Can men get yeast infections? Learn about the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of male candidiasis. Discover home remedies and prevention tips to keep your intimate health in check.

What is a Male Yeast Infection?

A male yeast infection, also known as candidiasis or balanitis, is a fungal infection that primarily affects the tip of the penis and the foreskin in uncircumcised men. It is caused by an overgrowth of a common fungus called Candida albicans, which naturally resides on the skin and in the body. While yeast infections are more common in women, men can also develop this condition, particularly if they have certain risk factors.

Causes and Risk Factors of Male Yeast Infections

The main cause of male yeast infections is an overgrowth of the Candida fungus. This can happen for a variety of reasons, including:

• Prolonged use of antibiotics
• Diabetes
• Obesity
• Weakened immune system (e.g., due to HIV/AIDS, chemotherapy, or immunosuppressant drugs)
• Poor hygiene or difficulty cleaning the genital area
• Sensitivity to soaps, perfumes, or other chemicals
• Uncircumcised penis

Men are also at risk of contracting a yeast infection from their sexual partners if their partner has a vaginal yeast infection.

Symptoms of Male Yeast Infections

The most common symptoms of a male yeast infection include:

• Itching, burning, or irritation on the tip of the penis or foreskin
• Redness or inflammation of the penis
• Moist, white, cottage cheese-like discharge
• Swelling around the tip of the penis and foreskin
• Difficulty retracting the foreskin
• Difficulty getting or maintaining an erection
• Painful urination or trouble urinating

Diagnosing Male Yeast Infections

To diagnose a male yeast infection, your doctor will perform a physical examination and may take a sample of the discharge or skin from the affected area to send to a laboratory for testing. This helps confirm the presence of the Candida fungus and rule out other potential causes, such as sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Treatment and Home Remedies for Male Yeast Infections

Treatment for a male yeast infection typically involves the use of antifungal creams, ointments, or oral medications. Over-the-counter options like miconazole (Monistat) or clotrimazole (Lotrimin) can be effective, but prescription treatments like fluconazole (Diflucan) may be necessary for more severe or recurring infections. In some cases, a steroid cream may also be prescribed to reduce inflammation.

Home remedies that may help relieve symptoms and support treatment include:

• Keeping the affected area clean and dry
• Wearing loose, breathable underwear
• Avoiding irritating soaps, lotions, and other products
• Maintaining good hygiene and drying the genital area thoroughly after bathing
• Managing underlying conditions like diabetes
• Losing weight if overweight

Complications of Male Yeast Infections

In most cases, male yeast infections are not serious and can be easily treated. However, in some cases, the infection can spread and become more severe, leading to complications such as:

• Invasive candidiasis, where the fungus spreads to the bloodstream and other organs (rare but potentially life-threatening)
• Urinary tract infections or difficulty urinating
• Chronic or recurring infections
• Balanitis (inflammation of the penis head) or balanoposthitis (inflammation of the penis head and foreskin)

If you experience any of these complications or if your symptoms do not improve with treatment, be sure to seek medical attention promptly.

Preventing Male Yeast Infections

To reduce the risk of developing a male yeast infection, consider the following prevention tips:

• Practice good hygiene, including keeping the genital area clean and dry
• Wear loose, breathable underwear and avoid tight-fitting clothing
• Manage any underlying health conditions, such as diabetes
• Avoid using harsh soaps, lotions, or other products that may irritate the genital area
• Use a condom during sexual activity if your partner has a yeast infection
• Maintain a healthy immune system through a balanced diet, exercise, and stress management

By understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for male yeast infections, you can take proactive steps to prevent and manage this common condition. Remember to seek medical attention if you suspect you have a yeast infection, as proper diagnosis and treatment are essential for a full recovery.

Can Men Get Yeast Infections? How?

