However, it isn’t spread this way.
albicansis allowed to overgrow, candidiasis is the result.
The infection is consideredopportunisticin that it only takes place if the immune system fails to control the fungus.
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Changes in the vaginal environment can also causeC.
Risk factors for candidiasis include:
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Recap
Candidiasis happens when the immune system fails to controlC.
DermNet /CC BY-NC-ND
Changes in the vaginal environment can also promote the overgrowth of this otherwise manageable fungus.
Is Thrush Contagious?
C. albicanslives naturally in our bodies.
Get our printable guide for your next doctor’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.
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.
People who areimmunocompromisedor taking immunosuppressant drugs (likecorticosteroids) are vulnerable to oral thrush.
Inhaled corticosteroids used to treat asthma are a relatively common cause.
Vaginal Candidiasis
There is evidence thatcunnilingus(oral-vaginal sex) can trigger vaginal yeast infections.
The reason for this isn’t clear.
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.
Candidiasis is not an STI and is not passed through sex.
Complications
Thrushboth oral and vaginalcreates lesions that can crack and bleed.
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.
Health experts generally advise against sex if there is an active vaginal yeast infection.
This is because inflammation due to candidiasis can compromise vaginal tissues and increase the risk of acquiring HIV.
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.
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.
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.
It can also occur when the natural environment of the vagina is disrupted.
Candidiasis is not an STI and cannot be passed through oral sex.
Enzymes in saliva appear to neutralize “helpful” bacteria that would otherwise controlCandida albicans.
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.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
The fungus that causes thrush (Candida albicans) is not contagious.
It typically grows and causes symptoms only when the immune system is impaired.
Get our printable guide for your next doctor’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.
Arya NR, Rafiq NB.Candidiasis.
In:StatPearls [Internet].
Richardson JP, Moyes DL.Adaptive immune responses to Candida albicans infection.Virulence.
2019;12(9):dmm039719.
2013;4(2):119-128. doi:10.4161/viru.22913
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Vulvovaginal candidiasis.
