Male yeast infection symptoms

Candida, a type of yeast, is a normal inhabitant of even the healthiest bodies. It loves warm, dark, moist places, particularly the gastrointestinal tract and the vagina where as many as 20 percent of women of reproductive age harbor Candida. The most common species by far is Candida albicans. Common culprits for this imbalance are antibiotic use, frequent sexual intercourse, irritating soaps or deodorants, wearing tight-fitting undergarments, or any exposure to a hot and humid environment. The role diet plays in increasing the risk of a yeast infection is unclear, but candidal infections are more common in people with diabetes. They are sometimes the first clue to the presence of diabetes.

A yeast infection is often thought of as a female health problem , but it can affect anyone, including men. A penile yeast infection, if not treated, can lead to a wide range of painful, uncomfortable, and potentially embarrassing symptoms. It can also lead to serious complications if the infection spreads into your bloodstream. Over-the-counter OTC medications can often clear up a yeast infection, and some basic prevention steps can help you avoid this fairly common condition. Early symptoms of a penile yeast infection often include a red rash and sometimes white, shiny patches on the penis.

Thrush is a fungal infection caused by Candida yeasts, and especially Candida albicans. It often affects women, but it can occur in men, too. Other names for thrush include yeast infection, Candida , candidiasis , candidal balanitis , and formerly, moniliasis. When thrush occurs in males, it can affect the head of the penis and the foreskin.

Yeast infections are often seen as a female health issue, and when people think of yeast infections, they are usually thinking about the fungus that causes vaginal candidiasis in the female vagina. While the cases of men getting yeast infections are less common, anyone can get a yeast infection regardless of gender or age. In most cases, yeast infections go away on their own or within a few days with treatment. Yeast infections in men, called candidal balanitis or balanitis thrush, cause inflammation of the tip of the penis. Many men will contract a yeast infection from sexual contact with their affected female partner, as women are more susceptible to yeast infections.