Can BV or a Yeast Infection Be Passed to a Partner?
Quick answer
BV and yeast infections are not classed as STIs, but sex can play a part in both. The CDC says BV can spread between female sex partners, and BV-associated bacteria can be found on male genitalia, but treating male partners hasn't been shown to stop BV coming back. Yeast infections are not usually caught through sex, though a partner can sometimes develop irritation of their own.
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Sex and vaginal infections are tangled together, which makes this a confusing topic. Bacterial vaginosis (BV) and yeast infections aren’t classed as STDs, yet sex can trigger them, and partners often wonder if they should be tested or treated. Here is what the CDC and NHS say.
Is BV an STD?
NHS says BV isn’t classed as an STI, but it can be triggered by sex. The CDC says the cause isn’t fully understood, and that it is unknown whether BV comes from a single sexually transmitted germ. It is linked to new or multiple partners and not using condoms, and it rarely affects people who have never had sex. It can still happen without sex.
BV also raises your chance of catching an STI. The CDC says BV is associated with a higher chance of HIV, gonorrhea, chlamydia and trichomoniasis, so an online STD test is worth considering.
Can men carry bacterial vaginosis?
BV is an imbalance of bacteria in the vagina, so it is a condition of the vagina rather than the penis. The CDC says BV-associated bacteria can be found on male genitalia, though. Even so, treating male partners has not helped stop BV returning, so the CDC says male sex partners of people with BV do not need treatment and routine treatment isn’t recommended.
A trial of treating male partners of people with repeat BV has been done as well. The CDC says it did not find that treatment reduced BV coming back in the female partner.
Can BV pass between female sex partners?
Yes. The CDC says BV can spread between female sex partners. Among women who have sex with women (WSW), the CDC reports a high level of BV concordance between sex partners. NHS takes a broader view: it says you can pass BV to a woman, or anyone with a vagina, during sex, and that a partner who is a woman or has a vagina may need treatment too.
The CDC adds that no studies have evaluated treating female sex partners of WSW to prevent BV coming back. If you and a partner both have symptoms, it is reasonable to both see a clinician.
Can I have sex while I have BV?
You can, but the CDC advises avoiding sex or using condoms consistently and correctly during treatment. Douching doesn’t help and may make BV more likely to return. If BV keeps coming back, a clinician can help you look at triggers like sex, your period or the products you use. There’s more in our guide on BV treatment and why it keeps coming back.
Can a yeast infection be passed to a partner?
Not usually. The CDC says uncomplicated yeast infections aren’t usually acquired through sexual intercourse, and the data don’t support treating partners. NHS says thrush isn’t classed as an STI, but it can be triggered by sex or, less often, passed on during sex.
A partner can develop their own symptoms. NHS lists these in people with a penis: irritation, burning and redness around the head of the penis and under the foreskin, a white discharge and difficulty pulling back the foreskin. The CDC calls this balanitis and says affected men benefit from topical antifungal treatment.
So the rule is simple. A partner who has no symptoms doesn’t need treatment, according to NHS, and a partner who does have symptoms should be seen.
Should I avoid sex with a yeast infection?
NHS suggests avoiding sex until thrush clears up if sex is uncomfortable. If you do have sex during treatment, antifungal creams can damage condoms and diaphragms, so your contraception might not work.
When is it more likely to be an STD?
Discharge changes can come from STIs too. NHS lists green, yellow or frothy discharge as a possible sign of trichomoniasis. Discharge with pelvic pain or bleeding can point to chlamydia or gonorrhea. Blisters or sores can point to genital herpes.
These are more reasons not to guess. If you could have been exposed to an STD, order an online STD test along with your BV or yeast check. Our page on yellow or green discharge goes through what to look for.
What should I tell a partner?
It is sensible to let a partner know you are being treated, so you can agree on condom use during treatment. If they have symptoms of their own, encourage them to be seen by a clinician.
Get care today if
- You have a fever or chills along with discharge
- You have pain low in your belly or pelvis
- You have sores, blisters or warts on your genitals
- You are pregnant and have unusual discharge, smell or itching
- A partner with a penis has painful swelling, severe redness or a fever
Call 911 for a medical emergency. Otherwise, urgent care or your doctor can see you today.
When to test
- If you have discharge, smell or itchingSee a clinician for an exam and swab. This confirms whether it is BV, yeast or something else, If you could have been exposed to an STD, an online STD test covers that side.
- If a partner has symptoms such as itching, redness or dischargeThey should see a doctor or clinician too, and can order an online STD test if an STD is possible. Partners without symptoms usually don't need treatment for yeast, but ask a clinician about your situation.
- If symptoms keep returning after treatmentGo back to a clinician. They can look for triggers, including sex, and consider whether a partner is involved.
Common questions
Can men carry bacterial vaginosis?
BV-associated bacteria can be found on the penis, according to the CDC. BV itself is a condition of the vagina, though, and the CDC says treating male partners hasn't helped stop BV coming back. Male partners of people with BV don't need treatment.
Can I have sex while I have BV?
The CDC advises avoiding sex or using condoms consistently and correctly during BV treatment. Some vaginal creams can weaken latex condoms, so check the product label.
Can my partner give me a yeast infection?
It's unlikely. The CDC says uncomplicated yeast infections are not usually acquired through sexual intercourse. NHS says thrush can be triggered by sex or, less often, passed on during sex.
Should my partner be treated for yeast?
Usually not unless they have symptoms. NHS says you do not need to treat partners unless they have symptoms. The CDC notes that a minority of male partners develop balanitis, with red areas and itching on the head of the penis, and these men benefit from antifungal treatment.
Sources
This guide is general information written by a patient advocate using public health sources. It is not a diagnosis. Only a clinician who examines you, or a lab test, can tell you what you have. Read how we write and check our guides.