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Pill for male yeast infection: Male Yeast Infection: Symptoms, Treatment, and More

Male Yeast Infection: Symptoms, Treatment, and More

Penile yeast infections can create a range of uncomfortable symptoms, but are often treated quickly by OTC medications, and can be reduced by taking certain steps, such as practicing proper hygiene.

A yeast infection is often thought of as a female health problem, but it can affect anyone, including people with a penis.

A penile yeast infection can lead to a wide range of painful and uncomfortable symptoms if not treated. It can also lead to serious complications if the infection spreads to your bloodstream.

Over-the-counter (OTC) medications can often clear up a yeast infection, and some basic prevention steps can help you avoid this fairly common condition.

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

  • redness, soreness, or swelling of the penis
  • white, shiny patches at the top of the penis
  • small red spots at the top of the penis
  • cracked foreskin
  • thick, white discharge under the foreskin or other folds of skin
  • difficulty pulling back the foreskin
  • itchiness
  • burning sensation during urination
  • pain or discomfort during sex

Redness, itchiness, and pain in the penis can be signs of other more serious conditions, like some sexually transmitted infections (STIs), so do not ignore symptoms once they appear.

A urologist or primary care doctor can diagnose the condition, often in a single appointment.

A yeast infection is usually caused by a fungus called candida. A small amount of candida is usually present in the body. All it takes is an overgrowth of candida to develop a yeast infection.

A moist environment is ideal for candida to spread, according to 2018 research.

Having sex with a person who has a vaginal yeast infection without using a condom can also cause a penile yeast infection. However, you can also develop an infection without sexual activity.

Aside from sex with a partner who has a yeast infection, several other risk factors can increase your odds of developing a penile yeast infection, such as:

  • not cleaning your genitals or bathing regularly
  • having a weakened immune function due to certain medications or health conditions
  • using antibiotics long term
  • wearing wet clothing or tight-fitting underwear
  • using skin products or soaps that cause skin irritation
  • having diabetes
  • using lubricated condoms
  • being uncircumcised
  • having obesity

Once you make an appointment, a doctor will ask you about your symptoms and likely examine your genitals. Some of the white substance that forms on the penis may be examined under a microscope to confirm the type of fungus causing the symptoms, according to 2022 research.

If you cannot get in to see a doctor or a urologist, consider a visit to an urgent care center or the emergency room. The earlier the problem is diagnosed and treatment begins, the more likely it is you can avoid complications.

It’s not recommended for a person to diagnose themselves and start treatment on their own. If symptoms of a yeast infection are present, contact a doctor. If symptoms are allowed to persist, complications can become very uncomfortable.

In most cases, topical antifungal ointments and creams are enough to clear up an infection. Some of the antifungal creams recommended for a yeast infection include:

  • miconazole (Lotrimin AF, Cruex, Desenex, Ting Antifungal)
  • imidazole (Canesten, Selezen)
  • clotrimazole (Lotrimin AF, Anti-Fungal, Cruex, Desenex, Lotrimin AF Ringworm)

Most of these are available as OTC medications, which means you will not need a prescription. More serious or long-term infections may require prescription-strength medication.

Oral fluconazole (Diflucan) and hydrocortisone cream may be advised in serious infections, like those that have developed into a potentially serious condition called balanitis.

Most antifungal creams are well tolerated and unlikely to cause any serious side effects. Check the label, however, and ask a doctor and pharmacist what to look out for in case you have a bad reaction.

Recurrent yeast infections

Yeast infections sometimes return after they seem to have been cured. If this happens, your doctor will likely recommend a few weeks of daily treatments followed by a few months of weekly treatments.

In some cases, treatment for recurrent yeast infections can last up to 6 months.

If your infection does not respond well to an antifungal ointment and you are uncircumcised, you may be advised to have an adult male circumcision, according to 2016 research. Though this surgical procedure is usually done on infants, it can be done safely on people of any age.

Diabetes and yeast infections

Factors like diabetes and a suppressed immune system may contribute to your yeast infection risk, according to 2019 research.

