What symptoms do men experience when infected with fungal vaginitis?

In male patients with fungal infection involving the urethra, urine may appear cottony. In such cases, urinalysis typically reveals fungal spores—often associated with prolonged use of antimicrobial agents. Then, what symptoms might men exhibit when infected with candidal vaginitis (i.e., candidal vulvovaginitis in their female partners)?

What Symptoms Might Men Exhibit When Infected with Candidal Vaginitis?

For this condition, it is recommended to increase fluid intake and urinate frequently to effectively promote fungal clearance. Generally, if no typical symptoms are present, antifungal medication is unnecessary, and antimicrobial therapy should be discontinued. A second possibility is fungal infection of the foreskin or glans penis—often linked to phimosis or the presence of a white, curd-like membrane or discharge on the inner surface of the foreskin, accompanied by a distinct odor, potentially leading to transmission during sexual intercourse.

Infection may also occur when the male partner engages in intercourse with a woman suffering from candidal vaginitis and fails to maintain proper hygiene afterward. Daily cleansing of the genital area and topical application of antifungals such as ketoconazole can effectively treat this condition—the most common presentation of fungal infection in men.

When a female partner has candidal vaginitis, affected men may develop localized darkening of the glans, pruritus of the foreskin and glans, or—asymptomatic candidal balanitis in early stages—often presenting with brownish or greenish discoloration of the glans. Recurrent erythema, swelling, and pruritus of the foreskin and glans may lead some patients to develop balanoposthitis, characterized by erythematous plaques, scaling, and intense itching.

Specific medications and treatment regimens should be selected based on individual circumstances and under the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional.