It is very common for women to get a yeast infection at least I their lives. Research confirms that at least 75% of women have yeast infection on their body. What you should know is that, men can also get yeast infection on their pens leave alone the moist and warm areas. Yeast is said to naturally exist on the skin in harmless state until factors that compromise its growth are in place. Men can get yeast infection on their penis, in the armpit, in butt’s cracks, in the groin and even in the mouth.
Commonly known as candida albicans, sources have revealed that you have got a few yeast fungi leaving in your mouth, digestive tract and on your skin. Women are said to have some in their vagina. In most cases, candida has no problem until it has grown in excess that is when someone has yeast infection.
What is yeast infection?
Yeast infection can be described as fungal infection that is caused by an overgrowth of naturally occurring yeast which is found in the body of a human being commonly known as candida, often from a candida albican species.
In normal situations, the levels of candida on the body are being controlled and balanced by existing good bacteria in the body. However, when there is a problem with the balance, the candida changes into a more aggressive fungus that spreads and releases more different toxins. Then the toxins enters everywhere in the body to mess up with your immune system hence resulting into numerous health issues all over the body.
In the mouth, yeast infection is referred to as oral thrush. When it affects men on their penis, it is commonly referred to as balanitis. The condition is believed to be more common in men who are not circumcised because the inside of the fore skin provides a warm, dark, and moist environment for its growth. Unlike circumcised men, the penis head is exposed and free from moisture and other conditions that may facilitate yeast multiplication.
You are at higher chances of getting yeast infection if you are exposed to the following factors:
- If you have been taking anti-biotic drugs for long time
- If you are diabetic
- If you have obesity
- If you have a weak immune system
- If you have poor hygiene practice
Can Men get yeast Infections?
It is believed that women are the most exposed to yeast infection since it naturally exist in their vagina, and presence of any factor that facilitate the multiplication of this natural existing yeast can lead to yeast infection.
Therefore, can men get yeast infection? Yes, in most cases men get yeast infection through unprotected sexual intercourse with a woman who has this infection. Moreover, men can also get yeast infection by developing an overgrowth of that yeast which exists in their moist areas that we named above.
Many male have had a fungal infection and yeast infection symptoms in either of their body parts for many years as a result of a systematic multiplication of candida. In many of these cases, the yeast infection is only identified when the symptoms have started showing themselves or when the case becomes more serious.
Understanding yeast infection in men.
The greatest mistake many men do is to treat yeast infection on their penis alone without involving the infection in other areas of the body. For you to be sure that you have treated your yeast infection very well, ensure that you avoid more complications by identifying the symptoms of candida infection in men especially in the following areas:
- You were treating yeast infection and realized increasing severity
There are cases where you may have healing crises from the dying yeast infection and the toxins that it releases. In this case, the amount of toxins released by a dying candida is more than what the body can handle safely.
- You have multiple yeast infection symptoms on your skin
There are cases where you may have systematic yeast overgrowth. Here, a yeast infection on the penis is just a symptom of a much bigger problem which may reoccur or worsen if the source of yeast infection in a man is not addressed in time. Treatment for systematic yeast infection is typically by transitioning to the candida diet through taking anti-candida supplements so that you can balance the overgrown candida.
- You have penis yeast infection without any other symptoms being present
Treatment that covers a complete yeast infection in men usually involves the use of anti-fungal creams which can be acquired over the counter, and they should be prescribed or be natural male yeast infection creams.
Yeast Infection in Men
Yeast infection in men is not that very much common as it is in women. However, both men and women are at risk of getting this infection in numerous ways and areas. When it comes to genital area, it is considered that vaginal yeast infection is more common as compared to penis yeast infection.
Men can get yeast infection in their genital area either from having sex with an infected woman or just as an invaded infection on its own. Generally, yeast infection is not considered as a sexually transmitted disease since you can as well get it without sexual intercourse.
Is yeast infection contagious?
This infection is not considered to be contagious because it is common to have candida infection in any part of your body even without contracting it from somebody else. However, there are some conditions that may compromise or contribute to chances of getting yeast infection after being exposed to the affected person.
Men and even women can contract local yeast infection in their genital area or mouth by having sexual intercourse that is not protected with someone who is infected. Sex itself does not result into yeast infection directly or overgrowth of candida, however, it may cause an existing yeast infection to become worse.
Sources have it that men with weak immune system and poor hygiene are the most at risk of getting yeast infections either by kissing or through oral sex which probably may cause oral thrush. Also having unprotected sex with a woman who has vaginal yeast infection can result in male genital yeast infection.
Things that put men at risk of yeast infection
- Can a man get yeast infection from oral?
Oral thrush is equally common in men as it is in women. Men can get oral yeast infection by engaging in oral sex or having poor immune system that give room for overgrowth of a naturally existing yeast in the mouth. Also, you should consider observing your oral hygiene as it can have a hand in your oral thrush.
- Can a man get yeast infection if he has diabetes?
Diabetes is a condition that affects blood sugar levels and therefore it can bring problems to do with overgrowth of candida. In case you have candida overgrowth, development of yeast infection will start to be seen indifferent areas of the body of a diabetic man.
- Can men get yeast infection from taking antibiotics?
There are certain antibiotics and other medications that when taken they can affect the amount of good bacteria in the body. Usually, good bacteria are very essential when it comes to controlling the growth of candida beyond normal. They are also very helpful when it comes to overall body health and immune system. In this case, you may be prescribed to use probiotics in order to restore your body’s good bacteria and bring the excess yeast into control especially after using antibiotics.
- Can a man get yeast infection from poor diet?
