Whenever people hear the phrase “yeast infection,” most would associate it with a condition that affects mostly women. But there is such a thing as male yeast infection, and it’s not something you should take lightly.
If left untreated, a male yeast infection can lead to much more severe conditions, such as balanitis, or even spread into your bloodstream. That’s why it’s important to know what you can do to prevent yeast infection.
What causes male yeast infection?
Yeast infections in men are mainly caused by a fungus called candida. This is the same fungus that causes yeast infections in women. It’s normal for people to have small amounts of candida in their bodies, but it starts to become a problem when it grows out of control.
The most common cause of yeast infections in men is having unprotected sex with a woman who has a yeast infection. Bad hygiene can also cause male yeast infection.
Uncircumcised men are also more prone to having yeast infections. The foreskin can become a breeding ground for infection if not cleaned thoroughly.
Yeast infections can cause serious problems
Left untreated, a yeast infection can cause a condition called balanitis, or swelling of the foreskin, or head of the penis. It usually happens to uncircumcised men but can also happen to those who have been circumcised.
Balanitis happens when the skin of the penis gets inflamed due to an infection or another skin condition. It can be pretty painful and cause a lot of swelling. Sometimes, it also causes a discharge from the infected area. Cases of balanitis usually aren’t too serious and can be treated with topical creams or ointments.
A compromised immune system can also cause the infection to go into the bloodstream. This condition is known as invasive candidiasisand is a very serious condition. Typical symptoms are chills, an upset stomach, and high fever.
That’s why it’s important to keep yourself healthy and observe proper hygiene in order to avoid these complications.
How can you treat a male yeast infection?
You can use over-the-counter medicine to treat yeast infections. Antifungal ointments and creams such as miconazole, imidazole, and clotrimazole can all be used to treat fungal infections. For more serious infections, however, you might need to get prescription-strength medication.
If you have a yeast infection that doesn’t go away or keeps coming back, it’s always a good idea to consult your doctor.
For some uncircumcised men who have recurring yeast infections, doctors might recommend a circumcision.
What steps can be taken to prevent yeast infections?
Preventing yeast infections is pretty straightforward. Here are some things to keep in mind:
- Avoid having unprotected sex with someone who has a yeast infection.
- Good hygiene is very important; make sure to keep your genitals dry.
- If you’re uncircumcised, make sure to clean under your foreskin.
- It’s always a good idea to consult your doctor if you notice strange symptoms such as itchiness and redness in your genitals.
Yeast infections aren’t common among men, but that doesn’t mean you should ignore them. It’s always a good idea to keep tabs on your health and not ignore the symptoms of any infection.
