Penis Health 101: Spotting a Yeast Infection

When a man is faced with a red, itchy penis, he might think the worst. Is it a really serious infection contracted from sex with a new partner? Is it something that will be resistant to antibiotics? Will treatment be slow and time-consuming? How long before he can get back to a normal sex life? What should he do about penis care in the meantime?

But what most men don’t know is that a yeast infection can cause a plethora of awful symptoms that seem as though they are much more serious. Also known as thrush, yeast infections are often considered a "woman’s problem" but men are certain susceptible to getting them as well. Here’s what a man needs to know about this very common - and fortunately, very treatable - condition.

What is a yeast infection?

A yeast infection is an overgrowth of Candida albicans, a yeast that is present in varying amounts on the skin at all times. Usually the body keeps it in check. But when a person has an overgrowth of it - thanks to a compromised immune system, certain medications or other reasons - the yeast takes over.

The result is truly terrible itching and redness. The itchy penis can become so severe that it keeps a man awake at night and prohibits him from thinking about anything else during the day. Redness, as well as a sense of heat, might also be present. The penis might have a white or yellow discharge and coating that looks somewhat like cottage cheese. The odor of a yeast infection is very distinct and strong, another thing that makes it tough to ignore. Sometimes there might be pain with urination, especially if the infection has invaded the urethra.

How does a guy get a yeast infection?

Yeast infections can come about in a variety of ways. A compromised immune system is a common culprit, as are underlying medical conditions, such as diabetes. Men might also get the infection from their sexual partner, as the yeast infection can be present before symptoms begin, and thus can easily be passed without the knowledge of either participant.

And though it’s unusual, sometimes a man’s diet can be enough to create the overgrowth. This is especially true if he is eating or drinking items that have a great deal of yeast in them, such as lots of beer, breads, crackers or cookies. Cutting yeast-based foods out of the diet can help if a man suffers from recurring yeast infections that don’t have an underlying medical cause.

What can he do about it?

When a man first believes he might have a yeast infection, he should go to the doctor to be sure. The test is simple and easy, and can provide results quickly. He should then embark on a course of treatment - which he might be able to purchase over the counter - and abstain from sexual activity until the infection has cleared. He should also inform any sexual partners so they can be proactive about treating themselves even if they aren’t showing any symptoms.

If a guy has another yeast infection after the first, he can usually recognize the signs and go for over the counter remedies, thus skipping a trip to the doctor. But if he does this, he must take care to keep his penis in great health, and do what it takes to ease the sore and reddened skin. A good way to do this is with a top-notch penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil, which is clinically proven mild and safe for skin) . He should reach for a crème that contains vitamin A for odor control, vitamin E for softness, and alpha lipoic acid to fight free radicals and ease the signs of aging. For those with serious itching, Shea butter as an ingredient can also help stop the irritation on contact.

Itchy Penis Quiz - Is It a Yeast Infection?

Thrush, also known as yeast infection, is an incredibly common cause of an itchy penis along with pain and swelling. However, few men know a whole lot about what this condition is, how it's treated and what penis care steps can make it go away. This quiz can help. Each of the following statements is either true or false, and the right answers are located below.

The Statements
 
1) Another name for thrush is "candidiasis."
2) Thrush happens to men a lot more often than it happens to women.
3) Yeast infections usually target the balls and the underside of the penis.
4) The primary symptom men might notice is redness.
5) Intense itching is common in men with thrush.
6) Thrush might be very uncomfortable, but it's usually pretty easy to cure.
7) Using a perfumed soap or spray is a good way to prevent thrush in the future.
8) Men who have diabetes are more likely to get yeast infections than men who don't have diabetes.

The Answers
1) True. This isn't a word that rolls off the tongue with ease, however, so most people prefer to just call the problem "thrush" or "yeast infection."

2) False. Women are much more likely to get thrush when compared to men, but women infected with thrush can give it to their partners during sex. This means that a man who has sex with a woman who often deals with thrush probably has the same problem himself on a pretty regular basis.

3) False. For men who haven't been circumcised, a thrush problem tends to impact the foreskin. Men who have been cut don't have a foreskin, but the glans or tip of the penis is a hot spot for them.

4) True. A thrush infection can kick the immune system into high gear, and when that happens, the skin can become red and swollen. The tip of the penis might look red or the foreskin might be tighter and pinker than usual.

5) True. Swelling and redness aren't the only symptoms a man with thrush might experience. Itching that simply will not resolve is also common, and the discomfort might be so intense that a man has trouble:

- Concentrating
- Sleeping
- Sitting still
- Having sex

6) True. A medicated cream can usually kick a yeast infection to the curb, as long as a man applies that cream regularly. However, a man with thrush who has a regular female sex partner should be sure that she is treating herself, too. Partners can pass this problem back and forth, unless they're both being treated at the same time.

7) False. A rinse with water is an important part of keeping thrush problems at bay, but perfumed products can sometimes cause irritation and swelling that lead to future cases of thrush. That's why it's vital for men to keep these products away from their bodies, both while they're healing and in the future.

