Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsCausesIs Thrush Contagious?ComplicationsPreventionFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Causes
Is Thrush Contagious?
Complications
Prevention
Frequently Asked Questions
Because thrush can affect both the mouth and the vagina, many people assume that the fungus can be passed throughoral sex. However, it isn’t spread this way. There is an association between oral sex and candidiasis, but the risk isn’t linked to the transmission of the fungus.
silverkblack / Getty Images
This article looks at the causes and risk factors of candidiasis and explains how oral sex can trigger yeast infection in some people. It also describes the complications of candidiasis and things you can do to reduce the risk.
Causes of Candidiasis
C. albicansis part of our body’s natural flora, microorganisms like fungi and bacteria that live on and in our bodies. Under normal conditions, these organisms are controlled and don’t cause problems so long as our immune systems are healthy.
WhenC. albicansis allowed to overgrow, candidiasis is the result. The infection is consideredopportunisticin that it only occurs when the immune system fails to control the fungus. Changes in the vaginal environment can also causeC. albicansto overgrow.
Risk factors for candidiasis include:
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoDermNet /CC BY-NC-ND
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See Photo
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.
Though candidiasis is normally associated with oral thrush and vaginal yeast infections, it can also affect the penis, skin, nails,esophagus(the tube that goes from the throat to the stomach), and lungs. The fungus can also spread (disseminate) through the bloodstream and affect the heart, brain, eyes, bones, and other parts of the body.
The severity of candidiasis is directly related to how suppressed your immune system is.Advanced HIV infectionis one of the conditions linked to the risk of invasive candidiasis (candidiasis that spreads).
RecapCandidiasis occurs when the immune system fails to controlC. albicansin the body. Changes in the vaginal environment can also promote the overgrowth of this otherwise manageable fungus.
Recap
Candidiasis occurs when the immune system fails to controlC. albicansin the body. Changes in the vaginal environment can also promote the overgrowth of this otherwise manageable fungus.
Causes and Risk Factors of Yeast Infection
C. albicanslives naturally in our bodies. It doesn’t typically require transmission from another person. However, certain behaviors and conditions have been linked to an increased risk of an overgrowth ofC. albicans, which is what leads to candidiasis.
Oral Thrush
There is no evidence that a vaginal yeast infection orpenile yeast infectioncan be passed to someone performing oral sex. Researchers from Brazil found that oral candidiasis was not so much linked to sexual behaviors but rather to underlying immune disorders like HIV.
People who areimmunocompromisedor taking immunosuppressant drugs (likecorticosteroids) are vulnerable to oral thrush. Inhaled corticosteroids used to treat asthma are a relatively common cause. If you’re takingantibioticsto treat a bacterial infection, the medicine can also kill the natural bacteria in your body that help keepC. albicansin check.
Vaginal Candidiasis
Lactobacilli are naturally found in the vagina and digestive tract and, among other things, help controlC. albicans.Enzymes in saliva can neutralize this bacteria, allowingC. albicansto grow beyond their normal limits.
This doesn’t mean that receiving cunnilingus “causes” a yeast infection. It simply increases the risk thatC. albicanscould grow out of control. Other things that can affect your natural vaginal flora includevaginal douchingand frequent vaginal sex.Condomless vaginal sex also poses a risk in that it can causebacterial dysbiosis(the imbalance of bacteria) up to a week afterward.
Candidiasis is not asexually transmitted infection(STI) and is not associated with having multiple sexual partners, or a new partner.
RecapCandidiasis is not an STI and is not passed through sex. Performing oral sex on the vagina may increase the risk of candidiasis, however, as enzymes in saliva may disrupt the natural vaginal flora.
Candidiasis is not an STI and is not passed through sex. Performing oral sex on the vagina may increase the risk of candidiasis, however, as enzymes in saliva may disrupt the natural vaginal flora.
Yeast Infection Symptoms and Complications
In fact, research has shown that people assigned female at birth who had persistent or recurrent yeast infections were more likely to get HIV than those who didn’t.
An active yeast infection causesinflammationthat attracts immune-fighting cells, calledCD4 T-cells, to the site of the infection. These are the very cells that HIV targets for infection. As such, having a yeast infection increases the potential for an HIV infection.
