Yeast Infection in Men

Yeast infections in men are not as widespread as they are in women, however, men do still get yeast infections. Genital yeast (candida) infections are more common in women but certainly, men do get them. Yeast infections in men, because they symptoms are similar to sexually transmitted diseases, are harder to diagnose.

The candida bacteria, which is responsible for all yeast (candida) infections, can occur in the male gut. When there is an imbalance of these bacteria, then a yeast infection will occur. Men can get this disorder in their mouths which is oral thrush, and the famous jock-itch is also a form of yeast infection. Men also get penile yeast infections.

Yeast infections in men - How does it happen?

One way in which yeast (candida) infections occur in men is through unprotected sexual intercourse. Unprotected intercourse with an infected person is one of the methods of contracting a yeast (candida) infection. Women can develop a candida infection without having sex with an infected man; Your girlfriend may give you a penile yeast infection, however, do not think she has been unfaithful to you! It is imperative that you and your partner both be treated if you have a yeast (candida) infection. The infection will then be passed back and forward between both you and your girlfriend.

Both women and men can pick up a yeast infection if they have been prescribed antibiotics. Antibiotics destroy the bacteria in the body, both good and bad. Candida bacteria can develop faster than the good bacteria which keep it in check. Since candida bacteria is responsible for yeast infections, when they overgrow then a candida infection will develop. While this is more common in women, it is not impossible for a man to suffer a yeast, or candida infection this way.

Diabetes can be responsible for penile yeast infections because diabetics have more sugar in the urine; the sugar is exactly what the candida bacteria feed off, so it makes it more likely that a yeast infection will occur.

Men who do sports may wear damp clothing more than is good for them; the candida bacteria welcome the damp warm conditions because they are perfect for to reproduce rapidly. Thus a yeast (candida) infection will occur - the term jock-itch develops from this occurance.

Yeast infections in men - How do I know?

It is essential to get a doctors diagnosis of a yeast (candida) infection, especially if you have never had one before. Due to the similarity with genital herpes, there is always a chance of mis-diagnosis. The treatments for genital herpes and candida infections are very different, genital herpes will not clear up with a topical cream and be gone for good.

Your doctor will take a swab and look at the bacteria under a microscope to decide if it is a candida infection - alternatively he will grow a culture of the bacteria in order to decide.

Symptoms your doctor will look for include:

Redness and tender skin on the tip of the male member

Irritation of the tip of the male member - it will be itchy

The male member may develop a whitish discharge

A red itchy rash will develop on the male member shaft

Yeast infections in men - What is the cure?

The topical creams that are targetted to women may be used for yeast (candida) infections in men. Since many more women than men suffer from yeast infections, the manufacturers target women for the creams and lotions available. But since the bacteria is the same then the same remedies can be used.