8) True. People who have diabetes tend to have more sugar in each drop of sweat, and they tend to sweat a little more than people who don't have diabetes. A wet, sugar-laden lap is an ideal environment for yeast overgrowth.

Next Steps
Men who know a little more about what thrush is and how it works are in a good position to prevent the problem from happening to them in the future. A penis health cream (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil) can help, too. These products provide the skin with vitamins and minerals that support optimal health, and they keep skin both soft and smooth so it can resist infections a bit more easily. Quality products also have no perfumes or irritating agents, so they won't make an underlying thrush problem worse.

Penis Irritation – What It Is and What to Do About It

The nerve endings in the penis can do great things. When a man is having sex with a partner, the nerves give him no shortage of pleasure. And when he's having a little private time, they can fire off signals of stimulation, too. But sometimes those nerve endings need to send a completely different message. Sometimes, they need to inform a guy about an urgent need for extra penis care.
When the nerve endings send signals of pain, penis irritation is the likely culprit. It's uncomfortable, but fortunately there are a number of things men can do to make things feel better.

A Sexual Problem
While there are all sorts of issues that could cause penis irritation, yeast cells are common culprits. These little organisms thrive in environments that are warm and dark, like the inside of a woman's body. The immune system usually keeps the size of the colonies in check, but when something is off, the number of cells can explode, and itching and redness can take over.

If a man has sex with a partner who is dealing with a yeast problem, she can spread that to him. When she does, he might deal with redness and itching, too. And if she gets treatment and he does not, he can give that yeast infection back to her. Then she can give it back to him. Some couples trade yeast cells for years without realizing why their discomfort won't go away.

Many Solutions
Yeast cells can cause cases of penis irritation so severe and so painful that men simply can't think clearly. But they're not really all that powerful. With just a few doses of an over-the-counter medication, the size of the colony can be reduced, and a man can get back to normal rather quickly.
However, men should be sure that their partners are treated at the same time as them. That's the only way to make sure those cells aren't traded back and forth, over and over again.

And while a man and his partner are healing up, they should avoid any kind of sexual contact. Skin cells need time to knit back together, and that means they should be given a break from any kind of friction, at least for a little while.

Preventing the Issue
Yeast infections can happen to anyon
e, but they're more common in men who have other health problems, such as:
- Diabetes
- HIV
- Another immune-suppressing illness
- An illness that requires long-term antibiotic treatment

Sometimes, dealing with the underlying issue that makes a man vulnerable to yeast infections is more helpful than treating the problem each and every time it appears.

Similarly, some men have hygiene habits that aren't exactly up to par. These guys could be setting themselves up for all sorts of infections and, with a few tweaks, they could be healthier than they've ever been before.

That good care starts with a daily washing. Men should use only water and no harsh or perfumed soaps, and they should rinse for a long time when the scrubbing is done. That wash-up should happen daily, and when men are clean and dry, they should slip into underwear that's similarly clean and dry. Just keeping things clean like this can keep bacteria from taking over, and it could be a great way to prevent yeast from spreading.

A penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil) could also be a great intervention for men with yeast problems. These products help to keep skin smooth and soft, and the vitamins and minerals can boost the immune system that supports the penis. A daily application is one way for men to support their tools so they can stay healthy and functional for longer.

Itchy Penis? It Could Be a Yeast Infection

There are loads of products on the market directed towards women who are struggling with yeast infections or "feminine itch." These products are lining the shelves of supermarkets and pharmacies everywhere, and advertisements for them have infiltrated magazines, radio ads, and TV commercials. One may wonder why, then, there is not the same amount of attention and product selection for men dealing with the very same problem? Yes, men can get yeast infections too. This may come as a shock for some men - probably because nobody is talking about it - and it can often go undiagnosed, because men simply don’t know what it is and may ignore the symptoms. Learn more about how yeast infections affect men, why it is important to treat the infection, and how to keep the penis healthy.

Aren’t yeast infections just for women?
This is a common misconception held by both men and women. While it is a type of infection that tends to be more common in women, men can and do develop it, too. Symptoms can present dramatically differently between the two sexes, and for many women, it is glaringly obvious when they have a yeast infection. However, for men, the symptoms may be more subtle. Some men are even asymptomatic - meaning they have no symptoms at all of a yeast infection - but they are still carrying the infection and can pass it unknowingly to their partners.

How does one catch a yeast infection?
A yeast infection, also known as candidiasis, moniliasis, or thrush, is an infection cased by a tiny organism called candida albicans. This organism is always found on the skin, in the mouth, and in the intestinal tract of both men and women, and it generally lives a peaceful existence without bothering anybody. However, sometimes the yeast multiplies a little too rapidly and begins to irritate the skin, create a discharge, or cause other uncomfortable symptoms that make this otherwise invisible organism become very visible to the carrier. Though the sudden outbreak often makes one believe they have "caught" a yeast infection, one doesn’t actually catch it, because the yeast is already present in and on the body. Rather, something has happened to disrupt the body’s PH or the immune system, which typically keeps the numbers in check.

