October 5th, 2016
Yeast infections refers to abnormal colonization of fungal agents that may affect both males and females. According to latest statistics reported by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (1), both men and women are a common victim of asymptomatic yeast colonization. It is a popular misconception that yeast infections are more common in females, but on the contrary, males are more common carriers and source of infection for their female partners. Unfortunately, most cases of yeast infection in males are ignored due to non-specific symptoms.
Men are generally more physically and metabolically active when compared to females. Also, most men engage in vigorous and tough workout regimen that makes them sweat and thus provides a perfect medium for the growth and spread of microorganisms such as yeast. There are some other factors that makes men more vulnerable compared to females; such as:
Fungal infections can easily spread via sexual contact. Without knowing that penis is infected with fungus, men can easily pass on the infection to their partners. Even if the fungus is dormant and you are not experiencing any specific symptoms that are suggestive of an STD, there is still a high risk of transmission of infection with intimate sexual intercourse.
Sometimes the situation can be just opposite. Women with yeast infections can infect men via sexual contact unknowingly. Once fungal agent colonizes urethra, the microbe can spread to the bladder, prostate gland and kidneys as well. Though, yeast/fungal infections are not lethal, but it may be an indication of an underlying serious health condition such as diabetes or immunocompromised state.
Generally, fungal agents do not cause illness or disease in healthy or immunocompetent individuals. In other words, most cases of fungal infection are reported in immunocompromised individuals. Following are some risk factors that makes you more vulnerable to develop yeast infection:
Yeast or fungal agent usually presents with lower genital tract infection; such as vulvovaginal candidiasis. It is a fairly common infection that is reported in approximately 75% women at some point of their life.
1. Pendharkar, S., Brandsborg, E., Hammarström, L., Marcotte, H., & Larsson, P. G. (2015). Vaginal colonisation by probiotic lactobacilli and clinical outcome in women conventionally treated for bacterial vaginosis and yeast infection. BMC infectious diseases, 15(1), 255.
2. Nyirjesy, P., & Sobel, J. D. (2013). Genital mycotic infections in patients with diabetes. Postgraduate medicine, 125(3), 33-46.
3. Rovira-López, R., García-Martínez, P., Martín-Ezquerra, G., Pujol, R. M., & Aventín, D. L. (2015). Balanoposthitis and Penile Edema: Atypical Manifestations of Primary Syphilis. Sexually transmitted diseases, 42(9), 524-525.
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