Penis Health Watch: What Men Need to Know About Yeast Infections

Many guys assume that yeast infections are a women’s issue, and that they don’t really impact penis health. However, if a man’s partner suspects that she may have this common (and generally harmless) malady, he should take measures to protect his own sexual health. The truth is, men can get yeast infections - and they’re less likely than females to know they have them. Here’s what you need to know about yeast infections and how they can impact men’s health.

What Is a Yeast Infection? 

Yeast live all over the human body and are typically present in a normal, healthy vagina. These organisms thrive in warm, moist environments, so this part of a woman’s body is ideal for habitation. Women generally always have yeast in their vaginas - however, they can become a problem when growth becomes uncontrolled.

The most common type of yeast to inhabit the vagina is called Candida albicans. Its growth is naturally kept in check by a healthy bacteria called lactobacillus. Does that term sound familiar? If so, it’s probably because you’ve heard about it as a probiotic. These healthy bacteria line our gut and intestinal tract, and they are also present in the vagina; their presence prevents yeast from overgrowing.

However, if a woman’s system is out of whack, she may not have enough healthy bacteria to keep the yeast in check. Often, yeast infections arise as a result of taking antibiotics, as they kill off the healthy bacteria within the microbiome. Other causes of yeast infections include wearing tight clothing, being pregnant and taking birth control pills.

How do Yeast Infections Impact Men?
So what does this mean for men, exactly? If a man’s partner has a yeast infection, it’s possible that she could transmit it via sexual intercourse. Therefore, men should be extra-aware of the possibility of a yeast infection if they are having sex with a woman who has one (however, according to Healthline, this generally uncomplicated malady is not considered an STI). On the other hand, this is not the only way for men to become infected.

Remember how we explained that candida (yeast) naturally live in the body? They also live on the surface of the skin, including the head of the penis. Aside from having intercourse with a woman who has a yeast infection, men can get them by taking antibiotics or by wearing tight or damp clothing for extended periods of time. Men who

Symptoms of Male Yeast Infections

According to the Mayo Clinic, men who experience the following symptoms should get checked for a yeast infection:
- Itching of the penis;
- Redness of the penile skin;
- A burning sensation during urination;
- Moist skin (sometimes tinted with a creamy white glaze) or abnormal shininess around the penis area.

How to Treat a Male Yeast Infection
Because the symptoms of a yeast infection resemble those of numerous other conditions, it is important to see a doctor the first time you experience them to rule out any other conditions. Most yeast infections are easily treated with an over-the-counter antifungal cream.

Additionally, if your partner is infected, be sure you are both treated. You may also want to abstain from intercourse until the problem is taken care of, as it’s possible for sexual partners to keep re-infecting each other.

Preventing Male Yeast Infections
To prevent yeast infections from occurring, if men who aren’t circumcised should be sure to keep the penis area clean and well-moisturized, and allow it to "breathe" every once in a while by wearing loose-fitting clothing, as yeast overgrowth often becomes an issue when the body is sweaty and not exposed to air flow.

Keeping the penis clean by washing with a mild cleanser and allowing it to air-dry is always a safe bet. Keep the area moisturized afterward to keep the skin healthy and vibrant. A penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil) that contains high-quality moisturizing agents such as vitamin E and Shea butter is an optimum way to keep the penis skin hydrated and healthy, helping men to avoid some of the conditions that can promote fungal overgrowth.

Penis Health Tips: 4 Reasons Men Should Be Using Shea Butter Daily

Shea butter is a commonly used ingredient in skin and beauty products, but it can be especially beneficial for penis health. This sensitive area is prone to itchiness, dryness, and other inconvenient and uncomfortable sensations. Shea butter is a wonderful ingredient to apply to help moisturize the area and reduce inflammation, dryness and discomfort.

If you’re looking for an all-star ingredient to add to your personal care routine, Shea butter could be the one - especially if you suffer from some of the problems associated with dry skin. Here’s what you need to know about Shea butter and why it’s great for penis health.

Contains Vitamins A and E
Shea butter is rich in vitamins A and E, which have been shown to improve skin health on numerous levels. According to the Shea Institute, these nutrients have been associated with relief from conditions such as eczema, dermatitis, acne, skin allergies, sunburn and frostbite. In short, if you have some kind of skin irritation or discomfort, it’s likely that vitamins A and E will go a long way to soothe and protect the skin.

