How To Know If You Have A Male Yeast Infection

Though not as commonly as women, men also experience yeast infections. Yeast infection, or overgrowth of yeast is seen most frequently on the male genitals, skin and in the mouth. The oral yeast infection is called thrush.

Though not common, yeast infections can be passed back and forth between partners. Women need to be aware male yeast infection symptoms are very similar to sexually transmitted diseases such as genital herpes.

Male Yeast Infection Symptoms

With male yeast infection the symptoms are irritation, itching and soreness on the penis head. Some men also experience redness and small white blisters. Though male yeast infections can be elsewhere on the body, when the male yest infection is confined to the penis it may also be called balanitis.

Sometimes men complain of burning when urinating. Very rarely will those with male yeast infection have the white discharge seen in female yeast infections.

What Are The Reasons For Male Yeast Infection?

Partner to partner transfer through sexual intercourse

Consequence of Antibiotic Use

Side Effect of Diabetes

Sexual partners can pass yeast infections to one another through direct contact. The word infection is not 100% correct since yeast is a normal part of most women's bodies. Yeast overgrowth can happen leading to what we call a yeast infection.

For yeast infection in men, yeast infection is not as common as in women. Males need to consider their overall state of health, which would allow an overgrowth of yeast. Diabetes, taking antibiotics and diet are all factors, which make increase the likelihood of male yeast infection.

But if the male's partner is experiencing a yeast infection, the man is exposed to more yeast organisms than usual. So if the partner has an active yeast infection it is safer to avoid sexual relations until the yeast condition is eliminated. This minimizes the partner's soreness and additional irritation and also the possibility of passing the yeast infection back and forth.

Long term or extensive antibiotic use is another important cause of male yeast infection. Just like with females, the antibiotics not only kill the infectious bacteria, but the friendly bacteria that keeps the balance on the body. With fewer friendly bacteria to maintain the balance there is less competition for the yeast and the yeast can easily overgrow causing a yeast infection.

With diabetes, a man is more likely to have a male yeast infection. One reason could be the increased sugar levels encourage yeast to grow in the body.

To protect their health and that of their partners, men need to know the symptoms of male yeast infection. Knowledge can decrease the changes for partners passing the yeast infection back and forth to each other. Also know the symptoms as they are similar to sexually transmitted diseased like genital herpes and others.