Poor diet is one of the reasons that men get candida infection as well. It is believed that poor diet usually feed the candida much more than it does for good bacteria. This therefore causes the candida to spread much more than it should be in the body. Usually, eating foods that rich in much sugar, junk foods and even bad eating habits can contribute to the overgrowth of yeast infection.
- Low immune system and yeast infection in men
Yeast infection is mostly seen in people who have poor immune system since the candida likes taking advantage of the defenseless state of the body to cause an infection. When the body has a weak immune system, it means it cannot protect itself from the any opportunistic micro-organism attack. To make sure you are not a victim of weak immune makes sure you eat food that is rich in high nutrition.
- Athlete’s foot and jock itch as a sign of yeast infection in men
These two conditions are caused by a fungal infection and they are known to be very common symptoms of systematic candida overgrowth. Men have to always have a look at their symptoms to make sure that they are suffering from these conditions before deciding on which anti-fungal drugs to use.
Yeast Infection in Men Symptoms
If penile yeast infection is not treated early enough, it can lead to other much severe symptoms such as serious pain from the abdomen, discomforts, and much more embarrassing symptoms. Moreover, if the infection gets into the blood stream can result to much more complications.
Symptoms of yeast infection in men
The symptoms you should watch for while you suspect you have yeast infection in the early stages are:
- Red rash in genitals or sometimes white
- Shiny patches on the penis
- Moist skin on the penis
- Thick white substance under the foreskin and other skin folds
- Itchy and burning sensation on the penis
In case you have redness that is accompanied by pain and itchiness, this could be a sign of a more serious complication, such as sexually transmitted infections, and therefore you should not ignore it or treat it at home with home remedies you are not sure of. In most cases, yeast infection in men can be diagnosed by a Urologist or your doctor in just a single appointment.
Male Yeast Infection Home Remedy
Yeast infection is mostly tacked with medications or in in most cases addressed in the doctor’s office. However, many people do not know that this condition can be treated successfully with home remedies. There are great home treatments that have proven to be the best when it comes to yeast infection in both men and women. Some of these home remedies are as follows:
- Organic coconut oil or oregano oil
Both of these oils can be used to treat oral thrush in men and even vaginal yeast infection. Coconut oil can still be used as a lubricant during sexual intercourse that being an added advantage. You just have to apply the oil on the affected area directly daily after cleaning and parting dry for better results.
- White vinegar and apple cider vinegar
While fresh, apple cider vinegar is very great when it comes to yeast infection in men. You only need to add two spoonful of fresh vinegar to a glass of water before drinking at least every day. It is said to be a great antifungal agent and it has enzymes that are very significant when it comes to controlling the overgrowth of eats in the mouth. White vinegar on the other hand can help in dealing with symptoms that are associated with yeast infection such as pain and difficulty when swallowing.
- Yogurt
This is the most common and well known home treatment for yeast infection. This is because natural yogurt contains good bacteria that can control and bring down back to normal the overgrown candida. You may just drink a glass of natural yogurt daily and as well apply it directly to the affected area.
- Watch out your diet
Regulating your diet or observing what you eat is one of the simplest home treatments for yeast infection. Try to avoid eating food that is rich in too much sugar and carbohydrates. This is why men who are suffering from diabetes are easily affected with candida since the disease usually disrupts sugar balance in the body; hence they are supposed to take extra precaution.
- Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil is also considered to be natural antifungal agent. It is said to contain antifungal properties that help in fighting yeast infection. Just acquire fresh tea tree oil and dilute it before applying on the affected area at least twice a day to bring down yeast infection symptoms.
- Cranberry and lemon juice
Cranberry in this case is very helpful when it comes to bringing the good bacteria back to normal levels while lemon juice buffers and brings the body pH of the natural good bacteria to thrive well.
- Garlic
Garlic can also help while dealing with yeast infection at home. You just have to eat fresh gloves of garlic daily until the condition is treated. Garlic is also said to contain both anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties that are very essential while dealing with infections from the two micro-organisms.
Can a Man give a Woman a Yeast Infection
Some researchers have revealed that presence of yeast infection in some male sexual partners does not necessarily cause yeast infection in their female counter parts. However, other sexual activities were linked to increased risk of recurrent yeast infection in women as per the study.
A number of doctors and women believe that there is possibility that a woman can get yeast infection from her partner through sex. Most researchers do not agree with that. They say that the risk for recurrent yeast infection is related to something else and not sexual intercourse.
However, what about engaging in oral sex? In the case of oral sex, there are possibilities that an active candida can get into a woman’s mouth and cause oral thrush to develop. More research is being done in this field to confirm if there could be strong reasons to support yeast infection transfer.
Also, when it comes to having a deep kiss with your partner you have to be careful since it has been revealed that oral thrush can also be transferred through kissing.
Medical treatment for yeast infection
You should know that yeast infection is not a serious condition that can call for emergency. However, if the condition is not treated early enough, the symptoms can worsen and therefore take long to be cured. When it comes to over the counter treatments, your chemist can advise on the best antifungal drugs that clear your condition completely.
Your doctor can diagnose yeast infection within a short time of a day. He/she can identify the condition by just watching the appearance of the affected area or asking some questions depending on the symptoms that you experience. Thereafter, he/she may recommend on some creams and ointments that may work well for your condition.
More references
- Can men get yeast infection: http://www.webmd.com/men/can-men-get-yeast-infections#1
- What every man must know: http://candidaspecialists.com/can-men-get-yeast-infections/
- Penile yeast infection: http://www.healthline.com/health/mens-health/penile-yeast-infection#overview1