Ever felt that annoying itching and burning down there? Yep, that could be a fungal infection in your vagina. And when you’re dealing with that, you might be wondering, “Can I still have sex?” Well, here’s the deal.

First off, sex can be pretty painful when you’ve got a yeast infection. Your vaginal tissue is already inflamed and irritated, so adding more friction from sex just makes things worse. Plus, the infection messes with your natural lubrication, making it even more uncomfortable.

But it’s not just about you. Your partner could also end up with a not-so-fun souvenir from your fungal infection. Even though it’s not exactly an STD, you can still pass it on during sex. Researchers say about 15% of guys can get penile discomfort, like itching and a rash, after getting it on with someone who has a yeast infection. Sometimes both of you need treatment, so it’s best to see a doc.

And here’s the kicker: having sex might actually make your infection stick around longer. Your lady parts are already inflamed, and sex can just add more damage to the mix. Plus, depending on the meds you’re using, they could weaken condoms, so it’s safer to hold off until treatment is done.

But wait, there’s more. If you leave that infection untreated, you’re not just risking more discomfort—you’re also upping your chances of getting other infections, even STDs. See, when your vagina’s inflamed, it’s easier for bacteria and viruses to sneak in, thanks to those tiny tears sex can cause.

So yeah, best to put the brakes on the bedroom action until you’ve cleared things up down there. Your bits will thank you later.