Candidanormally resides on the skin and is usually well controlled by theimmune system.

Treatment typically involved topicalantifungals.

This article describes the symptoms, causes, and complications of a male yeast infection.

male yeast infection

Verywell / Gary Ferster

It also explains how penile candidiasis is treated and what you’re able to do to prevent recurrence.

It is important, therefore, to see a healthcare provider to diagnose the cause of your symptoms.

If it is an STI, treatment can prevent the spread of infection to others.

Is a Male Yeast Infection the Same as Jock Itch?

How Do Men Get Yeast Infections?

Candida albicansis a fungus found normally on the skin and in the digestive tract.

When the immune system is functioning normally, it keeps the fungus under control.

Competition from other naturally occurring microorganisms, such as bacteria, also keeps the fungal population in check.

Some of the main risk factors of a male yeast infection include:

Is Candida an STI?

Candidais not a sexually transmitted infection because you’re free to get it without having sex.

With that said, males often acquireCandidaby having sexual intercourse with someone with a yeast infection.

Condoms can reduce the risk of candidal transmission.

Some are available over the counter (OTC) while others require a prescription from your healthcare provider.

Most infections resolve within this timeframe.

If topical antifungals fail to flush the infection, oral antifungals likeDiflucan (fluconazole)may be needed.

Does My Partner Need Treatment?

Sex should be avoided until you have completed treatment.

These arenotapplied to the skin but are instead taken by mouth.

In theory, these may correct imbalances of thenatural floraof the skin as well as the gut.

Some studies report that no less than 48% of people with candidal balanoposthitis will experience recurrence.

Aggressive treatment in a hospital with intravenous antifungals is needed to treat this potentially life-threatening complication.

Summary

Male yeast infections are sparked by a fungus calledCandida albicans.

The infection can cause redness, pain, swelling, itching, sores, and a foul-smelling discharge.

A male yeast infection will often clear up on its own.

If not, an OTC or prescription antifungal can usually sort out the infection.

BC Center for Disease Control.Candidal balantis.

UK National Health Service.Thrush in men and women.

Morris BJ, Krieger JN.Penile inflammatory skin disorders and the preventive role of circumcision.Int J Prev Med.

2014;4(9):a019778.

2014 Jul-Dec;35(2):155-7.

Johns Hopkins Medicine.Yeast infection.

2016 Feb 15;62(4):e1-50.