# can men get yeast infections? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [August 18, 2005, 1:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-men-get-yeast-infections/317575 "2005-08-18T13:50:55Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![seaworthy82](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/df788c/32.png) [@seaworthy82](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/seaworthy82)\ **Post date:** [August 18, 2005, 1:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-men-get-yeast-infections/317575/1 "2005-08-18T13:50:55Z")
I got into a debate about this the other day, and while I think it’s impossible, I admit I don’t have any proof. My friend thinks it is. She doubts it would arise spontaneously, men not having the right, ah, plumbing, but she thinks if a girl had one she could infect her boyfriend. Anyone? :dubious: ---
**Author:** ![Philster](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/13edae/32.png) [@Philster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Philster)\ **Post date:** [August 18, 2005, 2:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-men-get-yeast-infections/317575/2 "2005-08-18T14:06:17Z")
Sure can. [http://www.msu.edu/user/eisthen/yeast/men.html](http://www.msu.edu/user/eisthen/yeast/men.html) [http://www.lib.uiowa.edu/hardin/md/maleyeastinfection.html](http://www.lib.uiowa.edu/hardin/md/maleyeastinfection.html) Easy as googling: “male yeast infection” ---
**Author:** ![Metacom](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/ecae2f/32.png) [@Metacom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Metacom)\ **Post date:** [August 18, 2005, 2:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-men-get-yeast-infections/317575/3 "2005-08-18T14:07:03Z")
> [@seaworthy82](#): > > I got into a debate about this the other day, and while I think it’s impossible, I admit I don’t have any proof. My friend thinks it is. She doubts it would arise spontaneously, men not having the right, ah, plumbing, but she thinks if a girl had one she could infect her boyfriend. Anyone? > > :dubious: If you mean “Can a man get a yeast infection in his vagina?” the answer is “No.” If you’re asking “Can a man get a yeast infection on some part of his body?” the answer seems to be “[Yes.](http://www.emedicinehealth.com/articles/16031-1.asp)” ---
**Author:** ![Philster](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/13edae/32.png) [@Philster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Philster)\ **Post date:** [August 18, 2005, 2:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-men-get-yeast-infections/317575/4 "2005-08-18T14:08:19Z")
In case those links are not good enough…from the Mayo Clinic [http://www.mayoclinic.com/invoke.cfm?id=HO00172](http://www.mayoclinic.com/invoke.cfm?id=HO00172) Yeast infections in men Can a man get a yeast infection after having intercourse with a woman who has a yeast infection? Rachel / Florida Yes, it’s possible to transmit a yeast infection by sexual contact — both from a woman to a man and from a man to a woman. Not every man exposed to a yeast infection will get one. A man is at increased risk of infection if he has diabetes or is uncircumcised. Signs and symptoms of yeast infection include: Itching or burning at the head of the penis Red rash on the penis In men, a yeast infection is usually a relatively minor problem that can be easily treated with antifungal creams or ointments. Related Information Men’s Health Center Sexual health: An interview with a Mayo Clinic specialist By Mayo Clinic staff March 10, 2005 ---
**Author:** ![cowgirl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/8c91f0/32.png) [@cowgirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cowgirl)\ **Post date:** [August 18, 2005, 2:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-men-get-yeast-infections/317575/5 "2005-08-18T14:19:38Z")
Anecdotally … A male friend of mine got a nasty case of what he called “oral thrush” - basically a yeast infection in his mouth. It was pretty nasty. He says he got it after he ate far more mushroom paté than he should have (from what I understand, mushroom paté (a vegetarian thing, quite tasty, although I approach it with caution now) is highly fermented.) He had to cut out all foods that had yeast or anything fermented (bread, wine, I can’t remember what all, etc). It was pretty serious, he lost a pile of weight and it took him half a year to get over it. Needless to say he didn’t get laid during that time. No woman wanted to go near him. ---
