Male yeast infection lotrimin. Male Yeast Infection: Symptoms, Treatments, and Prevention Tips

12.10.202319.07.2023 by alexxlab

What are the common symptoms of male yeast infections. How can men effectively treat and prevent yeast infections. What factors increase the risk of developing a male yeast infection.

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Understanding Male Yeast Infections: Causes and Risk Factors

Male yeast infections, also known as thrush, are fungal infections typically caused by an overgrowth of Candida albicans. This opportunistic fungus naturally resides in the human body but can proliferate under certain conditions, leading to infection. While less common than in women, men can develop yeast infections on various parts of their body, including the genitals.

Several factors can increase a man’s risk of developing a yeast infection:

Poor hygiene
Obesity (skin folds create an ideal environment for yeast growth)
Diabetes mellitus (high blood sugar levels promote yeast growth)
Weakened immune system (due to conditions like HIV or cancer treatments)
Prolonged antibiotic use
Being uncircumcised (conditions under the foreskin can encourage fungal growth)

Recognizing the Symptoms of Male Yeast Infections

Identifying a yeast infection in men is crucial for prompt treatment. Common symptoms include:

Redness, itching, and burning on the penis head and under the foreskin
White, cottage cheese-like discharge
Unpleasant odor
Difficulty retracting the foreskin
Pain and irritation during sexual intercourse
Discomfort while urinating

Is balanitis always caused by a yeast infection? While yeast infections can lead to balanitis (inflammation of the penis head), not all cases of balanitis are due to yeast. Other causes may include bacterial infections or skin conditions. It’s essential to consult a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis.

Effective Treatment Options for Male Yeast Infections

Treating male yeast infections typically involves antifungal medications. The choice of treatment depends on the severity and location of the infection:

Over-the-Counter (OTC) Treatments

For mild cases, OTC antifungal creams containing clotrimazole (Lotrimin AF) or miconazole (Baza) are often effective. These are usually applied twice daily for 1-2 weeks.

Prescription Medications

In more severe cases or when OTC treatments fail, a doctor may prescribe:

Oral antifungal medications like fluconazole
Stronger topical antifungals
Combination therapy with antifungal and corticosteroid creams (to reduce inflammation)

How long does it take for a male yeast infection to clear up? With proper treatment, most yeast infections resolve within 1-2 weeks. However, it’s crucial to complete the full course of treatment even if symptoms improve to prevent recurrence.

Prevention Strategies for Male Yeast Infections

Preventing yeast infections in men involves maintaining good hygiene and addressing risk factors:

Practice proper genital hygiene, including regular washing and thorough drying
Wear loose-fitting, breathable underwear
Avoid prolonged exposure to moisture (e.g., staying in wet swimwear)
Manage underlying health conditions like diabetes
Use condoms during sexual intercourse, especially if your partner has a yeast infection
Limit antibiotic use to when necessary

Can probiotics help prevent male yeast infections? While research is ongoing, some studies suggest that probiotics may help maintain a healthy balance of microorganisms in the body, potentially reducing the risk of yeast overgrowth. However, more evidence is needed to confirm their effectiveness in preventing male yeast infections.

The Link Between Sexual Activity and Yeast Infections in Men

While yeast infections are not typically classified as sexually transmitted infections (STIs), they can be passed between sexual partners. Men can contract a yeast infection from a female partner with an active infection.

Is it necessary for both partners to receive treatment? If one partner has a yeast infection, it’s often recommended that both partners undergo treatment to prevent reinfection. This is especially important if symptoms persist or recur after initial treatment.

Safe Sexual Practices During a Yeast Infection

If you or your partner has an active yeast infection:

Abstain from sexual activity until the infection clears
Use barrier methods (condoms) if sexual activity cannot be avoided
Communicate openly with your partner about the infection and treatment

Differential Diagnosis: When It’s Not a Yeast Infection

Several conditions can mimic the symptoms of a male yeast infection, including:

Bacterial infections
Sexually transmitted infections (e.g., chlamydia, gonorrhea)
Dermatological conditions (e.g., psoriasis, eczema)
Allergic reactions to hygiene products or latex

How can you differentiate between a yeast infection and other conditions? While some symptoms may overlap, a healthcare provider can perform specific tests to determine the exact cause. These may include microscopic examination of skin scrapings, cultures, or blood tests to rule out other infections or conditions.

