke stressful, make sure that you and your bae set a budget and then stick to it this year — no ifs, ands or buts.
Because really, y’all — it doesn’t make sense to deplete savings and/or max out credit cards for a few days of giggles only to be damn near losing your mind because you don’t know how to make ends meet come Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.
And by the way, this tip doesn’t just speak to things like food and gifts; I also mean travel. If it doesn’t make a ton of sense (or cents) to be all over the place this year — DON’T BE.
Keep Matthew 5:37 at the Forefront
GiphyIf off the top of your head, you don’t know what Matthew 5:37 says, no worries, here ya go: “But let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’ For whatever is more than these is from the evil one.” That verse right there? Oh, it’s a boundaries lifesaver! I say that because do you see “maybe” or “I’ll think about it” in there? Nope. LOL. It says that you should tell people “yes” or “no” and leave it at that — and that complements Anne Lamott’s quote, “’No’ is a complete sentence” impeccably well. Yeah, you’ve got to remember that anything beyond a yes or no to a request is privileged information; you don’t owe anyone details or an explanation.
Besides, if you are really honest with yourself, when someone asks you something and you give a “Umm, let me think about it” kind of reply, more times than not, you already know what your answer is going to be — so why not let you both off of the hook? Give your response. Commit to that. And let everyone (including yourself) get on with their lives and schedules.
I promise you that when it comes to those holiday parties, you are pissing more folks off by not RSVP’ing or doing so and not showing up than just saying, “Thank you but not this year” off the rip.
Remember That Your Personal Space Is Privilege Not a Right
GiphyA friend of mine recently bought a new house and invited me over to come see it. He’s a single man with no children, so as I was taking in all of the space that he had, especially as I walked through his finished basement, I joked about relatives coming to live with him. “Hell no” and “absolutely not” were pretty much his immediate responses as he went on to say that some folks even had the nerve to be offended when he told them that he had no intentions on taking DNA in.
Ain’t it wild how people think that your stuff is their right? And yes, that brings me to my next point. Your home is your sanctuary space. If you want to host folks this year — cool. If not, ALSO COOL. Please don’t let folks (family included) guilt you into how they want you to act or even into what they would do if the shoe was on the other foot. You are not them — and as one of my favorite quotes states, “If two people were exactly alike, one of them would be unnecessary.” (A man by the name Larry Dixon said that.)
Hell, my friends? They know that I am good for sending them random things that they need or even want all throughout the year. Coming over to hang out at my pace, though. Uh-uh. Chalk it up to being a card-carrying member of the ambivert club yet I like keeping my living space personal — and I sleep like a baby, each and every night, for feeling that way.
Always remember that your space, your time, your resources, your energy and shoot, yourself period (including your relationship), are all things that are your own. You get to choose how, when and why you want to share them. The holiday season is certainly no exception.
Cultivate Some “You Two Only” Traditions
GiphyIt’s not uncommon for some couples to hit me up after the holiday season to “detox.” Sometimes it’s due to the financial drama (and sometimes trauma) that they experienced. Sometimes it’s because they allowed their relatives (especially in-laws) to get more into their personal business than they should’ve. More than anything, though, it tends to be because they didn’t get enough quality time together and so ended up feeling “disconnected.”
Please don’t let that happen. Listen, I’m not even a holidays kind of woman and yet, I will absolutely sit myself down with some hot chocolate and chocolate chip cookies to enjoy a Hallmark holiday film or two. Aside from the fact that most of them are lighthearted and sweet, I also like that they usually focus on couples loving on each other amidst all of the holiday beauty and ambiance — which is something that all couples should set aside some time to do.
Maybe it’s a vacation. Maybe it’s a staycation. Or maybe it’s my personal favorite, A SEXCATION. Whether it’s for a few days, the weekend or even overnight — don’t you let the holidays go by without setting aside time for you and your man to celebrate one another. Don’t you dare (check out “Are You Ready To Have Some Very Merry 'Christmas Sex'?”).
GET. SOME. REST.
GiphyI once read that 8 out of 10 people get stressed out over the holidays and 3 out of 10 lose sleep during to it — and when you’re stress-filled and sleep-deprived, that can absolutely lead to hypersensitivity, making mountains out of molehills and even not being in the mood for sex.
Your relationship can’t afford to go through any of this, so definitely make sure to prioritize rest. I don’t care how unrealistic it might seem during this time, sleep should never be seen as a luxury; it will always and forever be a great necessity.
That said, try to get no less than six hours of shut-eye in (check out “6 Fascinating Ways Sex And Sleep Definitely Go Hand In Hand”) and even ask your bae to take a nap with you sometimes (check out “Wanna Have Some Next-Level Sex? Take A Nap, Sis.”). Not only will sleep help to restore your mind, body and spirit but, when it’s with your partner, it’s an act of intimacy that can make you both feel super connected, even in the midst of what might feel like chaos.
___
Holiday season stress is real. Still, never give it the permission or power to throw your relationship off. Put you and your man first and let the holidays be what they are gonna be, chile.
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