Is Candida a Sexually Transmitted Disease? The Truth About Transmission

If you’ve ever dealt with itching, burning, a strong odor, or soreness “down there”, you're not alone. You may even wonder if you’re dealing with candida or an STD. There’s a lot of misconception around the subject, and I can understand why. Some STDs and STIs have similar symptoms to candida. For example, Trichomoniasis, genital herpes, or HPV may leave burning or itching. They may also produce inflammation and discharge around the vagina or penis. Even gonorrhea and chlamydia can lead to symptoms of pain or discharge. How do you know whether it’s candida or something else? Is candida a sexually transmitted disease? 

Technically, no… but it’s a little more complicated than that. I’ll explain more about what I mean in a moment. Before I do, I want to set the intention for this article. We’re going to discuss what candida is and how it spreads. I’ll also share ways you can fix and prevent candida overgrowth from a functional medicine perspective. 

The good news is that there are several ways to address and get rid of candida overgrowth. Some of these include diet changes and adding a few supplements. In fact, with my protocol, many people have reversed their candida issues for good! First, though, let’s address the elephant in the room.

Unveiling the Truth: Is Candida an STD?

As I mentioned earlier, technically, candida is not classified as an STD. Here’s why. An STD is a contagious disease caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites. They are typically passed through sexual contact. Semen, saliva, or vaginal fluids can carry these pathogens (1).

Candida is a fungal yeast that grows naturally in your body. In fact, it’s part of your gut microbiome. However, when there’s an imbalance in your body, candida overgrowth can occur. This is where we begin to see problems. 

Most women experience a vaginal yeast infection at least once in their life. One report showed around 138 million women suffer from candida overgrowth globally (2). In the United States, that number averages around nine million women. That’s an alarming number. What’s worse is that experts expect these numbers to continue rising over the next few years. 

So while candida isn't technically an STD, it can transfer from person to person. Let me explain. 

Can Candida Be Passed Sexually?

Both men and women can experience yeast infections. In women, vaginal yeast infections can produce pain, itching, swelling. You may also notice a “yeasty” odor. Men may experience an itching or burning sensation in the penile shaft. This condition is often called “candida balanitis” (3). Like STDs, candida can pass from person to person several ways. It travels through fluids, so you can pass candida on through oral, penile, or vaginal contact. 

Normally, your immune system helps keep the candida balance in check. However, a weakened immune system can increase your risk of developing candida overgrowth. Factors that can wear out your immune system include poor gut health and stress. Several rounds of antibiotics can also disrupt your gut microbiome. Diabetes or an autoimmune condition can also leave you more vulnerable to infection. 

One of the best ways to fight candida overgrowth is by supporting your gut and immune system. Candifense® makes it easy with a plant-based blend of fiber-digesting enzymes. This combination of six digestive enzymes discourages candida growth. At the same time, it does a great job supporting beneficial gut bacteria in the gut. 

Probiotics are also important in repopulating the gut with beneficial microbes. Stick with high colony-forming varieties, such as Probiotic 100 Billion. These can help you maintain a balanced microbiome. 

Candida vs. Traditional STDs: Key Differences

As I mentioned, candida is a yeast that already lives inside you. Everyone has some candida as part of your body’s normal microflora. These microorganisms live in your mouth, throat, gut, vagina in women, and on your skin. Part of its job is to assist digestion and nutrient absorption. While acute yeast infections can be bothersome, a healthy immune system can ward them off. However, persistent symptoms may point to a more chronic candida condition.

Unlike STDs, candida overgrowth can develop anytime, anywhere. STDs, on the other hand, usually pass through sexual contact with an infected person. Whenever someone carries an STD, you run the risk of contracting the disease yourself. Oftentimes, symptoms won’t appear right away. In fact, it can take days or weeks for STD symptoms to appear after intimate contact. 

Candida overgrowth also takes a while to emerge. You may not even notice signs of candida overgrowth right away. As candida breaks down your gut lining, it enters the bloodstream. This is where you may experience yeast infections, digestive issues, and fatigue (4). It can also affect your mood and mental clarity. Dr. Vincent Pedre shares incredible insight into the link between the gut and mental health on this podcast episode. 

This is why taking preventative measures is key. That way, you reduce your risk for candida transmissions from someone else. 

Preventing Candida Overgrowth and Transmission

Candida is a growing health concern. With that, more women are looking for lasting, natural solutions. By adopting a functional medicine approach, you can take back your health for good. All it takes is a few simple adjustments. This holistic approach is key to healing and preventing chronic candida. 

The first change I recommend is that you take a hard look at your diet. Cut out refined sugars and carbohydrates. This means no bread, pasta, or cereals. Avoid alcohol since these use a fermentation process that may exacerbate candida. Stay away from starchy vegetables such as beans, potatoes, and corn. Colorful fruits and vegetables are a great way to boost immunity. I talk about this more on my podcast with Dr. Deanna Minich. In it, she shares all the beautiful benefits of eating the rainbow.  

