Yes, men can get yeast infections, and it’s more common than many people realize.

Quick Scoop

  • Yeast infections are caused by an overgrowth of a fungus called Candida , which normally lives harmlessly on the skin and genitals.
  • People with a penis can get yeast infections on the head of the penis, foreskin, or surrounding skin; this is often called balanitis or candidal balanitis.
  • It can happen after sex with a partner who has a vaginal yeast infection, but it’s not only sexually related and can also occur without sex.

Common symptoms in men

Men’s yeast infections often show up in the genital area as:

  • Redness, irritation, or a rash on the head of the penis or under the foreskin
  • Itching or burning, especially after sex or urination
  • Swelling of the head of the penis (balanitis)
  • White, clumpy discharge under the foreskin or on the skin
  • Unpleasant odor or soreness during sex

If you imagine athlete’s foot but in the genital area—itchy, red, and irritated—that’s a rough analogy for how it can feel.

How men get yeast infections

Yeast infections in men happen when conditions let Candida overgrow.

Key risk factors include:

  1. Moist, warm environment
    • Poor drying after showers, staying in sweaty underwear, or tight clothing that traps moisture.
  1. Sexual contact
    • Having penetrative sex with a partner who has a vaginal yeast infection can spread Candida to the penis, though it isn’t classed as a classic STI.
  1. Medical conditions and medications
    • Diabetes, obesity, and conditions or treatments that weaken the immune system (like HIV, chemotherapy, or long-term steroids) raise the risk.
 * Recent or long-term antibiotic use can wipe out “good” bacteria and let yeast overgrow.
  1. Skin irritation and products
    • Harsh soaps, scented products, or lubricated condoms that irritate the skin can make infections more likely.
  1. Foreskin and hygiene
    • Uncircumcised men, especially if the foreskin isn’t regularly pulled back and gently cleaned and dried, have a higher risk of yeast overgrowth.

Is this a “new” or trending topic?

Male yeast infections aren’t new, but they are being talked about more openly in recent years as men’s health gets more attention online and in clinics. Health sites and urology-focused platforms have published pieces in the last few years highlighting that “yes, men can get yeast infections too,” pushing back on the idea that it’s only a “women’s problem.”

When to see a doctor

You should get checked by a healthcare professional if:

  • Itching, redness, or swelling on the penis lasts more than a few days
  • You notice discharge, cracking skin, or pain during sex or urination
  • You have diabetes or a weak immune system and think you might have a yeast infection
  • Over‑the‑counter antifungal creams (if you’ve tried them) aren’t helping

Untreated infections can get more painful and may lead to recurring problems, especially if an underlying issue like diabetes isn’t controlled.

Treatment and prevention (quick view)

Most mild male yeast infections are treated with:

  • Topical antifungal creams or ointments (e.g., clotrimazole) used for several days
  • Occasionally oral antifungal medication if it’s persistent, severe, or recurrent
  • Managing underlying causes like high blood sugar or hygiene issues

Simple prevention habits:

  • Gently wash and thoroughly dry the genital area daily
  • Pull back the foreskin (if present) to clean and dry underneath
  • Change out of sweaty or wet clothes quickly
  • Avoid harsh, scented soaps and body washes on the genitals
  • If your partner has a yeast infection, they should be treated; sometimes both partners are treated to prevent a cycle of reinfection

Bottom note: Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.