A male yeast infection, also known as Candidal Balanitis, Candidiasis or Thrush, is the general term for any fungal infection caused by a fungus known as Candida, most commonly Candida albicans.
Your skin is home to various types of yeast, including Candida. In healthy individuals, these normally don't cause any issues. However, when there is an overgrowth of Candida, it can penetrate below the surface of the skin, leading to discomfort and symptoms such as rashes or skin infections.
Vaginal yeast infections are often viewed as a female health issue, but yeast infections in men are not uncommon. The fungus that causes these infections can be found on the skin, particularly in moist areas. Candida thrives in warm and damp environments, such as the foreskin of uncircumcised men and the creases in the groin.
Yeast infections can affect various parts of the body, including the mouth, genitals, and skin folds. In men, these infections frequently develop on the penis, leading to painful swelling at the head of the penis. However, they can also occur in other areas, including the groin and surrounding skin.
Candida balanitis can affect individuals of any age, but the highest risk of being diagnosed with this condition is among children under the age of 4 and uncircumcised males. The likelihood of developing candida balanitis increases if an individual has a condition known as phimosis, which prevents them from retracting the foreskin over the penis. Typically, by the time children reach the age of 5, their foreskin becomes easier to retract, which reduces their risk of developing this condition.
Yeast infections can linger and lead to a wide range of painful and uncomfortable symptoms if left untreated. Additionally, if the infection spreads to your bloodstream, it can result in serious complications, making it essential to address and treat the infection properly.
Most yeast infections can be treated effectively with over-the-counter medications and antifungal creams, typically resolving within one to two weeks. However, depending on the severity of the infection, you may need prescription medications in some cases.
Practicing proper hygiene can help reduce the risk of developing a yeast infection. By taking some basic preventive steps, you can avoid this common condition.
Is a yeast infection an STD?
Yeast infections are generally not classified as sexually transmitted infections (STIs or STDs) because the Candida organisms responsible for these infections are normally present in the human body. In contrast, sexually transmitted infections such as Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea involve pathogens that are not typically found in healthy individuals.
That said, thrush and other types of yeast infections can sometimes be associated with sexual activity. While it is uncommon, Candida can be transmitted from one partner to another during sexual intercourse. Additionally, the friction and irritation that can occur during sexual activity may provoke a yeast infection. Some individuals may notice that engaging in sexual activity can lead to increased symptoms of thrush afterward, such as itching or discomfort.
What does a yeast infection in the penis look like?
A penile yeast infection may present as a scaly, red rash located on the underside of the penis. While not always apparent, inflammation around the head of the penis may also occur. In some cases, a yellowish or milky discharge can accumulate under the foreskin, making retraction more difficult.
In men, thrush typically affects the head of the penis and possibly the foreskin. It can also appear on other areas of skin or mucous membranes, such as the mouth, which is referred to as oral thrush.
Some of the most common symptoms of a penile yeast infection include:
- Burning, irritation, or swelling of the penis, particularly around the head of your penis and under your foreskin.
- Pain, itching, swelling and redness in your genital area. The redness is usually in patches.
- Thick, lumpy, white, discharge that resembles cottage cheese under the foreskin or other folds of skin.
- Foul-smelling discharge or an unpleasant, yeasty odour.
- Difficulty pulling back your foreskin.
- Lesions, shiny sores or blisters on the penis.
- Dull red skin with a glazed appearance
- Blotchy red bump like rash with white, shiny patches, small red spots at the top of the penis or cracked foreskin.
- Burning sensation during urination
- Pain or discomfort during sexual intercourse.
After experiencing a yeast infection, you may notice that your skin starts peeling. This is because the infection makes your skin more vulnerable, leading to flakiness or crustiness, and eventually, peeling.
While these symptoms can be uncomfortable and embarrassing, they are usually not serious and can typically be treated with antifungal creams or ointments. However, symptoms like itchiness, redness, and pain in the penis may also indicate other, more serious conditions, such as sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Therefore, it's important not to ignore these symptoms when they arise.
