Common thought is only women get yeast infections, but that’s not true. Men can get yeast infections as well. In many cases, the well-known “jock itch” is caused by a yeast infection.
How Do Men Catch Yeast Infections?
The increased use of antibiotics is one reason men get yeast infections. An antibiotic kills both the disease causing bacteria and the helpful bacteria. If the helpful bacteria are killed, then the yeast which also live on our bodies naturally will overgrown and cause a male yeast infection.
Unprotected sex can also lead to a yeast infection. Getting a yeast infection from an infected partner isn’t a usual way of getting a yeast infection, but it does happen According to E Medicine Health “12-15% of men develop symptoms such as itching and penile rash following sexual contact with an infected partner.
One of the more common ways men get yeast infections is by having uncontrolled diabetes. That’s because when the blood sugar is elevated, yeast grow quickly. This is one of the reasons healthcare providers urge people with diabetes to keep their blood sugars under control.
Conditions where the immune system is less effective or not working properly can also expose a man to a yeast infection. The immune system is not as capable of fighting off infections or yeast so male yeast infections can occur.
Some of the conditions where a man’s immune system isn’t working effectively can be men having cancer treatments, those men who have had organ transplants and those men who are HIV positive.
Men being treated for cancer are at risk for yeast infections because cancer treatments kill cancer cells but also upset the balance of bacteria and yeast in the body.
The medications used to decrease the risk of organ transplant rejection can also make a man more susceptible to yeast infections.
Finally with HIV the immune system is less effective in detecting and fighting body infections including yeast.
How Does A Man Know He Has A Yeast Infection
The symptoms of a male yeast infection are red rash, with itching and burning at the head of the penis. Some men have found using over the counter remedies such as the vaginal creams to ease the itching and burning. It can help until the man is able to reach their health care provider.
Once You’ve Had A Yeast Infection
If you’ve had a yeast infection, you definitely don’t want another one. So what are some things you can do to prevent another male yeast infection?
During the time you’re being treated, wash bath towels frequently to avoid reinfecting yourself.
Keep your groin area clean and dry. Avoid tight fitting clothes and underwear. The tighter the fit, the increased chance moisture builds up. When moisture builds the yeast can grow unchecked.
Wear cotton and natural fiber clothing, which tend to wick moisture away from the body.
Have your partner checked for yeast infection as well. During the time you or your partner is being treated for yeast infection, avoid sexual relations. This avoids the possibility of yeast infections being passed back and forth.
In many cases male yeast infection can be prevented. If you are prone to male yeast infections avoid sharing towels and clothing. This can save you the itching and discomfort and also a trip to your healthcare provider.
