curing yeast infections

It is a frequent misconception that men are immune to yeast infections and it is just women who need to take preventive measures. Recent medical studies contravene this notion and reveal that penile yeast infection is prevalent on a wide basis these days. Men are exposed to same dangers of yeast infection as are women.

Reasons for Yeast infection in Men

Men get yeast infection nearly for same reasons as women do; just the probability of infection occurring due to a specific factor is different. Here are the major factors causing yeast infection in men:

Antibiotics: Prolonged use of antibiotics is the most significant cause for yeast infection occurring in men. There are bacteria and fungus residing in skin surrounding the crotch in a certain ratio. A prolonged use of antibiotics disturbs this ratio by decreasing amount of good bacteria. This facilitates breeding of the Candida fungus. This overpopulation of fungus leads to yeast infection which then slowly spreads to other parts of body.

Sexual Transmission: It is a well known fact that women are more easily prone to yeast infection as compared to men. This Candida can transmit through direct contact. If a men has unprotected sex with a yeast infected women, then he contracts the infection from her. During unprotected sex, male urethra forms the gateway for yeast to enter the male body. The yeast then travels through urethral canal and settles in the prostates.

Doctors strictly advise couples to refrain from sex if any one of them is suffering from this infection or advises to have protected sex and keep their private parts extra clean.

Diabetes: Men suffering from diabetes are more sensitive to thrush attacks. The high sugar level in their urine provides a convenient environment for yeast to flourish. Diabetes weakens their immunity and hence makes them less resistant to the infection.

A less known cause for yeast infection in men is the use of spermicidal lubricated condoms containing nonoxynol-09 which can cause anal yeast infections.

Symptoms

Penile yeast infection in men sometimes occurs with less noticeable symptoms or no symptoms. Irritation and soreness on the penis head are the most common symptoms. The head gets itchy terribly and pains. It turns a little red sometimes and gets blisters on it. There is a clumpy white discharge from the penis. Also, there can be foul yeast like smell.

Treatment

The treatment of yeast infection in men generally involves intake of prescribed drugs from a doctor. The common drugs prescribed are as follows:

Fluconazole: Fluconazole kills Candida and other fungi of same species but sometimes it is found to be allergic.

Ketaconazole: Ketaconazole is more powerful than fluconazole at getting rid of excess Candida but its excessive intake can cause damage to liver.

For recurring infection, over the counter Monistat cream can be rubbed over the outer penis skin. If no healing occurs, mix a few drops of white vinegar to the cream.