A qualified clinician can diagnose the condition, often in just one appointment.
What causes a penile yeast infection?
Whilst a small amount of candida is usually present on the skin and in body cavities, all it takes is an overgrowth of candida to develop a yeast infection.
Yeast infections commonly thrive in warm, damp environments, such as those found in areas of the body that are frequently moist or not well-ventilated, like the genital region, armpits, and between the toes. In addition to environmental factors, certain medications—such as antibiotics, corticosteroids, and hormonal treatments—can disrupt the natural balance of flora in the body, leading to an increased risk of developing these infections. Pre-existing medical conditions, including diabetes and immune system disorders, can also heighten susceptibility to yeast infections by compromising the body’s ability to maintain a healthy microbial balance.
Several other factors can increase your risk of developing a penile yeast infection, such as:
- Poor hygiene: Neglecting personal hygiene, such as not cleaning your genitals or bathing regularly, can encourage fungal growth.
- Using skin products or soaps that cause irritation: Strongly scented bath foams, soaps, shower gels, lubricants, and other products can irritate and damage the skin of the penis, making it susceptible to infection.
- Antibiotic or Steroid Use: Using broad-spectrum antibiotics, especially over long periods, can disrupt the natural balance of bacteria and yeast in the body, potentially leading to overgrowth. Antibiotics kill the bacteria that usually reside in your body, which can trigger infections. Additionally, corticosteroids can also eliminate the beneficial bacteria that help maintain this balance.
- Wearing wet or tight underwear/clothing: Tight clothing, especially nylon fabrics can prevent the skin from breathing, leading to sweat accumulation, which creates ideal conditions for candida growth. This risk is heightened in hot weather.
- Being overweight or obese: Especially if there are rolls of fat where yeast can thrive.
- Not rinsing properly after washing: Not completely rinsing soap off your foreskin can leave residue that clogs, increasing your risk of infection.
- Not drying off thoroughly: Fungus can thrive in warm, moist conditions.
- Being Uncircumcised: Uncircumcised men are more prone to yeast infections due to the moist environment under the foreskin.
- Unprotected Sexual Activity: While not the primary cause, unprotected sexual activity with a partner who has a yeast infection can contribute to the risk.
Yeast infections are more common in certain groups of people. This includes people who:
- Have Diabetes: High blood sugar levels can promote an environment that encourages yeast overgrowth. If you have diabetes, it is important to work with a healthcare professional to ensure your blood sugar levels are well-managed. Poorly managed type 1 or type 2 diabetes can lead to increased yeast growth, as yeasts thrive more easily in higher blood sugar levels.
- Weakened Immune System: Conditions or medications that weaken the immune system, such as diabetes, cancer treatments, dialysis or HIV/AIDS can increase susceptibility. If you have a suppressed immune system, a doctor can recommend ways to help keep your immune system as healthy as possible.
What complications can occur from male yeast infections?
It’s understandable to feel embarrassed, but it's crucial to have your yeast infection examined by your healthcare provider. Male yeast infections can lead to serious complications if left untreated, especially if you are prone to recurring infections.
Some of the complications potentially seen in men with untreated yeast infections are:
- Prostatitis: Inflammation of the prostate gland.
- Skin lesions: Like leucoplakia and lichen planus, which can cause scarring and issues with blood supply to the tip of your penis.
- Phimosis: Pain and difficulty pulling back your foreskin or moving your foreskin over the head of your penis due to tissue scarring.
- Urethral stricture: Narrowing of the urethra, which is the tube that allows urine to exit the body.
- Increased risk of penile cancer
- Invasive Candidiasis: In rare cases, individuals with severe immunodeficiency, such as those with untreated HIV, may experience a genital yeast infection that can spread and become systemic, leading to invasive candidiasis. This is a fungal infection that affects the blood and can cause the fungus to spread throughout the body, impacting vital organs such as the heart, lungs, brain, and oesophagus. This is most common in people who wait to receive treatment until the infection has spread beyond the penis. Using a catheter in the hospital can raise the risk of invasive candidiasis. Medical staff will watch for catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI). Aggressive treatment potentially needing intravenous antifungals for several weeks in a hospital setting is necessary to address this potentially life-threatening complication.
