Yeast Infections In Men: Signs And Symptoms
- Thick, smelly discharge from the foreskin
- Pain in pulling back the foreskin
- Itchy rash around the genital area
- Pain when urinating and during sex
Note: male candidiasis is not the same as jock itch, which is another type of fungal infection that causes irritation in the skin around the genitals. Jock itch is caused by a different type of fungi altogether .
S You Can Take At Home
Below you will find our top recommendations you can try at home. These have shown to help many couple both from the physical and emotional aspects. On top of these natural remedies, an important comment. When it comes to infections that affect the genitals, it is always best to get tested by your doctor.
Candida Symptoms In Both Men And Women
Obviously, yeast infection symptoms vary between men and women. However, systemic symptoms may be very similar. Both men and women may suffer from:
- Digestive problems such as gas, bloating
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Men and women may also be affected by candida in the mouth. This is referred to as oral candidiasis or oral thrush.
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What Are The Symptoms Of A Yeast Infection In Men
You probably want a quick, simple answer and a private way of treating the problem. We can help. But, you should also know that a penile yeast infection can become serious if it spreads to your blood stream.
Keep that in mind as we talk about these symptoms and causes of this problem. If youve had these symptoms for more than a few days, or if you have a fever or chills, youll want to talk to a doctor for diagnoses and treatment right away.
How Can I Treat Genital Thrush
- Clean the infected area carefully, preferably in the shower rather than a bath. Make sure you dry the area well by patting it rather than rubbing it. This will help reduce the build-up of moisture in the area and make it more difficult for the fungus to survive.
- Dont use sprays, soaps, oils, disinfectants, shower gels or deodorants around the affected area, as these can cause further irritation.
- Avoid sharing your towels.
- Wear loose-fitting cotton underwear to help to keep your genitals dry and cool and prevent the build-up of the fungus.
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Understanding Male Yeast Infections
The Candida yeast is responsible for at least 35% of all cases of balanitis. Other infectious sources include the Herpes virus and human papillomavirus, as well as a specific sexually transmitted bacteria called Mycoplasma genitalium.
However, the Candida yeast is not fully understood. Around 37% of men with Candida dont experience symptoms of a yeast infection. And according to the same study, roughly 27% of those men develop balanitis.
How Do Men Develop Yeast Infections
A yeast infection can develop when something throws that balance off such as taking antibiotics for a bacterial infection. Yeast infections are most likely to happen in warm, moist places in the body including the mouth and genital area.
Yeast infections are sometimes transmitted during unprotected vaginal intercourse.
Men who are obese, have diabetes, or have compromised immune systems are more prone to getting yeast infections.
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What Is Candida Overgrowth
Intestinal Candida overgrowth may happen if the balance of good and bad bacteria in the gut is disrupted, allowing for pathogens and fungal cells to develop more freely. This imbalance of gut microorganisms is usually referred to as dysbiosis. Dysbiosis can result after a course of antibiotics, which tend to kill off much of the good bacteria needed to keep the bad under control. Stress, medications, diet, pollution, and certain illnesses can also cause dysbiosis. Men are affected by these factors as much as women.
An intestinal Candida overgrowth is often seen at the same time as external yeast infections in men or women. By treating the intestinal overgrowth, and eliminating the factors that caused it in the first place, you can often get rid of both your gut problems and your external yeast infection.
Causes And Risk Factors Of Male Yeast Infections
According to Robert Mordkin, MD, CMO of LetsGetChecked and chief of urology at Virginia Hospital Center, other factors in addition to a moist environment that can lead to penile yeast infections include:
- Poor hygiene can provide a breeding ground for candida to develop into a penile yeast infection. Thoroughly cleaning your genitals under every skin fold, especially if you are uncircumcised, can decrease your chances of an infection occurring.
- Irritated or damaged skin from a cut or friction from clothing.
- Unprotected intercourse with a partner who has a yeast infection. When a man has sex with someone who has a vaginal yeast infection, the condition can spread to their penile area. Until a yeast infection is treated, avoiding sex especially without a condom can ensure that the condition does not spread to others. While condoms may help to prevent the spread, it is not a guaranteed method.
Certain pre-existing conditions can also increase your risk of a penile yeast infection, says Giuseppe Aragona, MD, a general practitioner and family doctor at Prescription Doctor, an online healthcare service. According to Aragona and Mordkin, risk factors include:
- Having a weakened immune system
- Having diabetes a condition Morkin calls the “single greatest risk factor” for penile yeast infections
- Taking a long course of antibiotics, as the medicine can potentially kill off beneficial bacteria that work to prevent yeast infections
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Yeast Infections In Men Causes And Diagnosis
Yeast infections are often considered to be a female health issue as women are more susceptible to getting them. Although they are less common in men, yeast infections can affect anyone regardless of gender or age. They are caused by a fungus called Candida that thrives in warm and moist conditions.
