Male Yeast Infection (Candida Balanitis): Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment

Male Yeast Infection – Yeast infection is common in females and it is considered a female health problem. But it can also affect those people who have a penis and we know it as penile yeast infection. According to studies, 16 to 26% of penises contain candida (it is responsible for yeast infection). Approximately 37% of those with penises who have candida show no symptoms, whereas 27% get balanitis (a genital skin infection). In today’s article, we will learn everything about male yeast infection. [1]

What is Male Yeast Infection?

Male yeast infections are fungal infections caused by the yeast Candida. What is Candida? – Candida is yeast, (a eukaryotic, single-celled microorganisms that come under the fungi kingdom). Candida develops in warm, wet conditions like the foreskin of uncircumcised individuals. It lives on the skin and is often effectively regulated by the immune system. However, the fungus may unexpectedly overgrow and cause an infection in some people, especially those with poor immune systems. And if you are suffering from phimosis, you have a higher risk of male yeast infections. The following are the other names of male yeast infections, never confused with other terms.

Penile Yeast Infection
Candida Balanitis
Balanitis Thrush
Candidal Balanoposthitis.
Penile Thrush
Penile Candidiasis

What are the symptoms of a penile yeast infection?

Male yeast infections may not usually produce immediate symptoms. They might begin with extreme itching or discomfort, which worsens as the fungus spreads and affects deeper tissues.[2] The quick expansion of fungus over the penis head (glans) & under the foreskin (prepuce) can cause an inflammatory reaction, resulting in candidal balanitis or candidal balanoposthitis.[3] The following are a few of the most typical signs of a male yeast infection:[4]

Itching
Penile swelling, discomfort, or redness
White, glossy spots on the top of the penis.
Symptoms may include a wet feeling on the penis tip
Little red patches at the apex.
Small pimples as blisters.
Cracked foreskin.
Pain During Sex
Thick white discharge and an unpleasant smell
Difficulties pulling back the foreskin
Difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection
Burning sensations during urination
Pain or discomfort during sex.

It is crucial to remember that some of these symptoms may be indicative of a more serious disease or sexually transmitted infections. Sometimes yeast infections cause no symptoms. If you are having symptoms, consult a healthcare provider for a diagnosis. A urologist or primary care doctor may typically identify the issue in a single visit.

What causes yeast infections in men?

A fungus called Candida albicans is often present in the digestive system and on the skin. The immune system controls the fungus when it works correctly. In addition to providing competition, other naturally occurring microbes like bacteria also help control the fungus population. When the immune system becomes weakened by a disease or other condition, Candida can get out of control very quickly. If the skin is not cleansed regularly, Candida can spread since it prefers warm & humid conditions.[5]

What are the risk factors for a penile yeast infection?

Aside from intercourse with a yeast-infected partner, a number of additional variables can arise. Several risk factors might increase the probability of developing a yeast infection:

Failure to clean your genitals or bathe frequently.
Not washing the penis and under the foreskin on a regular basis.
suffering from a disease or treatment that has weakened their immune system.
Harsh soaps and spermicides upset the equilibrium of microorganisms on the skin.
Sexual partners who have yeast infections in their vagina.
wearing wet or tight-fitting underwear.
Being on immunosuppressive medications such as chemotherapy or corticosteroids.
Having an uncircumcised penis.
Long-term usage of antibiotics can reduce the skin’s “good” bacteria.
Using products or soaps that irritate the skin.
Diabetes affects the pH of the skin, making it more favorable to fungi.
Using lubricated condoms.
Obesity leads to more skin wrinkles that collect moisture.

This covers oral sex with a person who has thrush, anal intercourse with a person who has an anal yeast infection, and vaginal sex with a person who has a vaginal yeast infection. Condoms can help minimize the chance of candidal transmission.[6]

How are male yeast infections diagnosed?

To diagnose male yeast infection, A physical examination will be conducted by your healthcare practitioner. By examining your penis and foreskin, they might be able to determine whether you have a yeast infection or not. If you have some signs and symptoms like a red rash, the doctor can diagnose you with a yeast infection and obtain a sample from the affected area for testing. They will use a scalpel or tongue depressor to carefully scrape part of the diseased skin off. They will analyze the sample by using a microscope to determine the fungus.

Treatment of male yeast infection

A slight yeast infection in males does not require any kind of treatment and may go away on its own with proper body hygiene as well as penis hygiene. The following options are more common for male yeast infection creams which are accessible over the counter (OTC) as well as require a prescription from a medical expert.[7]

Lotrimin (clotrimazole 1%)
Micotin (miconazole 2$)
Mycostatin (nystatin 100,000 USP)

The cream is usually applied twice a day for 07 to 14 days. Most infections are resolved within this duration. Some are treated male yeast infections with a topical steroid called hydrocortisone.[8] If is not work then oral antifungals like Difluan (fluconazole) will work.[9]

Male yeast infection – Complications

Untreated yeast infections can lead to a number of complications, including:

Your penis becomes narrower and scarred.
Pulling back your foreskin or sliding it over the top of your penis causes pain and discomfort.
Problems with blood circulation to the penile tip.
Increased chance of developing penile cancer.

How can I reduce my risk of getting a yeast infection?

The best strategy to prevent a yeast infection from occurring (or recurring) is to practice excellent hygiene, which includes

Every time you take a shower and after having sex, clean and dry your penis.
Practice good hygiene
Selecting unscented skin care products and soaps
using a condom during sexual activity if your spouse is infected with yeast
To avoid moisture accumulation under your foreskin, use loose cotton underwear.

A note from kamarth

Although discussing a yeast infection with your healthcare professional may not be your first choice, it’s crucial that you do. Male yeast infections can cause discomfort and itching, but there are therapies that can assist. You should be okay if you use an antifungal treatment like a cream or ointment. If not, your healthcare practitioner is available to assist you. Speak with your healthcare professional right now to determine which course of action is best for you.

Some Additional Doubts

Question: What are the signs of a man having a yeast infection?
Answer: There are lots of signs and symptoms of male yeast infection such as burning, itching & irritation at the glans, White discharge Foul-smelling, and much more.

Question: How do males get rid of yeast infections?
Answer: In male yeast infection treatment, most doctors prescribe antifungal cream, lotion, or ointment, depending on the severity. In some serious cases, antifungals need to be taken through the mouth to kill the fungus completely.

Question: Can a yeast infection in a man go away on its own?
Answer: Yes, yeast infection in a man, sometimes can go without treatment. However, it can spread to other genital region if untreated on time. The treatment for the same is simple and affordable, start the treatment as soon as possible.

Question: What kills male yeast infection naturally?
Answer: In the case of natural treatment, some studies claim that by applying tea tree oil around the penis or under the foreskin, male yeast infection can be treated as tea tree oil have antibaterial or antifungal properties.

Question: How long does a penile yeast infection last?
Answer: If penile yeast infection is properly treated on time with antifungal medication, it will take up to 7–14 days.

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