Yeast infection in men leads to inflammation of the head of the penis. Moist skin is among the causes of yeast infection. Study treatment of infection at Meri Sehat.

Can Men Get Yeast Infections?

Introduction

We all have heard of women getting yeast infection, but rarely do we hear anything about men getting yeast infection. Quite unfair, don&rsquo;t you think? Since this makes room for the misconception that men are immune to it. And that&rsquo;s not what you&rsquo;d want to believe. It&rsquo;s baseless and untrue; men are also susceptible to yeast infection.

&nbsp;

1 in every 25 men catch the infection at least once in their lives, with 1 in every 30 uncircumcised males and uncircumcised boys under 4 being more at risk of developing the condition<a href="#accordion">[4]</a>.&nbsp; 
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Understanding Yeast Infection in Men

A yeast infection is caused by a fungus called candida,&nbsp;also known as candida balanitis<a href="#accordion">[3][4]</a>. Balanitis is the inflammation in the head of the penis.&nbsp;

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According to research, almost 20% of women have candida in their vagina, but do not experience infections<a href="#accordion">[1]</a>. In contrast, 16-26% of men have yeast on the head of the penis out of which 37% don&rsquo;t experience any symptoms while 27% of men develop infection<a href="#accordion">[6]</a>. According to a report, men over 40 and <a href="https://merisehat.pk/disease/diabetes-type-1-and-2">diabetic </a>are especially prone to candida balanitis<a href="#accordion">[6]</a>.

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Typically, candida thrives in moist environments. It makes you restless. Often, the condition can be easily treated with common over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, given that it is attended to on time. If you maintain proper hygiene, keep the area dry, and practice safe intercourse, you can actually prevent it.&nbsp;

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Most people hesitate discussing this topic with their doctor because of the taboo associated with it. Especially since it questions your personal hygiene routine. Don&rsquo;t be that person; you need to seek medical help as soon as possible for a better shot at recovery. 
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While the main cause of yeast infection is candida, there are other conducive situations that allow it to manifest:

<ul>
	<li><a href="https://merisehat.pk/disease/obesity">Obesity</a></li>
	<li>Long term use of antibiotics or steroids&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Diabetes</li>
	<li>Weak immune system</li>
	<li>Unhygienic conditions</li>
	<li>Sex (if the partner is infected)&nbsp; 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

Common symptoms of inflammation are:

<ul>
	<li>Redness</li>
	<li>Swelling of foreskin</li>
	<li>Pain or itchiness on the foreskin or tip of penis 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

Other symptoms include:

<ul>
	<li>Moist feeling on the tip of penis</li>
	<li>Thick, white discharge that may have unpleasant smell</li>
	<li>Burning sensation while peeing&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Sores or white patches of skin</li>
	<li>Difficulty in having or holding erection 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

When the yeast infection is left untreated for a long time, systemic symptoms appear, like<a href="#accordion">[4]</a>:

<ul>
	<li>High-grade fever</li>
	<li>Chills</li>
	<li>Headache</li>
	<li>Stomach upset</li>
	<li>Narrowing or scarring of penis&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Increased risk of penile cancer&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Difficulty while pulling back the foreskin of penis 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

This can lead to complications, such as:

<ul>
	<li>Balanitis, which can cause fatigue and weakness and lead to swollen, painful glands</li>
	<li>Candidemia or invasion of candida in bloodstream, which further affects other parts of the body including heart, bones, and brain 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

Those who have a weak immune system are susceptible to candidemia. According to the CDC, candidemia is one of the most common blood infections in the US<a href="#accordion">[2]</a>. 
&nbsp;

Your health practitioner will perform a physical exam. They may check the foreskin of your penis or they may take a swab sample to identify the pathological condition under microscope<a href="#accordion">[4]</a>.

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Additionally, they may order a few laboratory tests<a href="#accordion">[5]</a>:

<ul>
	<li>Serum glucose test (diabetes)</li>
	<li>STD testing (<a href="https://merisehat.pk/disease/hiv-61">HIV </a>and HPV)</li>
	<li>Bladder scan and ultrasonography (urinary obstruction in severe balanitis) 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

Fungal and yeast infections are quite stubborn to get rid of. They may go away on their own or they may require treatment; it&rsquo;s different for every individual. If the infection is treated on time, it can last for a week. If it&rsquo;s moderate to severe, it takes almost 2-3 weeks to clear up<a href="#accordion">[2]</a>. However, in case of uncircumcised individuals, a frequent relapse of yeast infections is possible.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The first thing you should do is avoid having intercourse with your partner if they have a yeast infection. Secondly, you should also keep away from any sexual activity if you yourself are suffering from yeast infection.

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The follow steps are also recommended to reduce your chances of contracting yeast infections:

<ul>
	<li>Use condoms&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Adopt and Maintain good hygiene to ensure clean and dry genitalia</li>
	<li>Opt for unscented soaps</li>
	<li>Wear breathable underwear to prevent moisture 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

<ul>
	<li>Any sexual contact with a person who has yeast infection.</li>
	<li>Not being circumcised&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Lack of hygiene and improper cleaning of genital</li>
	<li>Using antibiotics for long durations&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Extremely low immunity 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

The earlier you begin your treatment, the more likely you are to avoid complications. Do NOT self-diagnose and begin treatment on your own; always consult a doctor!&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Mostly, topical preparation, including the following, will effectively treat an infection<a href="#accordion">[2][4]</a>:

<ul>
	<li>Corticosteroid cream containing betamethasone can be used to treat certain yeast infections in combination with clotrimazole</li>
	<li>Anti-fungals (e.g., miconazole, imidazole, clotrimazole)&nbsp; 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

Oral fluconazole and hydrocortisone cream are prescribed for serious infections leading to complications like balanitis<a href="#accordion">[2]</a>.

&nbsp;

If medications don&rsquo;t help, your doctor may recommend circumcision<a href="#accordion">[4]</a>.

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Note:&nbsp;Betamethasone should NEVER be used as stand-alone treatment for yeast infection because it weakens the immune system and makes the infection worse<a href="#accordion">[7]</a>. 
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Conclusion

As per research, penile yeast infections mostly occur due to poor hygiene and unprotected sex. Redness, swelling, itchiness, and discomfort are common signs. If you have any of the aforementioned symptoms, it should not be neglected and treated as prescribed by your physician. Corticosteroids and anti-fungal topical preparations can be used according to the degree of infection. A decent hygiene and avoiding scented products can help protect yourself and others. 
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Key Points

<ul><li>Penile yeast infections are caused by candida. A moist environment promotes growth of candida.</li><li>Common signs and symptoms are redness, swelling, itching. A yeast infection can lead to balanitis, which causes unpleasant smell and thick white discharge.</li><li>Doctors may perform physical and order pathological testing as well to diagnose the infection.&nbsp;</li><li>Treatment includes topical corticosteroids and anti-fungal medication; for serious illness, oral antifungals are helpful. </li></ul>

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