Written by WebMD Editorial Contributors

• What Is a Male Yeast Infection?
• Male Yeast Infection Causes and Risk Factors
• Male Yeast Infection Symptoms
• Male Yeast Infection Diagnosis
• Male Yeast Infection Treatment and Home Remedies
• Male Yeast Infection Complications
• Male Yeast Infection Outlook
• Male Yeast Infection Prevention
• More

A male yeast infection is an infection of the area around your penis and testicles caused by an overgrowth of a common fungus we all have on our skin. You usually hear about women having yeast infections, or what doctors call candidiasis. But  men can get them, too. In men, yeast infections are also sometimes called penile yeast infection, candida balanitis, or balanitis thrush (a yeast infection in the throat). 

Candida albicans is a common fungus. You’ve probably got a small amount living in your mouth, digestive tract, or on moist parts of your skin. Women often have some in their vagina. Most of the time, candida doesn’t cause any problems. But if too much of it grows in one place, you get a yeast infection.

You could get this inside your mouth (doctors call this oral thrush) or as a skin infection. Men can also get a yeast infection on the tip of their penis. This leads to balanitis. It’s more common in men who aren’t circumcised and have a foreskin that’s still intact. If this infection makes it hard for you to pee, seek medical help right away.

You’re more likely to get a yeast infection if you:

• Have been taking antibiotics for a long time
• Have diabetes
• Are overweight
• Have a weak immune system (like people who have HIV)
• Have trouble cleaning yourself
• Are sensitive to soaps, perfumes, and chemicals
• Use steroids

You can also get a yeast infection on your penis through sex. If your partner has one, they could pass it on to you.

If you have a yeast infection on your penis, you could have:

• Itching or burning on the tip of your penis or the foreskin
• Redness
• A moist feeling on the tip of your penis
• Discharge that looks like cottage cheese and might have a bread-like or unpleasant smell
• Swelling around the tip of your penis and foreskin
• Sores or white patches of skin
• Trouble pulling back your foreskin
• A hard time getting or keeping an erection

In serious cases, you may have a hard time peeing or keeping control of your urine stream.

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and check your penis for signs of a yeast infection. If needed, they may use a swab to take a sample from the tip of your penis to send to a lab for testing.  Since many STDs share some of the symptoms of a yeast infection, you shouldn’t try to diagnose yourself. 

Your doctor may suggest:

• An over-the-counter antifungal cream or prescribe one to get rid of the infection
• A steroid cream such as hydrocortisone
• An oral medication called fluconazole

If you keep having yeast infections and aren’t circumcised, your doctor may suggest circumcision, especially if your foreskin is very tight (a condition called phimosis). 

You can help clear up your infection by:

• Cleaning and drying your penis well, including pulling back the foreskin to wash and dry the skin beneath it
• Managing your diabetes if you have it
• Losing weight if you are obese
• Avoiding any soaps or other chemicals that cause irritation

If your immune system is weak, there’s a chance that the fungus can spread into your bloodstream. This is a serious condition called invasive candidiasis. Though it is rare, the odds are higher when you:

• Have HIV
• Have diabetes
• Are having chemotherapy or radiation
• Need dialysis
• Are taking immunosuppressants (drugs that quiet your immune system)
• Have a central venous catheter (a tube in your chest that’s used to give you medicine)

A high fever, chills, upset stomach, and headache are all signs that your yeast infection may have spread. If you notice these symptoms, call your doctor right away.

You should be feeling better and the infection should be gone within 3 to 5 days of starting treatment. If you are not, or if your symptoms come back, talk to your doctor.

The best way to stop a yeast infection from happening (or coming back) is to practice good hygiene, including: 

• Cleaning and drying your penis each time you shower and after sex
• Choosing unscented soaps and skin products
• Wearing a condom during sex when your partner has a yeast infection
• Wearing loose cotton underwear to prevent moisture from building up under your foreskin

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Symptoms and Treatment of Male Yeast Infections

When we think of yeast infections, most people assume only women can get them. It is more common in women, but men can get yeast infections too. Anyone can get a yeast infection, regardless of age or sex.

