Sexual activity in patients with vulvovaginitis caused by Candida and related species
Sexual activity does not need to be avoided because vulvovaginitis caused by Candida and related species is not considered a sexually transmissible infection (STI), although yeasts in secretions can be transferred to sexual partners. Advise patients that antifungal creams can damage latex barrier contraception (eg condoms) and that other forms of contraception may be required during treatmentOng, 2023Saxon, Edwards, Rautemaa-Richardson, Owen, Nathan, Palmer, Wood, Ahmed, Ahmad, , 2020. Patients may wish to avoid sex until symptoms have improved, particularly if there is fissuring of the skinSaxon, Edwards, Rautemaa-Richardson, Owen, Nathan, Palmer, Wood, Ahmed, Ahmad Patient Representatives, , 2020.
Patients reporting a link between vulvovaginitis symptoms and sexual activity may wish to consider using a gentle water-based lubricantSaxon, Edwards, Rautemaa-Richardson, Owen, Nathan, Palmer, Wood, Ahmed, Ahmad Patient Representatives, , 2020.
Assess and treat female1 sexual partners of patients with vulvovaginitis caused by Candida and related species if they develop symptoms.
Male2 sexual partners of patients with untreated vulvovaginitis caused by Candida and related species may develop postcoital penile itchOng, 2023. The itch resolves when the patient is treated. To relieve itch in the male sexual partner, use:
1hydrocortisone+clotrimazole 1%+1% cream topically, twice daily until the itch resolves (usually 2 to 3 days) hydrocortisone + clotrimazole
OR
1hydrocortisone+miconazole 1%+2% cream topically, twice daily until the itch resolves (usually 2 to 3 days). hydrocortisone + miconazole
Some male sexual partners of patients with untreated vulvovaginitis caused by Candida and related species can develop balanoposthitis from transfer of infection – for treatment, see Balanoposthitis in adult males.