Yeast Infections

While male yeast infection might be less prevalent than female yeast infection, it seems that male yeast infection is no less uncomfortable than a woman's infection. Oral yeast infection or "thrush" is more common in men than penile yeast infections, and tends to appear in men whose immune systems have been compromised.

You should know that it is not unusual for heterosexual couples that have unprotected sex to pass infections back and forth. For this reason alone, it is important for many of us to have a good understanding of yeast infections. If we have reason to suspect that we might have a yeast infection of our own, we need to get our boy cleaned up.

A male yeast infection can be caused by a variety of things. It appears that the most common method of contracting this infection is through sexual activity, similar to other sexually transmitted diseases. For example, if a woman with a yeast infection has unprotected sex with a man, she can pass the infection to him. Subsequent to that, if she successfully treats her own infection and again has sex with the same man, she stands a chance of becoming re-infected. And, of course, if that man has unprotected sex with one or more women before he gets rid of his yeast infection, the other woman or women stand a good chance of contracting the infection.

Consequently, any male or female who has an active infection must be diligent in following safer sex guidelines until it is certain that the infection no longer exists. Until the infection has been cured, it is best to avoid vaginal intercourse and everything (including hands and sex toys) needs to be washed frequently.

Both men and women who use antibiotics for a prolonged period of time are susceptible to contracting a yeast infection. Antibiotics, by design, distort the natural balance in our bodies. Prolonged usage of antibiotics allows the bacteria that cause yeast infections to take control, resulting in an infection.

It seems that because of the elevated sugar in the urine, men with diabetes might be more susceptible to infections. If you are constantly thirsty and you urinate often, you should visit with your doctor to discuss these and any other symptoms of diabetes.

Male yeast infection symptoms are not as obvious as symptoms in women. Actually, you could have a penile yeast infection and not have any symptoms. On the other hand, it has been reported that when men do exhibit symptoms, they are very painful.

One of the most common symptoms is irritation and some soreness at the head of your penis, similar to jock itch. You may notice a discharge that looks like cottage cheese. And, the head of your penis may look different than usual (maybe reddish or blistery).

If you have ANY type of symptoms, have your doctor diagnose the issue and prescribe an appropriate treatment. Monistat and/or diflucan seem to be the most popular treatments for a male yeast infection.