While yeast infections are commonly associated with women, men can also be susceptible. The term “yeast infection” typically relates to vaginal infections caused by the yeast Candida albicans, and sometimes other Candida species like C. glabrata, C. parapsilosis, C. tropicalis, and C. krusei. However, yeast infections, known as candidiasis, can also impact other parts of the body.
For example, a yeast infection in the mouth is called thrush or oral candidiasis, and a condition on the skin (such as in the armpits and groin) is termed cutaneous candidiasis. Similarly, a yeast infection on the penis is called candidal balanitis or balanitis thrush.
“Balanitis” signifies an infection on the glans penis, which is the head of the penis. Candida is the most frequent cause of glans penis infections.
When the yeast infection involves the foreskin, it is also labeled as candidal balanoposthitis.
Prevalence of Candidal Balanitis: Understanding Penile Yeast Infections
Candida yeasts are responsible for approximately 30 to 35 percent of all cases of balanitis, an inflammation of the glans penis. Other sources of balanitis include bacteria like streptococci and staphylococci, the Herpes simplex virus, human papillomavirus (HPV), and a sexually transmitted bacterium named Mycoplasma genitalium.
Candida balanitis is not extensively studied, making it unclear how many men are affected yearly. However, it is considered relatively rare. Various Candida species, especially C. albicans, naturally reside in the gastrointestinal tract and warm body areas without causing harm. Issues arise when these Candida yeasts multiply excessively.
Remarkably, around 20 percent of women have Candida in their vagina without experiencing any yeast infection symptoms.
Causes and Risk Factors of Penile Yeast Infections
Unlike vaginal yeast infections, penile yeast infections are often acquired through sexual contact with a partner who has a yeast infection. However, candidal balanitis isn’t classified as a sexually transmitted disease (STD) because it can occur without sexual activity.
Several risk factors elevate the likelihood of a man developing a penile yeast infection, including:
- Antibiotics can disrupt the balance of “good” bacteria that keep Candida in check.
- Immune-suppressing conditions, particularly HIV.
- Diabetes mellitus (diabetes).
- Use of corticosteroids
Prevalence of Candidal Balanitis: Understanding Penile Yeast Infections
Candida yeasts are responsible for approximately 30 to 35 percent of all cases of balanitis, an inflammation of the glans penis. Other sources of balanitis include bacteria like streptococci and staphylococci, the Herpes simplex virus, human papillomavirus (HPV), and a sexually transmitted bacterium named Mycoplasma genitalium.
Candida balanitis is not extensively studied, making it unclear how many men are affected yearly. However, it is considered relatively rare. Various Candida species, especially C. albicans, naturally reside in the gastrointestinal tract and warm body areas without causing harm. Issues arise when these Candida yeasts multiply excessively.
Remarkably, around 20 percent of women have Candida in their vagina without experiencing any yeast infection symptoms.
Causes and Risk Factors of Penile Yeast Infections
Unlike vaginal yeast infections, penile yeast infections are often acquired through sexual contact with a partner who has a yeast infection. However, candidal balanitis isn’t classified as a sexually transmitted disease (STD) because it can occur without sexual activity.
Several risk factors elevate the likelihood of a man developing a penile yeast infection, including:
- Antibiotics can disrupt the balance of “good” bacteria that keep Candida in check.
- Immune-suppressing conditions, particularly HIV.
- Diabetes mellitus (diabetes).
- Use of corticosteroids.
Recognizing Symptoms of Male Yeast Infections (Candidal Balanitis)
Candidal balanitis often presents with the following common symptoms:
- Burning and Itching: Sensations of burning and itching around the head of the penis, which can intensify after sexual activity.
- Redness and Swelling: Inflammation accompanied by redness and swelling.
- Papules: Small, rash-like bumps known as papules, possibly containing pus.
- Discomfort During Urination or Sex: Pain during urination or sexual intercourse.
If you have candidal balanoposthitis, additional symptoms may include:
- Thick, Lumpy Discharge: A dense, lumpy discharge beneath the foreskin.
- Unpleasant Odor: Foreskin emits an unpleasant odor.
- Difficulty Retracting Foreskin: Challenges in pulling back the foreskin.
- Men with diabetes might experience more severe symptoms, such as fluid accumulation and ulceration of the penis, as well as fissures in the foreskin.
While complications from balanitis are infrequent, they might involve an inability to retract the foreskin, cellulitis (inflammation of underlying skin tissue), and urethral narrowing that impairs urination.
Treating Male Yeast Infections on the Penis
Similar to treating vaginal yeast infections, penile yeast infections respond well to antifungal medications known as azoles.
Both over-the-counter and prescription-based topical medications are available, including:
- Clotrimazole (Lotrimin)
- Miconazole (Monistat)
- Econazole (Spectazole)
In certain situations, these medications may be combined with hydrocortisone (Solu-CORTEF) to alleviate significant inflammation.
It’s important to note that topical oil-based treatments should not be used with latex condoms.
Alternatively, for more severe cases, an oral azole medication named fluconazole (Diflucan) effectively treats penile yeast infections.