Yeast Infections in Men: What to Know

Yeast infections are usually associated with women, but men aren't safe from these infections, either.

The term "yeast infection" generally refers to avaginal infectioncaused by the yeastCandida albicans, and less commonly otherCandidaspecies, includingC. glabrata,C. parapsilosis,C. tropicalis, andC. krusei. (1)

But yeast infections, or candidiasis, can affect other areas of the body.

For instance, a yeast infection of the mouth is calledthrush, or oral candidiasis, and ayeast infection of the skin(如rmpits and groin) is called cutaneous candidiasis. (2,3)

A yeast infection of the penis is called candidal (or candida) balanitis, or balanitis thrush.

The term "balanitis" refers to an infection of the glans penis, which is the head of the penis. Candida infects the glans penis more often than any other infectious agent.

If the yeast infection also affects the foreskin, it is known as candidal balanoposthitis. (4)

Prevalence of Candidal Balanitis, a Yeast Infection of the Penis

Candidayeasts are responsible for 30 to 35 percent of all cases of balanitis, according to a report published in the journalClinical Microbiology Reviews. (4)

Other infectious sources of balanitis include streptococci andstaphylococci bacteria,Herpessimplex virus andhuman papillomavirus, and a sexually transmitted bacterium calledMycoplasma genitalium.(5)

But candida balanitis is not well studied, so it's unclear how many men the illness affects each year (though it's thought to be a rare condition).

VariousCandidaspecies, most notablyC. albicans, live in thegastrointestinaltract and other warm areas of the body without causing illness (they only cause issues when they're present in large numbers). (4)

事实上,about 20 percent of women haveCandidaliving in theirvaginaand don't experience anyyeast infection symptoms, according to a report published in the journalThe Lancet. (1)

Candidais commonly found on the penis, with studies suggesting that 16 to 26 percent of men carry the yeast. About 37 percent of men withCandidaexperience no symptoms, while 27 percent of them develop balanitis, according to a study of new attendees to a clinic forsexually transmitted diseases. (6)

Causes and Risk Factors of Candidal Balanitis or Penile Yeast Infection

Unlike with vaginal yeast infections, penile yeast infections are usually sexually acquired — when aman has sexwith someone who has a yeast infection.

But candidal balanitis isn't considered asexually transmitted disease (STD)because men can get the infection withouthaving sex.

There are severalrisk factorsthat increase a man's risk of getting a penile yeast infection, including:

• Antibiotics, which kill the "good" bacteria that keepCandida's numbers in check
• Immune-suppressing illnesses, particularlyHIV
• Diabetes mellitus(aka diabetes)
• Corticosteroids

Additionally,Candidayeast colonization and infection are more common among men with uncircumcised penises than men withcircumcised penises(the warm, moist environment underneath the foreskin promotes yeast growth). (6)

A study published in theJournal of European Academy of Dermatology and Venereologyfound that candidal balanitis was strongly associated with age over 40 years and diabetes mellitus. And men older than 60 years were more likely to haveCandidacolonization. (7)

Hygienemay also play a role in candidal balanitis development.

Washing with perfumed shower gels and soaps can irritate the skin, potentially helpingCandidamultiply. (8)

Symptoms of Male Yeast Infections (Candidal Balanitis)

Common symptoms of candidal balanitis include:

• Burning and itching around the head of the penis, which worsens afterhaving sex
• Redness and swelling
• Small, rash-like bumps called papules, which may have pus
• Pain during urination or sex

If you have candidal balanoposthitis, you may also have:

• A thick, lumpy discharge under the foreskin
• An unpleasant odor of the foreskin
• Difficulty pulling back your foreskin

Men with diabetes may experience more severe symptoms, including fluid buildup and ulceration of the penis, as well as fissuring of the foreskin.

Complications with balanitis are rare, but may include an inability to retract the foreskin,cellulitis(inflammation of connective tissue beneath the skin), and a narrowing of the urethra that makes urinating difficult. (6,9)

Treating Penile Yeast Infections (Yeast Infection in Men)

Like vaginal yeast infections, penile yeast infections are easily treated withantifungal drugscalled azoles.

There are a number of over-the-counter and prescription-based topical medicines available, including:

• Lotrimin (clotrimazole)
• Monistat (miconazole)
• Spectazole (econazole)

In some cases, these drugs may be combined withhydrocortisoneto reduce marked inflammation.

Importantly, topical oil-based medication cannot be used with latex condoms.

Alternatively, an oral azole medication calledDiflucan (fluconazole)is effective for yeast infections.

If the topical or oral treatments don't work, make sure to see your doctor, as you may have another kind of balanitis or an infection by aCandidaspecies resistant to azole antifungals. (6,10)