Male Thrush Or Yeast Infection Symptoms

Both men and women typically have a healthy level of Candidayeast in their body. However, when the yeast builds up, it can cause a variety of symptoms.

Women tend to experience more vaginal fungal infections than men. During sexual intercourse, men might be exposed to fungus/yeast whether it’s the actual pathogen or their proteins that can then trigger off a fungal infection of the penis, otherwise known as fungal balanitis. This however is NOT the only way men can get balanitis.

While many men don’t experience noticeable symptoms of a yeast infection of their genitalia, some might experience symptoms such as:

  • burning sensation while urinating

  • discomfort during sex

  • redness and itching on the head of the penis or around the penis

  • small lacerations/linear tears of the foreskin

  • redness or inflammation around the foreskin

  • disagreeable smell

Symptoms of balanitis include:

  • itching and redness on the penis

  • thick white substance collecting in skin folds

  • shiny, white skin

  • painful penis and foreskin

Are There Factors That Put You At Greater Risk Of Developing Fungal Balanitis?

Yes. If you are:

  • uncircumcised

  • have poor hygiene

  • are commonly prescribed antibiotics

  • have diabetes

  • are overweight

If I Have Fungal Balanitis How Can It Be Managed?

  • Creams – topical antifungal creams applied a couple of times a day

  • Oral anti-fungal tablets can either be given daily or once a week if creams alone are not working

  • Drying agents – like potassium permanganate solution can be used with your doctors advice to reduce excessive moisture over the penis head and foreskin that encourages fungal growth

  • Have your female sex partners checked by a doctor, perhaps she has vaginal yeast infection which she is not fully aware of

Tip: After sex check to see if you have specks of whitish clumps stuck to your penis. This might suggest that your partner is having a vaginal yeast/ fungal infection.

Tip: Fungal balanitis can often be one of the first ways diabetes presents itself

Ask your doctor for a diabetes checks especially if your fungal infections are recurrent and if you have existing risk factors like a strong family history of diabetes

Can Other Penile Skin Conditions Look Like Fungal Balanitis?

Yes! There are a few skin condition that can mask like a fungal balanitis. These conditions can be misdiagnosed as a yeast infection. Often when you penile rash responds poor to the antifungal treatment your doctor might suggest one of these skin conditions as a possible diagnosis.

These penile skin conditions include:

  • Other infection

    • like bacterial vaginosis and other bacterias

  • Xerosis

    • dryness of the penile skin

  • Lichen Planus

    • autoimmune disease involving the skin of the penis

  • Balanitis Xerotica Obliterans (BXO)

    • this should never be confused for fungal balanitis as its treatment is very different. It presents with white penile lesions, itchiness, painful erections and voiding, and bleeding or ulceration with intercourse.. The foreskin can become thickened and permanent stuck to the head of the penis, and urethral strictures can develop.

  • Pre-cancerous skin condition

  • Contact dermatitis

    • a reaction in response to agents like creams, oils, or lubricants or condoms used

  • Fixed drug eruptions

    • an inflamed penis with or without blistering in response to drugs/medications consumed

Can A Fungal Balanitis Become More Complicated?

Yes. This is especially true for uncircumcised men.

The penis head and the foreskin can get so inflamed and swollen from the fungal infection such that:

  1. The foreskin is unable to retract back to reveal the head of the penis. This is called phimosis

  2. The foreskin get trapped and swollen behind the head of the penis strangling it making this condition very painful. This is called paraphimosis

Our Men’s Health experienced Female Doctors are ready to listen to your issues. Visit us at InSync Medical Located along East Coast Road in the heart of Katong, Singapore.

We’re here to answer even the most sensitive and intimate questions. Take the first step, and we’ll take care of the rest.