**Author:** ![ouryL](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ouryl/32/6067_2.png) [@ouryL](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ouryL)\ **Post date:** [August 19, 2005, 12:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-men-get-yeast-infections/317575/6 "2005-08-19T00:26:41Z")
> [@Philster](#): > > In men, a yeast infection is usually a relatively minor problem that can be easily treated with antifungal creams or ointments. > > Related Information :dubious: :dubious: :dubious: Imagine getting the worst case of jock itch in your life!! :wally: :wally: :wally: ---
**Author:** ![Broomstick](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/broomstick/32/246_2.png) [@Broomstick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Broomstick)\ **Post date:** [August 19, 2005, 12:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-men-get-yeast-infections/317575/7 "2005-08-19T00:48:17Z")
> [@seaworthy82](#): > > I got into a debate about this the other day, and while I think it’s impossible, I admit I don’t have any proof. My friend thinks it is. She doubts it would arise spontaneously, men not having the right, ah, plumbing, but she thinks if a girl had one she could infect her boyfriend. Anyone? > > :dubious: My husband has had at least a dozen yeast infections since we’ve known each other. He seems unusualy suceptible, but he’s most definitely male. Oddly enough, I’ve never had one at all (And I was tested for them at one point, given that hubby was getting so many… apparently I am unusually resistant to them. Go figger.) I realize the plural of anecdote is not data, however, only one instance of this was required to answer your question. At the risk of TMI - he usually gets them in his bladder. ---
**Author:** ![racer72](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/racer72/32/3075_2.png) [@racer72](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/racer72)\ **Post date:** [August 19, 2005, 11:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-men-get-yeast-infections/317575/8 "2005-08-19T11:22:58Z")
I got it many years ago not from a night of hot steamy sex but from a hot tub that was due for a good cleaning. Willy and the boys developed a pretty nasty rash and it took the doc about 2 seconds to diagnose. I still break out with it every couple years, a few days of Monostat and all is good again. ---
**Author:** ![Philster](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/13edae/32.png) [@Philster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Philster)\ **Post date:** [August 19, 2005, 1:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-men-get-yeast-infections/317575/9 "2005-08-19T13:00:50Z")
> [@ouryL](#): > > :dubious: :dubious: :dubious: > > Imagine getting the worst case of jock itch in your life!! > > :wally: :wally: :wally: First, you misrepresent me when you quote my _reference_ and make it appear as though I stated the words. Additionally, one could argue that the worst case of jock itch is indeed a minor medical problem. I suggest your refrain from tossing around the ‘putz’ remark, lest you learn to use it properly. ---
**Author:** ![js\_africanus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/87869e/32.png) [@js\_africanus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/js_africanus)\ **Post date:** [August 19, 2005, 4:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-men-get-yeast-infections/317575/10 "2005-08-19T16:50:55Z")
Shortly after finishing my course of radiation for cancer, I got a yeast infection in my throat. It was indeed a minor problem. I got a perscription for, IIRC, Monistat in lozenge form and after taking a lozenge a couple of times a day for a while it was all gone. There was no contact that would have caused an “infection.” Note this telling passage from Wikipedia > [@](#): > > Candidiasis, commonly called yeast infection or thrush, is a fungal infection of any of the Candida species, of which Candida albicans is probably the most common. **Yeast organisms are always present in all people** , but are usually prevented from “overgrowth” (uncontrolled multiplication resulting in symptoms) by naturally occurring microorganisms. [emphasis added] In my case, my system was so beat down from the radiation that I didn’t have the natural defensed to keep the yeast, which we all have, under control. So if you hear of someone having a yeast infection, don’t go assuming that it came from sexual contact. So, yes. I’m a man and I’ve had a yeast infection. And the two best things about it are: 1. Pulling out a package that says “MONOSTAT” on it in bold letters and putting one of the lozenges in your mouth. 2. Noting that you’ve once had a yeast infection in your mouth (that’s a lie, but it helps the joke), and then give no explanation whatsoever. People’s reactions are pretty funny! ---
