People who are immunocompromised or taking certain drugs like antibiotics or corticosteroids that alter the body's natural flora are at increased risk of oral thrush. The likelihood of oral thrush occurring in healthy adults is low. With that said, receiving oral sex may not be a good idea if you have a yeast infection because it may prolong the infection or trigger recurrence. There is evidence that cunnilingus oral-vaginal sex can trigger vaginal candidiasis in some females.
The reason for this isn't entirely clear, but it is thought that saliva introduced into the vagina can alter the concentration of lactobacillus in the vagina.
Lactobacilli are a type of lactic acid bacteria normally found in the vagina and gastrointestinal tract. It helps control C. Saliva may alter the balance of lactobacilli, thereby potentiating C. This doesn't mean that receiving cunnilingus will cause a yeast infection, however, just that it can increase the risk.
Other risk factors include vaginal douching and frequent vaginal sex. Unprotected sex, in particular, poses a risk in that it can cause bacteria dysbiosis an imbalance of bacteria in the vagina up to a week after sex.
Unlike bacterial vaginosis or most sexually transmitted diseases , the risk of a yeast infection from oral sex is not inherently linked to either having multiple partners or a new sexual partner. As such, it is not considered a sexually transmitted infection. Moreover, according to a study from the University of Michigan, the risk was in no way linked to the presence of C. The risk was more closely associated with cunnilingus or masturbating with saliva.
Both oral and vaginal sex may increase the abundance of lactobacillus on the penis, according to a study in the Frontiers of Medicine. But the risk of penile candidiasis is very low. The bulk of the current evidence suggests that sexual transmission does not play a major role in vaginal or oral yeast infections. Despite this, public health organizations, including Planned Parenthood, commonly advise people with vaginal yeast infections to hold off on receiving oral sex until the infection resolves.
This is due in part to the fact that candidiasis compromises vaginal tissues, providing a greater opportunity for other infections including bacterial and viral ones. Moreover, the inflammation caused by Candida will trigger a steep rise in the number of immune cells, called CD4 T-cells , which are the primary target for HIV. This is evidenced by a study in the Journal of Women's Health in which females with persistent or recurrent yeast infections were more likely to seroconvert become HIV-positive than females who didn't have a yeast infection.
It is important to note that having recurrent or persistent yeast infections suggests an impaired immune status.
So, it is not entirely clear if the yeast infection contributed to the seroconversion or if it was a sign of a weak immune system. Because oral sex can potentially trigger or exacerbate a vaginal yeast infection, it is important to practice safer sex if you are prone to recurrence.
This includes using a dental dam when engaging in oral-vaginal sex. Dental dams can be found online and in most drugstores. You should also consider using a water-based lubricant instead of saliva for mutual masturbation or vaginal intercourse.
Some water-based lubricants like KY Jelly have no effect on vaginal lactobacilli, while others like Replens Silky Soft may promote lactobacillus growth. If you have a yeast infection, you should either avoid sex or use condoms when engaging in vaginal intercourse. Doing so also decreases the risk of HIV. Generally speaking, the fungus that commonly causes thrush Candida albicans is not contagious. It typically grows and causes symptoms only when the immune system is suppressed.
Thrush is not considered contagious. While antifungal drugs can help clear a Candida infection, the drugs are not considered to be tools for prevention. In short, whether you are being treated for thrush or not being treated for thrush, your risk of infecting another person through kissing, oral sex, or other means is negligible. There is no evidence that oral sex can transmit Candida from one person to another.
With that said, oral sex may increase the risk of a yeast infection by altering the vagina's natural flora. Most people do not need to be concerned about the sexual transmission of thrush or yeast infections.
However, people who have recurrent vaginal yeast infections may want to discuss the benefits of safer sex with their doctor. Doing so may reduce the likelihood of candidiasis and other more potentially serious diseases.
In addition, an anti- Candida diet may reduce your risk by removing the dietary sugars that the fungus feeds on. Probiotic foods and supplements may also contribute to improved vaginal health by helping maintain the natural vaginal flora.
Get our printable guide for your next doctor's appointment to help you ask the right questions. However, if it is persistent or recurs outside of infancy it may be a sign of another underlying medical problem.
Oral thrush is typically caused by a fungal infection that develops on the mucous membranes of the mouth. Symptoms include creamy or white deposits in…. Thrush is a fungal infection caused by Candida yeasts. There are two types: genital thrush, which, in men, can cause irritation and swelling at the…. Many treatments are available for a yeast infection, some of which a person can administer at home. This article looks at 8 home remedies, including…. A fungal infection of the genitals can affect anyone.
Caused by the yeast species Candida albicans, symptoms include itching, irritation, and burning…. Is it possible to catch thrush? Is thrush contagious? Transmission Symptoms Treatment Prevention When to see a doctor Outlook Oral thrush is not contagious in adults the way other infections in the mouth are. Share on Pinterest While oral thrush is not contagious in most adults, some may be at more risk of developing it, including those taking antibiotics or steroids.
How is thrush transmitted? Share on Pinterest Oral thrush may cause painful white patches on the tongue. Treatment and outlook.
Share on Pinterest Practicing good oral hygiene and keeping up with dentist appointments may help to prevent oral thrush. When to see a doctor. Outlook and takeaway. Unfortunately, certain conditions can cause an imbalance in the environment of the mouth, resulting in the ability for the yeast to multiply.
Symptoms include:. Your doctor can diagnose thrush by taking a culture of your mouth and then comparing the results to your symptoms. Thrush is treated with an anti-fungal that is swished around the mouth to kill the fungus and restore balance.
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