Male Yeast Infection Test

Yeast infection is not as common a condition in males, as compared to females. When they do suffer from it though, it has been observed that this condition is not detected for a long time, until they develop severe symptoms, owing to their anatomy and various other reasons. Yeast infection, otherwise known as 'candidiasis', is a fungal infection, caused by any of the Candida species, especially 'Candida albicans'. Candidiasis includes all sorts of candida infections, like those that occur on the skin, mouth, vagina, etc. It can also affect the bodily systems and cause various symptoms, like, bloating after eating, constipation, indigestion, diarrhea, memory loss, fatigue, irritability, white patches around the mouth, blisters or redness, along with burning sensation of the penis, etc. Yeast infection may also lead to prostate problems, while, in some people, it can be life-threatening too.

Male Yeast Infection – Causes and Symptoms

As mentioned earlier, yeast infection is caused by any of the Candida species of fungus, especially Candida albicans. These organisms are naturally present in the human body and are harmless, but, as unfavorable conditions develop (due to various reasons), they multiply in a rapid manner, causing yeast infection. The most common causes of male yeast infection, is sexual intercourse with women having this condition. Other causes include a weak immune system, regular use of antibiotics and diabetes. While antibiotics kill the beneficial bacteria in the body, that check the growth of these fungi, diabetes creates a favorable atmosphere for their growth by elevating the urine sugar levels. Men, who suffer from HIV, underactive thyroid gland, Lyme disease, etc. are also prone to this condition, as they all affect the effective functioning of the immune system. Stress is also found to be a reason for male yeast infections.

Male yeast infection varies according to the type of infection. Most cases of male yeast infections are not detected, unless the affected people develop some severe symptoms. In case of internal infection, the symptoms can be bloating, indigestion, constipation or diarrhea, irritability, bad breath, sexual dysfunction, etc. The affected people may also experience fatigue, memory loss, skin rashes or spots, dry and flaky skin, jock itch, athletes feet, prostrate problems, etc. These people may also crave for sweets and carbohydrates. Another type of male yeast infection is penile infection, which is manifested with symptoms like, burning sensation, pain and itching in the penis during sexual intercourse or urination. This condition may also cause the reddening of the penis tip, which may also develop blisters or rashes. Rarely, some of the infected people develop a whitish discharge from the penis. In case of oral yeast infection, lesions appear in the mouth. These creamy, white lesions are usually slightly raised and usually appear on the inner sides of the cheeks, gums, tonsils or esophagus and this condition may lead to difficulty in swallowing.

Male Yeast Infection Test

As most of the affected males are unaware of the condition, there is no question of diagnosis. Some others, who experience the symptoms, may feel embarrassed to discuss it with their partners or doctors. However, male yeast infection may lead to more serious health problems, if left untreated. Hence, testing male yeast infection is very much necessary, to avoid further complications. There is also a risk of spreading this condition to the partner, through sexual intercourse. The following are some guidelines about how to test for male yeast infection.

• A practical solution for male yeast infection testing is to watch out for the symptoms and then consult a doctor and get it diagnosed through clinical tests.
• The clinical tests for male yeast infection can be a microscopic test or a culture medium test. The former is conducted by examining a swab of the affected area under a microscope. In this male yeast infection test, potassium chloride solution is used to identify the Candida cells, by staining the sample.
• In the latter method, a culture medium is used to develop yeast colonies out of the sample from the swab, that is incubated. The characteristics of the fungal colonies are analyzed to find out the type of fungus that is the causal agent for the yeast infection.
• Apart from the above said methods, there is a male yeast infection home test, which can be adopted to find out whether the person is infected or not. This saliva home test has to be conducted as the first task, after waking up in the morning, even before brushing the teeth or having breakfast. Take a glass of water and spit in it. Keep it aside for around fifteen minutes and you have to check the saliva after this time span. If you have yeast infection, the water will turn cloudy or the saliva will develop strings that travel to the bottom of the glass. If the saliva stays at the water surface or disappears eventually, you can rule out the possibility of male yeast infection. But, if it sinks to the bottom of the glass, then there is a chance of infection.

Even if you are tested positive for yeast infection, by conducting this home saliva test, you have to confirm it by undergoing clinical male yeast infection tests. Don't forget to consult a doctor for male yeast infection treatment, even though, there is no symptom. This can be beneficial to avoid further complications. You may also resort to alternative medical treatment along with conventional ones for better results. Some home remedies for male yeast infection cure, like, yogurt, garlic, apple cider vinegar, etc., are also found to be effective.