What Is a Penile Yeast Infection?

Yeast infections of the penis can produce uncomfortable symptoms. Depending on how severe they are, they may be treated with over-the-counter remedies or prescription drugs. Simple measures like good personal hygiene can help lower the likelihood of developing one.

Though often associated with people who have vaginas, yeast infections can affect anyone, including those with a penis.

If a penile yeast infection goes untreated, it can cause a variety of painful and irritating symptoms. In rare cases the infection can spread into the bloodstream and cause more serious problems.

Many yeast infections respond well to OTC products. In other situations, a prescription medicine may be necessary. Basic preventive actions can reduce the chance of acquiring this relatively common condition.

What are the symptoms of a penile yeast infection?

Typical signs of a penile yeast infection include:

• redness, tenderness, or swelling of the penis
• white, shiny patches near the tip of the penis
• small red dots near the tip of the penis
• cracked or fissured foreskin
• thick white material collecting under the foreskin or in other skin folds
• difficulty retracting the foreskin
• itching
• a burning feeling while urinating
• pain or discomfort during sexual activity

Redness, itching, and penile pain can also indicate other, potentially more serious conditions such as some sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Do not ignore these symptoms when they appear.

A urologist or a primary care clinician can usually make the diagnosis during a single visit.

What causes a penile yeast infection?

Yeast infections are most commonly caused by an overgrowth of the fungus Candida. Small amounts of Candida normally live on the body; an overgrowth is what leads to an infection.

Candida proliferates best in warm, moist environments.

Having sexual contact with someone who has a vaginal yeast infection without using a condom can transmit the fungus and cause an infection of the penis. However, sexual activity is not required for a penile yeast infection to develop.

What are the risk factors for a penile yeast infection?

Besides sexual contact with an infected partner, several other factors can raise your chance of developing a penile yeast infection, including:

• infrequent genital cleaning or poor bathing habits
• a weakened immune system from certain illnesses or medications
• long-term antibiotic use
• wearing damp clothing or tight underwear
• using irritating soaps or skin products
• having diabetes
• using lubricated condoms
• being uncircumcised
• obesity

How do doctors diagnose a penile yeast infection?

At your appointment, a clinician will review your symptoms and usually perform a genital exam. They may collect some of the white material on the penis and examine it under a microscope to identify the type of fungus responsible.

If you can’t see a primary care provider or urologist promptly, consider going to urgent care or the emergency department. The sooner you are diagnosed and treated, the lower the risk of complications.

Self-diagnosing and treating without consulting a healthcare professional is not advised. If symptoms suggest a yeast infection, see a doctor. Allowing an infection to persist can lead to serious issues.

How do you treat a penile yeast infection?

Most infections clear with topical antifungal creams and ointments. Some antifungal agents commonly used for yeast infections include:

• miconazole (Monistat, Cruex, Desenex, Ting Antifungal)
• clotrimazole (Lotrimin AF, Canesten, Mycelex)
• imidazole (Selezen)

Many of these products are available OTC, so a prescription is not always required. More severe or persistent infections may need prescription-strength therapy.

For significant infections—such as those that have progressed to balanitis—a doctor might prescribe oral fluconazole (Diflucan) and a hydrocortisone cream.

Antifungal creams are generally well tolerated and unlikely to produce major side effects. Still, read the product label and talk to your doctor or pharmacist about signs of an adverse reaction.

Recurrent yeast infections

Yeast infections can recur after appearing to resolve. If this happens, a clinician often prescribes daily treatment for several weeks followed by maintenance weekly treatments for a few months.

In some instances, therapy for recurrent infections can continue for up to 6 months.

If an infection doesn’t respond to topical therapy and you are uncircumcised, your provider might suggest adult circumcision. Although commonly performed in infancy, circumcision can be safely done in adults when indicated.

Diabetes and yeast infections

Conditions like diabetes and a compromised immune system can increase the likelihood of yeast infections.

If you have diabetes, work with your healthcare team to keep blood sugar well controlled. If your immune system is weakened, a clinician can suggest strategies to support immune health.

What are the complications of a penile yeast infection?

Left untreated, a penile yeast infection can lead to significant complications.

Balanitis

One complication is balanitis, which is inflammation of the head of the penis (glans). When both the glans and the foreskin are inflamed, the condition is called balanoposthitis.

People with diabetes are at higher risk for balanitis.

Without proper treatment, balanitis can cause scarring of the foreskin and adhesions on the penis. It may make retracting the foreskin impossible, interfering with hygiene. In these situations, a doctor may recommend circumcision.

Balanitis can be painful and make urination uncomfortable. If untreated, it may lead to swollen, painful glands and general weakness and fatigue.

Invasive candidiasis

In some cases the yeast can enter the bloodstream, a condition called candidemia or invasive candidiasis.

This is more likely in people who delay treatment until the infection spreads beyond the penis and in those with weakened immunity.

If you have been hospitalized and used a urinary catheter, your risk of invasive candidiasis may be higher. This severe form of infection is treated seriously; medical teams monitor closely for catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs).

Treatment may require oral antifungal drugs for several weeks, and in severe cases antifungals can be given intravenously.

How long does a penile yeast infection last?

If treated early and responsive to antifungal therapy, a penile yeast infection can resolve within 7–14 days.

If you are sexually active, your partner should be treated as well to prevent reinfection or passing it back and forth.

If you experience repeated yeast infections and have ruled out hygiene and sexual transmission, consult your doctor about other possible causes such as an underlying condition like diabetes.

How do you prevent a penile yeast infection?

You can reduce the chance of a penile yeast infection by avoiding sexual contact with a partner who currently has a yeast infection.

Avoid sex while you have an active yeast infection to prevent transmitting it to a partner and creating a cycle of reinfection.

Other preventive steps include:

• Using an external condom during sex to lower the risk of acquiring a yeast infection.
• Practicing good hygiene; keep the penis and surrounding area clean and dry.
• If uncircumcised, wash beneath the foreskin with soap and water, then return the foreskin to its usual position after intercourse.

Frequently asked questions

What does a yeast infection in the penis look like?

A penile yeast infection may appear as a red, scaly rash on the underside of the penis. In many cases there is inflammation around the glans. A yellowish or milky discharge may collect under the foreskin, making it hard to retract.

Cracked foreskin, red spots, and white patches are common. The rash is often accompanied by itching, burning, or pain.

Does a penile yeast infection go away on its own?

Some yeast infections may resolve on their own or after addressing the underlying cause. However, untreated penile yeast infections can sometimes lead to complications, so it’s best to seek medical advice.

What do you do for a penile yeast infection?

Treatment is available and effective. It usually involves OTC or prescription antifungal creams and sometimes oral medication for 1 to 2 weeks. Because symptoms can mimic other conditions, including some STIs that require different care, only a healthcare professional can make the correct diagnosis.

Takeaway

Penile yeast infections are less common than vaginal infections but they do occur. They may result from inadequate hygiene or sexual contact with a partner who has a vaginal yeast infection when no external condom is used.

Typical signs include small white patches, redness, itching, or a burning sensation. If untreated, the infection can lead to further problems.

Topical antifungal creams and ointments typically treat the condition effectively and reduce the risk of lasting complications.