Yeast infection of the male genitalia is often a condition known as balanitis – inflammation of the penis head. In uncircumcised men, the infection can also go on to affect the foreskin – balanoposthitis. Candida, the fungus that causes yeast infection, is part of the normal flora of the human body.  It is most prominent on moist skin, which is an ideal environment for candida to spread. When candida overgrows, a yeast infection develops. The overgrowth of the candida fungus usually occurs when there is a contributing factor such as having a female sexual partner who has a vaginal yeast infection. Most cases of yeast infection can resolve spontaneously or with a few days of treatment.

If left untreated or unresolved, balanitis can lead to a wide range of symptoms which can be painful, uncomfortable and potentially embarrassing.  In rare cases, if the immune system is compromised, the infection can spread to the bloodstream, leading to critical illness and serious complications. Hence, it is important to be aware of the symptoms of a yeast infection and know how to treat it. 

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Symptoms

Unlike women, men don’t usually experience symptoms of yeast infections. However, when symptoms do present they are usually painful and cause discomfort. 

Symptoms of balanitis include:

• Irritation and itchiness of the penis
• Burning with urination (dysuria)
• Foreskin sores
• White foul-smelling discharge 
• Painful sexual intercourse
• Redness and inflammation
• Small rash-like bumps that may contain pus or white, shiny patches on the penis

Risk factors:

A major risk factor is having sexual intercourse with a partner that has a yeast infection. However, there are several other risk factors that can increase your chances of developing balanitis.  

Risk factors include:

• Being uncircumcised, as the area under your foreskin can become a potential breeding ground for candida.  It is important to properly clean and wash that area to prevent putting yourself at risk 
• Prolonged use of antibiotics which allows for the growth of candida as it lowers the body’s probiotic count
• Diabetes 
• Men with diabetes have a higher concentration of sugar in their urine, promoting the growth of candida fungus
• Obesity 
• A weakened immune system, due to cancer treatment or HIV for example
• Poor hygiene practices 
• Using soaps that irritate the skin 
• Using spermicide
• Condoms that contain lubricants
• Hot and humid environments 
• Wearing tight underwear or wet clothes

When is it time to see a doctor?

If a yeast infection is left untreated for a long period of time, it can go on to become a condition called fungal prostatitis.

It is important to go see your doctor or urologist if you notice any symptoms of prostatitis.  Symptoms may include painful or frequent urination, lower abdominal or back pain, and cloudy or bloody urine.  If you are unable to get an appointment, consider visiting the emergency room. The sooner you are treated, the lower the likelihood of developing complications. Do not try and diagnose yourself as there are many other conditions that present with similar symptoms. 

The doctor might examine your penis and run some tests before making a diagnosis. Tests may include a swab of your penis that will be examined under a microscope or cultured to determine the type of fungus that is causing your symptoms. 

Treatment 

Most mild yeast infections can resolve on their own and may not require treatment. Topical antifungal creams and ointments, when needed, are often effective enough to clear up a yeast infection. 

These medications are available at most pharmacies without a doctor’s prescription.   However, it is important to note that if you have not been treated for a yeast infection previously, you should see a doctor before treating yourself. 

Recommended antifungal creams for the treatment of balanitis are:

• Miconazole 
• Imidazole
• Clotrimazole 

For serious infections, different medications are required which will need a doctor’s prescription. In this scenario, oral fluconazole and hydrocortisone cream are often prescribed. 

Antifungal creams do not commonly pose a significant risk of side effects, but you should always look out for any reaction you might have to treatment. 

Topical antifungal treatments are one way to treat yeast infections. However, ensuring good hygiene practices is a good way to help prevent yeast infections and in some cases even treat them. Regularly washing your penis with plain warm water, avoiding any forms of perfumed shower gels or soaps can help. Wearing loose-fitting clothing and underwear and keeping the genitals dry and cool at all times is also advisable.

References

1. “Penile Yeast Infection: Symptoms, Treatment, and More”, 2020 [accessed 29 March 2020].
2. “How Male Yeast Infections Are Treated”, 2020 [accessed 29 March 2020].
   