The Impact of Yeast Infections on Men’s Health and Well-being

While male yeast infections are generally not serious, they can significantly impact a man’s quality of life if left untreated. Potential consequences include:

Chronic discomfort and irritation
Sexual dysfunction or decreased libido
Psychological distress or anxiety
Spread of the infection to other parts of the body

Can untreated yeast infections lead to more serious complications in men? In rare cases, particularly in individuals with weakened immune systems, untreated yeast infections can spread to the bloodstream, causing a condition called invasive candidiasis. This systemic infection can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention.

Natural Remedies and Complementary Approaches for Male Yeast Infections

While medical treatments are the primary approach for male yeast infections, some men may explore natural or complementary remedies. These include:

Tea tree oil (diluted and applied topically)
Coconut oil (applied topically or consumed)
Garlic (consumed or applied topically)
Apple cider vinegar (diluted and used as a wash)
Probiotics (consumed orally or applied topically)

Are natural remedies as effective as conventional treatments for male yeast infections? While some natural remedies show promise in laboratory studies, clinical evidence for their effectiveness in treating male yeast infections is limited. It’s important to consult with a healthcare provider before trying any alternative treatments, as they may interact with other medications or cause skin irritation.

Lifestyle Modifications to Support Yeast Infection Treatment

In addition to medical treatments, certain lifestyle changes can support recovery and prevent recurrence:

Reduce sugar and refined carbohydrate intake
Manage stress through relaxation techniques or exercise
Get adequate sleep to support immune function
Stay hydrated to promote overall health

This comprehensive approach to male yeast infections combines medical treatments with preventive strategies and lifestyle modifications. By understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options, men can effectively manage and prevent these uncomfortable infections. Remember, while yeast infections are common and typically not serious, persistent or recurrent symptoms warrant medical attention to rule out underlying conditions and ensure appropriate treatment.

Thrush in Men: Symptoms, Treatment, and More

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Medically reviewed by Daniel Murrell, M. D. — By Daniel Pendick — Updated on December 7, 2018

Overview

Thrush is a type of yeast infection, caused by Candida albicans, that can develop in your mouth and throat, on your skin, or specifically on your genitals. Yeast infections on the genitals are more common in women, but they also happen to men.

Male yeast infections can target the head of the penis. Genital yeast infections are more common in uncircumcised men. That’s because conditions under the foreskin encourage colonization by the fungus.

Yeast infections on the skin can typically be cured by using an over-the-counter (OTC) antifungal cream.

Male yeast infection leads to balanitis, which is inflammation of the tip (glans) of the penis. Typical symptoms of male yeast infection include the following:

redness, itching, and burning on the head of the penis, and under the foreskin
white discharge from the site of the infection resembling cottage cheese
unpleasant smell
difficulty pulling back the foreskin
pain and irritation when you have sex
pain when you urinate

Most cases of male yeast infections are caused by a fungus called Candida albicans. Yeast is a type of fungus.

Candida albicans is a natural resident of your body. In a warm, moist setting, the opportunistic fungus can grow faster than your body’s immune defenses can keep it in check. That can lead to overgrowth of yeast.

Places that yeast infections commonly take root include:

the mouth, throat, and esophagus — yeast infections here are commonly referred to as oral thrush
folds in the skin, in the armpits, or between the fingers
underneath the foreskin and on the head of the penis

Factors that increase the chance of a yeast infection include:

poor hygiene
obesity, as folds in the skin create a good environment for thrush to take hold
diabetes mellitus, because the high levels of blood sugar can help yeast infections get established
weakened immune system, resulting from severe infections such as HIV infection, cancer treatments, or taking immunosuppressant drugs, for example
prolonged use of antibiotics

Is thrush a sexually transmitted infection (STI)?