- Balanitis: Balanitis is an inflammation of the penis's glans, which can occur alongside inflammation of the foreskin, known as balanoposthitis. Diabetes increases the risk for balanitis, and if left untreated, it can lead to scarring, adhesions, and hygiene issues. Pain and difficulty urinating are common symptoms, and severe cases may require circumcision. Additionally, untreated balanitis can cause swollen glands and fatigue.
A yeast infection may sometimes resolve on its own if the area is kept clean and dry. However, if symptoms continue, it is important to schedule an appointment with a healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis. Self-diagnosing and beginning treatment without professional guidance is not recommended. If you are experiencing symptoms of a yeast infection, consult your doctor. Allowing symptoms to persist can lead to serious complications.
Pre-Appointment
It is important to keep track of all your symptoms, noting when they began and any changes you have observed. Additionally, make a list of all medications, supplements, and creams you are currently using. Wear comfortable clothing for the examination and come prepared with any questions or concerns you may have about the infection or available treatment options.
Be ready to discuss these details, along with your medical history, any previous infections, and treatments you have tried.
What will happen during my appointment?
When you schedule an appointment, a clinician will discuss your symptoms with you and may do a physical examination of your genitals. They might be able to diagnose a yeast infection during this single visit simply by inspecting your penis and foreskin. If you present with a red rash, the clinician could conclude that you have a yeast infection.
Your healthcare provider may also want to collect a sample from the infected area for testing. To do this, they will use a scalpel or tongue depressor to gently scrape some of the discharge from the affected skin and send it for analysis to identify the fungus. Additionally, you might be asked to undergo a urine test to confirm the presence of a yeast infection. If you have persistent sores or ulcers that do not heal, a biopsy may be required.
Talking to your healthcare provider about a yeast infection is important, even if it feels awkward. There are effective treatments available, like antifungal creams or ointments, to relieve pain and itchiness. If these don't work, your provider can help find other options. Contact them today to discuss your treatment.
How long does a penile yeast infection last?
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, it is important for your partner to also be examined and if necessary, receive treatment for a yeast infection. This helps prevent them from contracting the infection or passing it back to you.
If you experience repeated yeast infections and can rule out potential causes such as hygiene issues or sexual contact, you should consult a doctor about other possible underlying health conditions, such as diabetes.
If you can’t get in to see your primary care doctor, don’t worry! You might want to check out an urgent care centre or a sexual health clinic. The sooner you get a diagnosis and start treatment, the better your chances of avoiding any complications.
Although yeast infections are not classified as sexually transmitted infections (STIs), sexual health clinics are well-equipped to address conditions affecting the genital and urinary systems. These clinics provide testing and appropriate treatment options, which may include antifungal medications.
Many sexual health clinics also offer walk-in appointments, so you don’t necessarily need to book in advance; however, it’s a good idea to call the clinic beforehand to confirm. Additionally, they may provide quicker test results compared to traditional GP surgeries.
You may feel embarrassed about visiting a clinic, but there's no need to worry. The staff at these clinics are accustomed to testing for all types of infections, and they won't judge you. They will provide clear explanations and help you feel comfortable.
Absolutely anyone, regardless of gender or age, is welcome at a sexual health clinic! If you're under 16, you can visit confidently knowing your privacy is respected, and your parents won’t be informed. The compassionate staff is dedicated to your well-being; if they believe someone is at risk, they will talk with you before involving any other services. It's all about ensuring your safety while providing a supportive environment. Your health matters here!
A yeast infection can be concerning and uncomfortable, but it is rarely a serious condition. A mild yeast infection may not need medical treatment and can sometimes resolve on its own with improved hygiene and gentle skin care. Additionally, over-the-counter antifungal medication can often be used at home to treat the infection.
There are a variety of steps that you can take to significantly reduce your risk or to self-treat for a mild infection.
