Can men get yeast infections?

Can Men Get Yeast Infections?

Yes, men can absolutely get yeast infections, most commonly presenting as candidal balanitis (inflammation of the glans penis), particularly in uncircumcised men. 1

Clinical Presentation in Men

Candidal balanitis is the most frequent mycotic infection of the penis and typically manifests as: 2

• Erythematous areas on the glans penis accompanied by pruritus (itching) or irritation 1
• Burning sensations, especially after sexual intercourse 3
• Penile discharge in some cases 3
• The condition occurs almost exclusively in uncircumcised men, as the moist, warm space underneath the foreskin promotes yeast growth 4

Prevalence and Colonization

Men can harbor Candida without symptoms:

• Penile colonization rates range from 16% among men attending STD clinics 3
• Among men with penile Candida colonization, approximately 37% are symptomatic and 27% have visible balanitis 3
• Candida albicans is the most common pathogen causing balanitis in men, though other species like C. tropicalis and C. glabrata can also be isolated 4, 5

Risk Factors Specific to Men

Men are at increased risk for genital yeast infections when they have: 4

• Diabetes mellitus, especially with poorly controlled blood glucose (high glucose levels promote yeast attachment and growth)
• Uncircumcised status with poor hygiene practices
• Recent antibiotic use
• Corticosteroid use or immunosuppression
• Sexual partners with recurrent vaginal candidiasis

Sexual Transmission Considerations

While yeast infections are not primarily sexually transmitted, sexual contact can play a role: 1

• The CDC guidelines note that vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is not usually acquired through sexual intercourse 1
• However, treatment of male sexual partners should be considered in women with recurrent infections 1
• Men whose partners have recurrent vaginal candidiasis show lower recurrence rates when treated (15.8% vs. 44.8%) 6
• Candidal balanitis is more common in men who have vaginal intercourse compared to those who have anal intercourse 3

Treatment Approach

Men with symptomatic candidal balanitis benefit from topical antifungal agents to relieve symptoms: 1

• First-line treatment involves antifungal cream or ointment applied directly to affected areas 4
• Most superficial penile infections respond satisfactorily to local antifungal treatment 2
• Systemic (oral) treatment is recommended for widespread infections or when topical therapy fails 2
• Blood glucose control is essential in diabetic men, as hyperglycemia increases both incident infection and recurrence risk 4

Important Clinical Pitfalls

• Do not dismiss genital symptoms in men as solely STI-related—consider candidal balanitis, especially in uncircumcised or diabetic patients 4
• Evaluate for diabetes in men presenting with recurrent or persistent candidal balanitis, as this may be the first manifestation of uncontrolled hyperglycemia 4
• Consider treating male partners when their female partners have recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis, even if the men are asymptomatic, as this reduces recurrence rates 6