If you have diabetes, work with a healthcare professional to make sure your blood sugar levels are well-managed. If you have a suppressed immune system, a doctor can recommend ways to help keep your immune system as healthy as possible.

If left untreated, a penile yeast infection can lead to some serious complications.

Balanitis

One of the potential complications of a penile yeast infection is balanitis. Balanitis is an inflammation of the foreskin or head of the penis. Diabetes can increase your risk for balanitis.

If balanitis is not treated effectively, scarring of the foreskin can occur. It can also cause adhesions on the penis.

Balanitis can be painful and make urinating more difficult. If untreated, it can cause swollen and painful glands as well as weakness and fatigue.

Invasive candidiasis

A yeast infection may enter the bloodstream. This is known as candidemia or invasive candidiasis.

This is most common in people who wait to receive treatment until the infection has spread beyond the penis. It is also more common in those with weakened immune systems.

If you’ve been in a hospital and used a catheter to urinate, you may be more likely to face invasive candidiasis. This advanced form of yeast infection is very serious.

Oral antifungal medications may be needed for several weeks. In some cases, the drugs are administered intravenously.

If your infection is treated early and responds well to antifungal medication, it can clear up within 7 to 14 days.

If you are sexually active, your partner should also be treated for a yeast infection to avoid passing the infection on to them, or back to you.

If you get repeated yeast infections and can rule out causes like hygiene and sexual contact, talk with a doctor about other possible causes. You may have an underlying health condition, such as diabetes.

You can help prevent a penile yeast infection by avoiding sexual contact with a partner who has a yeast infection.

You should also avoid having sex with anyone while you have an active yeast infection, as you could pass the infection back to your partner. This could cause the two of you to pass an infection back and forth.

To lower the risk of getting a yeast infection or passing one along, do the following:

  • Wear an external condom each time you have sex to help reduce your chances of developing a yeast infection.
  • Practice good hygiene, and keep your penis and genitals clean and dry.
  • If you are uncircumcised, clean under the foreskin with soap and water, and return your foreskin to its usual position after you have sexual intercourse.

Penile yeast infections are not as common as vaginal yeast infections, but they do occur. They may result from poor hygiene or sex with a partner who has a vaginal yeast infection without using an external condom.

Symptoms include small white patches and redness on the skin as well as itchiness or burning. If left untreated, it can also cause other conditions and complications.

Topical antifungal ointments and creams can typically treat the infection and reduce the risk of long-term complications.

Male Yeast Infection: Symptoms, Treatment, and More

Penile yeast infections can create a range of uncomfortable symptoms, but are often treated quickly by OTC medications, and can be reduced by taking certain steps, such as practicing proper hygiene.

A yeast infection is often thought of as a female health problem, but it can affect anyone, including people with a penis.

A penile yeast infection can lead to a wide range of painful and uncomfortable symptoms if not treated. It can also lead to serious complications if the infection spreads to your bloodstream.

Over-the-counter (OTC) medications can often clear up a yeast infection, and some basic prevention steps can help you avoid this fairly common condition.

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

  • redness, soreness, or swelling of the penis
  • white, shiny patches at the top of the penis
  • small red spots at the top of the penis
  • cracked foreskin
  • thick, white discharge under the foreskin or other folds of skin
  • difficulty pulling back the foreskin
  • itchiness
  • burning sensation during urination
  • pain or discomfort during sex

Redness, itchiness, and pain in the penis can be signs of other more serious conditions, like some sexually transmitted infections (STIs), so do not ignore symptoms once they appear.

A urologist or primary care doctor can diagnose the condition, often in a single appointment.

A yeast infection is usually caused by a fungus called candida. A small amount of candida is usually present in the body. All it takes is an overgrowth of candida to develop a yeast infection.

A moist environment is ideal for candida to spread, according to 2018 research.

Having sex with a person who has a vaginal yeast infection without using a condom can also cause a penile yeast infection. However, you can also develop an infection without sexual activity.