Causes Of Male Candidiasis
Fungal infections such as Candida overgrowth are more common in men who are not circumcised or have other medical problems, such as STDs. Surprisingly, its believed that up to a fifth of men who have yeast in their genitalia dont suffer any signs or symptoms of Candidiasis. This is likely due to the fact that Candida albicans only causes problems when it is able to grow out of control.
Just like women, there are a number of factors that may increase a mans chances of developing candidiasis. Contributing factors to yeast infections in men include:
- Using chemicals such as perfumed soaps and shower gels in the groin area.
- Vigorous washing or scrubbing of the genital area
- Poor hygiene due to not bathing regularly
- Wearing dirty underwear for too long
- Sex with a woman who has vaginal thrush infection
- Prolonged courses of antibiotics
- Medications that suppress the bodys natural defenses
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Does Yogurt Prevent Or Treat Yeast Infections
Maybe. Studies suggest that eating eight ounces of yogurt with “live cultures” daily or taking Lactobacillus acidophilus capsules can help prevent infection.4,5
But, more research still needs to be done to say for sure if yogurt with Lactobacillus or other probiotics can prevent or treat vaginal yeast infections. If you think you have a yeast infection, see your doctor or nurse to make sure before taking any over-the-counter medicine.
Diabetes And Yeast Infections
Factors like diabetes and a suppressed immune system may contribute to your yeast infection risk, according to 2019 research .
If you have diabetes, work with a healthcare professional to make sure your blood sugar levels are well-managed. If you have a suppressed immune system, a doctor can recommend ways to help keep your immune system as healthy as possible.
If left untreated, a penile yeast infection can lead to some serious complications.
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What About Recurrent Yeast Infections
A recurrent yeast infection occurs when a woman has four or more infections in one year that are not related to antibiotic use. Recurrent yeast infections may be related to an underlying medical condition such as impaired immunity and may require more aggressive treatment. This can include longer courses of topical treatments, oral medications, or a combination of the two.
How To Prevent Thrush In Men
As mentioned above, fungi thrive in hot or wet conditions. So avoid anything which might make your genital area hot or wet for any length of time – for example:
- Shower after exercise and dry yourself thoroughly.
- Avoid synthetic underwear – cotton underwear is best.
- Avoid tight underwear and trousers/shorts.
- Avoid tight Lycra® clothes – wear loose-fitting cotton instead
Also if you or your partner have thrush, it is best to avoid sex until you have been treated. Using a condom will also help prevent you passing it between you, but remember that condoms may be affected by the creams used to treat thrush.
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Can A Man Give A Woman Yeast Infection
What is a vaginal yeast infection?
Seventy-five percent of women are likely to have at least one yeast infection during their lifetime nearly half have two or more. Vaginal yeast infections are the second most common cause of abnormal vaginal discharge in the United States .
Treating a vaginal yeast infection can relieve symptoms within a few days. In more severe cases, it may take longer. Vaginal yeast infections arenât considered a sexually transmitted infection , commonly known as sexually transmitted disease . Sexual contact can spread it, but women who arenât sexually active can also get them.
What causes vaginal yeast infections?
- Having a weakened immune system. If you have a disease, like HIV or AIDS, your medications can suppress your immune system.
Can A Man Give A Woman Yeast Infection?
The answer is not a straight forward one, studies indicate that about 15 percent of men who engage in unprotected vaginal intercourse with women go on to develop a penile yeast infection. However, it is unclear whether women experience the same level of risk. If you believe you have a yeast infection, tell any active or recent sexual partners so they can seek treatment.
What Should I Do If I Think I Have Thrush
If you have never had thrush before, it is best to visit a sexual health clinic or a doctor to check the diagnosis. There are many other causes for balanitis, so it is best to get it checked. A swab can be used to confirm thrush and also exclude other types of infection, such as gonorrhoea.
If you have recurring thrush you may need urine or blood tests to check there is no reason for this. For example, you may be tested for diabetes or for problems with your immune system. Tests for sexually transmitted infections may also be done. Your partner should also be tested for thrush and sexually transmitted infections if the problem keeps coming back.
If you have had thrush before, and you recognise the symptoms, you can buy the treatment from a pharmacy. However, if it is coming back quickly or regularly, you should see a health professional to check for an underlying problem, and to check that your infection is definitely thrush.
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What Causes Yeast Infection In Males
Yeast infections are caused by a fungus called Candida albicans. Most people have a small amount of candida on or in the body, but when it grows out of control it can develop into an infection.
Causes of yeast infections in males include
- Unprotected sexual intercourse with a woman who has a vaginal yeast infection
Risk factors for developing a yeast infection include
- Being uncircumcised
How Are Male Yeast Infections Treated
Treatment for male yeast infections may include an antifungal medication. Your healthcare provider may recommend an antifungal cream, lotion or ointment. You can apply the antifungal directly onto the infected area of your skin. You can buy many antifungal medications over the counter. Your healthcare provider may need to prescribe you a stronger antifungal medication if the infection doesnt go away. Topical antifungal medications include:
In some cases, your healthcare provider may recommend an antifungal medication taken by mouth. This includes medications such as fluconazole . Your healthcare provider may also recommend using a steroid cream as well to help with your symptoms.