    

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Treatment of candidiasis in men and women in Moscow

Thrush – a disease of the genital organs , which is caused by yeast-like fungi called Candida. The disease occurs in both women and men. In this case, the pathological process proceeds in different ways. What are the features of the disease in representatives of the strong half? What provokes its development? How to recognize the symptoms and get rid of fungi?

Causes of candidiasis in men

Thrush in men is much less common, due to the peculiarities of the structure of the genital organs. As a rule, mushrooms of this type are excreted from the body along with urine. The main causes of the disease:

• weakened immune system;
• overweight;
• presence of chronic pathologies;
• long-term use of antibiotics;
• stress and depression affecting the psychological state;
• improper hygiene of the genitals;
• diabetes mellitus ;
• frequent change of sexual partners.

Most often, the disease develops in the presence of several of the above factors. Pathology manifests itself with unpleasant symptoms.

The main symptoms of male candidiasis

In many men, the pathological process goes unnoticed. In a neglected state, the symptoms are very pronounced. This disease is characterized by the following signs:

• itching, burning, discoloration of the penis or mucous membranes;
• swelling and pain in the region of the glans penis and foreskin;
• difficult urination;
• presence of white coating on the penis;
• reproductive problems;
• discharge and bad smell.

Candidiasis in men does not go away on its own . Untimely access to a doctor threatens with complications. Therefore, at the first sign of malaise, it is necessary to visit a urologist. Otherwise, the pathology will become chronic. Symptoms will appear several times a year, accompanied by cracks, injuries, suppuration. The foreskin will clog. Over time, candidiasis will develop into urethritis , pyelocystitis. Problems will appear not only in the genital area, but also from the side of the kidneys and bladder.

Diagnosis and treatment of thrush in men

Candidiasis is diagnosed by visual examination. To confirm, the doctor takes a swab in those places where there are symptoms of the disease. Additionally, a general urinalysis may be prescribed. Similar events must be completed by the sexual partner. Treatment should be joint. This will prevent the re-development of thrush. Modern medicine offers several ways to treat candidiasis in men . In the early stages, special creams and ointments are prescribed for external use. The latter can reduce irritation, itching, anesthetize and disinfect the places of localization of fungi. Vitamin complexes are used to boost immunity. Tableting with antifungal agents is considered the most effective. In the most advanced cases, intramuscular injections are prescribed, which are similar to tablets.

Directions of treatment

prices for diagnostics and monitoring at the clinic “Mother and Child” in Moscow

In our clinic, we understand how important it is to keep mother and child healthy. We offer diagnostic and treatment services for thrush so that you can enjoy your pregnancy without worrying about possible problems. Our prices for services are adequate and affordable, so you can be sure of the high quality of our services at a reasonable cost. Do not risk your health and the health of your baby! Contact us and get qualified medical assistance.

Every woman who is expecting a baby pays special attention to her health. This is not surprising, because any deviation from the norm or the appearance of any infection can cause the development of serious pathologies in the baby. But there are ailments that expectant mothers are especially common. One of them is thrush or vulvovaginal candidiasis.

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Thrush and its complications

Thrush in pregnancy is an infectious disease caused by yeast-like fungi of the genus Candida. It is worth saying that these microorganisms in small quantities can be present in the vagina and colon of even an absolutely healthy woman. Under certain conditions, active growth of fungi occurs and an inflammatory process develops.

Almost 2/3 of the fair sex at least once in their lives experienced manifestations of thrush. Approximately half of them have relapses of the disease, and in 5% the pathology acquires a chronic relapsing course. But in pregnant women, thrush occurs three times more often than in patients outside of pregnancy. This is due primarily to changes in hormonal status and restructuring of the immune system of the future mother’s body. These are exactly the conditions that are necessary for the growth and increase in the number of Candida fungi.

In most cases, thrush is not dangerous for the fetus, but this unpleasant pathology can still cause certain complications. With candidiasis, the risk of termination of pregnancy, premature birth and spontaneous abortion increases. The upward spread of the infectious process can lead to damage to the membranes and leakage of amniotic fluid. All this as a result can cause hypoxia and intrauterine infection of the fetus.