Aside from sex with a partner who has a yeast infection, several other risk factors can increase your odds of developing a penile yeast infection, such as:

  • not cleaning your genitals or bathing regularly
  • having a weakened immune function due to certain medications or health conditions
  • using antibiotics long term
  • wearing wet clothing or tight-fitting underwear
  • using skin products or soaps that cause skin irritation
  • having diabetes
  • using lubricated condoms
  • being uncircumcised
  • having obesity

Once you make an appointment, a doctor will ask you about your symptoms and likely examine your genitals. Some of the white substance that forms on the penis may be examined under a microscope to confirm the type of fungus causing the symptoms, according to 2022 research.

If you cannot get in to see a doctor or a urologist, consider a visit to an urgent care center or the emergency room. The earlier the problem is diagnosed and treatment begins, the more likely it is you can avoid complications.

It’s not recommended for a person to diagnose themselves and start treatment on their own. If symptoms of a yeast infection are present, contact a doctor. If symptoms are allowed to persist, complications can become very uncomfortable.

In most cases, topical antifungal ointments and creams are enough to clear up an infection. Some of the antifungal creams recommended for a yeast infection include:

  • miconazole (Lotrimin AF, Cruex, Desenex, Ting Antifungal)
  • imidazole (Canesten, Selezen)
  • clotrimazole (Lotrimin AF, Anti-Fungal, Cruex, Desenex, Lotrimin AF Ringworm)

Most of these are available as OTC medications, which means you will not need a prescription. More serious or long-term infections may require prescription-strength medication.

Oral fluconazole (Diflucan) and hydrocortisone cream may be advised in serious infections, like those that have developed into a potentially serious condition called balanitis.

Most antifungal creams are well tolerated and unlikely to cause any serious side effects. Check the label, however, and ask a doctor and pharmacist what to look out for in case you have a bad reaction.

Recurrent yeast infections

Yeast infections sometimes return after they seem to have been cured. If this happens, your doctor will likely recommend a few weeks of daily treatments followed by a few months of weekly treatments.

In some cases, treatment for recurrent yeast infections can last up to 6 months.

If your infection does not respond well to an antifungal ointment and you are uncircumcised, you may be advised to have an adult male circumcision, according to 2016 research. Though this surgical procedure is usually done on infants, it can be done safely on people of any age.

Diabetes and yeast infections

Factors like diabetes and a suppressed immune system may contribute to your yeast infection risk, according to 2019 research.

If you have diabetes, work with a healthcare professional to make sure your blood sugar levels are well-managed. If you have a suppressed immune system, a doctor can recommend ways to help keep your immune system as healthy as possible.

If left untreated, a penile yeast infection can lead to some serious complications.

Balanitis

One of the potential complications of a penile yeast infection is balanitis. Balanitis is an inflammation of the foreskin or head of the penis. Diabetes can increase your risk for balanitis.

If balanitis is not treated effectively, scarring of the foreskin can occur. It can also cause adhesions on the penis.

Balanitis can be painful and make urinating more difficult. If untreated, it can cause swollen and painful glands as well as weakness and fatigue.

Invasive candidiasis

A yeast infection may enter the bloodstream. This is known as candidemia or invasive candidiasis.

This is most common in people who wait to receive treatment until the infection has spread beyond the penis. It is also more common in those with weakened immune systems.

If you’ve been in a hospital and used a catheter to urinate, you may be more likely to face invasive candidiasis. This advanced form of yeast infection is very serious.

Oral antifungal medications may be needed for several weeks. In some cases, the drugs are administered intravenously.

If your infection is treated early and responds well to antifungal medication, it can clear up within 7 to 14 days.

If you are sexually active, your partner should also be treated for a yeast infection to avoid passing the infection on to them, or back to you.

If you get repeated yeast infections and can rule out causes like hygiene and sexual contact, talk with a doctor about other possible causes. You may have an underlying health condition, such as diabetes.

You can help prevent a penile yeast infection by avoiding sexual contact with a partner who has a yeast infection.

You should also avoid having sex with anyone while you have an active yeast infection, as you could pass the infection back to your partner. This could cause the two of you to pass an infection back and forth.

To lower the risk of getting a yeast infection or passing one along, do the following:

  • Wear an external condom each time you have sex to help reduce your chances of developing a yeast infection.
  • Practice good hygiene, and keep your penis and genitals clean and dry.
  • If you are uncircumcised, clean under the foreskin with soap and water, and return your foreskin to its usual position after you have sexual intercourse.