Public health authorities, including Planned Parenthood, advise people with vaginal yeast infections to avoid sex until the infection clears.
Because oral sex can trigger or worsen a vaginal yeast infection, it is important to practice safer sex if you are prone to recurrence. This includes using adental damwhen engaging in cunnilingus. Dental dams can be found online and in most drugstores.
Also, consider using awater-based lubricantinstead of saliva for mutual masturbation or vaginal sex. Some water-based lubricants, like KY Jelly, do not affect vaginal lactobacilli, while others, like Replens Silky Soft, may promote lactobacillus growth.
If you have a yeast infection, you should either avoid sex or useexternal condomsorinternal condomsduring sex. Doing so decreases the risk of HIV and other STIs.
RecapTo avoid triggering or worsening a vaginal yeast infection, used a dental dam when engaging in oral sex. Condoms should also be used during sex to reduce the risk of HIV and other STIs.
To avoid triggering or worsening a vaginal yeast infection, used a dental dam when engaging in oral sex. Condoms should also be used during sex to reduce the risk of HIV and other STIs.
Summary
Vaginal sex is not advised if you have a yeast infection as the infection can compromise vaginal tissues and increase the risk of HIV. If you do have sex, use condoms. Dental dams should also be used if you have a yeast infection to avoid making the infection worse.
How to Prevent Yeast Infections
A Word From Verywell
If you have recurrent vaginal yeast infections, speak with your healthcare provider about ways to reduce the incidence or severity of outbreaks. This may include practicingsafer sex, starting ananti-Candidadiet, or eatingprobiotic foods or supplementsthat help maintain the naturalvaginal flora.
People who are severely immunocompromised may need to take dailyprophylactic(preventive) anti-fungal drugs to avoid infection.
The fungus that causes thrush (Candida albicans) is not contagious. The fungus that causes thursh (Candida albicansis normally present in the mouth, throat, and vagina without causing any problems. It typically grows and causes symptoms only when the immune system is impaired.
Thrush is not contagious.Antifungal drugscan help clear aCandidainfection, but they are not considered tools for prevention.In the end, your risk of infecting another person through kissing, oral sex, or other means is negligible.
Thrush Doctor Discussion GuideGet our printable guide for your next doctor’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.Download PDFEmail AddressSign UpThank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up.There was an error. Please try again.
Get our printable guide for your next doctor’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.
Download PDF
Email AddressSign UpThank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up.There was an error. Please try again.
Sign Up
Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up.
There was an error. Please try again.
13 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Arya NR, Rafiq NB.Candidiasis. In:StatPearls [Internet].Richardson JP, Moyes DL.Adaptive immune responses to Candida albicans infection.Virulence. 2015;6(4):327-337. doi:10.1080/21505594.2015.1004977Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Candida infections of the mouth, throat, and esophagus.Da Cunha AR, Bessel M, Hugo FN, de Souza FMA, Pereira GFM, Wendland EMDR.Sexual behavior and its association with persistent oral lesions: analysis of the POP-Brazil study.Clin Oral Invest. 2021;25(3):1107-1116. doi:10.1007/s00784-020-03407-0Sustr V, Foessleitner P, Kiss H, Farr A.Vulvovaginal candidosis: current concepts, challenges and perspectives.J Fungi. 2020;6(4):267. doi:10.3390/jof6040267Carda-Diéguez M, Cárdenas N, Aparicio M, Beltrán D, Rodríguez JM, Mira A.Variations in vaginal, penile, and oral microbiota after sexual intercourse: a case report.Front Med. 2019;6:178. doi:10.3389/fmed.2019.00178Graf K, Last A, Gratz R, et al.Keeping Candida commensal – how lactobacilli antagonize pathogenicity of Candida albicans in an in vitro gut model.Dis Model Mechanism. 2019;12(9):dmm039719. doi:10.1242/dmm.039719Bradshaw CS, Morton AN, Garland SM, Morris MB, Moss LM, Fairley CK.Higher-risk behavioral practices associated with bacterial vaginosis compared with vaginal candidiasis.Obstet Gynecol. 2005;106(1):105-114. doi:10.1097/01.AOG.0000163247.78533.7bHester R, Kennedy S.Candida infection as a risk factor for HIV transmission.J Womens Health (Larchmt). 2003;12(5):487-494. doi:10.1089/154099903766651612Planned Parenthood.Is it safe to have oral sex when you have a yeast infection?Hung KJ, Hudson PL, Bergerat A, Hesham H, Choksi N, Mitchell C.Effect of commercial vaginal products on the growth of uropathogenic and commensal vaginal bacteria.Sci Rep. 2020;10(1):7625. doi:10.1038/s41598-020-63652-xMayer FL, Wilson D, Hube B.Candida albicans pathogenicity mechanisms.Virulence. 2013;4(2):119-128. doi:10.4161/viru.22913Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Vulvovaginal candidiasis.
