Penile Yeast Infection

Dr. Ajay Mohan (AIIMS)MBBS

December 23, 2018

March 06, 2020

Penile Yeast Infection
Penile Yeast Infection

What is a penile yeast infection?

Yeast is a type of fungus, which lives in different organs of the body like the digestive tract, mouth, on the skin, and genitals. Penile yeast infections occur when there is an overgrowth of the normally commensal yeast on the penis. This infection is also known as ‘candidiasis’, since an organism named ‘Candida albicans’ causes it. Candida infections are more prevalent in males with an uncircumcised penis than those with a circumcised one, as the moisture and warmth beneath the foreskin facilitate the growth of the yeast. Candida colonization is highly probable in men aged 40 years and above.

What are its main signs and symptoms?

Penile yeast infection presents with the following symptoms on the underside of the penis:

  • A painful rash.
  • Scaling.
  • Redness.

An itchy rash on the head of the penis is the most common symptom that men experience.

What are the main causes?

Following are the causes due to which yeasts overgrow leading to penile yeast infections:

  • Humid or warm conditions.
  • A weak immune system.
  • Antibiotics (as they kill the healthy bacteria, which keep the growth of the yeast in check).
  • People with certain diseases like HIV infection and diabetes are more susceptible to developing a yeast infection.
  • Washing the penis with scented soaps and shower gels can irritate the skin and increase the risk of Candida multiplication.
  • Unprotected sexual intercourse with a female who has a vaginal yeast infection.

How is it diagnosed and treated?

Your doctor will diagnose penile yeast infection by:

  • Taking note of your medical history and symptoms.
  • Performing a physical examination.
  • Examining a scraping (a sample of fluid or tissue) of the penis.

Following are the available treatments for penile yeast infections:

  • Anti-fungal creams or lotions.
  • Medicated suppositories.
  • Oral anti-fungal medications for individuals who contracted the infection due to weak immunity.

Most of these medications are available over-the-counter that can be taken without a prescription. If the infection persists even after using these medications, your doctor might advise a longer course of antifungals.



References

  1. MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: US National Library of Medicine; Yeast Infection Tests.
  2. Department of Health and Mental Hygiene [Internet]. New York; Yeast Infection.
  3. University of Rochester Medical Center Rochester, NY; Yeast Infection.
  4. Am Fam Physician. [Internet] American Academy of Family Physicians; Yeast Infections.
  5. Nyirjesy P,Sobel JD. Genital mycotic infections in patients with diabetes. Postgrad Med. 2013 May;125(3):33-46. PMID: 23748505
  6. C Lisboa et al. Candida balanitis: risk factors. The Journal of European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology Volume24, Issue7 July 2010 Pages 820-826

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