Penile yeast infections are not as common as vaginal yeast infections, but they do occur. They may result from poor hygiene or sex with a partner who has a vaginal yeast infection without using an external condom.

Symptoms include small white patches and redness on the skin as well as itchiness or burning. If left untreated, it can also cause other conditions and complications.

Topical antifungal ointments and creams can typically treat the infection and reduce the risk of long-term complications.

Inexpensive and effective tablets for thrush for men and women

THERE ARE CONTRAINDICATIONS. POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS. A SPECIALIST’S CONSULTATION IS REQUIRED. Thrush

Author of the article

Khokhrina Kristina Sergeevna, pharmacist

All authors

Content of the article

  • For women 9 0014
  • For men
  • Ask an expert on the topic of the article

Antibiotics, hormones, immunosuppressants help in the treatment of serious diseases. But with irrational or prolonged use, they can be harmful. They disrupt the composition of the intestinal microflora, weaken the immune system, and then mushrooms enter the “scene”. The most common fungal infection is candidiasis, which is caused by yeast-like fungi Candida . In a small amount, they are present in the human body, but when the immune system is weakened, they begin to multiply actively. For example, Candida albicans in 95% of cases is the cause of thrush in women.

Pharmacist Kristina Khokhrina talks about pills that are used to treat candidiasis in men and women.

For women

Thrush or vulvovaginal candidiasis is an inflammation of the mucous membrane of the genital tract caused by a fungus of the genus Candida . The “folk” name of the disease comes from the manifestation of the disease in the form of white curdled discharge. Another characteristic symptom of candidiasis is severe itching and burning in the vulva and vagina. Thrush does not go away on its own; effective and inexpensive drugs in dosage forms have been developed for its treatment:

  • oral tablets: Fluconazole, Itraconazole
  • topical antimycotics: vaginal suppositories, creams, tablets: Clotrimazole, Pimafucin, Zalain

Oral thrush tablets have advantages and disadvantages over topical medication.

Pros :

  • high efficiency
  • work in all lesions that can cause a recurrence of the disease, but are not amenable to topical agents
  • they can be taken during menstruation
  • comfort and ease of reception

Cons :

  • serious side effects
  • interaction with other drugs in the body

We list drugs in the form of tablets and capsules that are prescribed for the treatment of thrush:

  • Diflucan, Fluconazole, Flucostat – the active substance is fluconazole
  • Irunin, Orungal, Rumikoz – active substance itraconazole
  • Pimafucin, Ecofucin – active ingredient natamycin
  • Medicine with fluconazole is considered by doctors as the drug of choice for thrush. It is most active against Candida and well tolerated. In acute candidiasis, a single dose of 150 mg of fluconazole is sufficient to cure.

All products Pimafucin

20 reviews

All products Diflucan

20 reviews

All products Irunin

25 reviews

All products Fluconazole

21 reviews

For men

Candide oz or thrush in men is rare. Signs of the disease: redness, white coating on the glans penis, accumulations of a curdled appearance under the foreskin, severe itching and burning during urination.

Drugs for the treatment of candidiasis in men are practically the same as those used in women. Of course, with the exception of vaginal suppositories and tablets. Patients are prescribed external antifungal drugs – solutions, creams and ointments. If necessary, the treatment is supplemented with oral tablets.

Tablets help to quickly cure thrush, but may have a negative effect on the body. They can only be used as directed by a doctor.

Disease is easier to prevent than to cure. To prevent candidiasis, you need to strengthen the immune system, maintain the intestinal microflora, avoid stress and self-treatment, follow the rules of personal hygiene, be attentive to your health and the health of your sexual partner.

Ask an expert about the topic of the article

Still have questions? Ask them in the comments below and our experts will answer you. There you can also share your experience with other readers of Megasovets.

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drug for the treatment and prevention of fungal infections

FLUCOSTAT® is a systemic antifungal drug for the treatment of “thrush”.

