Yeast Infection on the Penis: Causes and Symptoms of Genital Yeast Infections in Men + Penile Yeast Infection - Specialists

Women are about ten times more likely to develop a yeast infection in the genital area than men. However, 15 to 20 percent of all men will experience a yeast infection on the penis at some point in their lives.

Typical symptoms of a penile yeast infection usually include inflammation of the foreskin and the glans (balanitis).

These lead to redness and swelling of the affected areas. They are also accompanied by a severe burning sensation and painful itching. In addition, pain may occur during sexual intercourse or urination.

Other similar symptoms of a fungal infection of the penis include

• malodorous discharge under the foreskin,
• itching in the affected areas,
• small, weeping blisters on the glans, and
• a purulent discharge.

These various symptoms can occur either simultaneously or one after another.

If the fungal infection on the penis continues to progress, a fever may also develop as a result of the inflammation.

The causative agent for a fungal infection of the penis is usually the yeast Candida albicans. In many cases, it is transmitted from one partner to another through unprotected sexual intercourse.

The transmission of fungal pathogens does not necessarily mean an infection will occur. Only when certain contributing factors are present can the fungus multiply in the genital area and trigger a fungal infection.

Risk factors include

• a weakened immune system (e.g., AIDS patients),
• certain medical conditions (e.g., diabetes mellitus, gout, leukemia),
• the use of certain medications (e.g., antibiotics, corticosteroids),
• inadequate or excessive hygiene in the genital area,
• phimosis,
• mechanical factors,
• underwear or clothing that is too tight, as well as
• advancing age.

Since the yeast Candida albicans is present in both men and women, there is a close connection between penile yeast infection and vaginal yeast infection in women. Especially during unprotected sex, cross-infection can occur without both partners showing symptoms at the same time.

In women, too, factors such as a weakened immune system, diabetes mellitus, antibiotic use, or an imbalance in the skin’s flora promote the survival and proliferation of fungal pathogens in the warm, moist vaginal environment. If a penile yeast infection recurs, the partner should also be examined for a yeast infection and treated if necessary. 

If the symptoms described occur, you should consult a urologist immediately.

The urologist will perform a physical examination to determine whether there is inflammation of the foreskin and glans. He will then take a swab from the inflamed areas and examine it under a microscope for possible fungal infection.

If a fungal infection is indeed the cause of the inflammation, the swab is often sent to a laboratory for further analysis. There, a fungal culture is prepared to identify the specific type of fungus.

Performing a fungal culture allows for 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 for the fungal infection.

Penile yeast infections are usually treated with antifungal medications. These contain active ingredients such as

• imidazoles (e.g., clotrimazole, miconazole, flucanazole, fenticonazole),
• nystatin, or
• povidone-iodine

These inhibit the growth of the causative fungal pathogen and kill it. The antifungal medication is administered

• in the form of ointments or creams, which are applied topically to the areas of the penis affected by the fungal infection to relieve the unpleasant symptoms, or
• in the form of tablets, which are taken until the fungal infection on the penis has cleared up.

During treatment, the penis should be kept as dry as possible. Gauze strips placed under the foreskin can be used for this purpose. A warm, moist environment otherwise promotes the growth of the fungus, which can delay the healing of the fungal infection.

Towels and underwear should be changed every day and washed at a temperature of at least 60 degrees Celsius.

If the fungal infection on the penis recurs repeatedly, circumcision can help prevent further recurrences. Circumcision refers to the surgical removal of the foreskin.

To prevent infecting your partner, you should refrain from sexual intercourse during treatment. Alternatively, you can use a condom and exercise extra caution.

Inflammation of the foreskin or glans usually heals without complications with timely and consistent treatment.

Preventive measures, such as

• using condoms during sexual intercourse,
• adequate but not excessive genital hygiene,
• adherence to antifungal medication when infected, and
• monitoring of contributing factors

can prevent a recurrence of a fungal infection on the penis.

Typical symptoms include itching, burning, redness, swelling, and whitish discharge under the foreskin. In some cases, pain during sexual intercourse or a burning sensation when urinating may also occur.

Yes, infection is possible, especially through unprotected sexual intercourse with an infected partner. However, transmission does not automatically mean that an infection will develop.

To make a diagnosis, the doctor examines the affected skin areas and takes a swab. This swab is analyzed in a laboratory for the presence of fungus on the foreskin or around the glans to identify the exact pathogen.

The most important risk factors for a penile yeast infection include a moist genital area, diabetes, a weakened immune system, tight clothing, excessive genital hygiene, and phimosis.