Male yeast infection lotrimin. Male Yeast Infection: Symptoms, Causes, and Effective Treatments
What are the common symptoms of male yeast infections. How can you effectively treat thrush in men. What factors increase the risk of developing a penile yeast infection. Is thrush considered a sexually transmitted infection.
Understanding Male Yeast Infections: Causes and Risk Factors
Male yeast infections, also known as thrush, are fungal infections primarily caused by Candida albicans. This opportunistic fungus naturally resides in the human body but can overgrow under certain conditions. While less common than in women, men can develop yeast infections on their genitals, particularly on the head of the penis.
Several factors can increase the risk of developing a male yeast infection:
- Poor hygiene
- Obesity (skin folds create favorable environments)
- Diabetes mellitus (high blood sugar promotes yeast growth)
- Weakened immune system (due to HIV, cancer treatments, or immunosuppressant drugs)
- Prolonged antibiotic use
- Uncircumcised penis (conditions under the foreskin encourage fungal growth)
Recognizing the Symptoms of Male Yeast Infections
Identifying the symptoms of a male yeast infection is crucial for timely treatment. The most common signs 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
Can male yeast infections be mistaken for other conditions? Yes, the symptoms of male yeast infections can sometimes be confused with those of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Therefore, it’s essential to consult a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis.
Diagnosing Male Yeast Infections: What to Expect
When you visit a doctor with suspected thrush, they will typically follow these steps to diagnose the condition:
- Physical examination of the affected area
- Assessment of symptoms and medical history
- Potassium hydroxide (KOH) prep test to examine yeast under a microscope
- Possible lab tests to rule out STIs
How long does it take to diagnose a male yeast infection? In most cases, a healthcare provider can diagnose a yeast infection during the initial visit based on symptoms and appearance. However, if additional tests are required, it may take a few days to receive the results.
Effective Treatments for Male Yeast Infections
Once diagnosed, male yeast infections can be treated effectively with various options:
Over-the-Counter (OTC) Treatments
For mild to moderate infections, OTC antifungal creams are often the first line of treatment. These include:
- Clotrimazole (Lotrimin AF, Desenex)
- Miconazole (Baza)
How often should you apply antifungal creams? Typically, these creams are applied twice daily for 7-14 days or as directed by the product instructions or your healthcare provider.
Prescription Medications
For more severe or persistent infections, your doctor may prescribe:
- Oral antifungal medications (e.g., fluconazole)
- Stronger topical antifungal creams
- Combination therapies
In some cases, a corticosteroid cream may be recommended in addition to antifungal treatment to help with itching and swelling. However, it’s crucial to consult your doctor before using corticosteroids, as they can potentially worsen the infection if used improperly.
Preventing Recurrent Male Yeast Infections
To reduce the risk of developing future yeast infections, consider these preventive measures:
- Maintain good personal hygiene
- Wear breathable underwear
- Avoid tight-fitting clothing
- Keep the genital area dry
- Manage underlying health conditions, such as diabetes
- Use protection during sexual intercourse
- Avoid unnecessary antibiotic use
Is it possible to completely prevent male yeast infections? While it’s challenging to eliminate the risk entirely, following these preventive measures can significantly reduce the likelihood of developing a yeast infection.
The Connection Between Male Yeast Infections and Sexual Health
While thrush is not considered a sexually transmitted infection (STI), it can be passed between sexual partners. Men can contract thrush from having intercourse with a woman who has a yeast infection. In such cases, both partners may require treatment to prevent recurring infections.
Thrush in Men: Symptoms, Treatment, and More
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
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- Top 5 Male Yeast Infection Home Remedies
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- Oral Thrush: 9 Home Remedies to Help Manage Your Symptoms
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Thrush in Men: Symptoms, Treatment, and More
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
- Featured
- 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
- Wellness Topics
- 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
- Health Challenges
- 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
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
Read this next
- Top 5 Male Yeast Infection Home Remedies
Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.
D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHTCommonly thought to be only a women’s health issue, yeast infections — caused by Candida albicans fungus — can affect men, too. The good news is that…
READ MORE
- Oral Thrush: 9 Home Remedies to Help Manage Your Symptoms
Medically reviewed by Angelica Balingit, MD
Oral thrush, or oral candidiasis, is a yeast infection of the mouth. Oral thrush is usually treated with antifungal medications, but home remedies can…
READ MORE
- Can Men Get or Spread Bacterial Vaginosis?
Medically reviewed by Jill Seladi-Schulman, Ph.D.
Can men get or spread bacterial vaginosis? We’ll answer both of these questions and describe the conditions that can cause symptoms similar to those…
READ MORE
- Is a Yeast Infection Contagious?
Medically reviewed by Holly Ernst, PA-C
If you have a yeast infection or have ever had one in the past, you might wonder, are yeast infections contagious? The short answer is that they are…
READ MORE
- Penile Yeast Infection: What You Need to Know
Medically reviewed by Kevin Martinez, M.
D.Men can get yeast infections on their penises. This is called a penial yeast infection and can often be treated with over-the-counter antifungal…
READ MORE
- 9 Best Remedies for Bladder Infections
Medically reviewed by Alana Biggers, M.D., MPH
Do you have a bladder infection? Learn about nine remedies for bladder infections that can ease symptoms and get rid of the infection. Some of these…
READ MORE
- When Antibiotics Fail: Why UTI Symptoms Sometimes Stick Around
Medically reviewed by Alana Biggers, M.D., MPH
Sometimes, persistent UTI-like symptoms may indicate another issue is at play, such as antibiotic resistance, improper treatment, or an underlying…
READ MORE
- Apple Cider Vinegar for UTIs
Medically reviewed by Dominique Fontaine, BSN, RN, HNB-BC, HWNC-BC
A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection in any part of your urinary system, including your kidneys, bladder, urethra, and ureters. UTIs can be…
READ MORE
- 8 Ways to Get Rid of UTIs Without Antibiotics
Medically reviewed by Jenneh Rishe, RN
Is treating a UTI without antibiotics possible? Because of antibiotic resistance, more and more people are seeking alternative treatments for UTIs.
D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT
D.