Key takeaways:
Both men and women can get yeast infections, and they’re quite common.
Symptoms in men include redness, itchiness, and cottage-cheese-like discharge on the head of the penis and underneath the foreskin (if uncircumcised).
Treatment involves antifungal medications to kill the yeast along with a focus on personal hygiene.
When you hear “yeast infection,” you might think of a common women’s health issue. But men can get yeast infections too. They can cause uncomfortable symptoms like itching, redness, and irritation, particularly around the penis. The good news is that treatment is usually straightforward. Here’s how to recognize the signs and find relief.
What is a male yeast infection?
A male yeast infection is a fungal infection of the penis. When the head of the penis gets inflamed, the condition is called balanitis. Balanitis can have several causes, including infections from different germs, but yeast is the most common cause.
About 1 in 25 boys and 1 in 30 men will get balanitis over the course of a lifetime. And it can occur at any age.
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What causes male yeast infections?
Male yeast infections are usually caused by a fungus called Candida albicans. This yeast can live on the skin without causing problems. But under certain conditions, it can overgrow and cause inflammation and irritation.
What are risk factors for male yeast infections?
Any man can develop a yeast infection, but certain things increase the risk:
Being uncircumcised: Yeast can thrive in the warm, moist environment beneath the foreskin, especially if the area isn’t cleaned regularly.
Tight foreskin that doesn’t easily pull back (phimosis): When the foreskin is difficult to pull back, it can be harder to clean underneath it. Phimosis is normal in many young children and typically resolves on its own as they grow.
Sex with a partner who gets frequent yeast infections: Yeast can sometimes pass between sexual partners, although yeast infections aren’t generally considered sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Obesity or swelling of the genitals: Extra skin folds or swelling can trap moisture and make the area harder to keep clean.
Long-term antibiotic use: Antibiotics kill bacteria and upset the balance of flora, allowing yeast to overgrow.
Diabetes: High blood sugar can make yeast infections more likely. Men who have recurrent yeast infections should be tested for diabetes.
Weakened immune system: Conditions such as HIV can weaken the immune system, making it harder for the body to control yeast growth.
What are the symptoms of a male yeast infection?
Symptoms of a male yeast infection may include:
Itchiness
Redness or irritation
Pain or tenderness
Whitish discharge beneath the foreskin
Symptoms often affect the head of the penis and may also involve the foreskin.
What symptoms suggest something other than a male yeast infection?
Some symptoms are less typical of a yeast infection and may point to another condition, including an STI. Here are some examples:
Sores or ulcers on the penis
Discharge from the tip of the penis
Pain with urinating
Fever
If you have these symptoms, contact a healthcare professional for evaluation. An urgent care center or sexual health clinic can also provide STI testing.
How do you diagnose yeast infections?
Healthcare professionals can usually diagnose a yeast infection based on symptoms and examination of the penis. If the diagnosis isn’t clear, a healthcare professional might swab the affected area to look for yeast under the microscope. Some STIs can cause similar symptoms, and so STI testing may also be recommended.
How do you treat a male yeast infection?
Male yeast infections are usually treatable with antifungal medication. The best treatment depends on the severity of the infection and your symptoms.
Treatment options include:
Antifungal creams: Clotrimazole and miconazole are available over the counter (OTC) and are commonly used to treat penile yeast infections.
Antifungal pills: Oral fluconazole may be prescribed for more severe infections or when a healthcare professional determines that oral treatment is appropriate.
If your symptoms don't improve with treatment or keep coming back, check with a healthcare professional. You may need a different treatment or testing to rule out other causes.
How to prevent a male yeast infection
You may not be able to prevent every yeast infection, but a few steps can help reduce your risk:
Gently wash and dry your penis daily, including beneath the foreskin if it retracts comfortably.
Avoid fragranced soaps and other products that can irritate genital skin.
If you have diabetes, work with your healthcare team to manage your blood sugar.
If infections keep coming back, seek medical advice to check for underlying conditions or other causes.
Frequently asked questions
Mild male yeast infections can sometimes go away on their own, but treatment is usually recommended. Treating the yeast infection can help relieve symptoms and prevent the infection from getting worse.
The best creams for a male yeast infection are clotrimazole and miconazole. These creams are available over the counter (OTC), so they’re easy to get. They work well to treat the symptoms of a yeast infection.
A male yeast infection usually starts to improve within a few days of treatment and clears up within 1 to 2 weeks. The exact timeline depends on how severe the infection is and which treatment you use. Without treatment, it’s unpredictable. There isn’t good evidence about exactly how long an untreated infection lasts, and symptoms often linger or relapse until treated.
Mild male yeast infections can sometimes go away on their own, but treatment is usually recommended. Treating the yeast infection can help relieve symptoms and prevent the infection from getting worse.
The best creams for a male yeast infection are clotrimazole and miconazole. These creams are available over the counter (OTC), so they’re easy to get. They work well to treat the symptoms of a yeast infection.
A male yeast infection usually starts to improve within a few days of treatment and clears up within 1 to 2 weeks. The exact timeline depends on how severe the infection is and which treatment you use. Without treatment, it’s unpredictable. There isn’t good evidence about exactly how long an untreated infection lasts, and symptoms often linger or relapse until treated.
The bottom line
Yeast infections are no fun. But they’re common in both men and women, and they’re usually easy to treat. Gentle genital hygiene can help reduce irritation, and addressing underlying risk factors may help prevent future infections. If symptoms persist or keep coming back, a healthcare professional can help identify the cause and recommend the right treatment.
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References
Edwards, S. K., et al. (2026). BASHH national guideline on the management of balanoposthitis (and related penile skin conditions) 2026. International Journal of STD & AIDS.
Healthdirect Australia. (2025). Penis care.
Lisboa, C., et al. (2009). Infectious balanoposthitis: Management, clinical and laboratory features. International Journal of Dermatology.
University of California, San Francisco, Department of Urology. (n.d.). Phimosis.
Wray, A. A., et al. (2024). Balanitis. StatPearls.
