Can men get thrush? Male thrush symptoms and what to do
Written byH&B editorial team
Reviewed byMadalena Vieira Costa
Think thrush only affects women? Think again. Learn the symptoms of male thrush and tips to help keep it at bay
Summary
1What is thrush and can men get it?
Thrush is a common infection caused by a type of yeast called candida. It's usually harmless but it can be uncomfortable to deal with.
2What are the symptoms of thrush in men?
Symptoms of thrush on the penis include irritation, burning and redness around the head of the penis and under the foreskin.
3Helping to prevent thrush
While thrush can come back, there are steps you can take to help reduce your risk.
While thrush is less common in men, it can affect anyone.1 Usually, this common yeast infection is harmless – but it can be uncomfortable and difficult to get rid of. Read on to learn the symptoms of thrush in men, what to do if you think you have thrush and how to reduce your risk of it coming back...
What is thrush and can men get it?
Thrush is a common infection caused by a type of yeast called candida.2 Although it's more common in women, men can get thrush too. Thrush can develop in different areas of the body, but the most common types are:
- oral thrush: thrush in and around the mouth
- genital thrush: thrush in and around the genitals
What causes thrush in men?
Candida naturally lives on and inside the body without causing problems.2 Thrush develops when the balance changes, allowing the fungus to grow more than it should – usually in warm, moist areas of the body. Thrush can become more likely if:
- you have a weakened immune system
- you're taking antibiotics
- your skin is irritated or damaged
- you have poorly controlled diabetes
Thrush isn't classed as a sexually transmitted infection (STI), although it’s possible – but not very common – to pass it on during sex.2 Some antifungal creams used to treat thrush can weaken latex condoms, diaphragms and caps, so it’s best to avoid sex until your treatment has finished if you rely on these forms of contraception.2
What are the symptoms of thrush in men?
Thrush in men can affect different parts of the body, most commonly the mouth or penis. Symptoms vary depending on where the infection develops. Symptoms of oral thrush include redness inside the mouth and white patches. These patches may bleed if you try to wipe them away.3 You may also have cracks at the corners of your mouth, difficulty eating and drinking or an unpleasant taste in your mouth.3 Symptoms of thrush on the penis include:2
- irritation, burning and redness around the head of the penis and under the foreskin
- white discharge from the penis (like cottage cheese)
- an unpleasant smell
- difficulty pulling back the foreskin
Helping to prevent thrush
Some people are more susceptible to thrush and may find it returns repeatedly. However, there are some steps you can take to help reduce your risk.
- Wash and dry thoroughly: candida loves to grow in warm, moist conditions, so drying your penis thoroughly after showering – especially underneath the foreskin – may help reduce your risk of thrush2
- Maintain a healthy weight: people living with obesity may be more likely to develop thrush, as warm, moist skin folds can provide an environment where candida can grow. If you're carrying excess weight, losing weight gradually may help reduce your risk of thrush while supporting your overall health4
- Keep blood sugar levels well managed: high blood glucose levels can encourage candida to grow.5 If you have diabetes, managing your blood sugar levels may help reduce your risk of thrush. If you're finding it difficult to keep your blood sugar under control, speak to your GP or diabetes team for advice
- Wear loose-fitting underwear: underwear made from a breathable material like cotton to help keep your penis cool and prevent moisture from building up5
Thrush treatment for men: when to see a doctor
If you think you have thrush, it's best to see your GP to confirm the diagnosis. If you've had thrush before, a pharmacist can recommend treatment options such as tablets or creams to use at home.
Male thrush FAQs
Symptoms of genital thrush in men include redness, irritation and burning around the head of the penis and under the foreskin. You may also have a white lumpy discharge from the penis or an unpleasant smell.2 However, symptoms can overlap with other conditions or infections, so it’s best to check with your GP to get a diagnosis.
You should see a doctor if you think you have thrush – they can provide you with a diagnosis and the right treatment. If you’ve had thrush diagnosed before and recognise the symptoms, a pharmacist can advise on suitable treatment options.2
The final say
Male thrush is more common than many people realise, but the good news is it's usually straightforward to treat. Knowing the symptoms, getting the right advice and making a few simple lifestyle changes can all help you manage thrush and reduce the risk of it returning.
If you're unsure whether it's thrush or your symptoms aren't improving, speak to your GP or pharmacist for advice. Ready to learn more about men's health? Explore everything you need to know about male hormones or find out the seven symptoms men should never ignore.
Disclaimer – This article provides informational advice and is not a substitute for medical care. Working with experts for accuracy, we take great care to ensure the information is up-to-date and relevant. However, you should always consult your GP or healthcare professional before using supplements or alternative products, particularly if you have medical conditions or are under supervision.
1. NHS Inform. Thrush [Internet]. NHS Inform [reviewed 2025 Oct 20; cited 2026 Aug 25]. Available from: https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/sexual-and-reproductive/thrush/
2. NHS. Thrush in men and women [Internet]. NHS [reviewed 2023 Jul 28; cited 2026 Aug 25]. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/thrush-in-men-and-women/
3. NHS. Oral thrush [Internet]. NHS [reviewed 2023 Jun 5; cited 2026 Aug 25]. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/oral-thrush-mouth-thrush/
4. MedlinePlus. Candida infection of the skin [Internet]. MedlinePlus [reviewed 2024 Oct 9; cited 2026 Aug 25]. Available from: https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000880.htm
5. Xiong J, Lu H, Jiang Y. A Causal Relationship between Type 2 Diabetes and Candidiasis through Two-Sample Mendelian Randomization Analysis. Microorganisms [Internet]. 2024 Sep 30 [cited 2026 Aug 25]; 12(10): 1984. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11509823/
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