Can You Get a Yeast Infection From Having Sex?

I've had a yeast infection on and off for a year. I've been to the doctor and taken a medicine, but it never really goes away. Can having sex pass it back and forth? My boyfriend has never been treated, but he has no signs of it. What do I need to do?
– Stef*

It's important to go back to your doctor and explain that the medicine isn't working. You may need a different medicine for the yeast infection. For example, if you used a vaginal cream, your doctor might give you a pill instead. Or, if you used a medicine that you bought at the store without a prescription, you may need a prescription medicine.

Your doctor will probably do a vaginal exam and use a cotton swab to get a sample of the vaginal discharge. The sample will go to a lab for testing. Your doctor also will check to make sure that your symptoms aren't from something else. For example, some STDs (sexually transmitted diseases) can have signs that look like a yeast infection. Or, yeast infections can sometimes be a sign of another health problem (like diabetes or an immune system problem).

Guys don't usually get yeast infections. So it's not likely that a yeast infection is passing back and forth between you and your boyfriend.

Make your appointment as soon as you can. This is something that you and your doctor can take care of right away!

*Names are changed to protect user privacy.