Male Yeast Infection Causes & Symptoms
Also known as genital candidiasis, a yeast infection (Yeast Infections or Candidiasis) is a condition which commonly affects women. In fact, most adult women will experience this infection at least once in their life. However, men experience it as well. A male yeast infection usually affects the glans penis (head of the penis) or its foreskin (Foreskin Wiki Page). It should also be noted that most men who suffer from yeast infections, get it from their partners (Safe Sex).
Main Causes of a Male Yeast Infection
There are numerous factors that trigger a male yeast infection. Some of them are enumerated below:
Male Yeast Infection Causes & Symptoms
Use of antibiotics – Antibiotics are useful in curing bacterial infections (Bladder Health | Keep Your Bladder Healthy). While these medications are useful, note that long-term use may hamper the growth of healthy bacteria. This may cause yeast and fungi to develop, thereby leading to a male yeast infection.
- Excessive drinking of beer – Beer can cause yeast to develop in the body. This usually triggers an infection affecting the genitals.
- Immunosuppression – This happens when your immunity gets weak. If you have a weak immune system, then the ability of your body to fight fungus and other harmful bacteria may be significantly reduced. This can make you more susceptible to getting the condition.
- Diabetes – Yeast tends to survive in a body with a high glucose level. If you are diabetic, the high levels of glucose in your body and urine can make yeast thrive and develop.
- Personal hygiene – Fungal infections, such as a male yeast infection, can also be triggered by washing the genitals (Genital Hygiene | Maintenance) with too much shower gel, soap or other cleansing products. Drying carefully is also necessary to prevent fungus from growing in the warm and moist conditions of the penis.
- Foods that trigger the infection – There are also foods that can increase the likelihood of suffering from a male yeast infection. These foods include barley, peanuts, corn, oats, red apples and wheat.
Symptoms of a Male Yeast Infections
If you want to treat a male yeast infection as soon as possible, then you have to be aware of the signs and symptoms of the condition so you can deal with it right away. Common signs and symptoms affecting males are redness, itching, irritation, soreness and swelling around the penis, lumpy and thick discharge under the foreskin which produces a foul odor, painful urination (Painful Bladder Syndrome) and sex, increased appetite for sweets, and indigestion. If you have these symptoms, maybe it is time to consult a doctor to find the right treatment.