Men Get Yeast Infections Too. Here’s What That Could Look Like.
Reviewed by Adam Gardner, Licensed Pharmacist & COO of TelyRx
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Contrary to popular belief, yeast infections aren’t just a “women’s issue.” Yes, you read that right; men can get them too. And while it may feel like no one’s talking about it, male yeast infections are more common than you’d think. Unfortunately, many go untreated because symptoms get brushed off, misdiagnosed, or simply ignored out of embarrassment.
But there’s nothing shameful about it—and treatment is straightforward, discreet, and effective.
If you’re dealing with itching, irritation, or just trying to figure out what’s going on down there, here’s what to know about yeast infections in men, including symptoms, treatment, and how to tell if it’s something else.
men get yeast infections, and here’s why
A yeast infection is usually caused by the overgrowth of Candida albicans, a fungus that naturally lives on your skin and in your body. It’s normally harmless, but certain conditions can allow it to multiply out of control, especially in warm, moist areas like the groin, foreskin, or under skin folds.
So what triggers this overgrowth?
- Antibiotics – These wipe out both good and bad bacteria, giving yeast the upper hand
- Poor hygiene – Sweat, friction, and trapped moisture create the perfect environment
- Unprotected sex – Especially if your partner has a yeast infection
- Chronic conditions – Diabetes, obesity, and weakened immune systems all raise your risk
In fact, The Clevland Clinic reports that 3-11% of men will get a yeast infection at some point in their life.
what does a male yeast infection look like?
Yeast infections in men typically show up around the groin or penis. If you’re uncircumcised, symptoms might be more noticeable under the foreskin, but circumcised men can develop infections too, especially in areas with skin folds.
Common symptoms can include:
- Redness or irritation around the head of the penis or inner thighs
- Itching, burning, or stinging sensations
- Rash or white patches that might look shiny or inflamed
- Thick white discharge, especially under the foreskin
- Pain during sex or urination
Because these symptoms can resemble other conditions, male yeast infections are often confused with jock itch, STIs like chlamydia or herpes, or irritation from soaps, lotions, or sweat.
If it looks suspicious, it’s worth treating — or at least ruling out.
how you can treat it
The good news? Yeast infections in men are very treatable, and you’ve got options.
For mild infections: Over-the-counter (OTC) antifungal creams like clotrimazole or miconazole, applied directly to the affected area, can clear up symptoms within a few days to a week.
For persistent cases: Prescription antifungals like fluconazole (often just a single dose) are highly effective. This is especially useful if:
- The infection keeps coming back
- You have other health conditions (like diabetes)
- The rash is widespread or difficult to reach with creams
- OTC antifungals aren’t working
TelyRx offers prescription-strength antifungal treatment, including fluconazole, without the awkward appointments or long wait times. It’s private, fast, and designed to help you get back to feeling normal — no judgment, no unnecessary steps.
is it a yeast infection or something else? how to tell the difference
Because male yeast infections share symptoms with other common conditions, it’s helpful to know how to tell them apart:
yeast infection vs. jock itch
- Appearance – Yeast infections are red, shiny, and sometimes moist. Jock itch appears ring-shaped, dry, and scaly
- Location – Yeast infections affect the penis, foreskin, and groin folds. Jock itch affects the inner thighs, groin, and buttocks
- Cause – Yeast infections are caused by Candida albicans. Jock itch is caused by a different fungus, tinea cruris
- Triggers – Yeast infections are triggered by moisture, antibiotics, or sex. Jock itch is often caused by sweating, friction, or tight clothes
yeast infection vs. STIs
While yeast infections aren’t sexually transmitted, sex can trigger symptoms or worsen them. But unlike yeast infections, STIs often include:
- Ulcers or open sores
- Green or yellow discharge
- Systemic symptoms like fever or swollen glands
why yeast infections in men are often underdiagnosed
If male yeast infections are so common, why don’t we hear about them more? Two words: stigma and silence.
Many men feel embarrassed about genital health issues, especially when they don’t align with what’s “normally” talked about in locker rooms or doctor’s offices. This may lead to:
- Delayed treatment, hoping it just “goes away”
- Misdiagnosis, confusing it for something else
- Complications like balanitis (inflammation of the glans)
A 2022 survey found that over 43% of men avoid seeking care for urogenital symptoms due to embarrassment. But early treatment is simple and prevents symptoms from escalating. This is where judgement-free, accessible healthcare, like TelyRx, plays such a large role in timely treatment.
get relief without the awkwardness
If you’re dealing with something uncomfortable, you shouldn’t have to jump through hoops to fix it.
TelyRx offers discreet, judgment-free antifungal medications, like fluconazole, without in-person appointments. Everything is handled through a simple, HIPAA-protected online telehealth platform. Here’s what else TelyRx offers:
- U.S. FDA-approved medications only
- Transparent pricing with no surprises
- Fast delivery to your door in discreet packaging
- No insurance or awkward in-person conversations required
the bottom line
If something feels off (itchy, red, or painful), trust your instincts. You don’t need to “wait it out” or feel embarrassed. Yeast infections in men are common, easily treatable, and nothing to be ashamed of.
Let’s normalize men’s health by talking about the uncomfortable stuff too — like yeast infections. Don’t suffer in silence. Get the treatment you deserve.
male yeast infection FAQs
can a male yeast infection go away on its own?
In mild cases, it might resolve without treatment, especially if you improve hygiene and avoid further irritation. But most cases require antifungal treatment to fully clear up and prevent recurrence.
what happens if a male yeast infection is left untreated?
Untreated infections can lead to complications like balanitis, cracks or sores, or recurring infections, especially in men with diabetes or compromised immunity.
can I get a yeast infection from my partner?
Yeast infections aren’t STIs, but they can be triggered or worsened by unprotected sex with a partner who has an active infection. Treating both partners may help prevent reinfection.
are yeast infections in men related to diet?
Yes. Diets high in sugar, alcohol, and processed carbs can promote yeast overgrowth. A balanced diet with fewer simple sugars and more probiotics may help with prevention.
can I still have sex if I have a yeast infection?
It’s best to avoid sex until symptoms clear up. Friction can irritate the area and increase the risk of passing the infection to your partner.
can sweating or working out cause a yeast infection?
Sweating itself doesn’t cause infections, but trapped moisture in the groin can promote fungal growth. Wearing breathable clothes and showering promptly helps reduce risk.
Disclaimer
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