How Is A Yeast Infection Diagnosed
A doctor will start by first taking your medical history and performing a physical exam. If you have oral thrush, for example, your doctor can usually diagnose it by looking inside your mouth, but sometimes a small scraping will be sent to a lab for testing.
Candidiasis in the esophagus can be diagnosed during an endoscopy. This is where your doctor examines your upper digestive tract using a camera, which goes into your mouth and down your throat. You are sedated during this procedure.
To diagnose yeast infections on the skin or nails, your doctor will use a blunt-edged instrument to scrape off a small bit of skin or nail for examination. You may feel some pressure and a little discomfort, but it is not painful.
Once you have a diagnosis, your doctor can treat your yeast infection with medication.
What Causes Male Yeast Infections
Yeast infections are commonly caused by the fungus Candida albicans, which occurs in moist, warm areas.
There are several different causes that can lead to a male yeast infection. Examples include:
- wearing tight-fitting underwear or wet clothing
- using soaps or skin products that cause irritation
- having poor personal hygiene
- using antibiotics for a long time
- having a weakened immune system
- using condoms that contain lubricants
- using spermicides
If you are uncircumcised or have diabetes, you may be at greater risk of experiencing male yeast infections.
Risk Factors Of Penile Yeast Infection
As with any other disease, many factors can increase your likelihood of developing a penile yeast infection These include:
-
Infrequent bathing or poor genital hygiene
-
Not being circumcised
-
Sensitivity to certain chemicals
-
Condom catheters
While some factors, such as the disorders mentioned or the use of certain medications, cannot be avoided, there are some relatively easy steps to avoid the development of a penile yeast infection.
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What Is A Male Yeast Infection
The use of the word male in this article refers to people who are biologically male . We do note that people who have penises can identify as genders other than male.
However, our use of the term ‘male’ in this context exclusively refers to biological males. The word female is also used to refer only to biological females.
Can My Female Partner’s Thrush Affect Me
If you are in pain, get advice on pain relief medicines you can take.
If these treatments dont work or if you often get thrush, see a doctor as you may have other health problems or a drug-resistant type of candida. Your doctor may also test for sexually transmissible infections, which can cause similar symptoms.
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Male Yeast Infection Treatment
The easiest way to avoid or treat yeast infections is by taking preventative measures. But sometimes, even if a man takes every precaution, he might still end up with excess fungus. Luckily, it is treatable. Most cases are mild and will respond to over-the-counter antifungal drugs, but severe cases might require stronger prescription medications.
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, your partner should also be treated for a yeast infection to avoid passing the infection on to them, or back to you.
If you get repeated yeast infections and can rule out causes like hygiene and sexual contact, talk with a doctor about other possible causes. You may have an underlying health condition, such as diabetes.
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What Should You Expect From Penile Yeast Infection Treatment
While the symptoms of a penile yeast infection can be alarming because the area is so sensitive, treatment is surprisingly simple most of the time. Once you have an official diagnosis, you can usually start at your drugstore. Yeast infections are highly treatable, Dr. Malik explains. Usually they respond well to antifungal ointments or creams you can get over the counter, such as Lotrimin.
However, some persistent yeast infections arent easily wiped out by OTC treatments. In this case, a doctor may prescribe oral antifungal medications to help fight the infection. They also could prescribe stronger topical medications or recommend combining antifungal medications with steroidsan effective anti-inflammatory medicationto reduce irritation.2
If that doesnt work, you may need to reassess your options with your doctor or consider getting a second opinion. If youre not responding, its important to see a urologist to rule out other conditions that might look like a yeast infection, Dr. Malik says. This can include issues like sexually transmitted infections , chronic skin conditions like psoriasis, and, rarely, penile cancer. If your symptoms arent resolved with treatment, its best to see a doctor to rule this out.
How Are Yeast Infections In Men Treated
A yeast infection can be worrisome and uncomfortable, but rarely is it a serious condition. Your doctor will recommend medicine that should clear up the infection in 1 to 2 weeks. Over-the-counter antifungal medicines may be all that is required, but a doctor may prescribe miconazole, nystatin, or clotrimazole.
You should avoid having sex until the infection has cleared up so you dont infect your partner. This also will prevent your partner from passing the infection back to you.
See your primary care doctor or a urologist soon after you notice symptoms. Some signs of a penile yeast infection are like those of sexually transmitted diseases, including genital itchiness, soreness, and redness.
Your doctor will be able to tell the difference.
In rare cases, an untreated yeast infection can progress to a worse condition called invasive candidiasis. Invasive candidiasis happens when the infection enters the bloodstream. It is a serious infection that can affect the heart, brain, bones, and other parts of the body.
In most cases, however, a yeast infection is a relatively minor health problem. You can treat most yeast infections with OTC antifungal ointments and creams. Your doctor can recommend the best one for you.