The second recommendation is to include supplements targeted towards candida control. In addition to caprylic acid, you need enzymes to help break down stubborn biofilms. My Biofilm Disruptor contains a powerful blend of herbs, botanicals, and enzymes to get the job done. In addition to apple cider vinegar, it also contains goldenseal and rosemary for maximum antifungal effects.  My Candida Support Protocol contains everything you need to support a healthy microflora. This comprehensive collection features caprylic acid and enzymes to discourage candida growth. It also includes Leaky Gut Revive and Immune IG to cleanse and repair the intestinal lining. 

Lastly, use protection if you’re concerned about candida transmission. You could also abstain from sex until your candida issues resolve

Effective Treatment Strategies for Candida Infections

Most conventional candida treatments involve a topical cream or oral antifungal. While these can help temporarily, they rarely provide lasting relief. Functional medicine takes a root cause approach to treating candida. It sees this fungal overgrowth as an imbalance in the body. The only way to reverse it is to bring the body back into balance.

One effective way to support a Candida cleanse detox is by changing your diet. Avoiding refined sugars and alcohol is one step in the right direction. Replace these with high quality protein and non-starchy vegetables. Some of my favorite non-starchy vegetables include cabbage and asparagus. Broccoli, onion, and beets are also delicious. Be careful when it comes to fermented foods such as pickles, kimchi, or sauerkraut. In fact, I recommend you skip these entirely while healing. Stick with proven, science-backed supplements to help you heal faster. 

The two supplements I recommend for candida overgrowth are Caprylic Acid and Candifense®. Carylic acid contains antifungal properties that help break down stubborn candida (5). Pairing that with the enzymes in Candifense provides a comprehensive, synergistic approach to restoring healthy gut microflora. 

Lastly, using a binder to help pull candida toxins from your body will help reduce die-off symptoms. I recommend a tried and true combination of minerals and charcoal. My Charcoal Binder Complete contains zeolite and charcoal to capture toxins in the gut and get them out safely. It also contains chlorella, a potent algae famous for its detoxification benefits. Incorporating these strategies into your routine is a powerful approach for anyone wondering how to get rid of Candida naturally while supporting overall gut health.

When to Seek Professional Medical Advice

If you’ve recently developed a vaginal yeast infection, you’re not alone. Diet, stress, and a weakened immune system may be the cause. Your sexual partner may also be the source, especially if you share symptoms. However, some women seem to get recurrent infections, more than four in the past 12 months. In this case, you may be dealing with a systemic candida condition.

This is where it’s helpful to work with a functional medicine practitioner. Together, you can create a personalized plan that targets the root cause of the imbalance. If you’re undergoing chemotherapy, talk with your oncology team. They can help you find ways to boost your immune system. Additionally, ensuring you have a proper diagnosis prevents treating the wrong problem. 

How Is Candida Diagnosed?

If you suspect candida overgrowth, getting an accurate diagnosis is essential. While a vaginal yeast infection is the most common type of candidiasis (6), candida can also affect the mouth (thrush), skin folds, and digestive system. Healthcare providers typically diagnose candidiasis through a combination of medical history, symptom evaluation, and laboratory tests.

Here are the main ways patients are diagnosed:

• Physical Exam: A healthcare provider may visually inspect the affected area, whether it's the vagina, vulva, mouth, or skin. They will look for white, patchy growths, redness, and irritation.

• Microscopic Test: A sample from the vaginal discharge or affected area is placed under a microscope to check for Candida albicans or other fungal species.

• Culture Test: If symptoms persist or don’t respond to standard treatments, a healthcare provider may take a sample and grow it in a lab to identify the specific type of candida infection caused by overgrowth.

• Urine and Blood Tests: In cases of systemic candidiasis, blood or urine tests can determine if the infection has spread beyond the genital area.

The Final Word on Is Candida a Sexually Transmitted Disease?

I understand how frustrating yeast infections can be. What’s worse is that candida overgrowth often leads to other health concerns. If left unchecked, it can even contribute to leaky gut and immunity issues. 

Maintaining proper gut health is imperative to keeping candida levels in check. The best way to do this is with diet and lifestyle changes. Leave the sugar, carbohydrates, and fermented foods behind. Embrace nonstarchy vegetables and antifungal herbs. In my podcast with Dr. Robert Rountree, we talk about the immune-boosting power of medicinal mushrooms. Lowering stress helps support optimal immunity. Journaling and meditation can help calm feelings of anxiety and stress. Spending time in nature is another way to feel more grounded. Aim to get between seven to nine hours of quality sleep each night. This helps your body repair and rest.

Additionally, adding the right supplements can make all the difference. Support your microflora with my multi-enzyme Candifense®. As your gut heals, replenish it with Probiotic 100 Billion. This diverse probiotic supports a healthy balance of good gut bacteria. Take back your health today with the Candida Support Protocol. This functional medicine protocol provides whole-body support for those looking to address candida.