[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2022\/01\/yeast-infections-in-men\/#Article","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2022\/01\/yeast-infections-in-men\/","headline":"Yeast Infections in Men","name":"Yeast Infections in Men","description":"Yeast infections aren't just a women's health problem. Find out how men can get yeast infections \u2014 and what to do about them.","datePublished":"2022-01-06","dateModified":"2023-06-14","author":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/urology-regions","name":"Urology","url":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/urology-regions","sameAs":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/urology\/","parentOrganization":"UPMC"},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"UPMC HealthBeat","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","width":600,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/yeast-infections-in-men.jpg","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/yeast-infections-in-men.jpg","height":866,"width":2000},"url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2022\/01\/yeast-infections-in-men\/","about":["Health Topics A-Z","Men's Health","Urology"],"wordCount":754,"keywords":["UPMC Men's Health Center"],"articleBody":"We typically think of yeast infections as a woman\u2019s health problem. But yeast infections aren\u2019t limited to one sex.\u00a0What Is a Yeast Infection?\u00a0A yeast infection is the general term for any infection caused by a fungus known as candida. Yeast infections can occur in many parts of the body, including the mouth, genitals, and between folds of skin. Yeast infections are sometimes called thrush. Yeast infections can linger if untreated, but should clear up in one to two weeks with proper medication.\u00a0Can Men Get Yeast Infections?\u00a0Although vaginal yeast infections are more common, yeast infections in men are not uncommon, as the fungus that causes the infection is present in skin \u2014 particularly moist skin. These infections are usually caused by a fungus called candida albicans.\u00a0Candida yeast infections in men often develop on the penis. This can cause painful swelling on the head of the penis.\u00a0How Do Men Develop Yeast Infections?\u00a0Candida is always present on the skin and in body cavities like the mouth and vagina. It exists in balance with certain bacteria.\u00a0A yeast infection can develop when something throws that balance off \u2014 such as taking antibiotics for a bacterial infection. Yeast infections are most likely to happen in warm, moist places in the body \u2014 including the mouth and genital area.\u00a0Yeast infections are sometimes transmitted during unprotected vaginal intercourse.\u00a0Men who are obese, have diabetes, or have compromised immune systems are more prone to getting yeast infections.\u00a0Risk Factors for Yeast Infections in Men\u00a0Some men are more likely to develop yeast infections than others. Risk factors include:\u00a0Having a partner with a yeast infection.\u00a0Having an uncircumcised penis.\u00a0Being obese.\u00a0Using antibiotics.\u00a0Using steroids.\u00a0Having a compromised immune system because of cancer treatment or\u00a0HIV.\u00a0Having\u00a0diabetes.\u00a0Practicing poor hygiene.What Are Symptoms of Yeast Infections in Men?\u00a0Penile yeast infection symptoms include:\u00a0Blotchy rash with white patches on the penis.\u00a0Soreness and itchiness.\u00a0Dull red skin.\u00a0Swelling and irritation.\u00a0A lumpy, bad-smelling discharge under the foreskin.\u00a0A tight foreskin that\u2019s difficult to pull back.\u00a0Pain during sex.\u00a0Pain when urinating.\u00a0How Can Men Prevent Yeast Infections?\u00a0Most yeast infections are minor and clear up quickly with proper treatment. Here\u2019s how to avoid getting a yeast infection:\u00a0Practice good hygiene, especially if you\u2019re not circumcised.\u00a0Wear a condom when having sex.\u00a0Don\u2019t have sex with a partner who has an active yeast infection.\u00a0Keep diabetes under control.\u00a0Lose weight if you need to.\u00a0Avoid tight clothing and underwear.\u00a0Change out of wet clothing (including sweaty workout gear) as soon as possible.\u00a0Dry your penis well after showering or bathing.\u00a0How Are Yeast Infections Diagnosed?\u00a0A yeast infection should be diagnosed by a health care provider. Schedule an appointment with your doctor if you think you have a yeast infection. Your doctor will discuss your symptoms as well as take a sample of any discharge or infected skin to confirm the diagnosis.\u00a0How Are Yeast Infections in Men Treated?\u00a0A 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.\u00a0You should avoid having sex until the infection has cleared up so you don\u2019t infect your partner. This also will prevent your partner from passing the infection back to you.\u00a0See 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.\u00a0Your doctor will be able to tell the difference.\u00a0In 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.\u00a0In 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.\u00a0Editor's Note: This article was originally published on January 6, 2022, and was last reviewed on June 14, 2023.SourcesNHS, Thrush in Men and Women, LinkHealthgrades, Male Yeast Infections, LinkUrology Care Foundation, What Are Yeast Infections? LinkMedical News Today, How Does Thrush Affect Men? LinkNational Organization for Rare Disorders, Candidiasis, LinkNHS Scotland, Thrush in Men, LinkCDC, Invasive Candidiasis, Link"},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"2022","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2022\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"01","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2022\/\/01\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Yeast Infections in Men","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2022\/01\/yeast-infections-in-men\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]