Can I have sexual intercourse if I have candidal vaginitis?

Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC), also known as candidal vaginitis, is a vaginal infection caused by fungi—most commonly Candida albicans. Up to 75% of women will experience at least one episode of VVC during their lifetime. Approximately 80% of VVC cases are attributable to C. albicans. Typical symptoms include vulvar swelling, erythema, pruritus, dysuria, dyspareunia, and the production of thick, white, curd-like, odorless vaginal discharge.

When the vulva becomes infected, intense pruritus may occur, often leading to scratching that results in visible excoriations. Vaginal discharge may diminish significantly or even cease entirely. Therefore, sexual intercourse must be avoided until the infection has been fully resolved.

Women should cleanse the external genitalia daily with plain water only—no specialized vaginal washes or douches are necessary or recommended during active infection. Additionally, tinea pedis (athlete’s foot) can predispose women to VVC, as it is caused by dermatophytic fungi, which are highly contagious. Direct contact between fungal-infected feet and the vulva may readily trigger vaginal candidiasis.

Transmission may also occur within households—for example, through shared bathtubs or bath basins that have not been adequately disinfected after use by an infected family member, shared toilet seats, swimming pools, or shared towels. Notably, while a woman’s own tinea pedis poses a risk, her male partner’s tinea pedis can also serve as a source of infection. Thus, women should remain vigilant when household members have tinea pedis and avoid sharing bathing facilities whenever possible.