Staying in a wet spot all night doesn’t seem like it’ll do your vaginal pH balance any favors. But that’s the thing: Yeast infections are usually about environmental factors, not specific actions.
Yeast infections occur when there is an overgrowth of yeast, which is commonly permitted by a change in the bacterial environment in the vaginal canal, says Dr. Sekhon. “The vaginal environment consists of healthy bacteria, which promote a normal pH and overall environment. Anything that changes the bacterial environment, like antibiotics, can make women prone to yeast infections due to a disruption in the delicate microbial balance.”
Can masturbation cause a yeast infection?
Masturbation alone will certainly not give you a yeast infection. However, be aware of what you’re using during your masturbation session. Certain types of lubricants or sex toys could theoretically change the chemistry of the vaginal environment or could introduce bacteria that could alter the overall environment and open up the risk of infection.
Continue reading to understand “Can masturbation cause a yeast infection?” and how masturbating with a yeast infection feels.
Introduction
Yeast infections develop when your genitals’ chemical balance gets thrown out of whack, triggering an overgrowth of natural yeast. Masturbating does not generally cause yeast infections in penises or vaginas. However, if you have a vagina, the things you masturbate WITH may lead to infections.
There was a study done that showed saliva introduced to the vagina increased the chance of yeast infections. So oral sex performed on a woman and masturbation with the use of saliva were both implicated.
So, can masturbation cause a yeast infection?
Can Masturbation Cause Yeast Infection?
Several non-sexually transmitted genital infections can be passed through masturbation, but the risk is considered low. These include bacterial vaginosis (BV) and yeast infections.
There is some weak evidence that vaginal yeast infections can be passed by masturbating a partner’s vagina with saliva. But, it remains unclear if the fungus was actually “passed” from the partner or if there were other factors that contributed to the imbalance of microorganisms in the vagina.
Masturbation is less likely to cause BV given that the condition arises from a decline in protective lactobacillus bacteria. Douching presents a clear risk as it can strip away lactobacilli, but masturbation, even with saliva, is less likely to cause the imbalance that gives rise to BV.
Still, some experts consider mutual masturbation to be a risk factor in younger females.
It’s a good idea to keep lubricants, vaseline, lotion, and soaps away from the vagina, especially if you’re prone to infections. Sugar in flavored products may cause yeast infections in some people, scents can be irritating, and oil can be hard to flush out of the body. Some people find lubes containing glycerin cause irritation as well. If you think your lubricant is causing you problems, try switching to a different type or brand.
You need to take precautions if masturbating with a yeast infection, especially if you have multiple sex partners.
There are several ways to reduce the risk of STIs during masturbation, particularly those transmitted by skin-to-skin contact.
- Wash your hands: Wash your hands thoroughly before and after touching your partner’s genitals (and vice versa).
- Keep your hands to yourself: If you masturbate yourself, avoid touching your partner afterward. If you masturbate with your partner, avoid touching yourself afterward.
- Using gloves: Latex or polyurethane gloves provide an added layer of protection. Put on a new pair when switching from yourself to your partner (and vice versa).
Can I masturbate with a UTI?
Women aren’t the only ones who get UTIs: men can get them, too. You don’t have to be sexually active to get a UTI – anything that brings bacteria in contact with your urethra can cause infection. However, sexual activity increases your risk of complications and potentially puts your partner at risk as well.
Because UTIs inflame the sensitive tissues in your urinary tract, you may experience pain and discomfort during intercourse. Sex also pushes bacteria further into your body through penetration, potentially worsening your infection. Refrain from oral sex or masturbating with a UTI to prevent the spread of any bacteria from the penis or vagina to the mouth or fingers.
If you have sex with a UTI and use condoms, be sure to use non-lubricated ones without spermicide. Studies show that lubricated condoms with spermicide can make you 2-8 times more likely to develop a UTI.
Can I masturbate with a yeast infection or with BV?
You can masturbate when you have a yeast infection or BV, as long as you make sure that you do not further irritate your genitals or make your condition worse. Both of these infections are caused by imbalances in your vaginal surroundings—typically this means a disruption of your vaginal pH led to an overgrowth of yeast or bacteria. When you’re masturbating you’ll want to keep things clean.
- Clean your hands and any toys before and after you masturbate.
- Make sure any lube or washes you use are fragrance-free and body safe and dont contain ingredients that can be irritating and make infections worse.
- If you’re using a gel, give it time to work before inserting anything else into your vagina.
- Dry yourself up once you are done.