Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Yeast Infections in Men (Causes and Symptoms)

(Image credit to shutterstock)
Yeast infection is relatively more common in women (or familiar known as vaginal yeast infection). But this doesn’t mean that it is only restricted to women, in other words we can say that there are also yeast infections in men!

Like in vaginal yeast infections, ‘Candida yeasts’ are still the major reason of yeast infections in men. These yeasts not only normally live in the genital areas, but also can cover other areas (like under the foreskin). The problem occurs when these yeasts get the ideal environment (because of certain external factors) to overgrowth.

Causes of penile yeast infections

As mentioned before, the biological reason of yeast infections in men is an overgrowth of Candida yeasts, which usually caused by some external factors. So if you are looking for causes of yeast infections in men, then you will be directed to some external factors that can lead to an overgrowth of Candida yeasts.

So what are these external factors that can put you at risk of penile yeast infections?
  1. Sexual intercourse! It is one of the most common factors that can lead to an overgrowth of Candida yeasts and even recurring yeast infections (particularly if one of parties has yeast infection and fail to rid of his or her infection before engaging in sexual activity). Safe sex practice can be a helpful solution for this case.
  2. Bad immunity! It will make your body be unable to control an overgrowth of Candida. Low immunity can be caused by several factors, particularly such as; cancer, low stomach acidity, low of white blood cells, decreased nutrient, AIDs or HIV, a certain surgery, and even stress.
  3. Either type-1 or type-2 diabetes also can lead to yeast infections in men. The high level of blood sugar will also influence the level of glucose in the urine, which eventually can be a catalyst for an overgrowth of Candida fungi.
  4. Nonoxynol-9 condoms! Recent studies found that this chemical may has contribution to the growth of Candida for about 1.4 - 4 times betters. Therefore, avoid using condoms with nonoxynol-9!
  5. Certain antibiotics also can contribute to reduce the amount of good bacteria associated with the prevention of an overgrowth of Candida yeasts. If you are taking antibiotics, talk with your doctor and make sure that your antibiotics are safe!
  6. Improper diet! As written before, environmental conditions also can contribute for the cause of yeast infections in men. The balance of good bacteria that help to control the development of Candida yeasts could be imbalance if you eat wrongly.
Symptoms of yeast infections in men!

There are several symptoms that can be the indication of yeast infection. The worst symptom is when you get infection but you don’t get any symptoms until the worst level of infection occurs!

However for more detailed information and clearly diagnosis, talk with your doctor! Some common symptoms of yeast infection in men include:
  1. When you pee you feel uncomfortable burning sensation.
  2. Ugly and painful of sores on head or foreskin of the male genital organ. This is usually the most popular reason of why many man with yeast infection need to see their doctor immediately!
  3. Irritation of the head of the male genital organ! It may be the most agonizing and one of the most common symptoms!
  4. And for the less common symptom is ‘white discharge’!
See also the previous post about how to cure yeast infection!