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Genital thrush in males
7-minute read
Key facts
- Thrush is a yeast infection caused by an overgrowth of a fungus called Candida.
- Candida infection can occur in many parts of your body, including your genital area — this is known as genital thrush.
- If you have genital thrush, you may notice an uncomfortable rash on your genital area, pain when passing urine, or you may have no symptoms.
- Normally, your body can stop overgrowth of Candida, but taking antibiotics, poorly-controlled diabetes and stress can allow the fungus to multiply.
- To prevent genital thrush you should practice good hygiene and use protection during sex.
What is genital thrush?
Thrush is an infection caused by a fungus called Candida. Candida occurs naturally in warm, moist areas in your body, such as your mouth and genital area.
Genital thrush occurs when there is an overgrowth of Candida in your genital area.
Genital thrush can affect anyone, although it's less common before puberty.
This article is about thrush in males. Learn about vaginal thrush in females.
What are the symptoms of genital thrush in males?
The most common symptoms of genital thrush in males include:
- a red rash on your genitals, mainly under your foreskin
- discomfort or irritation at the tip of your penis
- pain or discomfort when you pass urine or have sex
- swelling of your foreskin
- cracks or splits in your foreskin
- discharge from your penis
- an unusual smell coming from under your foreskin
You can also have genital thrush without experiencing any symptoms.
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What causes genital thrush in males?
Genital thrush occurs when you have an overgrowth of Candida in your genital area.
Having a small amount of Candida in your body is normal. Candida lives in places such as your:
- mouth
- bowel
- vagina
- foreskin of the penis
Normally, your body can stop Candida growing too much. Some factors disrupt the balance of bacteria and fungi in your body, which allows Candida to multiply (grow more). This can lead to genital thrush.
Factors that may increase your chance of having genital thrush include:
- taking antibiotics
- poorly controlled diabetes
- human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
- stress
- having a weakened immune system
- having poor genital hygiene
Candida is not considered a sexually transmitted infection (STI), but can be transmitted to your penis by a sexual partner.
You do not need to be sexually active to get genital thrush.
When should I see my doctor?
You should see your doctor if you have any symptoms of genital thrush.
You should also see your doctor if you:
- get genital thrush frequently
- have tried genital thrush treatment and your symptoms have not improved
- have pain or bleeding in your genital area
- have any changes in your genital area that you are worried about
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How is genital thrush in males diagnosed?
Your doctor can diagnose genital thrush by examining your genitals and asking about your symptoms.
Your doctor may take a swab of the affected area to confirm the diagnosis. In some cases, you may be able to collect the swab yourself.
Your doctor may also test for sexually transmissible infections (STIs). This is because many STIs can cause similar symptoms.
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How is genital thrush treated?
See your doctor if you have symptoms of genital thrush. Your doctor may recommend self-care at home or medicines.
Self-care at home
Here are some tips to help manage genital thrush at home:
- Make sure you always gently wash your genitals.
- Avoid soaps and shower gels, which can make irritation worse.
- When you're drying yourself, be gentle and thoroughly pat dry your genital area.
Medicines for genital thrush
To treat genital thrush, your doctor or pharmacist may recommend:
- an anti-fungal cream
- an anti-fungal tablet
Apply the cream to your genital area as prescribed. This includes the penis and under the foreskin if you are uncircumcised.
Your doctor may also recommend a steroid cream to help relieve your symptoms. However, a steroid cream alone does not work to cure the infection.
It may be best to avoid sexual activity until you have finished treatment. This is because sex may cause discomfort or make your symptoms worse.
Remember that some creams can damage latex barrier contraception, such as condoms and diaphragms.
What are the complications of genital thrush in males?
Genital thrush can be very uncomfortable but rarely causes complications. Possible complications include:
- chronic pain, if sex becomes painful due to genital thrush
- recurrent genital thrush that requires long-term treatment
Can genital thrush be prevented?
Thrush may occur for no obvious reason, but there are things you can do to help prevent it:
- Wash your hands after using the bathroom.
- Use condoms and water-based lubricant when having sex.
- Wear loose cotton underwear. Avoid tight or synthetic clothes.
- Avoid using hygiene products near your genitals — this includes soap, bath oil and body wash.
- Make sure any towels you use on your genitals are dry and washed regularly.
- Dry your genital area thoroughly after showering or bathing.
If you have any symptoms of genital thrush it's important to see your doctor. Treatment can help improve your symptoms and prevent any complications.
Resources and support
The Healthy Male page offers information on:
The National Health and Medical Research Council has a fact sheet on thrush.
For more information on sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and how to get tested, visit the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing page.
You can also call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.