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Summary
Circumcised men showed fewer symptoms of yeast infections, but carried yeasts at similar rates to uncircumcised men. Female partners of infected men had high rates of yeast infection, regardless of the man's circumcision status.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Dermatology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Yeast infections, particularly Candida species, are common in the general population.
- Circumcision is a common practice with potential implications for genital health and infections.
- Understanding the role of circumcision in yeast carriage and transmission is important for public health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of yeast carriage in circumcised versus uncircumcised men.
- To assess the correlation between circumcision status, symptoms, and yeast infection in male sexual partners.
- To determine the transmission rate of yeasts from infected men to their female partners.
Main Methods:
- Specimens were collected from the coronal sulcus and meatus of 66 circumcised and 69 uncircumcised men.
- Yeast isolation rates were compared between the two groups.
- Symptom presence and yeast infection status of female partners were recorded and analyzed.
Main Results:
- Similar rates of yeast isolation were observed in circumcised (14%) and uncircumcised (17%) men.
- Circumcised men reported significantly fewer symptoms (P = 0.0058).
- 80% of female partners of yeast-positive men had yeast infections, compared to 32% of partners of yeast-negative men (0.05 > P > 0.025).
Conclusions:
- Circumcision status does not significantly affect yeast carriage rates in men.
- Female partners are at high risk of yeast infection if their male partner carries yeasts, irrespective of the man's circumcision status.
- Men with non-specific genital infections may be more likely to carry yeasts.