Penile Yeast InfectionsWhile penile yeast infections are somewhat more common than many might think, many men are surprised to find out that it is possible to have such an infection. Yeast infections are also very treatable and seldom recurrent. While most people are aware that women are prone to yeast infections from the overabundance of Candida albicans yeast, they may not be aware that men are also able to get penile yeast infections. While such infections are certainly not rare, they can be ignored because they are embarrassing. However, if such an infection does become established on the penis, it will usually require drugs to treat. Common Modes of Transmission
The Candida albicans yeast is ubiquitiously present on the skin. When conditions are right, or the natural balance of the body’s flora is disrupted, it can multiply out of control, causing an itching, redness and discharge that most men will find alarming, to say the least. Often, a course of antibiotics or a weakened immune system will make such infections much more likely to occur. Sometimes men will get the infection from sexual contact with a woman who is currently having an outbreak. This transmission can be avoided with the use of condoms and will only result in oral infections if those with immune disorders. Diabetic men are especially at risk because sugars are not fully digested in the body before being passed out the urine. This means there can be a steady supply of simple carbohydrates for the organisms to feed on. Diagnosis Like the yeast infections that women are prone to, yeast infections in men are very easy to spot, if you’re looking for them. The first symptom is usually a burning sort of itching. Unlike urinary tract infections or kidney infections, it doesn’t hurt, but the itching may well drive you mad. Even if you don’t itch, the sensitive skin on the head of the penis will likely become red and inflamed along with the itching. If left untreated, a white, cottage-cheesy discharge that smells just a bit like bread may be observed coming from the tip. While the mere thought is enough to make most men recoil in horror, the treatment with relatively gentle drugs is almost always effective. The full course of treatment may also involve using some sort of cream. You should avoid unprotected sex, even with a regular partner for some time until you can be sure penile yeast infections don’t become recurrent.
|
