Causes of Yeast Infections in Men

Most of the times, a person doesn't realize that he has been infected by a candida or a fungal infection, as it is extremely difficult to detect such infections in men as compared to women. Yeast infection is induced by the overgrowth of a yeast-like fungus called Candida albicans, which is present in all human bodies. Due to certain factors, it can lead to an array of uncomfortable, painful and sometimes embarrassing symptoms. Signs of the infection may not be observed initially but prostate cancer and similar problems may develop at some point.

Causes of Yeast Infections in Men

The most common cause of yeast infections in men is the instability in the ratio of good bacteria to yeast, in the digestive system, which helps the yeast fungi flourish and spread throughout the body. Some other causes include antibiotics, corn products, alcohol, peanuts, wheat products, barley and a weak immune system. Except for the antibiotics, all these food products are contaminated with molds and fungi which contribute to the candida overgrowth by enervating the body's immune system and killing good bacteria through the acidity they generate in the intestine. Unprotected sex can be another cause as the male urethra is completely exposed, making it extremely vulnerable to yeast infection from an infected female. The yeast may move up the urethral canal and settle in the prostate gland. Male yeast infection thrives on beer and sugar-laden foods which feed the fungus and help it grow and spread in the body. This continues till the fungus takes a good control of the digestive system by piercing the lining of the intestine and gradually becoming systemic.

Symptoms of Yeast Infections in Men

The most common symptoms of yeast infection in men are as follows:

• Constipation
• Bloating and Indigestion
• Bad breath and frequent intestinal gas
• Diarrhea and loose stools
• Sexual Dysfunction
• Irritability, mood swings and memory loss
• Fatigue or lack of energy
• Urinary disorders
• Bladder infections
• Muscle fatigue and pain
• Hyperactivity
• Dry itchy flaky skin
• Athlete's Foot and prostate related problems

A person may also have a craving for sweets, cakes, pasta, chips, or any food that support the parasite.

Male Yeast Infection Home Test

There is a simple test to check whether a person is infected or not. Early morning, before getting out of bed, spit twice in a glass of water and keep it aside for 15 minutes. After that observe the water carefully, if the spit dissolves and dissipates completely, then there is no risk of infection, but if it becomes cloudy, with strings, sinks to the bottom and looks like a spider's web, there could be an infection. After 25-30 minutes, if there is a sediment deposit in the bottom of the glass then the person might have parasites also. It is highly noticeable and sometimes a person can determine an infection by the first 5 minutes itself.

Treatment for Yeast Infections in Men

The treatment for the infection starts with controlling and reducing the intake of sugar rich foods, gluten (grains), yeast foods, dairy products, soy foods, tuna, swordfish, shark, trans fats and splenda. Intake of fresh vegetables, fruits, and clean water, free of chlorine and fluorides is always recommended. The Ultimate Colon Cleanse is suggested for curing yeast infections as it kills the parasite, cleanse the candida yeast and removes the waste from the colon. Herbs also empower the intestinal walls, if a person is suffering from leaky gut syndrome. Regular intake of probiotics can keep the defenses up and prevent the infection. Use of organic coconut oil or coconut capsules is also helpful as the coconut oil destroys the nucleus of the candida yeast cell. Cinnamon bark and oil can also be considered, but it has been observed to be deadly for drug resistant candida yeast and other fungal infections. Hence, the oil shouldn't be used consistently for over 4 days without a rest, but the bark can be used everyday as it is considered weaker than the oil.

The male yeast infection is not fatal and can be cured with proper treatment and precautions. Hence, a comprehensive intervention programme, that can handle the root cause of the infection is the best way to control and prevent its recurrence in the future.