Urological Health Penis Health The Causes and Symptoms of a Male Yeast Infection By Lana Barhum facebook linkedin Lana Barhum has been a freelance medical writer for over 10 years. She shares advice on living well with chronic disease. Learn about our editorial process Lana Barhum Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Matthew Wosnitzer, MD on May 24, 2020 twitter linkedin Matthew Wosnitzer, MD, is a board-certified urologic surgeon and physician scientist. He specializes in male infertility. Learn about our Medical Review Board Matthew Wosnitzer, MD on May 24, 2020 Print Table of Contents View All Table of Contents Symptoms Causes When to See a Doctor Treatment Prevention Yeast infections are often seen as a female health issue, as vaginal candidiasis is a common problem. While the cases of men getting yeast infections are less common, anyone can get one regardless of gender or age. In most cases, yeast infections go away on their own or within a few days with treatment. Candidal balanitis or balanitis thrush is the most common type of yeast infection in men. This type of balanitis typically causes inflammation of the tip of the penis. In uncircumcised males, yeast may also affect the foreskin, a condition called candidal balanoposthitis. Candida yeasts are responsible for up to 35% of all cases of balanitis. But yeast infections in men have not been studied enough and researchers are unsure how many men are affected yearly. Verywell / Gary Ferster Male Yeast Infection Symptoms Unlike yeast infections in women, men generally don’t experience symptoms. However, once symptoms do appear, they can cause extreme discomfort and pain. Symptoms of yeast infections in men include: Burning with urination (dysuria) Sores on the foreskin of the penis, with cracking or bleeding of the foreskin Irritation and itchiness White, lumpy, foul-smelling discharge Discomfort during sexual intercourse Redness and inflammation at the top of the penis Small rash-like bumps that may contain pus Patches of white, shiny skin at the top of the penis Yeast Infection: Signs, Symptoms, and Complications Causes and Risk Factors Many men will contract a yeast infection from sexual contact with their affected female partner, as women are more susceptible to yeast infections. While organisms causing the infection can be transmitted through sex, balanitis is not considered a sexually transmitted infection because men can get the infection without being sexually active. Other causes and potential risk factors for male yeast infections include: Poor hygiene Being uncircumcised Having diabetes, as men with diabetes have a higher amount of sugar in their urine, which may promote the growth of yeasts Prolonged use of antibiotics, which lower probiotic counts, allowing for the growth of Candida Weakened immune systems due to illness and chronic health conditions, which allows Candida to spread Using soaps and skin products that irritate the skin Wearing tight-fitting underwear or wet clothing Hot, humid environments Condoms that contain lubricants Using spermicides Being overweight When to See a Doctor Untreated and serious yeast infections of the penis could potentially cause chronic prostatitis. Chronic balanitis also can lead to narrowing or tightening of the foreskin (phimosis), narrowing of the urethral opening (meatus), or other changes of the skin (balanitis xerotica obliterates, leukoplakia). Men who have never had a yeast infection or who have severe symptoms should be medically checked out. It is also important to see a doctor when an infection does not clear on its own and to rule out other problems, including diabetes and other conditions that cause a weakened immune system. If a yeast infection is severe, a swab from around the top part of the penis or foreskin is done and sent to a lab for testing. If sores do not heal, a biopsy might be needed. Treatment Most mild yeast infections will not require treatment. Antifungal creams or oral medications can help manage symptoms. These medications are available over-the-counter (OTC) or with a doctor’s prescription. Men who have not been previously treated for yeast infection should see a doctor before treating themselves with OTC anti-fungal medications for the first time. Prevention Good hygiene can help prevent yeast infections and even treat them. It's a good idea to wash the penis regularly with plain warm water, avoiding shower gels and soaps, and drying well after. Men should never use perfumed shower gels or soaps on their genitals. Wearing loose-fitting cotton underwear or boxers and keeping genitals dry and cool at all times can also prevent yeast growth. A Word From Verywell Male yeast infections are uncommon. But they do affect men and may have uncomfortable and painful symptoms. Understanding what causes these infections and their symptoms can help with prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Prolonged and severe symptoms should be brought to the attention of a doctor. If both partners have symptoms of a yeast infection, it's important for both to be treated so they can avoid re-infecting each other. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit Article Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Aridogan IA, Izol V, Ilkit M. Superficial fungal infections of the male genitalia: a review. Crit Rev Microbiol. 2011;37(3):237‐244. doi:10.3109/1040841X.2011.572862 Morris BJ, Krieger JN. Penile Inflammatory Skin Disorders and the Preventive Role of Circumcision. Int J Prev Med. 2017;8:32. Published 2017 May 4. doi:10.4103/ijpvm.IJPVM_377_16 Achkar JM, Fries BC. Candida infections of the genitourinary tract. Clin Microbiol Rev. 2010;23(2):253-273. doi:10.1128/CMR.00076-09 David LM, Walzman M, Rajamanoharan S. Genital colonisation and infection with candida in heterosexual and homosexual males. Genitourin Med. 1997;73(5):394‐396. doi:10.1136/sti.73.5.394 Wray AA, Khetarpal S. Balanitis. Treasure Island, FL: StatPearls Publishing. Updated April 21, 2019. Achkar JM, Fries BC. Candida infections of the genitourinary tract. Clin Microbiol Rev. 2010;23(2):253‐273. doi:10.1128/CMR.00076-09 Demirci A, Bozlak N, Turkel S. Chronic prostatitis developing due to candida infection: a case diagnosed 20 years later and review of up-to-date literature. Urol Case Rep. 2018;20:88-89. doi:10.1016/j.eucr.2018.07.014 Urology Care Foundation. What are yeast infections?. urologyhealth.org