How do males get yeast infections?
Mia Phillips
Updated on March 02, 2026
Although uncommon, men can get a yeast infection by having unprotected sex with a woman with candidal vaginitis. It usually appears as small white spots, redness, or a dry, peeling rash on the penis accompanied by itching, irritation, or burning. Men who have not been circumcised are at an increased risk.
How do you tell if a male has a yeast infection?
Male Yeast Infection Symptoms
- Itching or burning on the tip of your penis or the foreskin.
- Redness.
- A moist feeling on the tip of your penis.
- Discharge that looks like cottage cheese and might have a bread-like or unpleasant smell.
- Swelling around the tip of your penis and foreskin.
- Sores or white patches of skin.
Will yeast infection go away by itself?
A mild yeast infection may go away on its own, but this is rare. It is always a good idea to treat a yeast infection, even if it is mild. If yeast infections are not treated properly, they are more likely to return.
What is the best treatment for a male yeast infection?
Tea tree oil.
What is the fastest way to get rid of a yeast infection?
Prevention. The best way to treat a yeast infection?
How long does yeast infection take to heal for men?
These treatments generally work over seven to 21 days. Refraining from sexual activity or masturbation is recommended to allow proper healing when using topical treatments. Another common topical is nystatin, which can be used to treat a male yeast infection but may be less effective than the medications mentioned above.
How do men know if they have a yeast infection?
Burning with urination (dysuria)