Can men get yeast infections?

Yeast infections — also known as candidiasis — are common in women, which can lead to the assumption that they’re exclusively a female issue. However, men can get yeast infections, too.

Everyone has Candida on their skin and other parts of the body. These organisms are generally harmless but may lead to a yeast infection if they grow out of control. While generally more common in women, men can get them, too. Here’s what to know about yeast infections in men, including the symptoms, types of treatment, ways to help prevent them and possible complications. 

In this article:

Understanding yeast infections

Most yeast infections are caused by Candida, a fungus commonly living in the mouth, skin or other body parts. Candida is usually harmless and kept under control by native bacteria and the body’s defenses. Certain conditions can throw off the balance and cause an overgrowth of Candida, leading to candidiasis, or yeast infections.

Yeast infections are most commonly caused by a specific type of fungus called Candida albicans, which is commonly found on healthy individuals. While infections can occur almost anywhere on the skin, they most likely develop in warm, moist and creased areas. 

Where can men get yeast infections? 

Yeast infections can affect different parts of the male genitals, causing inflammation of the penis head (balanitis), the foreskin (posthitis) or both (balanoposthitis).

Around 3-11% of men get balanitis in their lifetime. Meanwhile, 12% to 20% of uncircumcised people get balanoposthitis. Genital yeast infections are also more common among young boys under 4.

Causes and risk factors of yeast infections

Yeast infections commonly occur in conditions that promote Candida overgrowth. 

Moisture from urine, sweat or smegma—a whitish substance made of shed skin cells and oils—gets trapped between the foreskin and the head of the penis, creating a warm, moist environment that is ideal for Candida and bacteria to thrive.

In addition, anything that can make it harder for the body to control Candida growth can increase risk of yeast infections. These include:

• Taking medications or treatments that suppress the immune system (e.g., steroid use or chemotherapy)
• Having a condition that weakens the immune system (e.g., cancer, diabetes, HIV/AIDS or a vitamin and iron deficiency)
• Current or recent antibiotic use

Other factors that can increase the risk of developing yeast infections include:

• An uncircumcised penis
• Being overweight
• Having irritated or damaged skin
• Poor hygiene
• Using a condom catheter

Having condomless sex with a person with a vaginal yeast infection can also cause yeast infection in males.

Symptoms of yeast infections in men

Some of the most common symptoms of male yeast infection include:

• Blotchy or patchy redness
• Cracked, crusting or peeling skin
• Difficulty pulling back the foreskin (phimosis)
• Itching and irritation
• Painful, stinging or burning sensation when urinating
• Soreness or swelling
• Tight, shiny skin around the head of the penis
• Thick, white discharge
• Unpleasant odors
• White sores or patches of skin

Yeast infections can affect other parts of the body as well. On the skin, they commonly occur in creased, moist and warm areas like the armpits and groin, causing red, itchy or burning rashes and sometimes skin breakdown.

Yeast infections in the mouth, also known as thrush, typically present with a white or yellow rash on the tongue and mouth’s inner lining that can’t be removed by scraping. The corners of the mouth may also appear red, sore and cracked, and swallowing may be difficult.

Diagnosing yeast infections in men

A health care provider typically diagnoses a yeast infection through a physical exam. 

To confirm the diagnosis, they may take a sample of the discharge or skin, examine it under a microscope or perform a fungal culture in a lab to identify what’s causing the symptoms.

Treating yeast infections in men

“I don't typically recommend that people with a penis attempt to self-treat for a presumed yeast infection, as the symptoms can mimic other STI,” says Brennan Kruszewski, MD, a board-certified internist in Hudson, Ohio. He adds that people should talk to their health care provider and have themselves checked before trying OTC treatments.

First-line treatment for yeast infection typically includes antifungal medications like imidazoles (e.g., butoconazole, clotrimazole and miconazole). These may come in the form of an antifungal cream, ointment or lotion that needs to be applied directly to the affected area. 