Editor’s Note: This article was originally published on January 6, 2022, and was last reviewed on September 2, 2022
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What Causes Yeast Infections In Men
Although a yeast infection is not considered to be a sexually transmitted infection , it can be triggered by sex and sometimes passed on through sexual activity. Many men will contract a yeast infection from sexual contact with an affected female partner.
Other causes and potential risk factors for yeast infections in men include:
Unlike yeast infections in women, men generally will not experience any symptoms. However, when symptoms do appear, they can cause extreme discomfort and pain. Some common symptoms include:
Yeast infections can affect other areas of the skin, besides the male genitals. In such cases, they can cause red, itchy or painful rashes that give out white or yellow discharge.
How Do You Prevent A Penile Yeast Infection
You can help prevent a penile yeast infection by avoiding sexual contact with a partner who has a yeast infection.
You should also avoid having sex with anyone while you have an active yeast infection, as you could pass the infection back to your partner. This could cause the two of you to pass an infection back and forth.
To lower the risk of getting a yeast infection or passing one along, do the following:
- Wear an external condom each time you have sex to help reduce your chances of developing a yeast infection.
- If you are uncircumcised, clean under the foreskin with soap and water, and return your foreskin to its usual position after you have sexual intercourse.
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Male Yeast Infection Home Remedies
Candida infections will occasionally go away on their own, but ignoring them isnt a good idea. A few yeast infection home remedies can be useful for mild cases. Taking probiotic supplements or eating probiotic-rich foods like natural yogurt can help restore the bodys yeast and bacteria balances. Natural foods and oils with antifungal properties can also act as effective topical treatments, such as:
- Apple cider vinegar
- Hydrogen peroxide
Men who have a yeast infection should also refrain from sex until theyve recovered, as it can further irritate the affected area and potentially throw off their partners candida balance.
Oral thrush may respond to similar home remedies, but mixed with water and used as a mouthwash. Saltwater rinses can also be effective.
Yeast Infections Of The Mouth Skin Nails & Penis: Symptoms Treatment & Diagnosis
Yeast infections are uncomfortable, but not usually serious. This article will describe the symptoms and causes of these very common infections, how to find relief , and when to see a doctor. Please note that this article is about non-vaginal yeast infections. Read our other article if you have questions about vaginal yeast infections.
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I Seem To Get This Problem Frequently What Should I Do
See the doctor there can be many reasons that you are getting these infections, including commonly missed diagnoses like diabetes.
We have picked up many patients with newly-diagnosed diabetes after they presented with recurrent balanitis. It is best to treat these early as chronic balanitis can lead to scarring, adhesions, and possibly phimosis .
If you are getting recurrent urinary tract infections , we would need to evaluate for sexually transmitted infections which are commonly missed on regular urine testing at GPs, and if these tests are clear we would assess for any other underlying problems with the urinary system, such as kidney stones, urinary reflux, and prostate enlargement.
When To Go To The Doctor
Because yeast infections and BV have such similar symptoms, it can be hard to tell which you are experiencing, and self-diagnosing is often inaccurate, Dr. Urrutia says.
Dr. Urrutia recommends watching your symptoms for a few days before taking any action. This ensures that you arent just experiencing a normal part of your menstrual cycle.
If you believe you may have a yeast infection, Dr. Urrutia says its OK to try an over-the-counter antifungal medication before making an appointment with your doctoras long as the medication is longer than a one-day treatment.
Do not use the one-day treatments because they are not as effective as the longer-course treatments, she says. You should at least be using the three-day treatment.
It can take up to a week and a half for yeast infection symptoms to go away, but you should see some improvement within a week, Dr. Urrutia says. If your symptoms dont improve, its time to go to the doctor.
Unlike yeast infections, you cannot take OTC medication for BV. If you think you might be experiencing BV, talk to your doctor, who can prescribe the appropriate medication.
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How Can Men Prevent Yeast Infections
Most yeast infections are minor and clear up quickly with proper treatment. Heres how to avoid getting a yeast infection:
- Practice good hygiene, especially if youre not circumcised.
- Wear a condom when having sex.
- Dont have sex with a partner who has an active yeast infection.
- Keep diabetes under control.
- Lose weight if you need to.
- Avoid tight clothing and underwear.
- Change out of wet clothing as soon as possible.
How Are Vaginal Yeast Infections Treated
If youre using a vaginal treatment and are sexually active, you should not have sex until the infection has been completely treated because these medicines can weaken condoms and diaphragms.
All these types of medicine can clear up your symptoms in a couple of days and cure the infection within a week. Its important to take the medicine for the whole time its prescribed. If you stop taking it too soon, the infection could come back. If youre not feeling better within a few days of finishing treatment, call your doctor.
