A surprising number of people think that yeast infections only happen to women, but the truth is that men can get them too, particularly if they are not circumcised. Men may even have a yeast infection without being aware of it due to not having any obvious symptoms. There usually are symptoms seen with a penile yeast infection and they can be extremely uncomfortable. Fortunately, treating yeast infections is usually very straightforward. There are a number of things men can do to prevent penile yeast infection as well.
Yeast infections go well beyond the typical vaginal yeast infection. Yeast infections can occur in the intestinal tract, on the skin and nails as well as in genital areas. These yeast infections are not always so easy to identify because their symptoms could be mistaken for those of other conditions. People with compromised immune systems, HIV, lyme disease and people with diabetes are more likely to have yeast infections.
The most common way that a man contracts a penile yeast infection is by having sexual intercourse with a woman who has a vaginal yeast infection. If your partner has a yeast infection, then it is highly advisable to refrain from sexual activity until she is over the infection. If there is a chance that you’ve already contracted a yeast infection, then you might consider undergoing treatment when your partner does.
Other ways to contract a penile yeast infection include overuse of antibiotics or engaging oral sex with someone who has a yeast infection. Men can also contract yeast infections in their digestive tracts, but often the only symptoms are a vague digestive discomfort.
Symptoms of this type of infection range from hardly noticeable to frightening. Most commonly, a man with a penile yeast infection will have small red bumps that look somewhat like genital herpes lesions. Irritation or itching is common and some men have a white discharge. An advanced penile yeast infection will often include an extremely painful red rash (much more severe than the reddish bumps of a mild infection).
Treatments for penile yeast infection are readily available. Over-the-counter medications for female yeast infections work fine for males, too, if applied twice daily for a week. There are a number of natural treatments for these infections as well, including tea tree oil, gentian violet (which can stain your clothes, so be careful), coconut oil (either applied topically or taken by mouth, 1 tablespoon per day) and organic oregano oil diluted in water (so it won’t burn). Your doctor can also prescribe drugs like Diflucan or Nizoral, which are taken orally.
To prevent penile yeast infection, you should refrain from sexual activity with anyone who has a yeast infection and you should only take antibiotics when necessary, as directed. Changes in your diet can help, too. If you’re diabetic, get your blood glucose under control and if you’re not, limit your intake of refined sugars and carbohydrates. Some people suggest cutting out dairy products, but others say it’s only necessary if you think you’re allergic to dairy products. Prevention is clearly the preferred method of avoiding penile yeast infection, because once established, they can be very uncomfortable.
Download our FREE ebook for more information, just enter your name and email in the box below and we’ll send it immediately.
