Yeast infections are often thought of as a women’s health issue, but men get candida infections too, on the penis, in the mouth, on the skin and in skin folds.
Male genital yeast infection (candida balanitis)
Signs include redness, itching or burning on the head of the penis or under the foreskin, a shiny or blotchy rash, white clumpy material, discomfort when urinating, and sometimes an unpleasant smell. It’s more common in uncircumcised men, men with diabetes, and after antibiotics.
Other candida infections in men
- Jock itch-type rashes in the groin. These may be candida or dermatophyte (tinea) infections, which can look similar.
- Oral thrush, especially with dentures, smoking, inhaled steroids or a weakened immune system. See oral thrush and probiotics.
- Skin and nail-fold infections in people whose hands are often wet.
Common causes and risk factors
- diabetes or high blood sugar. Repeated balanitis can be a sign of undiagnosed diabetes.
- recent antibiotics
- a weakened immune system
- poor drying under the foreskin, or irritation from harsh soaps
- a sexual partner with a yeast infection. Candida isn’t classed as a sexually transmitted infection, but it can pass between partners. See can you get candida from another person?
Treatment
Doctors usually treat candida balanitis with a topical antifungal cream. Sometimes an oral antifungal is used. Gentle washing with water and drying thoroughly helps. Because other conditions, including STIs, bacterial infections and skin disorders, can look similar, get a diagnosis before self-treating, especially the first time. See our guide to antifungals.
When to see a doctor
Book an appointment if symptoms are new, don’t improve within a week of treatment, keep coming back, or come with sores, discharge from the urethra, fever, or trouble pulling back the foreskin. Recurrent infections are worth a blood-sugar check.
This article is general education, not medical advice. Talk to your doctor or another qualified clinician before changing your diet, starting supplements, or if your symptoms are severe, new, or not improving.
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