Yes, Men Can Get Yeast Infections. Here’s Why It Happens.

Although yeast infections are more common in vaginas, candida–the type of fungus responsible for vaginal yeast–can also cause penile yeast infections. Carrying small amounts of candida is fairly common. However, sometimes candida can overgrow, causing a yeast infection or thrush. Studies show that 16 to 26 percent of penises carry some candida. Around 37 percent of people with penises who have candida experience no symptoms, while 27 percent go on to develop balanitis, an inflammation of the foreskin and head of the penis. Candida infection of the foreskin is also known as candidal balanoposthitis.

Thankfully, most penile yeast infections clear up in a few weeks using over-the-counter (OTC) medication, and usually cause no further complications.

Symptoms of a Male Yeast Infection

Some of the most common symptoms of a penile yeast infection include:

• A burning sensation during urination
• Thick, white, lumpy and foul-smelling discharge
• Itchiness
• Spots around the top of the penis
• Soreness and swelling
• Pain during sex
• White cracked skin, or shiny patches around the penis

It is important to note that some of these symptoms can also be signs of other serious conditions or a sexually transmitted infection (STI). Other times, yeast infections may present with no symptoms. If you’re experiencing symptoms, reach out to your healthcare provider for an evaluation. 

Causes and Risk Factors

Yeast infections occur due to an overgrowth of candida. Where that candida comes from, and what causes it to flourish, can vary. 

You can develop a thrush in your penis if you’ve had penetrative sex with someone who has a vaginal yeast infection. However, it’s not regarded as an STI because you can get candidal balanitis without having sex, too. 

There are several causes and risk factors that can increase the likelihood of getting a yeast infection:

• Poor personal hygiene 
• Having a weakened immune system, from medication or health conditions
• Taking antibiotics long-term, as this reduces healthy bacteria in the body, and gives candida a better chance to grow
• Wearing tight-fitting underwear and clothing
• Wearing wet clothes 
• Using skin products like soaps that cause skin irritation
• Having diabetes
• Obesity 
• Using lubricated condoms

Penile yeast infections are also more common among those with uncircumcised penises, as the warm and moist environment underneath the foreskin can promote growth of candida.

Treatment for a Male Yeast Infection

In most cases, your healthcare provider will prescribe or recommend an over-the-counter (OTC) antifungal cream or ointment to help clear up your penile yeast infection. Some of the most popular options are:

• Clotrimazole (Lotrimin AF, Mycelex, Cruex, Desenex)
• Miconazole (Lotrimin AF, Cruex, Desenex, Ting Antifungal)
• Imidazole (Canesten, Selezen)

If the infection persists, your doctor may prescribe oral antifungals.

If you also have inflammation as a result of the yeast infection, you may also be given hydrocortisone to bring down the redness and swelling.

Yeast infections often reoccur, and in some cases, can last several months. If you are uncircumcised and experience chronic yeast infections, your healthcare provider may suggest circumcision.

How to Prevent a Yeast Infection in the Penis

To decrease your risk of contracting a penile yeast infection, avoid sexual contact with a partner who has a yeast infection. Similarly, you’ll want to avoid having sex while you have an infection. Wearing a condom during sex can also reduce your chances of developing a yeast infection. Be sure to keep your penis clean and dry, and practice good hygiene at all times.

When to See a Healthcare Provider

If this is your first penile yeast infection, you should see your healthcare provider before attempting to treat it  yourself. Let your healthcare provider know you suspect you have a yeast infection before treating your symptoms as your provider may want to rule out other conditions such as an STI.  They can make sure this is just a yeast infection and not symptoms of another serious condition or an STI. 

You should also schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider if you tried treating a suspected infection yourself and your symptoms persist.  

Your provider will examine your penis and take a sample of any white discharge and put it under a microscope to confirm whether candida  is responsible for  your symptoms.

Leaving a penile yeast infection untreated can cause complications. This can include invasive candidiasis, which is when the yeast infection enters the bloodstream or balanitis.

A Quick Review

Yeast infections can also occur in the penis, since carrying small amounts of candida—the type of fungus responsible for vaginal yeast infections—is very common in everyone.

You can develop a yeast infection in your penis if you’ve had penetrative sex with someone who has a vaginal yeast infection, have poor hygiene or a weakened immune system, or wear tight-fitting clothing, among other reasons.

Thankfully, yeast infections aren't very serious, and typically clear up within a few weeks of using OTC medication, usually without any other complications.

Let your healthcare provider know you suspect you have a yeast infection before treating your symptoms as your provider may want to rule out other conditions such as an STI. In most cases, your healthcare provider will prescribe or recommend an anti-fungal cream or ointment to help clear up your penile yeast infection.