Let’s Talk about Yeast Infections

Yeast infections are one of those health problems people hate talking about… but nearly three out of four women will deal with one at some point, and millions of men experience yeast-related irritation, rashes, and genital infections every year.

Yes, men can absolutely get yeast infections.

In fact, Candida infections in men often go unnoticed longer because they’re less talked about, and men may assume it’s just “irritation” or “chafing.”

The positive side? Yeast infections in both men and women are typically easy to understand, easy to treat, and easy to prevent once you know what causes them.

But that doesn’t mean dealing with them isn’t a pain!

Let’s break everything down clearly: what yeast infections actually are, who gets them, how they form, the risks of ignoring them, and six natural remedies backed by research.

So What Exactly Is a Yeast Infection?

When most people hear the word “yeast,” I’d expect they think about how it relates to making bread.

Yeast makes bread rise.

There are all kinds of yeast.

And while you want some of them in foods and in alcohol brewing, there are some kinds you don’t want growing out of control in your body.

Mainly an overgrowth of yeast called Candida, or Candida albicans.

Candida normally lives harmlessly on the skin, in the gut, in the mouth, and in the genital area of both sexes.

But when there are imbalances in the body, things like pH changes, moisture increases, and immunity decreases, Candida can multiply too quickly and trigger inflammation, itching, redness, and discharge.

Imagine the yeast causing bread to rise - and then imagine that happening in your body.

Yuck.

As it relates to yeast infections, there are a few common locations that people deal with yeast:

• vaginal area
  

• penis/glans (especially uncircumcised men)
  

• skin folds
  

• mouth (oral thrush)
  

• under breasts
  

• armpits
  

• groin
  

Remember, Anyone Can Get a Yeast Infection

One of the common misconceptions, at least popularly, is that women are the only ones who get yeast infections.

This is often due to hormonal shifts, vaginal pH, and moisture changes. 

But men can get them too.

Men often develop yeast infections on the penis (called balanitis), groin, anus, or inner thigh, especially if uncircumcised, sweaty, or diabetic. 

Symptoms in men may include:

• redness on the penis
  

• itching or burning
  

• small white patches
  

• difficulty retracting foreskin
  

• cottage cheese–like discharge (less common but possible)
  

And kids can get yeast infections, too.

For instance, diaper rash often has a yeast component.

Another group of people who often have to contend with yeast infections are people with compromised immune systems, including diabetics, people with HIV, cancer patients, and those using steroid medications.

In fact, certain triggers make the body’s environment more favorable for yeast overgrowth:

1 - Taking Antibiotics Can Cause Yeast Infections: 

Because antibiotics kill beneficial bacteria that normally keep Candida in check, taking a round of antibiotics can allow Candida to run rampant.

2 - High Blood Sugar May Cause Yeast Infections:

Candida feeds on sugar, which is one reason diabetics are at higher risk. That also goes for those who just eat a lot of sugar. If you have the beginnings of a yeast infection and eat a ton of sugar, that can send it into overdrive.

3  -  Moisture & Heat:

If you’ve ever made bread, then you know it takes moisture and heat to get bread to rise (along with yeast).

This is why wearing tight clothing, sweaty workouts, not changing underwear quickly, and synthetic fabrics can cause them. And this has nothing to do with being men or women.

4 - Sexual Activity:

While yeast infections are not considered an STI, sexual contact can spread yeast or irritate tissues, increasing the likelihood of infection. Because genitals are a safe harbor for candida, it’s easy to see how it’s a good idea to be careful about engaging in sexual activity with someone who is infected with yeast. 

What Happens If You Don’t Treat a Yeast Infection

Yeast infections don’t typically “resolve on their own.” And while it may be tempting to ignore them, doing so can lead to more trouble.

When a yeast infection is left untreated, the symptoms typically intensify, itching becomes more persistent, inflammation increases, and sensitive skin can start to break down, making even simple movements uncomfortable.

Over time, this can also lead to recurrent infections; in women, this recurring cycle is known as Recurrent Vulvovaginal Candidiasis (RVVC), while men may experience repeated episodes of balanitis or chronic groin irritation.

