Manhood 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 manhood 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 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 normal, healthy women’s reproductive organs. These organisms thrive in warm, moist environments, so this part of a woman’s body is ideal for habitation. Women almost always have yeast in the birth canal - however, these can become a problem when growth becomes uncontrolled.

The most common type of yeast to inhabit the body 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 female reproductive organs; 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 using hormonal birth control.

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 penetration. Therefore, men should be extra-aware of the possibility of a yeast infection if they are having relations with a woman who has one. 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 manhood. Aside from having relations 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 manhood;
• Redness of the male organ skin;
• A burning sensation during urination;
• Moist skin (sometimes tinted with a creamy white glaze) or abnormal shininess around the manhood 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 intimacy until the problem is taken care of, as it’s possible for partners to keep re-infecting each other.

Preventing Male Yeast Infections

To prevent yeast infections from occurring, if men who are uncut should be sure to keep the manhood 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 manhood 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 manhood 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 manhood skin hydrated and healthy, helping men to avoid some of the conditions that can promote fungal overgrowth.