Treatment of Asymptomatic Partners in Vulvovaginal Candidiasis
No, you should not treat the asymptomatic sexual partner of a patient with vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC). 1, 2
Rationale for Not Treating Asymptomatic Partners
VVC is not a sexually transmitted infection and does not require routine partner treatment. 1, 2 The CDC guidelines explicitly state that treatment of sex partners is not recommended for uncomplicated VVC because:
- Candida species are normal vaginal flora in 10-20% of asymptomatic women, and colonization without symptoms does not warrant treatment 1, 2
- VVC is not typically acquired through sexual intercourse 1
- Treating partners does not reduce recurrence rates in most cases 2
This stands in stark contrast to trichomoniasis, where the same CDC guidelines explicitly mandate partner treatment to prevent reinfection 1.
Exception: Recurrent VVC
Partner treatment may be considered only in women with recurrent VVC (≥4 episodes per year), though the evidence supporting this approach remains weak 1, 2. Even in recurrent cases, this is an optional consideration rather than a standard recommendation.
When Male Partners Need Treatment
Treat male partners only if they are symptomatic with candidal balanitis, characterized by:
- Erythematous areas on the glans penis
- Pruritus or irritation 1
For symptomatic male partners, use topical antifungal agents to relieve their symptoms 1.
Common Pitfall to Avoid
Do not confuse VVC management with trichomoniasis management. The same CDC guidelines that mandate partner treatment for trichomoniasis explicitly state that partner treatment is unnecessary for VVC 1. This distinction is critical because both conditions cause vaginal discharge and may be discussed in the same clinical guidelines, but their transmission patterns and partner management strategies are fundamentally different.