While the topic of yeast infections has generally been found discussed on forums related to women medical issues, the awareness and acceptance of a penile yeast infection is catching up. Because vaginitis or female yeast infection is a common occurrence in females (about 75% of women complain of vaginal yeast infections at some point in their lives), men have shied away from admitting that they also experience similar symptoms.
Cause of penile yeast infections
Penile yeast infections are caused by fungus or yeast, just as in women. The fungus that causes these penile yeast infections in most cases turns out to be Candida albicans, a type of fungus that is also found in limited numbers on the skin of health people.
How do penile yeast infections occur?
Normally, the good bacteria keep the growth of the candida under control. So while there are some yeast cells present, they are kept under check by the good bacteria that destroy them. It is only when specific external or internal events spoil the flora in the body that the good bacteria reduce in numbers. This results in the fungus getting a free hand in multiplication and they spread rapidly as there are not enough good bacteria that can destroy them. The various events or occurrences that can spoil the microbial balance are:
- Excessive intake of antibiotics – While antibiotics may be deemed as necessary in some cases, the use of these strong medicines should be avoided at all times. The fact is that antibiotics are effective in destroying pathogens effectively. But at the same time they also end up killing the good bacteria that help in maintaining the internal balance among the microbes. A drop in the level of good bacteria makes the possibility of penile yeast infections higher.
- Low immune system – The immune system also plays a role in destroying yeast in the body and keeping the growth in check. However, when the immune system is compromised due to an illness the yeast find it easier to grow and multiply.
- Use of detergents and perfumed products – Men who use perfumed products tend to kill the good bacteria in the genital area, making it easier for the yeast to dominate and cause penile yeast infection symptoms.
- Medical conditions – Diabetes mellitus is a condition in which the blood sugar levels are high. If the blood sugar levels are not controlled and the sugar levels remain high, the Candida finds the sweeter environment more favorable.
Symptoms of penile yeast infections
The first thing that a man is likely to note when he has penile yeast infection is a change in the way that the penis looks like. You can expect to see redness, soreness and rash on the penis, especially on the penis head. Unbearable itching and pain is also something that is common. The soreness and itching can lead to blisters on the head of the penis that become extremely painful, if not treated immediately.
These are the initial signs of a penile yeast infection and there are other issues that also surface over time if the problem is not addressed soon enough. Even though the infection starts in a superficial manner, it can grow to include various others that are far more difficult to treat than a mere rash. These include:
- Painful Sex or Sexual dysfunction
- Premature Aging
- Arthritis, joint pain or swelling
- Irritability, depression, poor memory and lack of focus
- Fatigue and a feeling of being run down
- Digestive issues like diarrhea, constipation, bloating
- Headaches, skin lesions, acne
- Respiratory Infections
- Lowered Immune System
- Urinary disorders and pain during urination
Not all these appear in everyone and therefore the manner in which the body is compromised by yeast for different people is different. If you can identify the initial signs of a penile yeast infection you can surely avoid any of these from surfacing in the first place.
Treatment options for penile yeast infection
While there are various anti fungal creams that can be applied locally and medication like antibiotics that can be consumed orally for women, the specific options that have been developed for men are limited. In addition to that, those who know that one of the causes of a male yeast infection in the first place is excessive intake of antibiotics will also understand that the use of antibiotics can only help in the short term by killing the fungus and may cause recurrences to occur later.
Natural remedies that have been listed in Yeast Infection No More and Natural Cure for Yeast infections are likely to succeed in curing symptoms, removing the yeast and ensuring that the problem does not come back. Some of the treatment options include:
- Garlic – Higher levels of garlic in the diet can help fight yeast because garlic has been known for its antifungal properties in traditional societies like China and India. It can also be made into a paste and applied on the infected area for local or topical treatment.
- Yogurt – Yogurt can be used in a manner similar to garlic and you can choose whether you want to consume it or apply it on the affected areas to reduce the onslaught of the yeast.
- Cranberry juice – A juice that contains high levels of antioxidants, cranberry juice can effectively fight yeast and improve the immune system too.
- Tea tree oil and oregano essential oil – Application of a combination of these oils can help in providing relief to the sore penis.
- Probiotics – This is a sure cure for penile yeast infections since a probiotic drink contains live bacteria that are beneficial for the body.
Having said that, it is important to understand that prevention is the best form of treatment and you can prevent a penile yeast infection by ensuring that you maintain good hygiene, clean your penis after intercourse every time and consume a balanced diet that does not increase the toxins in your blood or allow the fungus to grow further. This would mean an end to junk food and high intakes of sugar.