Male Yeast Infection: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

What Is a Male Yeast Infection?

Male yeast infection, medically called Candida balanitis, occurs due to the overgrowth of the Candida fungus, primarily affecting the head of the penis. It commonly grows on the warm and moist surface under the foreskin. The infection can also affect surrounding areas, including the scrotum and nearby skin.

Candida infections affect about 3–11% of men in their lifetime, with uncircumcised men at a higher risk. If left untreated, the infection can worsen, leading to severe irritation and increasing the risk of secondary infections. Effective antifungal treatment is essential for managing male yeast infection symptoms and preventing complications.

How Do You Identify Male Yeast Infection Symptoms at an Early Stage?

At the early stage, the male yeast infection symptoms are easily noticeable, which include:

• Redness and irritation around the head of the penis
• Itching or burning sensation
• Thick, white discharge (cottage cheese)
• Foul odour
• Difficulty retracting the foreskin
• Pain during urination or sex
• Blisters or small pimple-like bumps
• Shiny sores or patches on the penis head.

Also, some of the symptoms are common for STIs (sexually transmitted infections). Hence, it is better to proceed with diagnostic testing to rule out the disease.

How Can a Yeast Infection in Males be Diagnosed?

If you observe any male yeast infection symptoms, visit a healthcare professional immediately. Here is a general overview of the diagnostic procedure:

Review the History

Initially, healthcare providers take time to carefully review the patient's past medical records to check for any health problems. They focus on chronic diseases like diabetes, obesity and cancer, since these conditions can easily increase the infection.

A blood test is conducted to diagnose diabetes or other complications. Along with this, the healthcare provider also reviews the high blood pressure and any history of fertility issues, as these factors play an essential role in reproductive health.

Long-term antibiotic use is another important consideration, as it can weaken immunity and promote fungal overgrowth.

Physical Examination

The healthcare provider conducts a physical examination of the genital area of the penis and observes any redness, soreness, swelling, blister and inflammation. This careful evaluation helps the provider confirm what's going on and decide on the best course of treatment.

Culture Test

Generally, the swab test is conducted to confirm the presence of a Candida infection or other bacterial, viral or STI infections. The pathologist will examine the specimen under the microscope for fungal growth.

How To Treat A Yeast Infection In Males?

Generally, yeast infections can be managed with good hygiene and proper cleaning of the genital areas. If it doesn't work, healthcare providers recommend antifungal treatments, either topically or orally. In rare cases, they suggest surgical intervention for incurable patients.

The common topical and oral medications include:

• Topical medications
• Lotrimin (clotrimazole) cream
• Miconazole (miconazole) cream
• Nystatin 100,000 USP cream

These medications can be applied directly to the affected area of the skin twice a day for up to 14 days. Most infections are resolved within this timeframe.

In cases of significant inflammation, a low-potency steroid cream, such as hydrocortisone 1%, may be used alongside antifungal treatment to reduce swelling and irritation. If topical therapy is ineffective, a healthcare provider may recommend a single oral dose of fluconazole 150 mg.

For recurrent or persistent infections, your doctor may discuss circumcision as a long-term solution to help prevent future episodes.

How To Prevent Yeast Infections?

A yeast infection can be prevented by practising good hygiene. Some of the necessary habits include:

• Maintain good hygienic genital habits by keeping the groin area dry and clean
• Avoid using strong soaps that can irritate the skin.
• Always wash the foreskin while bathing and dry the area thoroughly
• If you have diabetes, maintain healthy blood sugar levels to reduce the risk of fungal overgrowth.
• Practise safe sexual activity and use condoms to minimise the risk of transmission from a partner.
• Avoid applying baby powder or other body powders to the genital area, as they can trap moisture.
• Wearing boxer shorts or breathable cotton underwear can help reduce moisture buildup in the groin.
• Change sweaty clothes immediately after exercise or work.
• Stay hydrated to help maintain a healthy skin pH balance.

If you fail to prevent a yeast infection, it may lead to other possible complications, including:

• Prostatitis
• Skin lesions like leukoplakia and lichen planus
• Phimosis
• Urethral stricture

Effect of Yeast Infection on IVF and Fertility

Yeast infections in males can cause discomfort and irritation during intercourse, which may delay fertility procedures such as IVF. If left untreated, these infections can impair sperm quality by causing inflammation in the male reproductive tract, which negatively affects spermatogenesis (sperm production) and sperm function. Moreover, an infected male can transmit the yeast to his partner, potentially compromising her reproductive health and increasing the risk of complications.

Conclusion

A male yeast infection, also known as Candida balanitis, can cause redness, irritation and swelling. While these infections can be effectively treated with topical or oral medication, untreated cases may lead to recurrent infections, spread to nearby organs and potential reproductive health issues. Maintaining good hygiene and practising safe sex are essential steps to prevent male yeast infection symptoms and protect overall reproductive health.