- Practice Good Hygiene: Keep the genital area clean and dry. Wash with mild, non-irritating soap and water, and ensure you thoroughly dry the area afterward. Pull back your foreskin when bathing to clean and dry the area thoroughly.
- Avoid baby powder or body powders: Using these items on your genitals causes moisture to be retained in the area.
- Avoid Tight-Fitting Clothing: To minimize moisture buildup and friction that can promote yeast growth, wear loose, breathable underwear and clothing. Opt for boxer shorts or cotton underwear to keep the groin area dry.
- Manage Underlying Health Conditions: Manage any chronic conditions, like diabetes, as they can increase the risk of yeast infections. Effective management of these conditions is essential for prevention.
- Use Protection During Sexual Activity: To reduce the risk of transmitting or contracting infections that can lead to yeast infections, it’s important to wear an external condom every time you have sex. You can also help prevent a penile yeast infection by avoiding intimate contact with a partner who has a yeast infection. Additionally, you should refrain from having sex while you are experiencing an active yeast infection, as you risk transmitting the infection back to your partner. This could result in both of you passing the infection back and forth.
- Avoid Overuse of Antibiotics: Overusing antibiotics can disturb the natural balance of microorganisms in the body, thereby increasing the risk of yeast infections. Only take antibiotics when prescribed by a healthcare provider.
- Adopt A Healthy Lifestyle: A well-balanced diet, consistent exercise, and proper hydration can help maintain overall health and boost the immune system, decreasing the likelihood of infections.
- Lose weight: If you are experiencing recurring infections caused by sweat accumulation in difficult-to-clean areas due to body fat, consider losing weight.
- Change quickly out of wet or sweaty clothing: It’s important to change out of wet clothing, such as garments soaked from sweat during a workout or any other activity, as soon as possible. This helps to maintain body temperature, prevent skin irritation, and reduce the risk of developing fungal infections. Aim to have a dry set of clothes ready for a quick change immediately after exercising or if you find yourself in wet attire.
If the infection persists and does not improve within a couple of weeks, contact your healthcare provider. You may require a prescription treatment.
In most cases, applying topical antifungal ointments and creams to the affected skin twice daily for 1 to 2 weeks is usually sufficient to resolve the infection. Some antifungal creams that are recommended for treating a yeast infection include:
- Miconazole
- Clotrimazole
- Imidazole
- Fluconazole
- Nystatin
Many of these treatments are available as over-the-counter (OTC) medications, meaning you do not need a prescription to obtain them. Most antifungal creams are generally well tolerated and rarely cause serious side effects. However, it’s important to read the label and consult with a doctor or pharmacist about any potential reactions you should be aware of. If you have not previously treated a yeast infection, it is advisable to see a doctor or speak with a healthcare professional before using over-the-counter medications for self-treatment.
Once you begin antifungal treatment, the infection should begin to improve within one to three weeks. However, yeast infections can be challenging to manage, as they often recur. This is because the factors that contributed to the infection, such as unprotected sex and inadequate penile hygiene, often remain the same.
If over-the-counter (OTC) treatments are ineffective or if the infection is more serious or long-term, a doctor may prescribe stronger antifungal medications, either topical or oral. More extensive and aggressive treatment may be necessary if the infection has spread to the urinary tract or other organs. Your doctor can recommend the most suitable treatment for you. In some cases, treatment for recurrent yeast infections can last up to six months.
To help reduce inflammation and swelling, some healthcare providers may recommend applying a topical steroid called hydrocortisone 1% cream twice a day. This cream is available over the counter under the brand name Cortisone and others. If you are at a higher risk of recurrence because you are immunocompromised, your doctor might suggest a low daily dosage of oral fluconazole to decrease your risk.
If you've been struggling with frequent yeast infections or if antifungal medications aren’t helping, and you're uncircumcised, your doctor might recommend considering adult male circumcision. It can also be a good option if you're having trouble pulling back your foreskin to keep everything clean. While circumcision is often done for infants, rest assured that it can be safely performed on men of any age! If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to talk to your healthcare provider—they're there to help you.