What contributes to the infection?
 
1. Being on antibiotics: Though an antibiotic wipes out whatever is causing the illness in the body, it also targets "good bacteria" that serve useful functions in the body. For some people, antibiotics get rid of good bacteria, allowing yeast to thrive and an infection to start.

2. Poor immune system: A compromised immune system makes the body susceptible to all sorts of infections - including yeast infections. Individuals who have chronic illnesses or immunodeficiency are more prone to yeast infections. Conditions such as mono, Lyme disease, HIV, chronic stress and an underactive thyroid gland can all lead to an increase in yeast.

3. Diabetes: Men and women who are diabetics are also more prone to chronic yeast infections. The elevated sugar levels in the urine of a diabetic increase the chance the yeast infection will be localized in the vagina or around the penile area.

4. Sex with an infected partner: Though a yeast infection is not a type of sexually transmitted infection, it can be passed from one infected partner to another during sex, which is why it is so important to seek treatment.

How to care for the penis
Symptoms of a yeast infection can range from unpleasant to downright painful and include: severe itching, irritation, and soreness at the head of the penis, cheesy white discharge, and even blistering on the head of the penis. Seeking treatment from a doctor is important to keeping the penis healthy as an antifungal medication can clear it up before the infection persists to a painful state, and also prevents partners from perpetually passing it to one another. Maintaining good hygiene, using condoms, never staying in sweaty workout clothes or wet bathing suits, and using a penis health cream (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil) are all ways of reducing the chance of getting a yeast infection. A penis health cream containing vitamin A is a wise choice, as the vitamin has anti-bacterial properties that can help keep infectious organisms at bay.

Understanding Penis Pain - Why Yeast Infections Occur in Men

Regardless of how in or out of tune a man is with his own body, one thing he is sure to never miss is penis pain and abnormal discharge.  There are numerous reasons for such an occurrence, ranging from a mild infection, to a sexually transmitted disease, to a serious medical condition such as cancer.  One such condition – which luckily is very treatable – is the common yeast infection.  Though a yeast infection may not cause serious health side effects, it can easily be passed from partner to partner, making it very important to pop in to the doctor and get treated if a yeast infection is suspected.  While it is likely that most men will encounter a yeast infection at some point in their lives, engaging in a daily penis health routine will not only alert him to sudden changes, but may decrease the frequency of similar annoying, uncomfortable ailments.

What is a yeast infection… don’t they only occur in women?

While a yeast infection tends to be more common in women – and more readily spotted– it is an infection many men can get, as well.  In fact, some men actually carry a yeast infection without even knowing it, as they are asymptomatic.  Men who show no symptoms are (obviously) more likely to pass it to their partners, which is sometimes how a man finds out he had it to begin with.

A yeast infection is an infection caused by the fungus Candida; in men, it occurs on the penis. Despite the unpleasant images the thought of a fungus may bring up for most people, it is actually a normal part of the healthy environment and found on the skin of most people.  Generally, the immune system keeps the fungus from turning into an infection, but certain circumstances lead to an infection.

What causes a yeast infection?

• Compromised Immunity:  Having a compromised immune system makes one more susceptible to any type of infection, including a yeast infection.  Certain issues cause chronic immunodeficiency including: an underactive thyroid gland, HIV, Lyme disease, mononucleosis, and even chronic stress.

• Antibiotics: Antibiotics are prescribed to kill invading bacteria -- which cause infection.  Unfortunately, an antibiotic medication is unable to discern between good bacteria and bad bacteria. Thus, it may target the wrong kind, allowing a yeast infection to occur.

• Diabetes: This is another chronic medical condition known to be associated with yeast infections.  The elevated sugar levels in a diabetic’s urine creates an environment in which yeast tends to thrive.

• Sexual Transmission: While not considered a sexually transmitted infection, yeast infections can be passed from male to female and female to male during sex.

What are the symptoms?

In certain men, no symptoms ever present and he may not discover he has a yeast infection until his partner becomes symptomatic.  Treatment is still recommended for these men, however; otherwise, they will continue to re-infect their partner.  For men who do show signs of yeast infection, symptoms include:

• Severe itching around the head of the penis
• Irritation and soreness of the head of the penis
• White, cheesy discharge
• Redness of the head of the penis
• Blistering on the head of the penis

How to care for the penis

The best way to prevent a penile yeast infection is to use protection during sex, particularly if one’s partner suspects a yeast infection is present.  A quick round of antifungal medication is commonly prescribed to treat the infection, so an infected penis is as good as new in no time.  Keeping the genital area dry is also an important tip to preventing yeast infections, as the yeast that is naturally on one’s penis tends to thrive – and grow – in warm, moist conditions.  Maintaining proper penis hygiene by thoroughly washing the penis regularly with mild soap and water may help prevent excessive bacteria which can eventually lead to infection.  Additionally, the use of a penis health formula full of vitamins and minerals (most professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil) can also keep the penis healthy. Choose one with Vitamin A, which has anti-bacterial properties and may help keep infections away.