Rich in Moisture
The ingredients that make up Shea butter are derived from the Shea tree. Interestingly, Shea butter’s moisturizing agents are chemically similar to those produced by the sebaceous glands of the skin, which makes Shea a very natural ingredient to use on human skin. This is great for use in the penis region, as the area can be sensitive. On this area, it’s best to use ingredients like Shea butter that are similar in form and function to the skin’s natural properties.

"Shea Butter’s unparalleled moisturizing property is due to several natural moisturizers present in the cream," says a representative of the Shea Institute. "The moisturizers in Shea Butter are the same moisturizers produced by the sebaceous glands in the skin. If you buy the concept that the skin sebaceous glands produce moisturizers for the skin, then it’s no wonder that Shea Butter is such a superior moisturizer."

Extremely Protective
Have you ever smeared Shea butter on your skin before? If you have, you’ll know that it’s incredibly rich and thick-feeling, creating a generous protective barrier on the skin. This is another great reason to use Shea butter near the genital area.

Thick moisturizers like Shea protect the skin by forming a barrier between the epidermis (the outer layer of the skin) and the surrounding air. When this barrier is put in place, moisture from the skin can’t evaporate into the surrounding air, and air (which can be dry) can’t penetrate the skin’s layers. This creates a sealant of sorts that keeps moisture in and cold, dry air out.

You can see why this is great for men’s health. You may want to apply a layer of a Shea butter-containing moisturizer on a daily basis. It’d be especially beneficial to apply it before swimming in a chlorinated swimming pool or exposing yourself to the elements in a similar way.

Calms Inflammation and Redness
Finally, Shea butter is extremely soothing. If you have any kind of rash, redness, irritation or skin discomfort, Shea may be the answer you’ve been looking for. A 2010 study published in the US National Library of Medicine found that Shea butter’s components - particularly a compound called lupeol cinnamate - reduced inflammation and even prevented skin mutations.

If you have a rash or redness (and you’ve already seen your doctor to ensure that it isn’t a complication of something more serious, such as an STI), you may want to consider using Shea butter to calm the redness and irritation associated with inflammation. Applying a penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil) not only brings with it the health benefits of Shea butter, but also those from a whole host of other beneficial skin moisturizers and protective ingredients.

Three Common Penis Health Mistakes that Men should Never Make

A surprising number of men believe that the penis does not need much in the way of attention, beyond a quick shower every day or so and maybe the use of protection during an intimate encounter. Sadly, this is not true. A penis is a delicate structure that requires proper healthcare. The good news is that all it takes are a few basic changes to one's routine to ensure a hygienic and healthy penis. Here are some common mistakes men make when it comes to their health and how to improve on them.

Mistake 1: Ignoring Symptoms of Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction is more common than most men think. It affects more than 50 per cent of men who are over the age of 60, as well as 20 per cent of men over the age of 20. Sometimes men have the tendency to keep erection problems under wraps, thinking that their stress or emotions could be at the root of them, or even that the problem will go away if they just ignore it.

While stress like a bad day at the office, an upcoming presentation, a looming car payment or an argument with a partner can certainly lead to problems in the bedroom, many instances of erectile dysfunction arise from physical problems, such as diabetes, heart problems, smoking, obesity and high blood pressure. This is why it's so important to consult with a doctor if one is dealing with erection problems on a recurring basis. Many effective treatment options are now available for men with performance related issues, ranging from medications to counselling to simple lifestyle changes.

Mistake 2: Not Cleaning the Penis Correctly

Men who have an uncircumcised penis should wash under the foreskin with soap and water to ensure the prevention of built-up materials which can lead to irritation and cause infections. Circumcised men must also be vigilant about cleaning the penis well to prevent illnesses or infection. A gentle soap should be used, as the penile skin is delicate and should not be washed with ordinary body soaps or shower gels that contain chemical irritants; shampoos and other personal care items also tend to leech away the skin’s natural lubricants and can cause cracked, peeling, sore penis skin.
The entire groin area should also be cleaned well, as this particular part of the body is likely to develop some stinky aromas from the combination of sweat, hair, and other bodily substances that accumulate here.

