Men Yeast Infection What is yeast infection? Yeast Infection is also called as “Candidiasis”. It is a fungal infection which occurs in areas such as throat, skin, mouth, blood and genitals. Yeast infection is caused by overgrowth of a type of yeast known as candida. This yeast is normally found in smaller amounts in the human body. Yeast infections are not limited to only women; this can affect anyone including men and small babies. Yeast infections are mostly on the warm, moist and dark places particularly on the vagina and gastrointestinal tract.
Causes of yeast infections Frequent sexual intercourse, soaps which cause irritability, deodorants or perfumes, ill-fitting undergarments, antibiotic use and too much exposure to hot or humid climate. Candidiasis is more commonly seen in diabetic patients. Male Yeast Infections Men can get yeast infection by having unprotected sex with a women having candida vaginitis. The infection happens on the penis. It appears as small white spot, redness or a dry peeling rash on the penis. This is later accompanied by itching or burning sensation. Though men are much less likely to develop the yeast infection. But it’s important to know how
these infections develop and what are the likely symptoms to detect the root cause on timely manner. Causes of yeast infections on men –
Unprotected sexual intercourse
Poor self-hygiene wherein you don’t bathe daily or keep your private parts clean.
Men being uncircumcised is a major risk factor since the area under the foreskin can be breeding ground for these infections.
Prolonged use of antibiotics for any existing illness
Diabetic patients are at risk of getting infected
Obesity
People with lower immune system due to major illness such as HIV, Cancer.
Symptoms of yeast infection on men – Men would experience the below symptoms on their penis.
Red rash
White, shiny patch
The penis skin may be moist and a thick substance is found under the foreskin
Itching and burning sensation
Mild to severe pain
One should not ignore these symptoms. Your doctor can diagnose the condition and provide the right treatment. Diagnoses of male yeast infection – Once you notice the symptoms inform the doctor. The doctor would thoroughly examine your genitals and review the symptoms. The white shiny substance which is formed on the penis would be taken for a lab test. This white substance would be diagnosed under the microscope to confirm the type of fungus causing the issue. Don’t self-diagnose the problem and start your own treatment. It should be correctly checked by a doctor so they can prescribe the right medications or cream. Treatment of male yeast infection –
Often if the infection is left untreated it goes away on its own however at times it can spread to the buttocks, inner thighs and scrotum. The treatment is simple. The doctor would prescribe over the counter medications or antifungal creams which can be applied twice a day for one to three weeks until the infection is cleared. Since there are cases of men getting this infection from women hence both would need to be treated on timely manner else they would keep passing on the infection. Few of the antifungal creams recommended by the doctor are:
Imidazole such as canesten or selezen.
Clotrimazole such as anti-fungal, cruex, lotrimin AF
Miconazole such as lotrimin AF, desenex
Most of these creams are available over the counter and would not need a special prescription. However, for more severe cases of infection, one may need prescription strength medicines. There are chances that once cured, the yeast infection may reappear. In such cases, your doctor will likely recommend weekly treatments for few months with regular monitoring. There are rare cases of any side effects after using the medication however if you face any issues with the cream check with your doctor. In addition to the medicated cream, one must also ensure to practice good hygiene, have protected sex, timely check your sugar levels if you are diabetic, keep yourself healthy if you have impaired immune system. Risk or complications posed by male yeast infection – Balanitis is one of the potential complications of male yeast infection. Balanitis is an inflammation of the head of the penis or foreskin. Diabetic patients are at higher risk of this complication. Balanitis should be treated promptly since it can scar the foreskin if treatment is not done effectively. This would make urinating difficult and the person would experience severe pain. Balanitis have known to cause weakness, fatigue, painful and swollen glands. Second complication of untreated yeast infection is that it may enter the bloodstream of the person. Very common with men who do not feel the need to treat this infection. Men with weakened immune system also face this complication. The infection entering the blood is also known as candidemia or invasive candidiasis. Oral antifungal medications are used to get this treated.
Preventing male yeast infection –
Avoid sexual intercourse with the partner already infected with yeast infection.
Avoid having sex with anyone while you are infected
Always have protected sex. Wear a condom to reduce the chances of developing or spreading the infection.
Practice good hygiene by bathing daily and keeping your private parts clean and dry.
If you are uncircumcised the area under the foreskin should be cleaned with water and soap.