Thrush isn’t considered an STI, but men can sometimes contract thrush from having intercourse with a woman who has a yeast infection. In this case, both partners will need treatment to prevent each other from continuing to have problems with genital thrush.

If you suspect thrush, see a doctor.

Your doctor will be able to rule out the possibility of an STI and confirm that the problem is a yeast infection. The infection can usually be diagnosed based on the symptoms and the appearance of the infection site, as well as with a potassium hydroxide prep to look at the yeast under the microscope.

If your doctor suspects an STI in your genital region, you may also need lab tests.

If you’ve had a yeast infection before and you recognize the symptoms, you can treat it yourself with OTC topical antifungal cream. Application of the antifungal cream is usually twice a day.

A corticosteroid cream in addition to antifungal cream may help with itchiness and swelling. But you may want to ask your doctor about using one before doing so, as the corticosteroid could allow for the yeast infection to linger and even worsen.

The usual first-line option to treat male yeast infection not involving the penis is a topical cream containing clotrimazole (Lotrimin AF, Desenex) or miconazole (Baza). These are the same OTC medications used to treat athlete’s foot and female yeast infections.

If you have any type of adverse reaction to these, your doctor may prescribe to you a nystatin cream.

Men with severe yeast infections or those involving the penis may need to take an antifungal in pill form, like fluconazole (Diflucan), which is available by prescription from your doctor.

Using an antifungal cream should get the infection under control within a couple weeks. Avoid sex to keep from irritating the area or spreading the infection to a partner. If you do have sex, use a condom.

After the infection clears up, take these steps to prevent another yeast infection:

Make sure to pull back the foreskin and thoroughly wash the head of your penis every day.
Don’t use deodorants, talcum powder, scented soaps, or body wash on your penis and foreskin, since these can cause irritation.
Wear loose-fitting cotton undergarments so you don’t create a warm, moist environment for yeast to thrive. Avoid tight-fitting spandex or nylon shorts, and tight jeans.

Last medically reviewed on December 6, 2018

How we reviewed this article:

Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

Steckelberg JM. (2018). Male yeast infection: How can I tell if I have one?
mayoclinic.org/male-yeast-infection/expert-answers/faq-20058464
Thrush in men and women. (2017).
nhs.uk/conditions/thrush-in-men-and-women/

Share this article

Medically reviewed by Daniel Murrell, M.D. — By Daniel Pendick — Updated on December 7, 2018

Thrush in Men: Symptoms, Treatment, and More

Health Conditions
- Featured
  - Breast Cancer
  - IBD
  - Migraine
  - Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
  - Rheumatoid Arthritis
  - Type 2 Diabetes
- Articles
  - Acid Reflux
  - ADHD
  - Allergies
  - Alzheimer’s & Dementia
  - Bipolar Disorder
  - Cancer
  - Crohn’s Disease
  - Chronic Pain
  - Cold & Flu
  - COPD
  - Depression
  - Fibromyalgia
  - Heart Disease
  - High Cholesterol
  - HIV
  - Hypertension
  - IPF
  - Osteoarthritis
  - Psoriasis
  - Skin Disorders and Care
  - STDs
Discover
- Wellness Topics
  - Nutrition
  - Fitness
  - Skin Care
  - Sexual Health
  - Women’s Health
  - Mental Well-Being
  - Sleep
- Product Reviews
  - Vitamins & Supplements
  - Sleep
  - Mental Health
  - Nutrition
  - At-Home Testing
  - CBD
  - Men’s Health
- Original Series
  - Fresh Food Fast
  - Diagnosis Diaries
  - You’re Not Alone
  - Present Tense
- Video Series
  - Youth in Focus
  - Healthy Harvest
  - No More Silence
  - Future of Health
Plan
- Health Challenges
  - Mindful Eating
  - Sugar Savvy
  - Move Your Body
  - Gut Health
  - Mood Foods
  - Align Your Spine
- Find Care
  - Primary Care
  - Mental Health
  - OB-GYN
  - Dermatologists
  - Neurologists
  - Cardiologists
  - Orthopedists
- Lifestyle Quizzes
  - Weight Management
  - Am I Depressed? A Quiz for Teens
  - Are You a Workaholic?
  - How Well Do You Sleep?
- Tools & Resources
  - Health News
  - Find a Diet
  - Find Healthy Snacks
  - Drugs A-Z
  - Health A-Z
Connect
- - Breast Cancer
  - Inflammatory Bowel Disease
  - Psoriatic Arthritis
  - Migraine
  - Multiple Sclerosis
  - Psoriasis

Medically reviewed by Daniel Murrell, M. D. — By Daniel Pendick — Updated on December 7, 2018

Overview

Yeast infections on the skin can typically be cured by using an over-the-counter (OTC) antifungal cream.