Men should always dry themselves off thoroughly after stepping out of the shower, as well; damp skin can attract bacteria and other organisms that can flourish in moist, warm environments. These organisms can cause unpleasant issues ranging from foul odors to itchy penis rashes to swollen skin and a chunky discharge.

Mistake 3: Failure to use a penis vitamin creme

Just like the skin of the face and hands, the penis skin is exposed to heat, cold, UV rays, and environmental materials that can cause cellular damage. Without the proper nutrition, the skin can become thinner, more brittle, and wrinkled, as well as developing age spots and losing its natural elasticity. In some cases, free radicals can alter cellular reproduction, leading to the formation of cancerous tumors. A high quality penis vitamin creme (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil) that is enriched with male-specific vitamins, antioxidants and amino acids can help to rejuvenate the skin and fight oxidative damage, while helping to prevent unpleasant odors and skin rashes. Natural emollients added to a health creme can also work to keep the skin smooth, supple and blemish free for a healthier looking and feeling manhood.

Penis curved or bent and causes, symptoms, and best treatment

Typically, a mild or slightly curved or bent penis will, with proper treatment, rectify itself without any form of medication, whereas a more severe case may require corrective surgery

A penis curve or bend can be defined as ‘an abnormal penis shape that can be mild to severe and can cause many men some form of discomfort in either a psychological or physical sense. For instance, many men who have a curved or bent penis tend to think that their ability to make love is compromised and that their partner may not find them as exciting in bed, they also tend to worry about the aesthetic appeal of their penis and this in a psychological sense can make them feel inadequate.

Causes of a Penis Curve or Bend

A severely curved or bent penis is often caused by either a condition called Peyronie’s Disease or a penile fracture.

Peyronie’s Disease occurs when the fibrous tissue of the penis becomes scarred often due to an injury to a penis suffered during intercourse or masturbation. This then causes the penis to bend or curve, which may result in an inability to gain and sustain an erection and have satisfying sexual intercourse.

The other cause of a penis curve or bend can be a penis fracture. This condition usually occurs during vigorous or aggressive sexual activity, and is often extremely painful, as the injury occurs when the penis is erect. When a fracture of the penis occurs usually a loud popping sound is heard as the cylinders that fill with blood in the penis and create an erection, rupture, with one or more of the cylinders breaking.

Symptoms of a Penis Curve or Bend

The symptoms of Peyronie’s Disease and a penis fracture are similar to each other, but there are also distinct differences that set each of these ailments apart. Usually sufferers of Peyronie’s Disease experience the following:
1. A curved or bent penis of more than 10 percent;
2. Difficult sexual intercourse;
3. Painful erections;
4. A reduction or minimal flexibility in the penis;
5. The penis may be painful to touch; and
6. Urination may be difficult.

Whereas the symptoms of a penis fracture may include those of Peyronie’s Disease, a sufferer may also experience the following:
1. Bruising to the penis;
2. Signs of blood or trauma to the penis coming from the urethra;
3. A loud popping or cracking sound comes from the penis;
4. Chronic pain that is almost unbearable;
5. The penis may also develop a lump or other signs of damage such as inflammation in an area along the shaft of the penis.

Treatment of a Penis Curve or Bend

Peyronie’s Disease and a fracture of the penis are treated by firstly abstaining from any sexual activity. This includes intercourse and masturbation. Both conditions are then usually treated via surgery, in most cases.

If a penis fracture is suspected then it is vital that medical treatment is sought immediately, as the condition can be life-threatening, especially if the bleeding is not brought under control.

In situations where there is a slight bend or curve to penis then the daily use of a penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil) will help to keep the penis and its skin in optimal condition and maintain its flexibility so that the risk of further curves, bends, and breaks is reduced. This is attributed to the fact that these products contain essential vitamins and minerals that enhance and maintain the health of the penis.

For additional information on most common penis health issues, tips on improving penis sensitivity, and what to do to maintain a healthy penis, visit: http://www.penishealth101.com. John Dugan writes about men's health issues and is an ongoing contributing writer to numerous online web sites.