The Truth about Penile Yeast Infection

Yeast infection is very common in women. This infection is usually caused by the Candida albicans, a fungus that belongs in the yeast family. A yeast infection is also referred to as candidiasis. Candida albicans mostly involves the normal environment of the mouth, skin, genital parts and intestinal and respiratory tracts. Penile yeast infection usually occurs in the men’s penis.

It is true that men can also get infected by yeast infection and not just the common yeast infection that is called the thrush but a real yeast infection like most women have. Although oral yeast infection is known to be common in men infected with HIV, penile yeast infection is not widely known yet to be of existence especially by most men because of the belief that it can only happen in women.

The cause of penile yeast infection other than Candida albicans are antibiotics, diabetes, low immunity and by sexual transmission. Antibiotics may cause penile yeast infection by prolonged usage. Male bodies has a standard contingent of beneficial bacteria that are found in the penis and antibiotics especially prolonged usage can get rid of them, these will allow the take over of the normally-occurring yeast. Susceptibility to penile yeast infection is also common in men with diabetes. This is because of the elevated sugar in their urine making the

environment more yeast-friendly. It is recommended to see a doctor immediately once symptoms of yeast infection and diabetes are acquired. Low immunity in men which is caused by chronic stress, lyme, underactive thyroid gland and HIV infections may also lead to penile yeast infection. Sexual transmission is the most common cause of penile yeast infection in men. Candida albicans can be transmitted through sexual intercourse with a woman who is already infected by the disease. Spermicidal lubricants are also suspected to be one of the main causes of penile yeast infection in men especially gay men.

Penile yeast infection in most men can sometimes happen without showing any symptoms at all. This makes it hard for men to detect if they are already infected by the disease. But when there are symptoms it makes life for them very hard to live with. Common symptoms of penile yeast infection are soreness and irritation of the penis’ head which can cause intense itchiness. Men can also get a clumpy white discharge from the tip of the penis’ head. Redness and small blister may also appear on the head of the penis.

The symptoms of penile yeast infection are dangerously related to the symptoms that are shown with genital herpes. Small itchy red bumps which are one of the symptoms of genital herpes are proven to be not that uncommon to the penile yeast infection. Once this particular symptom is shown in your body it would be best to see a doctor for further test and diagnosis to make certain if it is genital herpes or penile yeast infection. The methods of treating penile yeast infection are done by taking prescribed medication by a medical professional that specializes with these kinds of diseases. Two of the most commonly used drugs to treat this infection are ketaconazole and fluconazole. Healthy living and proper genital hygiene will always be the best prevention for penile yeast infection.