Women are around ten times more likely to be affected by a fungal infection in the genital area than men. However, 15 to 20 percent of all men also experience a fungal infection on the penis in the course of their lives.
Typical symptoms of penile fungus are usually inflammation of the foreskin and glans(balanitis).
They lead to redness and swelling of the affected areas. They are also characterized by severe burning and painful itching. Pain may also occur during sexual intercourse or when urinating.
Other possible symptoms of a fungal infection on the penis are
- foul-smelling deposits under the foreskin,
- small, weeping blisters on the glans and
- a purulent discharge.
These different symptoms can occur both simultaneously and one after the other.
If the fungal infection on the penis progresses further, fever can also develop as a result of the inflammation.
The causative pathogen for a fungal infection on the penis is usually the yeast Candida albicans. In many cases, it is transmitted from one partner to the other through unprotected sexual intercourse.
The transmission of fungal pathogens does not necessarily mean an infection. The fungus can only multiply in the genital area and trigger a fungal infection if favorable factors are present.
The risk factors include
- a weakened immune system (e.g. AIDS patients),
- certain diseases (e.g. diabetes mellitus, gout, leukemia),
- the use of certain medications (e.g. antibiotics, cortisone preparations),
- insufficient or excessive genital hygiene,
- a narrowing of the foreskin,
- mechanical influences,
- clothing that is too tight and
- older age.
If the symptoms described occur, you should consult a urologist immediately.
The urologist will carry out a physical examination to determine whether the foreskin and glans are inflamed. They will then take a swab from the inflamed areas and examine it under a microscope for a possible fungal infection.
If a fungal infection has actually caused the inflammation, the swab is often also sent to a laboratory. There, a fungal culture is created to determine the type of fungus.
A fungal culture enables the identification of the fungal pathogen, in this case Candida albicans © raresb | AdobeStock
Once the exact pathogen has been identified, the doctor can then initiate targeted treatment of the fungal infection.
Penile fungus is usually treated with antifungal agents. They contain active ingredients such as
- Imidazoles (e.g. clotrimazole, miconazole, flucanzole, fenticonazole),
- nystatin or
- providone iodine
These inhibit the growth of the causative fungal pathogen and kill it. The antifungal agent is administered
- in the form of creams or ointments that are applied locally to the areas of the penis affected by the fungal infection, or
- in the form of tablets that are taken until the fungal infection on the penis has subsided.
You should also keep your penis dry. Gauze strips placed under the foreskin can be used for this purpose. Otherwise, a warm and humid climate favors the growth of the fungus. This can delay the healing of the fungal infection.
If a fungal infection occurs repeatedly on the penis, circumcision can prevent further relapses. Circumcision is the surgical removal of the foreskin.
To avoid infecting your partner, you should refrain from sexual intercourse during treatment. Alternatively, you can use a condom and take special care.
The inflammation of the foreskin or glans usually heals without complications with timely and consistent treatment.
Preventive measures such as
- the use of condoms during sexual intercourse,
- sufficient but not excessive intimate hygiene,
- adherence to drug treatment with antimycotics in the event of illness and
- the observation of favorable factors
can prevent a new fungal infection on the penis.