Male thrush treatment
Thrush in men is treated in the same way it is for women: with an antifungal medicine that stops the yeast cells from growing and spreading. This medicine is usually a cream that you apply to the infected area, but it is also available in tablets.
Clotrimazole 1% cream is commonly used to treat thrush in men. You apply a thin layer evenly to the affected areas and rub it in gently 2 to 3 times per day.
The symptoms of soreness and itching should clear up within a few days of starting treatment and the other symptoms such as redness should clear up within 2 weeks. If they do not, talk to your doctor or a pharmacist.
Other common cream treatments for thrush are Canestan cream and Daktarin 2% cream. Sometimes a mild steroid cream like hydrocortisone is recommended alongside an antifungal to treat any inflammation.
You should avoid having sex while you are treating male thrush. Your partner does not need to be treated unless they also have symptoms.
If you are getting thrush regularly (eg, 4 times in a year), your doctor may advise you to take the treatment for longer. They may also recommend that you try tablets such as fluconazole as well as having tests to check for any underlying health issues including diabetes.
Can I still have sex if I am treating male thrush?
You should avoid having sex while you are treating male thrush as thrush can be passed on through sex though it is not considered an STI.
Once you have treated male thrush, you should use alternative contraception to condoms or diaphragms for at least 5 days after using antifungal cream on your penis. This is because the cream can reduce their effectiveness in preventing pregnancy.
Back to top