Penile Yeast Infection: Causes, Types, Symptoms
What is Penile Yeast Infection?
A penile yeast infection is the formation of a lump or sores at the tip of the penis that causes itchiness, redness on the skin. It is caused by yeast which is more common in females, but it can affect men as well. It is not a very serious problem at the initial stage, but if it is not treated properly, it can get very embarrassing.
The most prevalent type of penile yeast infection is balanitis thrush. It causes inflammation at the tip of the penis along with itchiness. Male yeast infection is not only discomforting, but it can lead to serious problems.
Can Men Get Yeast Infection? How?
Yes, anyone can get a yeast infection, irrespective of gender. There are many ways a man gets a penile infection. The most common reasons are poor hygiene and sexual intercourse with a woman who has caught a yeast infection. However, yeast infection can’t be called a sexually transmitted disease because there are other ways as well through which someone can get a penile infection.
Here are the causes of yeast infection in men:
Poor hygiene cause penile yeast infection
It is one of the major reasons for infection in penile. If you do not maintain the hygiene of your penile region, the chances of developing fungus on penis become much higher.
Suffering from diabetes causes penile yeast infection
Men suffering from diabetes have more chances of getting an infection in the penile because they have higher sugar content in the urine. It helps the yeasts to grow in that region.
Hot, humid conditions cause penile yeast infection
Yeast like any other micro-organism grows in hot and humid conditions. Hot and humid weather leads to penile yeast infection as these conditions favour the growth of yeast.
Weak immune system causes penile yeast infection
The chances of yeast infection in men is higher when they have a poor immune system. Weak immunity decreases the body's capacity to fight the disease. Moreover, if you have any chronic diseases, the chances of getting infected with fungus on the penis become much higher.
Wearing wet cloth or tight underwear causes penile yeast infection
Wearing wet clothes or tight underwear result in excess moisture and unhygienic conditions for yeast to grow and thrive.
Other reasons that cause penile yeast infection
This may include dryness of skin, using harsh soaps, using antibiotics for a long time, condoms with lubricants, etc.
Types of Penile Yeast Infection
Penile infection is of different types; some are mild while some are severe. While some infections can go away easily without any penile fungal infection treatment; some need immediate attention, otherwise, the problem can become much more complicated.
Read below to know the most common type of penile diseases or thrush in men.
Balanitis
Balanitis is type of penile yeast infection and is the most common type of candidiasis in men. It causes inflammation at the tip of the penis, which makes the skin tender and red. When it occurs, you will experience itchiness in the region that makes the situation more discomforting.
Circinate balanitis
Circinate balanitis is a type of penile yeast infection in caused by inflammation that usually occurs in people who have Reiter’s Syndrome. When it occurs, you can see tiny sores at the tip of the penis. It causes inflammation and redness along with severe itchiness.
Pseudoepitheliomatous keratotic
Pseudoepitheliomatous keratotic also known as micaceous balanitis, this type of infection on the penis usually affects people over 60 years of age. The result of this balanitis is warts with scales coming off it.
Symptoms of Penile Yeast Infection
You can easily identify fungal infection on penis skin by observing the symptoms. The most common symptoms are:
- Redness and tender skin at the tip of the penis
- Tiny sores and severe itchiness
- Discomfort at the time of sexual intercourse
- Bumps at the tip of the penis
- Foul-smelling discharge from skin bumps
- Burning sensation at the time of sexual intercourse
Image source: thehealthysteps.com
What are the Risk Factors & Problems due to Penile Yeast Infection?
Most of the infections in the penile region are not threatening and they go away even without treatments in a week or so. However, some of them can become serious in a few days and give you discomforts. Here are the risk factors of thrush on penis.
- Difficulty in passing urine
- Can lead to penile cancer
- Burning sensation during sexual intercourse
- Difficult to wearing clothes
- The disease can pass to your partner
Penile Yeast Infection Treatment for Men
The mild infection in the penile does not require treatment and usually recovers in 7-10 days. If the problem persists, you should take penile infection treatment without further delay. Antifungal cream for men, penile yeast infection creams, and some oral medications are found effective in treating yeast infections. You can get these medicines over the counter even without a prescription.
Home Remedies for Penis Infection for Penile Yeast Infections
The following home remedies you can try to treat penile candidiasis.
- Apple cider vinegar
- Boric acid
- Coconut oil
- Yogurt
- Tea tree oil
- Cranberry juice or pills
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Garlic
Conclusion
This article talks in length about yeast infection in men and how you can get rid of this embarrassing and uncomfortable disease. Maintaining hygiene is the most effective way to prevent this situation. But if you get infected, and the problem does not go away in a few days, you should visit a physician without any delay.
FAQs
How do you prevent penile yeast infections?
We know it almost sounds too simple, but everyday hygiene goes a long way in treating penile infections. Make sure to clean your genital area with warm water, every single day. Avoiding creams and powders full of chemicals that could harm your groin region and frequently changing your underwear is also highly recommended.
What does it look like when a man has a yeast infection?
You can see redness, bumps, or small sores at the tip of the penis.
How do you treat a penile yeast infection?
You can treat this disease using anti-fungal cream from a medical store. If the problem persists after two weeks, visit a physician.
Can penile yeast infection cure itself?
Yes, most of the times penile infection gets cured itself if you maintain proper hygiene.
Is penile yeast infection an STD?
No, it can spread in other ways, and so this disease can't be considered an STD.