Male yeast infection leads to balanitis, which is inflammation of the tip (glans) of the penis. Typical symptoms of male yeast infection include the following:

redness, itching, and burning on the head of the penis, and under the foreskin
white discharge from the site of the infection resembling cottage cheese
unpleasant smell
difficulty pulling back the foreskin
pain and irritation when you have sex
pain when you urinate

Most cases of male yeast infections are caused by a fungus called Candida albicans. Yeast is a type of fungus.

Places that yeast infections commonly take root include:

the mouth, throat, and esophagus — yeast infections here are commonly referred to as oral thrush
folds in the skin, in the armpits, or between the fingers
underneath the foreskin and on the head of the penis

Factors that increase the chance of a yeast infection include:

poor hygiene
obesity, as folds in the skin create a good environment for thrush to take hold
diabetes mellitus, because the high levels of blood sugar can help yeast infections get established
weakened immune system, resulting from severe infections such as HIV infection, cancer treatments, or taking immunosuppressant drugs, for example
prolonged use of antibiotics

Is thrush a sexually transmitted infection (STI)?

If you suspect thrush, see a doctor.

If your doctor suspects an STI in your genital region, you may also need lab tests.

If you’ve had a yeast infection before and you recognize the symptoms, you can treat it yourself with OTC topical antifungal cream. Application of the antifungal cream is usually twice a day.

If you have any type of adverse reaction to these, your doctor may prescribe to you a nystatin cream.

Men with severe yeast infections or those involving the penis may need to take an antifungal in pill form, like fluconazole (Diflucan), which is available by prescription from your doctor.

After the infection clears up, take these steps to prevent another yeast infection:

Make sure to pull back the foreskin and thoroughly wash the head of your penis every day.
Don’t use deodorants, talcum powder, scented soaps, or body wash on your penis and foreskin, since these can cause irritation.
Wear loose-fitting cotton undergarments so you don’t create a warm, moist environment for yeast to thrive. Avoid tight-fitting spandex or nylon shorts, and tight jeans.

Last medically reviewed on December 6, 2018

How we reviewed this article:

Steckelberg JM. (2018). Male yeast infection: How can I tell if I have one?
mayoclinic.org/male-yeast-infection/expert-answers/faq-20058464
Thrush in men and women. (2017).
nhs.uk/conditions/thrush-in-men-and-women/

Share this article

Medically reviewed by Daniel Murrell, M.D. — By Daniel Pendick — Updated on December 7, 2018

Male yeast infection lotrimin. Male Yeast Infection: Symptoms, Treatments, and Prevention Tips

Understanding Male Yeast Infections: Causes and Risk Factors

Recognizing the Symptoms of Male Yeast Infections

Effective Treatment Options for Male Yeast Infections

Over-the-Counter (OTC) Treatments

Prescription Medications

Prevention Strategies for Male Yeast Infections

The Link Between Sexual Activity and Yeast Infections in Men

Safe Sexual Practices During a Yeast Infection

Differential Diagnosis: When It’s Not a Yeast Infection

The Impact of Yeast Infections on Men’s Health and Well-being

Natural Remedies and Complementary Approaches for Male Yeast Infections

Lifestyle Modifications to Support Yeast Infection Treatment

Thrush in Men: Symptoms, Treatment, and More

Is thrush a sexually transmitted infection (STI)?

How we reviewed this article:

Read this next

Thrush in Men: Symptoms, Treatment, and More

Is thrush a sexually transmitted infection (STI)?

How we reviewed this article:

Read this next

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