Understanding Yeast Infections in Men

It is normal for an adult human to have pounds of good bacteria, and trillions of organisms thriving in the digestive system so every one of us has yeast in the body. In perfect balance, these organisms are beneficial to the body. In fact, the presence of yeast can contribute to the production of natural vitamins in the body like Vitamin B complex. However, the imbalance in the number of good bacteria to its ratio with bad bacteria and organisms like yeast can result in many problems, which mold (yeast) organisms can exploit to spread, and cause numerous yeast or fungal parasitic infections.

Candidiasis is the technical term for a yeast infection. It is a common cause of vaginal irritation, or vaginitis, and can occur on the male genitalia as well. However, the occurrence of yeast infection in men on the male genitalia is a less common form of candidiasis especially in circumcised men because yeast needs moisture and heat to thrive on the skin. Thus, females and uncircumcised men are more susceptible to acquire genital infection. Penile candidiasis (yeast infection in men) is rare in comparison to the incidence of infection in women. However, the most common cause of yeast infection in men is sexual transmission.

Men can get a penis yeast infection through sexual intercourse with a woman who has a vaginal yeast infection or through some forms of sexual perversion like oral sex with a person who has thrush (mouth candidiasis), or anal sex with a person who is infected with yeast.

Men with penile candidiasis experience severe discomfort and restlessness because of white, thick discharge from the penis, very itchy sensation inside the penile cavity and on the external skin of the penis. The yeast infection causes dryness and cracks on the penile skin, which may trigger extreme pain when it erects. Infected men may complain of irritability, lack of energy, mood swing, and sleeplessness.

One danger in yeast infection in men (penile candidiasis) is its potential spread to other internal organs. During sexual intercourse, yeast may enter through the penile canal, goes up, and settles into the prostate gland. This may cause prostate problems like cancer later on.

Medical professionals treat yeast infection in men in the same way that they treat vaginal yeast infection. For example, clinical studies report that a one-time dose of oral fluoconazole tablet (150mg) has a 90% effectivity in treating vaginal yeast infection.
Therapy treatments may include topical creams like clotrimazole, and ketoconazole.