As the skin becomes increasingly damaged by ongoing inflammation and scratching, small cracks or tears can form, creating openings through which harmful bacteria can enter and trigger secondary infections that are often more painful and difficult to treat.

Although rare, untreated yeast infections can also spread beyond the surface in people with weakened immune systems, such as those with diabetes, HIV, or chronic illness, potentially developing into more serious systemic problems.

Beyond the physical risks, these ongoing symptoms can take a toll on daily life, making exercise uncomfortable, intimacy painful or stressful, sleep difficult, and overall mood and well-being noticeably worse.

Natural Ways to Treat Yeast Infections 

Here’s the deal.

You can absolutely use medicine to treat a yeast infection, but that’s a last resort in my opinion.

Instead, there are natural ways to knock them out.

1 - Probiotics (Especially Lactobacillus):

A strong, balanced microbiome is one of the best defenses against yeast overgrowth, and probiotics, particularly Lactobacillus species, play a major role in maintaining that balance.

These beneficial bacteria help restore the natural acidity of the gut and genital tract, which makes the environment less hospitable to Candida.

Studies also suggest that probiotics can support both immune function and the body’s natural regulation of yeast.

For both men and women, a daily probiotic supplement can help replenish depleted microbiota after antibiotics, stress, or illness. Dietary sources such as yogurt, kefir, and sauerkraut also support healthy bacteria, while women may benefit from probiotic vaginal suppositories designed to restore optimal pH and flora.

2 - Tea Tree Oil (Topical, Diluted Only): 

Tea tree oil has well-documented antifungal properties and has been shown to inhibit Candida growth in laboratory settings.

Because it’s potent, it must always be diluted with a carrier oil (such as coconut or jojoba) to protect sensitive skin.

Men can apply diluted tea tree oil to external areas such as the groin or inner thighs where irritation, redness, or fungal activity is present.

Women may apply diluted tea tree oil externally as well, or use professionally prepared tea tree suppositories, but never homemade ones. Most importantly, undiluted tea tree oil should never be applied directly to genital tissue, as it can cause burning or chemical irritation

3 - Boric Acid Suppositories:

Boric acid is a time-tested antifungal remedy often recommended for recurrent or stubborn yeast infections. It helps restore the vaginal environment's natural acidity, making it harder for yeast to multiply.

Women commonly use commercially produced boric acid suppositories for infections that don’t respond well to standard treatments.

Men, while not using suppositories, may benefit from boric-acid–based external cleansing products that help reduce fungal load on the skin, especially in moist, sweat-prone areas.

It's important only to use commercially prepared products, as homemade boric acid mixtures can be unsafe.

4 - Coconut Oil (Topical)

Coconut oil is naturally rich in caprylic acid, a compound with strong antifungal properties known to weaken and break down the cell walls of Candida.

When applied topically, coconut oil can soothe irritated skin, reduce redness, and create a gentle barrier that helps protect against further irritation.

It’s safe for both men and women to apply externally to the skin and groin area, and it can be especially helpful when yeast infections cause dryness or chafing.

The antifungal potential of coconut oil has been supported in laboratory studies showing its ability to inhibit Candida species.

5 - Garlic (Food or Supplements):

Garlic is a powerful natural antifungal, thanks to allicin, a compound shown to inhibit various Candida species.

Eating garlic or taking high-quality garlic extract supplements can support the immune system and help reduce yeast overgrowth from the inside out.

This remedy is suitable for both men and women, and is especially useful for those who prefer dietary or internal approaches to balance the microbiome. While garlic can be a valuable tool internally, it should never be applied topically to genital skin, as it can cause burns and severe irritation.

When Should You See a Doctor? 

Here’s the thing: You can take a yeast infection down by yourself if you suspect you have one, but, you should see professional care if:

• symptoms don’t improve within 2–3 days
  

• symptoms worsen
  

• you develop fever or severe redness
  

• men experience difficulty retracting the foreskin
  

• women experience severe discharge or unusual odor (could be BV)
  

• infections recur often
  

• you’re unsure whether symptoms are yeast or something else
  

Yeast infections are not the worst thing ever, but as they’re quite common (and quite uncomfortable), it’s good to have options to treat them.