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Male Yeast Infection - A Quick Guide
A yeast infection, otherwise known as Candidiasis or thrush, is a fungal infection of the skin and mucous membranes. It causes swelling, discomfort, and is the source of much embarrassment because it can be a sexually transmitted disease that passes from partner to partner. However, yeast infections also present in the mouth and esophagus and can be caused by something as benign as antibiotic use. A male yeast infection is quite similar to the yeast infections women get, and are treated with the same antimycotics.
How It Happens
As previously stated, a male yeast infection can be contracted from a sex partner of either gender. If a sex partner has a yeast infection, communication is key because the infection can be passed back and forth. No matter how many times one infected partner treats, it will return if the other partner doesn't receive treatment.
Another common way of developing a male yeast infection is the use of antibiotics. Everyone already has the Candida fungus on their body. It isn't a problem as long as the body's defenses are normal. However, antibiotics suppress the beneficial bacteria responsible for keeping the yeast under control. When this happens, the Candida become too numerous and result in a yeast infection.
People with compromised immune systems also suffer from frequent yeast infections for the same reason. A weak immune system cannot keep the Candida in check. This happens to people afflicted with HIV/AIDS, sarcoidosis, or those undergoing cancer treatment.
Symptoms of Infection
A yeast infection of the penis normally present as redness that may be painful and itchy. Bumps blisters or a rash may be present and the perineum, anus, and scrotum may also be involved. Sexual intercourse may be painful, urination may burn, and there may be discharge. Oral symptoms are similar but far less frequent in people with normal immune systems.
Oral medications such as Diflucan are often prescribed to combat yeast infections. Sometimes a single dose is all that is required. However, the drawback is that this can cause gastric distress as the beneficial fungi in the digestive tract are destroyed. This symptom can range from a mild annoyance to violent illness, depending on the individual.
Topical medications such as Monistat can be bought over the counter and used as a cream by men. While a topical application must be repeated for up to a week for a full cure, there is no gastrointestinal distress associated with this method. This makes it an attractive option for both genders.
Avoiding Recurrence
If the infection was transmitted sexually, both partners should be treated and abstain from sex until both people are symptom-free. If the relationship is not exclusive, any other partners should also be treated. In addition, all towels, washcloths, underwear, and bedclothes should be washed. It is not necessary to take any special laundering precautions, as the yeast is normally occurring on the body.
A male yeast infection is usually not a life-altering event. With correct diagnosis and treatment, the imbalance can be rectified and a full cure achieved within a week or so. Anyone who is not absolutely certain of their condition should see a doctor and never attempt to self-diagnose.
Treatment Options
Left alone, a yeast infection will clear up on its own if the person's immune system is normal. However, the condition is painful and communicable to intimate partners, making treatment the most attractive option. It is also important to see a doctor because other sexually transmitted diseases share common symptoms with yeast infections. Self-diagnosis, especially if this is the first instance of the condition, is a poor idea.
Natural methods of ingesting active yogurt cultures or smearing it on topically has been shown to help, but this method is largely viewed as an old wives tale. As yeast feed on sugars, anyone attempting this cure should choose a no-sugar-added brand. If the infection is small, a doctor may recommend avoiding sugar and alcohol to allow the infection to resolve on its own by starving the yeast of its sustenance.
If waiting it out with dietary changes isn't an option, antimycotics can be bought over the counter or obtained by prescription. As there is no biological difference between the yeast infections suffered by men and women, men can use the same medications sold for women.