Male Yeast Infections
Health ConditionsMen's Health

Yeast Infections in Men: What to Know

Yeast Infections in Men: What to Know
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By
Nick Nielsen
Updated on January 7, 2026
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Yeast infections in men cause red, itchy rashes on the head of the penis and under the foreskin. They are usually caused by an overgrowth of candida, a yeast that is typically found on the skin.

What Is a Male Yeast Infection?

Yeast infections are usually associated with women, but they can also occur in men. A male yeast infection is one that affects the penis.

A yeast infection of the penis is called candida balanitis. Candida is a type of yeast that causes yeast infections in both men and women. The term “balanitis” refers to infection or inflammation of the head of the penis (glans penis).

Candida thrives in warm, moist environments and is commonly found in skin creases, such as the foreskin of the penis. It is normally present on the skin, but an overgrowth can lead to a rash or infection.

Symptoms of Candida Balanitis

Common symptoms of candida balanitis include:

  • Burning and itching around the head of the penis and under the foreskin
  • Redness and swelling
  • Foul-smelling discharge
  • Sores or blisters on the penis
  • Skin peeling after sex

Causes and Risk Factors of Candida Balanitis

A yeast called candida is the most common cause of yeast infections in men. Candida is normally present on the skin, but certain conditions and risk factors can cause it to grow.

Uncircumcised men are about three times more likely to have candida balanitis than circumcised ones.

Causes

Factors that lead to candida balanitis include:

  • Poor hygiene
  • Not cleaning and rinsing your foreskin thoroughly
  • Irritated or damaged skin
  • Sex with partners who have a vaginal yeast infection

Risk Factors

Candida balanitis is more common in certain groups, including men who:

  • Have a condition that weakens the immune system, such as AIDS
  • Are overweight or have obesity
  • Have diabetes
  • Are taking antibiotics, which kill beneficial bacteria in your body

Who Does Candida Balanitis Affect?

Candida balanitis can affect males of any age, and 11 percent of men in the United States will experience balanitis during their lifetime. The condition affects about 3 percent of men globally.

Uncircumcised men and boys under the age of 4 are more likely to develop balanitis. Balanitis is also more likely to occur if you have phimosis, a condition in which you are unable to retract your foreskin over your penis.

Treatment for Candida Balantitis

Treatment for a male yeast infection typically involves practicing good hygiene and using topical antifungal creams or ointments.

A number of topical antifungal medications are available either over the counter or by prescription, including clotrimazole (Lotrimin) and miconazole (Monistat 7). If you are allergic to these medications, your doctor may prescribe nystatin (Mycostatin).

Your doctor may also recommend a steroid cream, such as hydrocortisone, to help reduce inflammtion.

If you have frequent yeast infections and these treatments don't help, you may wish to consider circumcision as an option.

The Takeaway

  • A yeast infection in men is called candida balanitis. It causes redness, itching, and swelling on the penis.
  • Candida balanitis is caused by an overgrowth of candida, a yeast normally present on the skin.
  • Certain lifestyle factors and conditions can increase your risk of a male yeast infection, including poor hygiene, being uncircumcised, having a weakened immune system, and having diabetes.
  • Treatment for candida balanitis may involve topical antifungal creams, topical steroids, or circumcision.

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Michelle-Seguin-bio

Michelle Seguin, MD

Medical Reviewer
Member of American College of Lifestyle Medicine

Michelle Seguin, MD, is a board-certified family medicine, lifestyle medicine, and certified functional medicine physician (IFMCP). She is a practicing physician at Root Functional Medicine, a leading telemedicine practice specializing in personalized, root-cause care.

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Nick Nielsen

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Resources
  1. Balanitis. Harvard Health Publishing. August 9, 2023.
  2. Male Yeast Infection. Cleveland Clinic. June 6, 2022.
  3. Wray AA et al. Balanitis. StatPearls. August 31, 2024.
  4. Yeast Infection in Men: How Can I Tell if I Have One? Mayo Clinic. November 19, 2025.