Male Yeast Infection Causes

Yeast infection in women is a much talked about topic in medical science. What is often overlooked or neglected is male yeast infection. In majority of the yeast infection cases, the causal species is Candida albicans. Hence, it is referred to as candidiasis in medical terms. Yeast infection in men is not life-threatening or fatal, but early diagnosis and prompt treatment are crucial to lead a carefree life. Here, we shall take a look at the male yeast infection causes, manifested symptoms and treatment methods.

Causes of Male Yeast Infection

Many people have candidiasis without even knowing that they have an underlying condition. This is because, not all male yeast infections are symptomatic. In fact, notable signs of candidiasis are manifested only when there is an excess multiplication of yeast, and they spread to many parts of the body. So, what are male yeast infection causes? Discussed below are some of the triggering factors for yeast infection in men:

Weak Immune System
As with any infectious diseases, the body's immune system plays a crucial role in yeast infection. When compared to healthy adults, an individual having a compromised immune system is easily infected by candida yeast. The cause for weak immune system may be an underlying disease, poor diet or side effects of strong medications.

Antibiotic Treatment
Another triggering factor for male yeast infection is a long-term antibiotic treatment. What happens in such a case is that administration of antibiotics for an extended period kills the beneficial bacterial strains in the body. As there are less counteracting flora in the digestive tract, overgrowth of yeast is quite possible, resulting in infection.

Diabetic Condition
Diabetes, characterized by high blood sugar levels, in also a risk factor for fungal infection in men. As the sugar concentration in the urine and blood is high, it aids to the rapid growth of yeast. Also, diabetes causes overall weakening of the immune system, thereby increasing the chances for male yeast infection in patients.

Yeast Infected Partner
In many cases, males get yeast infection after having intercourse with an infected female. In the same way, an infected male can spread yeast infection to his female partner. This is the main reason why, diagnostic procedures and treatment for yeast infection are carried out at the same time for both partners. Despite the fact that yeast infection is spread sexually, it is not classified under sexually transmitted disease.

Alcohol Intake
Those who frequently drink beer or any other alcoholic beverages are at a higher risk to skin yeast infection than others. Over here, alcohol contributes in lowering pH level of the intestinal tract, and kills healthy bacteria. Considering this, it won't be wrong to say that frequent alcohol intake is one of the primary male yeast infection causes.

Certain Foods
There are several food items that increase the risk for candida yeast infection in men. Included in this list are peanuts, wheat products, corn products and barley. No doubt, these are healthy foods rich in fiber. But, excess intake causes acidity in the intestines and decreases bacterial population. As a consequence, candida infection takes place easily.

Symptoms and Treatment of Male Yeast Infection

Yeast infection is not restricted to adult males, but is diagnosed in boys too. In addition to learning male yeast infection causes, one should take a note of the symptoms resulted by outgrowth of yeast. Contrary to yeast infection in women, male yeast infection rarely cause physical signs. Candida symptoms in men may include small blisters, redness, soreness and itchiness in the head of penis. At times, the patient feels burning sensation during urination.

The curative approach for this medical condition involves two things - treating the underlying male yeast infection causes and managing the discomfort symptoms. By doing so, permanent yeast infection treatment for men is possible. Otherwise, a person once infected with yeast runs a risk of recurrent outbreaks in future. The concerned doctor will examine the symptoms and determine the probable causes. For effective male yeast infection treatment, the doctor will suggest antifungal drugs, a well-planned diet and necessary lifestyle changes.