A yeast infection is often thought of as a female health problem, but it can affect anyone, including people with a penis. A penile yeast infection can lead to a wide range of painful and uncomfortable symptoms if not treated. It can also lead to serious complications if the infection spreads to your bloodstream.
What Is A Penile Yeast Infection?
Over-the-counter (OTC) medications can often clear up a yeast infection, and some basic prevention steps can help you avoid this fairly common condition.
What are the symptoms of a penile yeast infection?
Some of the most common symptoms of a penile yeast infection include:
- Redness, soreness, or swelling of the penis
- White, shiny patches at the top of the penis
- Small red spots at the top of the penis
- Cracked foreskin
- Thick, white discharge under the foreskin or other folds of skin
- Moreover, Difficulty pulling back the foreskin
- Itchiness
- Burning sensation during urination
- Pain or discomfort during sex
- Redness, itchiness, and pain in the penis can be signs of other more serious conditions, like some sexually transmitted infections (STIs), so do not ignore symptoms once they appear.
A urologist or primary care doctor can diagnose the condition, often in a single appointment.
What Causes A Penile Yeast Infection?
A yeast infection is usually caused by a fungus called candida. A small amount of candida is usually present in the body. All it takes is an overgrowth of candida to develop a yeast infection.
A moist environment is ideal for candida to spread, according to 2018 research
Having sex with a person who has a vaginal yeast infection without using a condom can also cause a penile yeast infection. However, you can also develop an infection without sexual activity.
What Are The Risk Factors For A Penile Yeast Infection?
Aside from sex with a partner who has a yeast infection, several other risk factors can increaseTrusted Source your odds of developing a penile yeast infection, such as:
- Not cleaning your genitals or bathing regularly
- Having a weakened immune function due to certain medications or health conditions
- Using antibiotics long term
- Wearing wet clothing or tight-fitting underwear
- Moreover, Using skin products or soaps that cause skin irritation
- Having diabetes
- Using lubricated condoms
- Being uncircumcised
- Further, Having obesity
Diagnosis Of A Penile Yeast Infection
Once you make an appointment, a doctor will ask you about your symptoms and likely examine your genitals. Some of the white substance that forms on the penis may be examined under a microscope to confirm the type of fungus causing the symptoms, according to 2022 researchTrusted Source.
Moreover, If you cannot get in to see a doctor or a urologist, consider a visit to an urgent care center or the emergency room. The earlier the problem is diagnosed and treatment begins, the more likely it is you can avoid complications.
Finally, It’s not recommended for a person to diagnose themselves and start treatment on their own. If symptoms of a yeast infection are present, contact a doctor. If symptoms are allowed to persist, complications can become very uncomfortable.
How Do You Treat A Penile Yeast Infection?
In most cases, topical antifungal ointments and creams are enough to clear up an infection. Some of the antifungal creams recommended for a yeast infection include:
- Miconazole (Lotrimin AF, Cruex, Desenex, Ting Antifungal)
- Imidazole (Canesten, Selezen)
- Clotrimazole (Lotrimin AF, Anti-Fungal, Cruex, Desenex, Lotrimin AF Ringworm)
Most of these are available as OTC medications, which means you will not need a prescription. More serious or long-term infections may require prescription-strength medication.
Oral fluconazole (Diflucan) and hydrocortisone cream may be advised in serious infections, like those that have developed into a potentially serious condition called balanitis.
Most antifungal creams are well tolerated and unlikely to cause any serious side effects. Check the label, however, and ask a doctor and pharmacist what to look out for in case you have a bad reaction.
Causes Of UTIs
Most UTIs are caused by the bacterium Escherichia coli (E. coli), which is naturally present in your body. Moreover, The bacteria gets into the urinary tract through the urethra. The urethra is the tube that drains urine from your bladder through your penis.
Factors that can put you at greater risk for UTIs may include the following:
- A previous UTI
- Long-term use of a urinary catheter
- Being immobile for long periods
- Not drinking enough fluids
- Recent urinary tract or kidney surgery
- Urinary tract blockages like kidney stones or an enlarged prostate
- Diabetes
- Being uncircumcised
- Fecal incontinence
- Engaging in anal intercourse, which can expose the urethra to more bacteria
How To Treat Male Yeast Infection At Home
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil has many healing properties. Further, Studies have shown that tea tree oil provides antibacterial, antiprotozoal, antifungal, and antiviral benefits. Specifically, the antifungal properties serve to treat yeast infections when applied on and around the penis head. Moreover, Tea tree oil is sold in many strengths. If you buy pure tea tree oil, dilute it in olive oil.
Yogurt
Moreover, Yogurt is a natural probiotic. Adding yogurt to your diet will promote positive bacteria growth, which will combat infections such as candida or thrush. Moreover, You can also apply plain yogurt directly to the area that is affected. Be sure to purchase yogurt with live bacteria.
Garlic
Garlic is known to have antifungal and antibacterial uses. Further, study comparing clotrimazole (a common cream for yeast infection) to a cream made of thyme and garlic found that the thyme and garlic had reduced side effects with the same healing capabilities. Moreover, Adding garlic to your diet has many health benefits.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar operates as an antifungal against the Candida species of yeast. It can be applied to the area topically. The smell may bother you at first, but the vinegar smell evaporates as time passes. If it burns, mix with a little water before applying.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is promoted by natural healers as having many health-related uses such as relieving constipation, repairing hair, and moisturizing skin.