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Women's Health

Male yeast

08/21/2006

Question:

My wife has had multiple yeast infections over the past 7 to 8 months. Is it possible that she is passing the infection on to me and I keep giving it back to her?

Answer:

First, a short answer to your question: yes, it is possible, but most men who do this have symptoms (red rash that is itchy around the head of the penis). In cases such as this, treating the man with a topical cream for 2 weeks may be helpful.

Secondly, a review of recurrent vaginal yeast infections in women. It is important to confirm that your wife indeed has a yeast infection. Symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection often include vaginal itch or soreness, a thick, white, cheese-like discharge, a "burning" discomfort around the vaginal opening, and pain or discomfort during sexual intercourse. Your physician can confirm the diagnosis by doing a pelvic examination and sending a sample of the vaginal discharge to a laboratory to culture for yeast, most often Candida albicans.

Vaginal yeast infections are quite common. At least 75% of all women are likely to have at least one yeast infection, and up to 45% have two or more. Proper treatment normally cures up to 90% of vaginal yeast infections within two weeks or less.

Several things can be done to prevent vaginal yeast infections. The external genital area should be clean and dry. Avoid irritating soaps (including bubble baths), vaginal sprays, and douches. Change tampons and sanitary napkins frequently. Wear loose cotton (rather than nylon) underwear that doesn't trap moisture.

 About 5% of women develop recurrent vulvovaginal candidasis (RVVC), which is defined as four or more vaginal yeast infections in a one-year period. Although RVVC is more common in women who have diabetes or weakened immune systems, most have no underlying medical illness that would predispose them to recurrent infections. However, to be sure, women who have RVVC should be tested for diabetes and HIV - two conditions that can suppress the immune system and increase the risk of infections.

If your wife has not had these tests done, talk to your doctor about whether he or she would recommend she be tested. We are still trying to figure out the best way to treat RVVC. Currently, most doctors treat this problem with two weeks of oral medication, followed by up to six months of a lower maintenance dose. As mentioned, sometimes it is useful to obtain cultures to see exactly what type of yeast is present.

One article published about three years ago in the GYN literature recommended yogurt orally and vaginally for recurrent chronic yeast infections. Although not yet proven to be effective in large trials, it may be worth trying. Vaginally, the yogurt can be applied to a tampon daily for 2-3 days, sitting in a tub of lukewarm water (no soap) with 8 oz of yogurt in the water daily for 3 days, or by using a warm water douche with 1 tablespoon of yogurt daily for 3 days. Orally, it is 6 to 8 oz of Dannon yogurt twice a day (low calorie if calories are a problem). In terms of other dietary changes, such as the yeast-free diet, your physician is correct in that no studies have documented their efficacy.

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Response by:

The Ohio State University W. Fred Miser, MD
Associate Professor of Family Medicine
Director, Ohio State Medicine Residency Program
Department of Family Medicine
College of Medicine
The Ohio State University
W. Fred Miser, MD