Yeast infection in men

Yeast infection, or thrush, has usually been thought of as a women’s problem.  Yet it can also attack men, and the symptoms are not at all pleasant.  Although thrush commonly attacks the mouth or vagina, it can also occur in other moist and enclosed or usually clothed areas, such as the toes, ears, armpit, anus and the penis.

Caused by an aggressive fungus, usually Candida albicans, a yeast infection in men may exhibit most the same symptoms as when it occurs in women: redness, itchiness, soreness, burning – especially on urination if the penis is involved – and often includes an unpleasant whitish discharge. 

Yeast infection on the penis

If the infection is on the penis, the subject may be very concerned that he has contracted a venereal disease, as the symptoms may be similar to genital herpes.  Yeast infection in men may present not only with soreness and itchiness of the head of the penis, but also with sores and lesions on the foreskin or surrounding tissue.

However, a yeast infection of the penis may also show no symptoms at all, and the subject may believe he can continue having sex with his partner without treatment or precautions.  A woman who is subject to recurring Candidiasis may in fact be catching it again and again from her partner.

A yeast infection in men is certainly less common than in women, as men are less likely to catch it from a partner.  The penis is generally dry and provides few nooks and crannies for the micro-organism to breed in, and a healthy immune system will generally keep it at bay.  However, there are conditions in which it may be caught.

Yeast infection on people with lowered immune system

Immune suppressed people, such as those with HIV, diabetes or cancer, are more likely to be vulnerable, as are men who have been on steroids or antibiotics for prolonged periods.  A lowered immune system may also be caused by stress, fatigue, and poor diet.  Men with diabetes are also more susceptible because the increased amounts of sugar in the urine are beneficial to the Candida. 

Yeast infection and sex

Studies and research suggest that the use of condoms infused with the spermicide nonoxynol-9 may also encourage yeast infection in men.
Simple safe-sex precautions can be taken during intimate moments with a partner to ensure that infection and re-infection do not occur.  A yeast infection should  be treated like a sexually transmitted disease; condoms should be used and hygienic precautions observed, including thorough cleansing of sex aids. 

Common remedies for male yeast infection

Reviews can be found on the internet from men who have used women’s commercial thrush treatments for their own symptoms, and found them reasonably effective.  Antifungal creams can be used on the penis or other areas, and the array of home remedies that includes plain live yogurt, honey, and cider vinegar can also be tried for a yeast infection in men. 

Care should be taken not to further inflame the head of the penis by applying harsh substances, and as with vaginal thrush, highly perfumed, harsh shower gels, deodorants or other chemicals should be avoided.

A visit to the doctor or the pharmacist will result in drugs being prescribed, but the subject may well find that this is a temporary relief.  As in the case of vaginal thrush, a yeast infection in men may continue to occur through re-infection. 

The fundamental reasons behind the infection may go deeper than simple contact, perhaps being rooted in a less-than-healthy lifestyle and diet.

The ultimate, proven remedy for male yeast infection

Whatever the cause, if you have suffered from yeast infections and want a remedy that really works, try a product like the holistic Yeast Infection No More™; this clinically proven system treats the whole person, helping guard against the causes of infection and eradicating unpleasant symptoms forever.
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