13 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Arya NR, Rafiq NB.Candidiasis. In:StatPearls [Internet].Richardson JP, Moyes DL.Adaptive immune responses to Candida albicans infection.Virulence. 2015;6(4):327-337. doi:10.1080/21505594.2015.1004977Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Candida infections of the mouth, throat, and esophagus.Da Cunha AR, Bessel M, Hugo FN, de Souza FMA, Pereira GFM, Wendland EMDR.Sexual behavior and its association with persistent oral lesions: analysis of the POP-Brazil study.Clin Oral Invest. 2021;25(3):1107-1116. doi:10.1007/s00784-020-03407-0Sustr V, Foessleitner P, Kiss H, Farr A.Vulvovaginal candidosis: current concepts, challenges and perspectives.J Fungi. 2020;6(4):267. doi:10.3390/jof6040267Carda-Diéguez M, Cárdenas N, Aparicio M, Beltrán D, Rodríguez JM, Mira A.Variations in vaginal, penile, and oral microbiota after sexual intercourse: a case report.Front Med. 2019;6:178. doi:10.3389/fmed.2019.00178Graf K, Last A, Gratz R, et al.Keeping Candida commensal – how lactobacilli antagonize pathogenicity of Candida albicans in an in vitro gut model.Dis Model Mechanism. 2019;12(9):dmm039719. doi:10.1242/dmm.039719Bradshaw CS, Morton AN, Garland SM, Morris MB, Moss LM, Fairley CK.Higher-risk behavioral practices associated with bacterial vaginosis compared with vaginal candidiasis.Obstet Gynecol. 2005;106(1):105-114. doi:10.1097/01.AOG.0000163247.78533.7bHester R, Kennedy S.Candida infection as a risk factor for HIV transmission.J Womens Health (Larchmt). 2003;12(5):487-494. doi:10.1089/154099903766651612Planned Parenthood.Is it safe to have oral sex when you have a yeast infection?Hung KJ, Hudson PL, Bergerat A, Hesham H, Choksi N, Mitchell C.Effect of commercial vaginal products on the growth of uropathogenic and commensal vaginal bacteria.Sci Rep. 2020;10(1):7625. doi:10.1038/s41598-020-63652-xMayer FL, Wilson D, Hube B.Candida albicans pathogenicity mechanisms.Virulence. 2013;4(2):119-128. doi:10.4161/viru.22913Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Vulvovaginal candidiasis.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Arya NR, Rafiq NB.Candidiasis. In:StatPearls [Internet].Richardson JP, Moyes DL.Adaptive immune responses to Candida albicans infection.Virulence. 2015;6(4):327-337. doi:10.1080/21505594.2015.1004977Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Candida infections of the mouth, throat, and esophagus.Da Cunha AR, Bessel M, Hugo FN, de Souza FMA, Pereira GFM, Wendland EMDR.Sexual behavior and its association with persistent oral lesions: analysis of the POP-Brazil study.Clin Oral Invest. 2021;25(3):1107-1116. doi:10.1007/s00784-020-03407-0Sustr V, Foessleitner P, Kiss H, Farr A.Vulvovaginal candidosis: current concepts, challenges and perspectives.J Fungi. 2020;6(4):267. doi:10.3390/jof6040267Carda-Diéguez M, Cárdenas N, Aparicio M, Beltrán D, Rodríguez JM, Mira A.Variations in vaginal, penile, and oral microbiota after sexual intercourse: a case report.Front Med. 2019;6:178. doi:10.3389/fmed.2019.00178Graf K, Last A, Gratz R, et al.Keeping Candida commensal – how lactobacilli antagonize pathogenicity of Candida albicans in an in vitro gut model.Dis Model Mechanism. 