**Author:** ![Helen\_s\_Eidolon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/8edcca/32.png) [@Helen\_s\_Eidolon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Helen_s_Eidolon)\ **Post date:** [August 19, 2005, 5:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-men-get-yeast-infections/317575/11 "2005-08-19T17:02:31Z")
As far as I’m aware, men can get them although the male genitalia is a less friendly breeding ground for candidiasis than female genitalia. This means they are less likely to get it and, if they do, it’s more likely to resolve spontaneously. And, although **js\_africanus** is of course right that most yeast infections don’t come from sexual contact, it can be transmitted via sexual contact. ---
**Author:** ![ayla106](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/f05b48/32.png) [@ayla106](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ayla106)\ **Post date:** [August 19, 2005, 5:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-men-get-yeast-infections/317575/12 "2005-08-19T17:13:24Z")
> [@seaworthy82](#): > > I got into a debate about this the other day, and while I think it’s impossible, I admit I don’t have any proof. My friend thinks it is. She doubts it would arise spontaneously, men not having the right, ah, plumbing, but she thinks if a girl had one she could infect her boyfriend. Anyone? > > :dubious: Ok… this is how it works with guys. 1. If he is overweight, then he has a likely chance of getting a yeast infection because of the hot and wet conditions in the belly/groin area. 2. Male babies can also get it from being too hot and sweaty in their diapers and that provides a WONDERFUL breeding ground for the bacteria that cause yeast infections. 3. Contracting it from a female partner. (pretty self explanitory) The first two I know a great deal about because my husband and son both got it and my husband left his untreated and it became a fungus. (nice, eh?) The medication can be costly but by the two week mark of taking any meds, there should be a significant reduction in the area affected. By the end of the full month of treatment, the infection and/or fungus should be gone. Hoped that helped your debate!! 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Scarlett67](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/scarlett67/32/7387_2.png) [@Scarlett67](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Scarlett67)\ **Post date:** [August 19, 2005, 5:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-men-get-yeast-infections/317575/13 "2005-08-19T17:18:01Z")
> [@ayla106](#): > > 1. If he is overweight, then he has a likely chance of getting a yeast infection because of the hot and wet conditions in the belly/groin area. Mr. S is not overweight (skinny bastard), but he got one in the groin/thigh area after using too much moist heat (heating pad, Bed Buddy) to relieve arthritis pain. He was pretty miserable for about two weeks. ---
**Author:** ![Chronos](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chronos/32/134_2.png) [@Chronos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chronos)\ **Post date:** [August 19, 2005, 5:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-men-get-yeast-infections/317575/14 "2005-08-19T17:27:00Z")
> [@](#): > > Male babies can also get it from being too hot and sweaty in their diapers and that provides a WONDERFUL breeding ground for the bacteria that cause yeast infections. Yeast are not bacteria, and yeast infections are (appropriately enough) caused by a yeast. In fact, the yeast organisms are ordinarly kept under control largely through the action of other bacteria, which is why yeast infections are often a complication of antibiotics (which kill bacteria, but generally not other organisms). Also, while yeast infections themselves are generally just an annoyance, they can be symptomatic of a depressed immune system, as from AIDS. So if you find yourself with a yeast infection with no apparent cause, it might be prudent to see a doctor about it. ---
**Author:** ![dlack](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b5ac83/32.png) [@dlack](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dlack)\ **Post date:** [August 19, 2005, 5:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-men-get-yeast-infections/317575/15 "2005-08-19T17:30:45Z")
I am uncircumcised and had a yeast infection as a child. I’ve been very careful to keep things clean since then. ---
