Can sex with a new partner cause a yeast infection?

Hello Anonymous,

Welcome to EmpowHER. That is a very good question.

Vaginal infections, or vaginitis is an inflammation of the vagina that creates discharge, odor, irritation, or itching. The three most common types of vaginal infections include vaginal yeast infection, bacterial vaginosis, and trichomoniasis.

Vaginal yeast infections are caused by a fungus, mainly by Candida albicans.

Yeast infections are caused by an overgrowth of normally growing fungi in the vagina that creates unpleasant symptoms. The yeast are normally kept under control by naturally occurring bacteria in the body. If the natural balance of microorganisms is disrupted, the yeast grow out of control. It is not clear how fungal infections originate, but they are not thought to be sexually transmitted.

Bacterial vaginosis is caused by a change or imbalance in the types of the bacteria normally found in the vagina and causes an overgrowth of organisms such as Gardnerella vaginalis.

It is associated with sexual activity, and possibly a new sexual partner or multiple sexual partners.

Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted disease caused by the parasite Trichomonas vaginalis.

I hope this was the answer you were looking for.

Regards,
Maryann