Yeast Infection in Men - Male Yeast Infection

Yeast infection in men, has lot of misconceptions surrounding it. Although, women are primarily vulnerable to infections of the genitals, men are no strangers to these infections. Read on to know more about male yeast infections.
Yeast Infection in Men - Male Yeast Infection
Yeast infection is often associated with females only. Women are considered more susceptible to all kinds of genital infections. However, men can acquire these infections just as easily as women do. Yeast infection or Candidiasis is one such infection, which is common in men, yet there is a very little awareness about it. Yeast infection is said to originate in women, which is then passed on to men. However, in most cases the woman gets treated for it and cures completely but the man, who is oblivious to his infection gives it back to her. Hence, it is imperative that men too watch out for the symptoms of yeast infections.

Male Yeast Infection Causes
Sexual intercourse is a primary cause of male yeast infection. A woman suffering from yeast infection is very likely to pass it on to her partner. It can be considered as a sexually transmitted disease (STD). Hence, steer clear off any unprotected sex with an infected woman. Another cause of yeast infection in men is antibiotics. Prolonged antibiotic treatment often reduces the count of 'good bacteria' in the body, which eat the fungus, thereby increase the fungal infection. Diabetes is yet another cause of male yeast infection. The increased amount of sugar in the urine provides a great food for the yeast to thrive on.

Male Yeast Infection Symptoms
One reason, why most men are unaware of their infection is that, the yeast infection fails to show any peculiar symptoms. It can stay there without being detected for several years. However, when the symptoms do surface, they can be pretty traumatic. The most common symptoms of male yeast infection include sore, itchy skin on the genitals. Angry red spots may develop all over the genital region or anywhere on the body. Although, offensive odor in the genital area is not always the symptom of yeast infection in men, it is better to get diagnosed, if you have one.

Male Yeast Infection Treatment
Yeast infection treatment is a must because if not treated on time, the infection can travel up the urethra to the prostate glands and cause their inflammation. The topical creams and drugs available in the market, can only provide temporary relief from the infection. Unless and until the root cause of Candida is eliminated, the infection will surface again and again. A physician can prescribe you a proper medication for curing the infection. Besides, observing certain hygiene practices can also help treating yeast infection. Following are the general tips to prevent any infection of the genital area:
  • Take a shower at least twice a day, if you sweat a lot.
  • Rinse the area with cold water, so as to deprive the fungus of its ideal thriving conditions.
  • Dry the area with a hair dryer on 'cool' setting, to ensure maximum dryness.
  • Always wear clean, cotton underwear and make sure to change it every time after physical exertion.
  • Avoid eating sweet, salty and over processed foods.
  • Refrain from sexual activity until the infection is cured completely.
Yeast infection in men can take a nasty form if not treated on time. Many people hesitate to consult a physician and wait for the infection to cure itself. However, this may land you in deep trouble, as medical intervention is utmost important for curing any kind of infection.

By Ashwini Kulkarni
Published: 8/6/2009
 
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