Candidiasis in Men

The term 'candidiasis' is used to refer to a yeast infection, which may occur in both men and women. However, women are known to be the ones who are more commonly affected by this condition. This is the reason candidiasis in men is often overlooked. The infection typically affects those areas of the body which remain warm and moist. Although the condition is not a life-threatening one, it does give rise to annoyingly persistent symptoms.

Causal Factors of Candidiasis

As already mentioned, Candida albicans are the ones which are known to cause this kind of infection. This microorganism, is however, a normal part of the body and exist along with other bacteria that inhabit the same. And it is not a threat until it begins to multiply rapidly, and cause the infection. Now there are various causes which encourage the fungus to multiply and give rise to Candida yeast infection in men and women.

The most common trigger is known to be the use of antibiotics, especially in the United States. These drugs tend to reduce the number of beneficial bacteria strains in the body ergo, the yeast starts taking over and multiply in number. One more common factor which triggers candidiasis in men and women is associated with improper personal hygiene. Wearing unclean non-cotton clothes, especially those which are tight-fitting, create heat and moisture. This provides for an ideal environment for the fungus to thrive resulting, in a full-blown infection.

Diabetes may also be considered as a potent trigger for causing female and male yeast infection. This is due to the fact that the high level of sugar in the blood and urine makes way for the yeast to grow in a favorable environment. A compromised immune system may also make a person vulnerable to contract this infectious disease, when compared to healthy individuals.

In most cases, it has been studied that candidiasis in males is usually an outcome of sexual intercourse with an infected female. Although this infection has sexual intercourse as one of the medium through which it can spread, it is not classified as a sexually transmitted disease (STD).

Other triggers for causing Candida yeast infection in men and women are alcohol intake (as it also kills the beneficial bacteria) and consumption of foods like peanuts, wheat products, corn products and barley.

Symptoms

Candida yeast infection in men can be regarded to be asymptomatic, as it rarely cause physical signs, when compared with female yeast infection. But when symptoms do occur, they include irritation and inflammation of the area in the head of the penis, which may be accompanied by soreness and itchiness. Reddening of genitals and small blisters, may also occur in the same area. White discharge, lesions, and burning sensation are some other symptoms of candidiasis in men which may also be the other male yeast infection symptoms.

Treatment

The yeast infection treatment for men focuses on getting rid of the yeast and managing the symptoms. Prescription-strength antifungal medication is what is commonly recommended for the patient. The medication may come in the form of topical or oral preparations. Apart from these, patients may benefit from some effective home remedies for male yeast infection. Also, following a Candida diet provides a great deal of help in curbing the risk of any future recurrences of the infection.

Candidiasis is not a fatal condition, but it may be a source of great annoyance and discomfort. It is best to act immediately as soon as the symptoms start setting in. It is also important to understand that patients must complete the entire course of medication prescribed by their doctor to ensure the complete elimination of the infection.