Signs and symptoms of a yeast infection in men

Yeast infections, although more common in women, it can also occur in men, causing symptoms that are not only uncomfortable but potentially embarrassing as well. Although a wealth of information is available on yeast infections in women, there is much less to be found on such infections in men.



Signs and symptoms
The most common early symptom of a yeast infection in men is an itchy irritation on the head of the penis, according to Functional the website of YeastMen.com. This irritation can finally become red sores or blisters on the head or foreskin of the penis. Other possible symptoms include a white discharge from the penis and a persistent burning sensation. For various reasons both physical and psychological, yeast infections can lead to erectile dysfunction. In many men, yeast infections can be present but asymptomatic.

Complications
California chronicles report that the possible complications male yeast infection does not receive much attention as they should. An article by Linda Allen says that complications usually fall into one of three categories: physical, emotional and social. physical complications, likely to occur if the initial infection goes untreated, include skin dryness and itching and digestive problems. emotional complications may arise due to reduced self-confidence, especially in cases of erectile dysfunction. This lack of self-confidence can also put a damper on your social life.

Causes and risk factors
Yeast infections in men and women are caused by an overgrowth of the fungus Candida albicans in the genital area. It can be spread between sexual partners, even if it is not a common means of transmission, according to MayoClinic.com. Men who face a higher risk of yeast infection include those with compromised immune systems and / or diabetes. Other risk factors include an unbalanced diet, the heavy use of antibiotics and the use of condoms treated with spermicide nonoxynol-9. Yeast infections are more widely diagnosed in uncircumcised men, because the fungus can grow rapidly in the foreskin folds.

Diagnosis
Men experiencing symptoms commonly associated with a yeast infection should consult a physician. Before confirming a diagnosis of yeast infection, your doctor may order some tests to rule out the possibility that another type of infection is involved.

Treatment
The most common treatment for yeast infections in men and women is an antifungal medication. Your doctor may prescribe one or you can choose to take one of the antifungal-counter as Monistat (also marketed as Monistat-1). As the fungus causing the infection is the same in men and women, the same drugs are effective for both. If you and your sexual partners are infected at the same time, abstain from sexual intercourse until all signs of infection are gone. Otherwise, there is a chance that you will reinfect each other.