If someone thinks they may have a yeast infection, they may speak with their health care provider or explore yeast infection treatment services at a MinuteClinic^® location.

Yeast infections usually resolve within one to two weeks after starting treatment. If the infection persists, a health care provider may prescribe stronger antifungal medication.

In cases of severe inflammation, a health care provider may prescribe oral antifungal medications like fluconazole and mild topical steroids such as hydrocortisone. They might also suggest that the person’s partner undergo testing for Candida to reduce the risk of reinfection.

Recurring thrush, defined as more than two episodes in six months, may require longer treatment. Experts may also recommend circumcision, especially if someone also has diabetes or a weakened immune system, as circumcised penises are 68% less likely to develop balanitis compared to uncircumcised ones.

Preventing yeast infections in men

Regularly washing the penis is one of the best ways to prevent yeast infections. Here are some good hygiene tips:

• Avoid sex until the infection is cleared up
• Dry properly after washing
• Wash and use an emollient instead of soap in the affected area
• Wear loose cotton underwear

It’s also important to avoid sexual contact with a partner with a yeast infection. Wearing a condom during sex can help reduce transmission of Candida, reducing the chances of developing an infection. Dr. Kruszewski emphasizes that most cases of Candida are not caused by sexual transmission. “Candida is not considered an STI (sexually transmitted infection), and many people get yeast infections even if they've never had sex,” he adds.

Complications of untreated yeast infections

Leaving penile yeast infections untreated can lead to complications like foreskin scarring and phimosis. Phimosis, or tight foreskin, can make having sex, urinating and cleaning the penis difficult or painful.

Phimosis can progress to paraphimosis, where the foreskin gets trapped in a pulled-back position. This is painful and can cut off circulation to the tip of the penis. Paraphimosis is a medical emergency that requires urgent treatment.

Rarely, untreated yeast infections can lead to a more serious condition called invasive candidiasis, which happens when Candida enter the bloodstream.

When to seek medical attention

It's important to contact a health care provider if someone believes they may have a yeast infection. The health care provider will provide a prescription treatment option if needed.

Frequently asked questions

How to tell if a guy has a yeast infection? 

A male yeast infection typically appears as moist, swollen, red skin on the penis, with small white patches and a thick, white substance in the skin folds. Shiny white sores may also be present.

Dr. Kruszewski notes that yeast infections can resemble symptoms of several STIs, so it's important to visit a health care provider for an accurate diagnosis.

How long does a male yeast infection last? 

With treatment and improvements in hygiene, male yeast infection should clear up within one to two weeks.

Can a woman give a man a yeast infection? 

Yes, a woman with a vaginal yeast infection can pass it to their partner through vaginal, anal, or oral sex. However, the risk of infection is low (15%). Those who are uncircumcised and have diabetes have a higher risk of getting infected. However, while yeast infection can be transmitted through sex, it is not an STI and may occur in people who do not have sex, according to Dr. Kruszewski.

How do men get rid of yeast infections?

Males can get rid of yeast infections by improving their hygiene and treating it with antifungal medicine. Circumcision may also prevent its recurrence.

Can a male yeast infection go away on its own? 

Yes, a mild yeast infection may clear up on its own, but more severe cases can take longer or worsen if untreated. It may also spread to other areas. A health care provider can prescribe treatments or recommend OTC antifungal creams to help clear it up. However, Dr. Kruszewski advises against self-diagnosing and self-treating. Instead, he recommends seeing a health care provider for an accurate assessment and proper treatment.

Can men get yeast infections without sex?

Yes, men can get yeast infections without sex. These infections occur due to an overgrowth of Candida, often linked to poor hygiene, especially in uncircumcised individuals. Conditions or medications that lower the body’s immunity can also increase the risk by preventing the body from controlling fungal growth.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Consult your health care provider before taking any vitamins or supplements and prior to beginning or changing any health care practices.