Hey Dr Sue — What Are Other Ways of Getting a Yeast Infection?

First, let’s talk about what a yeast infection is. The fungus that causes a yeast infection is normally present in the vagina, but usually in small amounts. An increase in the amount of fungus causes a yeast infection.

While a lot of people associate yeast infections with sexual activity, there are a number of other things that can cause them.

Being on antibiotics can do it, so can having diabetes that’s not really well controlled. Yeast infections can also be caused by a change in hormones. Some women get a yeast infection once a menstrual cycle because of the change in their hormone levels.

But there are other things as well, like your underwear. That’s right ladies, that sexy underwear you like to wear, unless its cotton, can be causing yeast infections. Your vagina needs to be able to get some air, and non-cotton underwear can prevent that.

Regardless of what caused the yeast infection, it can still be spread through sexual activity. If you have a yeast infection you may want to avoid vaginal sex until treatment is over. You can also pass on a yeast infection through oral sex. If you’re the one who has the infection, then it’s safe for you to go down on your partner, but not the other way around.