Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSymptomsCausesTreatmentHome RemediesPreventionComplications
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Symptoms
Causes
Treatment
Home Remedies
Prevention
Complications
This article describes the symptoms, causes, and complications of a male yeast infection. It also explains how penile candidiasis is treated and what you can do to prevent recurrence.
Male Yeast Infection Symptoms: How You Know
Verywell / Gary Ferster
Male yeast infections do not always cause symptoms right away. Sometimes, they start with a nagging itch or discomfort that progressively worsens as the fungus starts to spread and affect deeper tissues.
The rapid spread of fungus around the head of the penis (glans) and under the foreskin (prepuce) can trigger an inflammatory response, leading tocandidal balanitis(inflammation of the glans) orcandidal balanoposthitis(inflammation of the glans and prepuce).
Symptoms of male yeast infection include:
Some of these symptoms mimic those ofsexually transmitted infections (STIs)likechlamydia,gonorrhea, andtrichomoniasis. It is important, therefore, to see a healthcare provider to diagnose the cause of your symptoms. If it is an STI, treatment can prevent the spread of infection to others.
Is a Male Yeast Infection the Same as Jock Itch?
Can a Male Yeast Infection Cause Skin Peeling?
How Do Men Get Yeast Infections?
Candida albicansis a fungus found normally on the skin and in the digestive tract. When the immune system is functioning normally, it keeps the fungus under control. Competition from other naturally occurring microorganisms, such as bacteria, also keeps the fungal population in check.
Under certain conditions,Candidacan suddenly overgrow, most often when an illness or condition interferes with the immune response.Candidaalso thrives in warm, moist environments and may proliferate if the skin is not cleaned regularly.
Some of the main risk factors of a male yeast infection include:
Is Candida an STI?
This includes vaginal sex with someone with a vaginal yeast infection,anal sexwith someone with ananal yeast infection, ororal sexwith someone withthrush. Condoms can reduce the risk of candidal transmission.
What to Know About Thrush (Oral Candidiasis)
How to Get Rid of a Male Yeast Infection
A mild yeast infection may not require treatment and may resolve on its own with improved hygiene and gentle skin care.
More often than not, however, candidal infections of the penis will benefit from treatment with atopical antifungal cream. Some are available over the counter (OTC) while others require a prescription from your healthcare provider.
Some of the more common options include:
The medications are typically applied to the affected skin twice daily for 10 to 14 days. Most infections resolve within this timeframe.
To reduce inflammation and swelling, some providers may recommend twice-daily applications of a topical steroid calledhydrocortisone 1% cream(available over the counter under the brand name Cortizone and others).
If topical antifungals fail to clear the infection, oral antifungals likeDiflucan (fluconazole)may be needed. The drug is often prescribed in a single 150-milligram (mg) dose, but longer and more aggressive treatment may be needed if the infection has spread to the urinary tract or other organs.
Does My Partner Need Treatment?If you are diagnosed with penile candidiasis, it is a good idea to have your sexual partner tested as well. This not only allows your partner to be treated if they have a yeast infection but also helps reduce your risk of recurrence. Sex should be avoided until you have completed treatment.
Does My Partner Need Treatment?
If you are diagnosed with penile candidiasis, it is a good idea to have your sexual partner tested as well. This not only allows your partner to be treated if they have a yeast infection but also helps reduce your risk of recurrence. Sex should be avoided until you have completed treatment.
At-Home Treatments for Male Yeast Infections
These natural remedies include:
Always speak with your healthcare provider before starting any supplement or natural therapy to ensure it is safe and does not interact with any medications you take.
7 Home Remedies for Yeast Infections
How to Manage Recurring Yeast Infections
Male yeast infections are usually easily treated but have a tendency to recur. This is because the conditions that gave rise to the infection, including unprotected sex and poor penile hygiene, remain unchanged.
Some studies report that no less than 48% of people with candidal balanoposthitis will experience recurrence.
To reduce the risk of recurrence:
What to Know About Being Circumcised vs. Uncircumcised
Male yeast infections can lead to complications if left untreated, This is especially true if you are vulnerable to recurrence.
Among some of the complications commonly seen in men with untreated yeast infections:
In people with severe immunodeficiency, such as those withuntreated HIV, a genital yeast infection can sometimes disseminate (spread) and become systemic (affecting the entire body).
This condition, known as invasive candidiasis, can affect vital organs like the heart, lungs, brain, and esophagus. Aggressive treatment in a hospital with intravenous antifungals is needed to treat this potentially life-threatening complication.
Summary
A male yeast infection will often clear up on its own. If not, an OTC or prescription antifungal can usually resolve the infection. To prevent recurrence, keep your genitals clean and dry, and wear condoms to reduce your risk of acquiringCandidaduring sex.
17 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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