Men Can Develop Yeast Infections (Candidal Balanitis)
Yes, men can definitely develop yeast infections, most commonly in the form of candidal balanitis (inflammation of the glans penis) or balanoposthitis (inflammation of both the glans and foreskin). 1, 2
Epidemiology and Risk Factors
Candida albicans is the most common fungal pathogen causing balanitis in men 2, 3. Key risk factors include:
- Uncircumcised status (almost exclusively occurs in uncircumcised men) 4
- Poor hygiene 1
- Diabetes mellitus (especially with poor glycemic control) 1, 4
- Immunosuppression 1
- Antibiotic use 1, 4
- Corticosteroid use 4
- Chronic inflammation 1
Clinical Presentation
Men with candidal balanitis typically present with:
- Pruritus (itching) of the glans penis 1
- Penile soreness or discomfort 1
- Burning sensation 1
- Penile discharge 1
- Erythema (redness) and inflammation of the glans penis
- White, curd-like patches on the glans or under the foreskin 3
Diagnosis
According to clinical guidelines, diagnosis of candidal balanitis involves:
- Clinical examination of the penis
- Microscopic examination with 10% KOH preparation to identify yeast cells and pseudohyphae 1
- Culture of penile discharge or scraping for definitive diagnosis in recurrent cases 1, 3
Treatment
The recommended treatment approach for candidal balanitis includes:
First-line Treatment:
- Topical antifungal agents (clotrimazole, miconazole, or nystatin) applied to affected areas twice daily for 7-14 days 1, 5
- Keep the affected area clean and dry 1
For Moderate to Severe or Recurrent Cases:
- Combination therapy with oral fluconazole 150 mg as a single dose plus topical antifungal cream applied twice daily for 7-14 days 1
- Alternative oral agents such as itraconazole 200 mg daily for 7 days for non-responsive cases 1
A study demonstrated that clotrimazole 1% cream was effective in treating candidal balanitis, with 91% of men becoming asymptomatic after seven days of treatment 5.
Prevention
To prevent recurrence of candidal balanitis:
- Maintain good genital hygiene with gentle cleaning using warm water 1
- Thoroughly dry the genital area after bathing 1
- Control underlying conditions such as diabetes 1, 4
- Consider treating sexual partners if they are also infected 4
Important Considerations
- Balanitis can lead to complications if left untreated, including phimosis (inability to retract the foreskin), urethral stricture, and sexual dysfunction 1
- Recurrent infections warrant investigation for underlying conditions, particularly diabetes 4
- The clinical appearance alone is often insufficient to determine the specific infectious agent, so laboratory confirmation may be necessary for recurrent cases 3
When to Seek Further Evaluation
Patients should be reassessed within 1-2 weeks to ensure resolution of symptoms 1. Consider alternative diagnoses if there is no improvement after 72 hours of appropriate therapy, as other conditions such as lichen sclerosus or plasma cell balanitis may present similarly 1, 6.