What Are The Symptoms of a Male Yeast Infection?

Unfortunately for men, yeast infections aren't just a female problem. Although less common in men, they do occasionally occur, especially in men who are uncircumcised or have diabetes. Fortunately, while the symptoms can be concerning or distressing if you don't understand the cause, the infection is usually straightforward for a doctor to diagnose and treat.

If you have discomfort in the genital area, there are many potential causes, but a male yeast infection is one of them. There may be pain, itchiness and tenderness around the tip of the penis that develops over a period of three to five days. Most men who have these symptoms will notice them under the foreskin if they are uncircumcised, as this area can be particularly dark and moist, making it (unfortunately) a perfect breeding ground for yeast. Some men may notice a small amount of whitish discharge, although this symptom is much less common in men than it is in women.

If the infection progresses untreated, more problematic symptoms can occur. The skin of the shaft of the penis may become infected as well, and may dry and crack. This can lead to scarring and a condition called phimosis, where the foreskin can not be retracted. This is a serious condition, and can make it painful to have an erection.

It's important to remember that other genital infections can cause these symptoms, including chlamydia, gonorrhea and genital herpes. Chlamydia and gonorrhea infections usually have noticeable uncomfortable discharges, whereas Candida does not usually cause a discharge in men. However, genital herpes is frequently confused for Candida in men. It's best to see a physician who can rule you out for these other conditions. All of these infections will have different treatments, so it's important to make sure you're getting treated for the right one!

It's best not to start using over-the-counter medications until you have a diagnosis. If you improperly use antibiotics or antifungal medications, you can skew the natural balance of microorganisms on the skin and in the body, which can lead to more problems. If your doctor confirms that you have a yeast infection, he will likely prescribe you a topical cream like Nystatin, or an oral pill like Diflucan, both of which should clear up the infection within a few days.

While you are completing treatment, make sure to maintain good hygiene and keep the area clean and dry. It's also best to abstain from sexual activity, as you may spread the infection to your parter, who can then spread it back to you.

When yeast infection happen in a man, there is usually an underlying reason. The most common is poor hygiene under the foreskin, which is easy to correct by remembering to keep the area clean and dry. Another potential risk factor is diabetes. In fact, if you have other risk factors for diabetes, like being overweight or having a family history, your doctor might want to do a quick blood sugar test to see if this is what caused your Candida overgrowth.