Thrush Treatment for Men

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Yes, men get thrush too. It's a yeast infection that usually affects the head of the penis and under the foreskin, causing redness, itching and soreness. It's not serious, it isn't an STI, and it normally clears within a week or two of treatment. An antifungal cream is usually all you need. A single capsule is an option if you'd rather take a tablet. MedsRus offers Canesten thrush cream and fluconazole after a short online consultation, checked by a UK prescriber.

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Thrush in men: the symptoms

redness, irritation or a burning feeling on the head of the penis or under the foreskin;
itching;
a white, lumpy discharge under the foreskin, a bit like cottage cheese;
an unpleasant smell;
difficulty pulling back your foreskin.

When the head of the penis becomes red, swollen and sore, it's called balanitis. Thrush is one of the most common causes.

Is it thrush or an STI?

Some STIs can look similar, so it's worth knowing the difference. Discharge from the tip of the penis (rather than under the foreskin), pain when you pee, sores, blisters or warts are more likely to be an STI. If you've had sex with a new partner and have any of these, get tested at a sexual health clinic. Our guide to early signs of chlamydia in men explains what to look out for.

How do men get thrush?

Thrush is caused by a yeast called Candida, which lives harmlessly on most people's skin. It causes problems when it overgrows, usually because the warm, moist skin under the foreskin gives it the conditions it likes. It's more likely if:

you're not circumcised;
you have diabetes, especially if your blood sugar is high;
you've recently taken antibiotics;
your immune system is weakened;
you use perfumed soaps or shower gels on your penis;
your partner has vaginal thrush. Men can get thrush from a female partner during sex, although it isn't classed as an STI.

For more detail, read can men get thrush?

Male thrush treatment

Antifungal cream

For most men, a clotrimazole cream such as Canesten external thrush cream is the first choice.

Wash and dry the area gently, pulling back your foreskin.
Apply a thin layer 2 or 3 times a day.
Keep using it for 2 weeks after the symptoms have gone, to stop the thrush coming straight back.

Most men notice an improvement within a few days.

Fluconazole capsule

If the cream isn't working, or you'd prefer a tablet, a single 150mg fluconazole capsule treats thrush from the inside. Some men use the capsule and the cream together for faster relief of itching. Fluconazole isn't suitable for everyone. It can interact with some heart, cholesterol and blood-thinning medicines, which is why the consultation asks about your other medicines.

Cream or capsule: which is better?

	Clotrimazole cream	Fluconazole capsule
How you use it	Apply 2 or 3 times a day	Swallow one capsule, once
How long	Until 2 weeks after symptoms go	One dose
Best for	Mild to moderate thrush; quick relief of itching	When cream is a hassle or hasn't worked
Watch out for	Can weaken condoms	Interactions with some other medicines

For most men, the cream works well and is the simplest place to start. If symptoms are bad, using both for the first few days is fine.

Oral thrush

Thrush can also affect the mouth, causing white patches and soreness. Daktarin sugar-free oral gel treats it, but it isn't suitable if you take warfarin.

Helping it clear, and stopping it coming back

wash your penis once a day with plain water or an emollient instead of soap;
dry it properly afterwards, under the foreskin too;
wear loose cotton underwear;
avoid sex until it's cleared. If your partner has symptoms, they need treating too, or you may keep passing it back and forth. Our page on thrush treatment for women covers their options.

When to see a GP

See your GP or a sexual health clinic if:

this is the first time you've had these symptoms;
they don't improve after 7 to 14 days of treatment;
thrush keeps coming back (more than twice in 6 months);
you have sores, blisters, discharge from the tip of your penis, or pain when peeing;
you can't pull your foreskin back, or it's stuck behind the head of the penis. That's urgent.

Repeated thrush can be a sign of diabetes, so your GP may suggest a blood test, especially if you're also thirsty, peeing a lot or tired.

How to order thrush treatment from MedsRus

Answer a few questions about your symptoms, your health and any medicines you take.
A UK prescriber reviews them and approves the cream, the capsule or both if they're suitable.
We send it in plain, unmarked packaging.

Start your consultation →

Thrush in men FAQs

How do I get rid of thrush as a man?

Use an antifungal cream such as clotrimazole 2 or 3 times a day, and keep using it for 2 weeks after the symptoms go. A single fluconazole capsule is an alternative.

Can men get thrush from women?

Yes. It can pass between partners during sex, although thrush isn't an STI. If you both have symptoms, you should both be treated.

How long does male thrush last?

With treatment, most men feel better within a few days, and it usually clears within 1 to 2 weeks.

Can I buy fluconazole for men over the counter?

Pharmacies can sell fluconazole 150mg to men aged 16 to 60. Through MedsRus, a prescriber reviews your consultation first.

Is male thrush a sign of diabetes?

Not always, but thrush that keeps coming back can be. If it does, ask your GP for a check.

Can I have sex with thrush?

It's best to wait until it's cleared. Sex can make the soreness worse and pass thrush to your partner.