Yeast infections are caused by a fungus of the yeast family (Candida albicans). Candida albicans is part of the normal environment of the skin, mouth and intestinal tract but causes infections when it grows out of control.

Most yeast infections are vaginal and therefore only happen to women, but men can also experience yeast infections. There are many different signs and symptoms of male yeast infections.

Bodily Symptoms of Male Yeast Infections

There are many signs and symptoms that a male yeast infection is present. The most common symptoms include:

• a light discharge or a white, clumpy discharge
• burning sensation of the infected area or a burning sensation when urinating
• dry, cracked skin that worsens during an erection
• irritation and soreness of the head of the penis
• pain during sexual intercourse
• rash, itching or redness along the shaft or on the tip of the penis
• slight swelling
• small blisters on the head of the penis

However, many men have no symptoms during a male yeast infection.

Causes of Male Yeast Infections

Male yeast infections can be caused by a number of factors, including:

• Antibiotics: Antibiotics can kill beneficial bacteria that are found on the penis and in the crotch.
• Diabetes: Men with diabetes can develop yeast infections because the elevated sugar in the urine creates a beneficial environment for yeast.
• Low immunity: An underactive thyroid gland, chronic stress, HIV, lyme disease and other conditions that hinder your immune system can contribute to yeast infections.
• Sexual Transmission: Having sex with a female with a vaginal yeast infection can transfer the infection.

Penile candidiasis most often affects men with diabetes, uncircumcised men or men whose female sex partners have vaginal candidiasis, so being aware of these factors is important for men and can help prevent or at least identify the presence of a male yeast infection.

Many symptoms that indicate male yeast infection can also be the result of other conditions, so getting an accurate diagnosis from a medical professional is important. Many STDs and other conditions could be to blame for symptoms, so get tested if any symptoms occur.

Yeast Infection Overgrowth

Candida yeast overgrowth happens in a body that is susceptible to infection. Those with weakened immune systems are especially at risk. Topical creams won't make the infection go away for very long if the environment is still ripe for infection.

Couples may also pass the infection back and forth. For men, it can start on the head of the penis, but it can also travel down the shaft into the moist areas of the groin and even onto the anus, where it can develop into a painful itchy rash.

It may even travel within the shaft, which is what would cause a yeasty discharge in advanced cases. This would also create painful urination.

Fortunately, most male yeast infections are easily treated with over-the-counter antifungal treatments, such as Monistat^®. This is especially true if the infection is caught early on, so see a doctor as soon as possible if any symptoms occur.

Resources

Madore, Frederic (2007). Male yeast infection symptoms — How to deal with it. Retrieved July 12, 2007, from the Ezine Articles Web site: http://ezinearticles.com/?Male-Yeast-Infection-Symptoms—-How-To-Deal-With-it&id=503485.

Mama's Health (2007). Penile Yeast Infection. Retrieved July 11, 2007, from the Mama's Health Web site: http://www.mamashealth.com/men/yeast.asp.

Mayo Clinic (2007). Male yeast infection: Can I get it from my girlfriend? Retrieved July 11, 2007, from the Mayo Clinic Web site: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/male-yeast-infection/HO00172.

Squidoo Health & Medicine (2007). Male Yeast Infection Retrieved July 11, 2007, from the Squidoo Web site: http://www.squidoo.com/male-yeast-infection/.

White, Jim (2007). Male Yeast Infection. Retrieved July 11, 2007, from the Candida Support Web site: http://www.candidasupport.org/male_yeast_infection.html?gclid=CN-ugLqNnI0CFSnKggodQmMQ6Q.

Yeastinfecctionadvisor.com (n.d.)Understanding Male Yeast Infection. Retrieved July 11, 2007, from the Yeast Infection Advisor Web site: http://www.yeastinfectionadvisor.com/maleyeastinfection.html.