Its important to keep your groin area clean and dry to help get rid of your yeast infection. This can also help prevent a yeast infection from returning.
If antifungal medications dont help or you have frequent yeast infections, you may want to consider circumcision. In addition, if you cant pull back your foreskin to clean it thoroughly, your healthcare provider may recommend circumcision as well.
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What Complications Can Occur From Male Yeast Infections
You may be embarrassed, but its important to have your yeast infection checked out by your healthcare provider. An untreated yeast infection can cause many complications which may include:
- Increased risk of penile cancer.
A note from Cleveland Clinic
A yeast infection may be the last thing you want to talk to your healthcare provider about, but its important that you do. There are treatments available to help relieve the pain and itchiness that come with a male yeast infection. With the help of an antifungal medication such as a cream or an ointment, you should be good to go. But if not, your healthcare provider is there to help you. Reach out to your healthcare provider today to find the best option for you.
Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 06/06/2022.
References
Male Yeast Infection Treatment And Home Remedies
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 arenât circumcised, your doctor may suggest circumcision, especially if your foreskin is very tight .
You can help clear up your infection by:
- Managing your diabetes if you have it
- Losing weight if you are obese
- Avoiding any soaps or other chemicals that cause irritation
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Thrush Treatment For Men
Thrush in men is usually easily treated with a course of an antifungal cream. These can be bought at a pharmacy or a large supermarket, or prescribed by a doctor. There are several creams available, including:
Note that these creams may affect latex condoms and contraceptive diaphragms/caps, making them less effective.
Another option is an antifungal tablet, such as fluconazole. This is a one-off tablet which is swallowed.
How Do You Treat A Male Yeast Infection
Even untreated, it often goes away by itself, but it can sometimes spread to the scrotum, inner thighs and buttocks. Luckily, treatment is simple: Over-the-counter or prescription antifungal creams used twice a day for between one to three weeks will clear the infection. An oral antifungal drug such as fluconazole is also almost always effective. Although various herbal remedies have been touted for women with yeast infections, theres no data on their efficacy in men, and traditional treatment is so safe and simple that theres no compelling reason to explore these possibilities.
Because the infection is transmitted to men by sexual intercourse, both partners should be treated so you dont keep re-infecting each other. However, if only the woman has evidence of a yeast infection, the risk of transmission is so low that theres no need to treat the male partner. Theres no compelling reason to limit sexual intercourse during treatment, but you should use a condom.
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What Are The Symptoms Of A Male Yeast Infection
Symptoms of a male yeast infection include pain, swelling and redness in your groin area. The redness is usually in patches. Other symptoms may include:
- Thick, white discharge that resembles cottage cheese.
- Foul-smelling discharge.
- Difficulty pulling back your foreskin.
After having a yeast infection, you may notice your skin peeling. The infection makes your skin more vulnerable. This can make it flaky or crusty and eventually it may start peeling.
Start The Candida Cleanse Together
If you have multiple symptoms of candida and yeast infections, you may benefit from doing a natural candida cleanse. Even better: do the cleanse together with your partner.
Doing the cleanse together has helped many couples to get closer. Taking this journey towards a better health together, experience the challenges, shop together for healthy foods, support each other, all these can make the cleanse an experience you both share. Together.
To see the complete list of yeast infection symptoms: yeast infection symptoms.
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Are Women Or Men More Prone To Yeast Infections
Its important to note that yeast likes warm, dark, damp areas, so sweating doesnt help. Additionally, it is not uncommon to get a yeast infection of the skin in an area of redundant skin.
If a man has unprotected vaginal intercourse with a woman who has a yeast infection, that can also increase his risk of an infection. There is some evidence that oral sex can increase risk of infections in both men and women. Otherwise, men and women are at equal risk for developing yeast infections in the mouth, blood, urinary tract, and genital areas.
Men Get Yeast Infections Too
Yeast infections arent fun, and they can happen to anyone. A urologist explains how.
5 min read
Over the course of millennia there has been one thing making breads rise, and fermented drinks extra tasty: yeast. But while these may be some of the more delectable examples of its handiwork, not all yeast is created equal. Instead, while extra yeast may seem like a great thing when baking bread, too much of it in your body is not.
A simple Google search for yeast infection immediately yields results almost exclusively about vaginal yeast infections. That shouldnt be the case, though, says Courtney K. Phillips, MD, a urologist at Northwell Healths Lenox Hill Hospital, since yeast infections know no gender. They can grow in and on the body when conditions become imbalanced. Many factors can contribute to them including diabetes and taking antibiotics, to name only two.
To help give a clearer understanding of what yeast isincluding how it causes those pesky infections and what women and men need to knowwe turned to Phillips for answers.
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