Common Causes of Yeast Infection in Men
Yeast infection in women is a very common condition. However, male yeast infection is usually neglected or overlooked. Most cases of yeast infection are due to Candida albicans, which is why it is known as candidiasis in medical terms. Yeast infection in males is not a fatal condition but early diagnosis and immediate treatment is necessary to relieve the condition. It is also necessary to be familiar with the most common causes of the condition, which includes the following:
Weak Immune System
Just like any other infectious disease, yeast infection also affects those individuals with weakened immune system. Compared to healthy adults, people with compromised immune system can be easily infected by Candida albicans. Weak immune system is often due to poor diet, strong medications or underlying health issues.
Antibiotic Treatment
Another factor that could trigger the infection is prolonged antibiotic treatment. In this case, administration of antibiotics for a long time can kill beneficial bacteria within the body system. Due to the reduced amount of counteracting flora inside the digestive tract, yeast overgrowth occurs, thus resulting to an infection.
Diabetic Condition
Diabetes is characterized by high levels of sugar inside the body and since yeast feeds on sugar, this condition is considered as a factor for yeast infection. Diabetes conditions can also weaken the body’s immune system, thus increasing the risk of male yeast infection.
Yeast Infected Partner
Most males contract the fungus after having unsafe sexual activities with an infected partner. This is the primary reason why most diagnostic procedures for yeast infection are done at the same time for both involved parties. Although yeast infection can be transmitted through sexual contact, it is not considered as a sexually transmitted disease.
Alcohol Intake
Individuals who drink alcoholic beverages frequently are at high risk of acquiring yeast infection as well. Alcohol can lower the pH level within the intestinal tract, kills healthy bacteria and triggers yeast overgrowth.
Certain Foods
Various types of foods can also increase the risk of yeast infection. These foods should be excluded from your diet to prevent the condition. Such foods include wheat products, peanuts, and barley and corn products. Although these foods contain high amount of essential fibber, excessive consumption of these can increase the level of acid in the intestines and reduce the amount of healthy bacteria, thus inducing an infection.
Treatment of Male Yeast Infection
The condition is not exclusive to adult males, as the fungus can infect even younger boys as well. Aside from knowing the causes of the problem, it is also necessary to learn about the symptoms of yeast overgrowth. Contrary to vaginal yeast infection, yeast infection in men does not usually manifest any physical symptoms. Some of the common symptoms of male yeast infection, however, include redness, small blisters and intense itching on the head of the penis. There are times when men may also experience burning sensation when voiding or passing urine.
The treatment for the condition consists of two things – treat the underlying cause of the infection and manage the symptoms of the condition. By doing so, permanent cure for the problem can be achieved. Otherwise, an individual infected by the fungus may experience recurrent infection. The physician can examine the symptoms in order to determine the possible cause and administer the right treatment for it.