2019;12(9):dmm039719. doi:10.1242/dmm.039719Bradshaw CS, Morton AN, Garland SM, Morris MB, Moss LM, Fairley CK.Higher-risk behavioral practices associated with bacterial vaginosis compared with vaginal candidiasis.Obstet Gynecol. 2005;106(1):105-114. doi:10.1097/01.AOG.0000163247.78533.7bHester R, Kennedy S.Candida infection as a risk factor for HIV transmission.J Womens Health (Larchmt). 2003;12(5):487-494. doi:10.1089/154099903766651612Planned Parenthood.Is it safe to have oral sex when you have a yeast infection?Hung KJ, Hudson PL, Bergerat A, Hesham H, Choksi N, Mitchell C.Effect of commercial vaginal products on the growth of uropathogenic and commensal vaginal bacteria.Sci Rep. 2020;10(1):7625. doi:10.1038/s41598-020-63652-xMayer FL, Wilson D, Hube B.Candida albicans pathogenicity mechanisms.Virulence. 2013;4(2):119-128. doi:10.4161/viru.22913Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Vulvovaginal candidiasis.
Arya NR, Rafiq NB.Candidiasis. In:StatPearls [Internet].
Richardson JP, Moyes DL.Adaptive immune responses to Candida albicans infection.Virulence. 2015;6(4):327-337. doi:10.1080/21505594.2015.1004977
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Candida infections of the mouth, throat, and esophagus.
Da Cunha AR, Bessel M, Hugo FN, de Souza FMA, Pereira GFM, Wendland EMDR.Sexual behavior and its association with persistent oral lesions: analysis of the POP-Brazil study.Clin Oral Invest. 2021;25(3):1107-1116. doi:10.1007/s00784-020-03407-0
Sustr V, Foessleitner P, Kiss H, Farr A.Vulvovaginal candidosis: current concepts, challenges and perspectives.J Fungi. 2020;6(4):267. doi:10.3390/jof6040267
Carda-Diéguez M, Cárdenas N, Aparicio M, Beltrán D, Rodríguez JM, Mira A.Variations in vaginal, penile, and oral microbiota after sexual intercourse: a case report.Front Med. 2019;6:178. doi:10.3389/fmed.2019.00178
Graf K, Last A, Gratz R, et al.Keeping Candida commensal – how lactobacilli antagonize pathogenicity of Candida albicans in an in vitro gut model.Dis Model Mechanism. 2019;12(9):dmm039719. doi:10.1242/dmm.039719
Bradshaw CS, Morton AN, Garland SM, Morris MB, Moss LM, Fairley CK.Higher-risk behavioral practices associated with bacterial vaginosis compared with vaginal candidiasis.Obstet Gynecol. 2005;106(1):105-114. doi:10.1097/01.AOG.0000163247.78533.7b
Hester R, Kennedy S.Candida infection as a risk factor for HIV transmission.J Womens Health (Larchmt). 2003;12(5):487-494. doi:10.1089/154099903766651612
Planned Parenthood.Is it safe to have oral sex when you have a yeast infection?
Hung KJ, Hudson PL, Bergerat A, Hesham H, Choksi N, Mitchell C.Effect of commercial vaginal products on the growth of uropathogenic and commensal vaginal bacteria.Sci Rep. 2020;10(1):7625. doi:10.1038/s41598-020-63652-x
Mayer FL, Wilson D, Hube B.Candida albicans pathogenicity mechanisms.Virulence. 2013;4(2):119-128. doi:10.4161/viru.22913
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Vulvovaginal candidiasis.
Meet Our Medical Expert Board
Share Feedback
Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
Was this page helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
What is your feedback?