Some medicines used to treat yeast infections are available without a prescription, but you see a doctor for your diagnosis before buying one. You could have another type of infection that might get worse if not properly treated. Also, over-the-counter medicine should not be used by anyone younger than 12 or girls who might be pregnant without talking to a doctor first.
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Common Symptoms Of Oral Thrush Include:
- Irritation, redness, or pain under dentures
- White and creamy lesions on the tongue, gums, tonsils, or inner cheeks
- Cottony sensation in ones mouth
- Redness and cracking at the corners of the mouth
- Difficulty swallowing is also possible in especially severe cases, and the lesions could spread to the esophagus.
Tips To Reduce Yeast Infections
Women can actually encourage yeast infections by wearing tight pants or jeans. To reduce the incidence, only wear cotton underwear or no underwear even while sleeping, frequently change pads or tampons while menstruating, wear loose clothing, and always remove wet clothing like bathing suits as soon as possible.
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Treatments For Balanitis Posthitis And Balanoposthitis
Treatment for balanitis depends on the underlying cause.
A doctor will treat a penile yeast infection with a topical antifungal, such as miconazole, imidazole, and clotrimazole. They may prescribe an oral antifungal, called fluconazole, if there are severe yeast infections throughout the body.
Oral antibiotics, such as erythromycin, penicillin, and ampicillin, are effective for treating Staphylococcus infections. A doctor may combine oral and topical antibiotics, such as mupirocin.
- spots of dried blood on the skin on or near the groin
Connect With Qualified Healthcare Providers Online
Yeast infections already bring a lot of pain and discomfort, so any patient would want to skip the long queue and connect with a healthcare provider immediately and conveniently. Fortunately, its easy to contact these providers online and experience same-day treatment.
Board-certified doctors will diagnose and treat the yeast infection by prescribing the necessary medication and designing other treatment plans. If symptoms are not relieved, several doctors are just a text or call away.
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Yeast Infection Treatment For Men
Yeast infections in men should be treated similarly to those in women, says Aragona.
Oral antifungal medications like fluconazole are the best treatment for most penile yeast infections, says Mordkin. However, he cautions that more severe cases may necessitate the use of intravenous medications.
If you are exhibiting signs of a yeast infection, it is recommended that you visit a doctor immediately. “Particularly in a man with diabetes, medical evaluation and possible treatment should be pursued so that the infection can be brought under control rather than advancing into a more serious situation,” says Mordkin.
If left untreated, penile yeast infections can lead to numerous adverse health effects including:
- The skin turns hard and white, making it difficult to urinate.
- A greater risk of developing balanoposthitis, a condition in which the foreskin and glands become inflamed.
In rare cases, a severe course of action involving surgical circumcision may also occur, Mordkin explains. The latter is recommended when a person has recurring yeast infections, usually the result of incredibly tight foreskin.
Important: Anyone who believes that they have a yeast infection can also visit a sexual health clinic to obtain a prescription for antifungal medicine. Once treatment begins, Aragona says the yeast infection should resolve itself within a week.
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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How Long Can A Yeast Infection Last In Men
If male yeast infections are promptly treated, symptoms should subside within 7-14 days. If the infections keep recurring, the treatment period may be up to six months. Recurring yeast infections arent likely to be caused by sex, or lack of hygiene, but rather by other underlying disorders.
This could include immune deficiencies or diabetes, so it is best to consult with a healthcare professional.
Invasive candidiasis can last longer, with some extremely severe cases requiring prolonged treatment in the hospital.
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.
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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.
Fast Facts On Thrush In Men
- Candida normally lives on the skin and mucous membranes, but if too much grows, it can cause symptoms.
- Risk factors include the use of antibiotics or corticosteroids, immunosuppression, diabetes, poor hygiene, and using too many cleansing products.
- Genital candidiasis is not considered a sexually transmitted infection , but transmission can occur during vaginal intercourse.
- Oral or local antifungal treatments can be used to treat candidiasis.
- Good hygiene practices can help prevent it.
It can also occur on other areas of skin or mucous membrane, for example, in the mouth. This is known as oral thrush.
There are often no symptoms, but if inflammation occurs, the may appear around the head of the penis:
- itching and soreness
- a blotchy rash with small papules or white patches
- dull red skin with a glazed appearance
- swelling and irritation
There may also be:
- a thick, white, lumpy discharge under the foreskin or in the skin folds, possibly with an unpleasant odor
- difficulty pulling back the foreskin
Pain may be present during sex or when passing urine.
Antifungal topical creams or oral medication may help to relieve symptoms. They are equally effective. Both topicaland oral forms are available from a doctor, over-the-counter at a pharmacy, or online.
According to the , a doctor may prescribe the following drugs:
- Econazole nitrate
- Miconazole nitrate
People apply creams topically, directly onto the affected area, usually once a day for 7 to 21 days.
Tips for good hygiene include:
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