Yeast Infection for a Man

Yeast infections aren’t just for women; men can get them too! Though it’s not as common, a man can contract this infection from his female partner or even through improper hygiene. It is important to be aware of the symptoms and know what to do if you think you might have a yeast infection. A yeast infection for a man may cause inflammation in the male genital area, with itching and redness being the most common symptom. Burning sensations when urinating or having sex may also appear. It is important to note that these symptoms are similar to other forms of infections too, such as STDs, so it’s best to consult your healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis if any of these signs appear.

Yeast Infection

Yeast infections are an uncomfortable and embarrassing ordeal that can affect anyone regardless of gender. Unfortunately, yeast infections for men do exist and can be just as irritating as those experienced by women. So, if you’re a man who has recently been diagnosed with a yeast infection, don’t worry – you aren’t alone!

Though it may seem like a rare occurrence, yeast infections in men actually happen pretty often. In fact, research shows that nearly 15% of all male-identifying people will experience some form of genital yeast infection at least once during their lifetime. Men usually contract the same type of Candida fungus that causes vaginal yeast infections in women.

Causes

A yeast infection is an overgrowth of the fungus Candida, which naturally occurs in the body. For men, this type of infection typically happens on the penis or foreskin and is known as balanitis. An overabundance of moisture due to sweating or not drying off properly after a bath or shower can cause an environment where candida thrives. Using tight-fitting underwear or clothing that doesn’t breathe well can also be problematic as this restricts air flow and may trap heat and moisture. There are certain health conditions such as diabetes that may increase the likelihood of developing an infection too.

Symptoms

The most common symptom in men is an itchy rash on the penis or scrotum area. The rash may be accompanied by a burning sensation, redness and swelling. Some men might even experience pain when urinating or during sexual intercourse. Other potential signs are discharge from the penis, as well as a strong odor coming from the affected area.

If you think you have a yeast infection, visit your healthcare provider right away for diagnosis and treatment. Treating a yeast infection quickly can stop any further irritation and help ease your discomfort so you can get back to feeling like yourself again!

Diagnosis & Treatment

Left untreated, yeast infections can cause uncomfortable symptoms and create additional health problems. It is important for men to consult a doctor if they suspect they have a yeast infection so that proper diagnosis and treatment can be administered.

Prevention

A man’s body has an ideal pH balance that allows the yeast to grow at reasonable levels and stay in check. When the body becomes unbalanced, it sets up a favorable environment for a yeast infection to form in men. The most common causes of this imbalance include poor hygiene, tight clothing or underwear, sexual intercourse with multiple partners and excessive sweating.

In order to prevent a yeast infection from developing, it is important for men to practice proper hygiene including showering after exercise and wearing loose-fitting clothing made from natural fibers such as cotton or linen. These allow airflow, keeping the area dryer than synthetic fibers like nylon or polyester.

Complications

If left untreated, a yeast infection in a man can lead to balanitis – an inflammation of the head of the penis. This condition can be painful and cause swelling or discharge from the affected area. Yeast infections can also spread to other parts of the body like the urinary tract or even enter your bloodstream through unprotected sex with an infected partner.

In some rare cases, complications from a severe yeast infection may require medical attention like intravenous antiviral medications or even surgery to help eliminate symptoms completely.

Final Thoughts

Yeast infection, medically known as Candidiasis, is a fungal infection that can affect both men and women. The infection usually affects the warm and moist areas of the body such as mouth and genitals. For men, yeast infections are not as common, but they can occur, nonetheless.

Most often, a man’s immune system keeps yeast under control but when something disrupts the balance of bacteria in their body, it can lead to an infection. Men may experience itching, burning sensation or even redness around their penis if they have a yeast infection. Other common symptoms include rashes or irritation on the skin around the penis or even discharge from the penis itself.

It’s important for men to seek medical advice if they notice any of these symptoms so that proper treatment and diagnosis can be done quickly before complications arise.