Are yeast infections contagious?

Yeast infections are contagious, but very rarely pass from one partner to the next during intercourse, according to Everyday Health. Fifteen percent of men who have unprotected sex with a woman who has a yeast infection develop an itchy rash on their genitals.

Because yeast infections cause intense itching in the vaginal area, microscopic tears on the skin due to scratching may allow viruses and bacteria to enter the body, according to Everyday Health. This might increase a woman's risk of developing an STD from unprotected sex. Research shows a correlation between HIV-infected women and common occurrences of yeast infections in those women.