Can Men Get Yeast Infections?

Among the many topics that are way too embarrassing to talk about, yeast infections are near the top . Because it's thought of as a "woman's condition", men generally don't consider yeast infection as even a possibility when they develop soreness in their genital area. When they have symptoms, many men will ask two questions: "Can men get yeast infections?" and "How will I get rid of it?"

While men don't normally have problems with yeast infections with the same frequency as women, they are actually susceptible and as you would imagine appropriate remedies for yeast infections out there. Yeast is in fact present on our skin almost all the time, but if the skin is damaged or the body's immunity is reduced, yeast cells can grow very rapidly and grow into an infection.

Symptoms

Although symptoms do not always progress, having one or more of the following could indicate a yeast overgrowth:

* Intense itching and irritation near the tip of the penile area.

* Dry flaky patches or white blisters in the same region.

* Irritation during urination

* Discharge (infrequent)

Causes By far the most common source of yeast infection is unprotected sex with an infected partner. Like an annoying game of pass the parcel, yeast infections can often be passed backwards and forwards between partners. Once you've established that one of you actually does have a yeast infection, be sure to protect yourself and your partner from additional re-infections by refraining from sex until you are both are absolutely free of symptons.

Taking antibiotics for a long time may open the door to yeast infections. Broad spectrum antibiotics unselectively kill large amounts of bacteria in the body, including the friendly ones that watch yeast cells. Without those bacterial policemen, yeast may run rampant.

Lastly, diabetics are significantly more likely to get yeast infections than others due to the higher level of sugar in their systems, which delivers plenty of food for these yeast cells.

If you are not diabetic or taking antibiotics, yeast infections may be your body's way of letting you know that your immune system is not quite up to par; in a case such as this, getting a checkup with a physician is a very good idea.

Solutions

Thankfully, all the same cures that help out women also work perfectly well for men. OTC anti-fungal emollients are readily available at the pharmacy and can be applied directly to the affected skin. The symptoms should begin to clear within four or five days. If they don't or they reoccur frequently, then a visit to your doctor is recommended. For persistent cases, your physician can write you a prescription for a stronger medicine.

For all those people who do not particularly like taking medicine or for those that have a negative reaction to anti-fungal ointments, natural remedies for yeast infections are also out there and really can be very effective, such as yogurt for example. Yogurt contains lactobacillus acidophilus, a friendly bacteria which can help in controlling the yeast population. Eat at least two cups a day for the first week, and apply unflavored yogurt directly to the affected skin.

Finally, you can always look on the bright side - at least you're not pregnant!