Male Yeast Infections
When most people hear the term “yeast infection”, they automatically assume it applies to a woman. But, this is not always the case. Anyone can develop a yeast infection, including men and women, the young and the old.
Men, in particular those who are not circumcised, may develop yeast infections. Diabetic men are more prone to them than non-diabetic men. Some people believe that men who drink a lot of beer may also be more susceptible to a yeast infection than those who do not.
For men, the yeast fungus grows beneath the foreskin of the penis. If left to grow unchecked, it can become a full-blown yeast infection. In rare cases, the fungus may travel through the urethra and infect a man’s prostate. This most commonly occurs when a man has unprotected intercourse with a woman who is experiencing a vaginal yeast infection.
Men who have taken antibiotics are also more prone to yeast infections. Antibiotics tend to kill both good microorganisms and bad ones within the body. Without these important enzymes and microorganisms, the yeast that is normally present in the body may grow unchecked. The Candida fungus that causes yeast infections may grow rapidly, causing the man to develop a yeast infection.
An upset digestive system can also be a precursor to a yeast infection. If your immune system is affected by illness or infection, you may be more prone to yeast infection as well. Some common triggers for yeast infections include moist conditions, hormonal imbalances, antibiotic use, and dietary changes.
There are many different symptoms and side effects associated with male yeast infections. These include difficulty remembering things, moodiness, sexual dysfunction, prostate problems, bloating, diarrhea, bath breath, athlete’s food, and jock itch, to name a few. Cravings for starchy foods and sweets can also be a sign of a yeast infection.
There are a number of ways that men go about treating a male yeast infection. Sometimes they use the same over-the-counter creams and treatments that women often purchase to treat a vaginal yeast infection. These include Aceium, Lotrimin, and Gentian Violet.
Gentian Violet can be a great remedy for yeast infections, but men should exercise caution. It can leave deep purple stains on clothes. Men who discuss their concerns about yeast infections with their doctor will also find that a physician can prescribe a number of remedies to clear up the infection.
There are a couple of drugs that men should typically avoid. A number of men have experienced severe allergic reactions to a medication called Fluconazole. Ketaconazole is also an effective treatment for male yeast infection, but it can wreak havoc on the rest of the body.
Ketaconazole has been shown to negatively affect liver function, and may inhibit a man’s production of testosterone and other natural steroids. For a natural remedy, consider treating a male yeast infection with white vinegar diluted in water.
Increasing the consumption of dietary vitamin C may help prevent yeast infections from recurring. Keeping the sweet tooth in check by avoiding the consumption of sweets is another measure that can help reduce the risk of recurrent male yeast infection.