**Author:** ![EarthStone777](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/7ab992/32.png) [@EarthStone777](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EarthStone777)\ **Post date:** [August 19, 2005, 5:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-men-get-yeast-infections/317575/16 "2005-08-19T17:56:25Z")
I’m male and I had a yeast infection for over a year without knowing it. I am uncircumsized as well as a diabetic, but none of the symptoms already described fit my situation. It was not red and only slightly itchy with no burning. In fact even my doctor didn’t know it was a yeast infection, he thought it was something else. He sent me to a urologist who diagnosed it correctly, gave me a cream to use, and within a couple weeks it was gone for good. The symptoms I had and how it happened: My foreskin was too tight to pull back. I thought it was scared (phimosis) from a weekend of intense sex that resulted in the skin getting dried out, cracked, and bleeding. When it healed, it had thicker patches that looked like scars and wouldn’t retract after that. … I thought I’d broken it… I put up with it for a year hoping the scars would stretch out over time but they didn’t so that’s what led to my asking my Doc about it and his sending me to the urologist. The hardest thing about using the cream at first was pulling the skin back to apply it, but within days it was easier and in two weeks it was good as new. … It still is, much to my and Mrs. Stones shared delight. ---
**Author:** ![ouryL](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ouryl/32/6067_2.png) [@ouryL](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ouryL)\ **Post date:** [August 19, 2005, 7:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-men-get-yeast-infections/317575/17 "2005-08-19T19:37:41Z")
> [@Philster](#): > > First, you misrepresent me when you quote my _reference_ and make it appear as though I stated the words. > > Additionally, one could argue that the worst case of jock itch is indeed a minor medical problem. > > I suggest your refrain from tossing around the ‘putz’ remark, lest you learn to use it properly. burning sensation during intercourse, burning sensation of the penis, transient rash, red patches and blisters at the end of the penis and around the foreskin, severe itching and pain, burning, cracking, itching, moistness, painful, red inflamed skin containing pus, peeling on the hands, particularly between the fingers and swollen nail folds above the cuticle shiny, pink rash with a scaly or blistered edge in the folds of the skin, painful swallowing, white patches in the mouth and throat These are not MINOR symptoms. ---
**Author:** ![Sofis](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e5b9ba/32.png) [@Sofis](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sofis)\ **Post date:** [August 19, 2005, 9:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-men-get-yeast-infections/317575/18 "2005-08-19T21:36:03Z")
I was under the impression that one cannot catch a yeast infection from someone else. That is, yeast organisms are always present on the body, but only cause problems if a too friendly environment is provided for them. At any rate, as has been noted, men can and do get yeast infections. I used to get them occasionally, but never sought medical treatment since they weren’t particularly bad, just redness and some itching. I haven’t had any since I stopped using soap to clean under my foreskin. ---
**Author:** ![JohnBckWLD](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/d6d6ee/32.png) [@JohnBckWLD](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JohnBckWLD)\ **Post date:** [August 19, 2005, 9:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-men-get-yeast-infections/317575/19 "2005-08-19T21:47:14Z")
> [@ouryL](#): > > burning sensation during intercourse, burning sensation of the penis, transient rash, red patches and blisters at the end of the penis and around the foreskin, severe itching and pain, burning, cracking, itching, moistness, painful, red inflamed skin containing pus… I realize those symptoms listed on the above link, but in my personal experience, they’re all worst-case dramatizations. Maybe it’s different those who are uncircumsized - but for me there was no burning, irritation, itching, pus or pain. Unsightly? Yes. Something to fret over? Barely. After picking up the Rx, it’s gone in less than a week. Unsolicited word of advice to the married ladies: If you see red blotches on his nether regions, don’t start screaming at him about ‘bringing herpes home’ & that you ‘want a divorce’. It can be very embarrassing to to learn from his urologist that he caught a yeast infection from you. ---
**Author:** ![seaworthy82](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/df788c/32.png) [@seaworthy82](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/seaworthy82)\ **Post date:** [August 19, 2005, 11:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-men-get-yeast-infections/317575/20 "2005-08-19T23:18:02Z")
ok both circumcised and uncircumcised males can get yeast infections? And how would rubbing monistat on the outside of the penis work? I could see under the foreskin, but on circumcised males I don’t see how that would be effective. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-men-get-yeast-infections/317575.md?page=2)