Penile Yeast Infections Explained

Penile yeast infection is a fungal infection that must be taken seriously by men. Contrary to common belief that penile yeast infections are not a major concern of average men, this type of candidiasis is actually a major concern that must be properly managed as it can trigger other serious complications.

Penile Yeast Infections – A General Description

Yeast infection, also known as candidiasis, is most often associated to women. This fungal infection is commonly caused by Candida albicans. This type of fungus belongs to the yeast family. Candida albicans is naturally occurring in normal flora of the genital parts, intestine, respiratory tract as well as in the skin and mouth.

As the name implies, penile yeast infection affects the male genital. It is true that men are also susceptible to candidal infection. This is not just the common yeast infection known as thrush but the more serious types just like what affect most women.

A lot of men are known to be affected by oral yeast, particularly those who are HIV positive. However, a lot of men fail to consider the other types of candidal infection that also affect them mainly because of the wrong notion that only women are affected by this type of candidal infection.

Major Causes of Penile Yeast Infection

There are several causes of male yeast infection. Men who are diabetic, under antibacterial medication and weakened immune systems are prone to having this kind of fungal infection. This is mainly because their condition is ideal in the growth and proliferation of the fungus which will ultimately create an imbalance in the normal flora of our body. Sexual contact also increases the chances of men getting penis yeast infection as men can get the infection through sexual contact with women that have yeast infection.

Penile Yeast Infection Signs and Symptoms

There are instances where men start to have penile yeast infection without exhibiting any clinical signs and symptoms. This is the main reason why it is difficult to confirm the presence of such types of candidal infection in men. In fact, there are quite a number of men who are unaware that they already have candidal infection. However, if there are strong manifestation of signs and symptoms, the next concern is the proper diagnosis and distinction of those signs and symptoms that are associated with penile yeast infection.

Most of the signs and symptoms of candidal infections closely resembles that of genital herpes. Thus, it is essential that proper diagnosis and confirmation of the infection must be undertaken. The more common symptoms of the fungal infection include intense itchiness in the penile area. Men with this fungal infection may also observe clumpy and whitish discharge and minute blisters, and reddening on the penile head can also happen.

However, if you observe the emergence of red bumps in the penile area that is accompanied by intense itchiness, the best thing for you to do is seek immediate medical help. Your doctor will have to make the necessary test in order to ascertain whether such signs and symptoms are correlated to either penile yeast infection or genital herpes.