Male Yeast Infections

It is a common thing to hear yeast infections occurring in women, but this almost seems like a myth in males. However, even men contract yeast infection (candidiasis) and they should be equally informed about this issue the same rate women are.

Although it can be sometimes transmitted sexually by an inflicted woman to an unaffected male, yeast infection is not categorized under sexually transmitted diseases, such that not all males who contract it via sexual intercourse do so in all cases. The same Candida species (Candida albicans) though, that cause the infection in women are the same ones involved in men. It is thus, sometimes recommended by doctors to have a man get checked as well if his partner has yeast infection.

Another cause of Penile yeast infection is the use of condoms that are lubricated with the spermicide, nonxynol-9. Research links the said spermicide to the development of yeast infections in both men and women.

However, not all male yeast infections are contracted from sexual intercourse. There are yeast infections in males that are found in other parts of the body such as the mouth (oral thrush), ears, digestive tract and skin. These may occur due to external factors including medications, illness and lifestyle. A diet high in sugar – a substance that yeasts feed on – is one. Overconsumption of alcohol, particularly beer, may contribute to a yeast infection since beer is both high in yeast and glucose. In this light, diabetes mellitus can also be a cause, especially if the blood sugar is left unmanaged. Smoking is also said to put persons at an increased risk for oral thrush.

Excessive use of antibiotics can kill good bacteria in the body and lead to an exaggerated multiplication of yeasts. Other conditions that render a man’s immune system weak (making him immunocompromised), such as chronic steroid use, chemotherapy, HIV/AIDS and kidney transplant may provide favorable conditions for yeast to invade the body uncontrollably.

Signs and symptoms include redness, soreness and an itching sensation on the penis, especially the penile head. In some cases the condition may present with tiny blisters with red, itchy bumps. There may also be a white, cheesy discharge that smells of yeast. These may resemble the clinical presentation of some sexually transmitted diseases and so should any of these manifest, it is advisable to see a doctor to immediately.Clinical manifestations of oral thrush on the other hand include slightly raised, “cottage-cheese” white lesions in the gums, inner cheeks, tongue, and tonsils and back of the throat. These are painful and may bleed if accidentally scraped by a brush. Cutaneous yeast infections signs and symptoms include cracked skin, itchy, red rashes and painful lesions that are sometimes accompanied with pus. Systemic infections are rare.

Male candidiasis is easily treated especially if given prompt attention. Physicians usually prescribe over-the-counter topical antifungal creams especially for infections on the penis. These are applied on the affected area twice daily for a week or two. Examples are Miconazole (Monistat) and Clotrimazole (Lotrimin, Mycelex). Oral preparations may also be available like Fluconazole (Diflucan). In the case of oral thrush, antifungals are given in tablets, lozenges, liquids or ointment.

However many men do find the chemical methods of treating a yeast infection can be quite harsh on the body, especially their skin. There are many very effective natural methods out there for treating yeast infections, which are far more gentle on the body and often more effective also.