Symptoms of thrush

Symptoms of thrush:

• Moderate or profuse cheesy vaginal discharge;
• white coating on the genitals;
• irritation, itching, burning in the genital area, worse after urination, hygiene, intimacy and at night;
• hyperemia and swelling of the vagina and vulva, the appearance of microcracks on the mucous membrane of the genital organs;
• an unpleasant odor.

With a significant spread of the inflammatory process on the surface of the vagina, small and large labia, burgundy vesicles with liquid contents are formed. After the opening of the vesicles, microerosions and crusts are formed. In overweight women, such manifestations can extend to the inguinal and intergluteal folds.

As the disease progresses, the fungus enters the urinary system. The ascending spread of the infection is evidenced by pain, frequent urination, aching pain in the lower abdomen, fever, discomfort and pain during intercourse.

Causes of the development of pathology

Despite the fact that candidiasis can be transmitted sexually from an infected partner, the main cause of the development of the disease is considered to be impaired immunity and a decrease in the number of lactobacilli. The thing is that during pregnancy, a woman’s body is rebuilt, the hormonal status changes, immunity decreases. The microflora of the vagina also changes: the number of lactobacilli, which are necessary to maintain a normal pH level and suppress the growth of pathogenic microorganisms, decreases.

As long as the balance between beneficial and pathogenic microorganisms is maintained, the expectant mother does not experience any discomfort. But as soon as the number of lactobacilli decreases, the process of rapid reproduction of Candida fungi starts. Unpleasant symptoms begin to appear.

Another reason for the development of thrush during pregnancy is a decrease in immunity. It should be noted that this is a completely natural process. Without a physiological decrease in immunity, normal gestation is impossible: during the period of expectation of a baby, special substances begin to be synthesized in the woman’s body that prevent the formation of antibodies and eliminate the risk of rejection of fetal cells by the mother’s immune system. But with a decrease in immunity, more favorable conditions are created for the development of infection and the spread of the inflammatory process. It is these conditions that are optimal for the reproduction of the Candida fungus.

There are other factors that can provoke the development of thrush:

• improper or insufficient intimate hygiene;
• wearing synthetic underwear;
• chronic inflammatory diseases that reduce immunity;
• long-term use of antibiotics;
• hypothermia.

Diagnosis of thrush

The symptoms of thrush are similar to the manifestations of other infectious diseases, so the diagnosis is aimed at determining the causes that caused the anxiety of the pregnant patient. First, a survey is conducted, during which the doctor collects information about the duration and intensity of symptoms. Then an examination is carried out on a chair with mirrors in order to assess the condition of the mucosa. Already by the presence of hyperemia, white plaque, abundant curdled discharge and rash, the doctor can make a preliminary conclusion about the development of candidiasis.

To confirm the diagnosis, a smear is taken for flora, and PCR diagnostics is also prescribed to differentiate microorganisms.

Treatment of thrush

The main task in the treatment of thrush is to maintain a balance between the therapeutic effect and safety for the fetus. The therapy is based on the use of well-tolerated, non-toxic topical drugs that do not affect the systemic blood flow. Vaginal suppositories are mainly used, thanks to which it is possible to quickly eliminate symptoms. These are polyene antimycotics, imidazoles, triazoles, combined preparations that reduce the activity of yeast-like fungi.

For the duration of treatment, it is recommended to abstain from sexual intercourse or use barrier contraceptives. It is also important to strictly follow medical recommendations and adhere to the prescribed therapeutic regimen. Otherwise, it will not be possible to achieve a positive effect from the treatment, and the disease may become chronic.

Prevention

It is impossible to completely exclude the possibility of thrush during pregnancy. However, you can follow the recommendations that will minimize the possible risks. Experts recommend:

• to abandon synthetic underwear in favor of natural fabrics;
• observe the rules of intimate hygiene;
• do not use panty liners all the time;
• try not to get too cold.