Yeast Infections: Male-to-Female Transmission, Symptoms, and Treatment

Men can transmit Candida (yeast) to female partners during vaginal, anal, or oral sex. Candida species are commensals that overgrow under certain conditions.

Risk Factors for Overgrowth

• Antibiotic use (disrupts normal flora)
• Uncontrolled diabetes (high glucose)
• Immunosuppression (HIV, steroids, chemotherapy)
• Hormonal changes (pregnancy, OCPs)
• Occlusive clothing, poor hygiene

Symptoms

• Women: Vulvovaginal itching, burning, thick white odorless discharge, dyspareunia.
• Men: Balanitis – penile itching, erythema, white patches, discharge (often asymptomatic carriers).

Management

• Topical azoles (clotrimazole, miconazole) or oral fluconazole.
• Treat both partners simultaneously to prevent ping-pong reinfection.
• Address predisposing factors (glycemic control, antibiotic stewardship).
• Condoms reduce but don't eliminate transmission risk.