Benefits of the brand

  • long history of use, backed by positive experience of use and trust of millions of women in Russia
  • proven and confirmed equivalence to the original Western drug 1
  • production in a facility standardized according to European quality standards EU G MP 2
  • affordability to a wide range of consumers 3

The advantages of the molecule

  • a wide range of antifungal activity
  • the ability to inhibit the growth and reproduction of fungi of the genus Candida , especially Candia albicans – the main causative agents of genital candidiasis (“thrush”)
  • 900 35 beneficial pharmacokinetic characteristics:

    • oral bioavailability reception comparable to intravenous administration;
    • high degree of distribution in tissues and body media (including the ability to create and maintain high therapeutic concentrations in vaginal tissues and vaginal secretions) 4 ;
    • prolonged therapeutic effect and long-term protective action.
  • the presence in the standards for the treatment of candidiasis and other fungal infections of various localizations, including international and domestic recommendations for the treatment of women with vulvovaginal candidiasis (“thrush”)
  • the only systemic antimycotic for the treatment of urogenital candidiasis (“thrush”) recommended by WHO (World Health Organization)5and CDC (Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, USA) 6
  • characteristic features:
    • achievement of maximum concentrations in the vaginal mucosa and vaginal secretion within 2 hours after administration 150 mg 8
    • Mean time to symptom resolution 2 days 8
    • Just one 150mg capsule is sufficient to eliminate thrush symptoms in most women with uncomplicated acute vulvovaginal candidiasis
    • a single oral 150 mg capsule is comparable to a weekly course of treatment with some intravaginal anti-thrush agents 9 **

Benefits of formulation (oral capsule)

Systemic distribution to most tissues, organs and biological body fluids creates high concentrations in them, which contributes to:0124 7

  • elimination of thrush pathogens not only in the genital tract, but also in other possible habitats – the oral mucosa and intestines, thereby minimizing the risk of re-exacerbation of the disease after treatment 8
  • convenience and comfort during treatment:

    • the possibility of starting treatment on any day of the menstrual cycle, including “monthly”
    • the possibility of taking the capsule at any time of the day – day or night 9Fluconazole does not affect the integrity of latex contraceptives when using a condom or diaphragm, and does not reduce the level of estradiol, which is the main component of oral contraceptives
    • simplicity and ease of the process of taking the drug – all that is required is to take the capsule out of the blister and swallow it with the required amount of water
    • in most cases it is enough to take only 1 capsule of the drug per course
      • treatment of acute vaginal candidiasis when topical therapy is not applicable.

      Contraindications

      • Hypersensitivity to fluconazole and other components of the drug
      • Children under 3 years of age
      • Lactation period (see the section of the instructions “Use during pregnancy and breastfeeding

      For more details, see the instructions for medical use of the drug.

      1. Problem laboratory for the development, study, implementation , production and marketing of medicines of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences Director of the PL LS of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences, Academician of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences, Professor V.G. Published on the website of the Federal Antimonopoly Service of the Russian Federation – solutions.fas.gov.ru/documents/4115
      2. GMP Certificate No. ZVA/LV/2012/006H dated 10.02.2012.
      3. Compared to the original fluconazole, the retail price for the release form 150 mg No. 1 is 2 times more affordable (according to Iquivia Solutions LLC for 2018)
      4. Fluconazole. An update of its antimicrobial activity, pharmacokinetic properties, and therapeutic use in vaginal candidiasis. – Fluconazole. (New aspects of antimicrobial activity, pharmacokinetic potential and therapeutic application in vulvovaginal candidiasis).
      5. World Health Organization, “GUIDELINES FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS”, 2003, p.58-59. World Health Organization, “Guidelines for the management of patients with sexually transmitted infections”, 2003, pp.58-59.
      6. Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention (CDC). Sexually Transmitted Diseases Treatment Guidelines, June 5, 2015, p. 76.
        Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, USA. Recommendations for the treatment of sexually transmitted diseases, 2015, June 5, 2015, p. 76.
      7. Pharmacokinetics of fluconazole in human tissues. Brammer C.W., Farow P.R., Faulkner Jay. K. Overview of Infectious Diseases. 1990 March – April 12. Pharmacokinetics and tissue penetration of fluconazole in humans.