Yeast Infection in men, also called thrush or candidiasis, is a fungal infection, which is difficult to detect in males compared to women. In women, the vaginal canal provides ideal conditions for the yeast to thrive, which results in a vaginal infection, and detection becomes much easier. In males, detection can take time as many males have a dormant infection, and sometimes can remain undetected throughout their lives.
Yeast Infection in Men
Most men tend to ignore the symptoms of this ailment and do not start treatment early. This is quite disastrous as a male yeast infection can lead to some serious conditions and diseases. Untreated infections can pierce the intestinal lining and spread throughout the body, and can cause prostate cancer. Therefore, it is important to know the symptoms of this disease in order to diagnose the problem, and start treatment immediately.
Symptoms of Yeast Infection In Men
There are many discreet symptoms for male yeast infection but the most common ones are-
• Frequent hives that cause itching and burning
• Dry and cracked skin in the penis area
• Tiredness and fatigue without any particular reason
• Bad breath and constipation
• Indigestion and poor appetite
• Aches and pains in the joints and muscles
• Bloating of the stomach and gas
• Diarrhea
• Sexual dysfunction
• Bladder infection
• Gluten intolerance
• Respiratory problems
• Poor memory and lack of concentration
• Frequent problems in the eyes and ears
• Increased cravings for sweet foods
Once the infection has become active and intense, there is obvious symptoms like-
• Visible sores on the penis
• White discoloration near the area of foreskin
• Excretion of a white liquid having cottage cheese consistency
• Burning sensation and pain while urinating
• Severe stomach problems and headaches
Causes of Male Yeast Infection
The main cause of yeast infection in men is the imbalance in the ratio of good bacteria and yeast in the body. Although yeast is present in every human being and serves certain important purposes, it can become destructive when their numbers are not checked. For this purpose, there are more than 60 trillion good bacteria in the digestive system to keep this yeast in check. When the proportion of these good bacteria goes down, the yeast will start spreading without anything to control its growth in the body, resulting in infections and diseases.
Be very careful of anti-biotics overuse
One of the main reasons for yeast infection in men is the upset in balance of the good bacteria which happens all to often in the prolonged use of allopathic medicines, and anti-inflammatory drugs. Antibiotics are powerful mycotoxins meant to kill bacteria, and these drugs do not differentiate between the good and bad bacteria in the body. Prolonged use, results in the decimation of a large quantity of the good bacteria, which keep the fungus growth in check in the human body. This results in proliferation of the yeast fungi, and the fungal growth becomes a toxic parasite called candida.
Many doctors prescribe antibiotics for infections in the upper respiratory tract, but many research studies have proved that these infections are mainly caused by a type of fungus, and hence do not require antibiotic treatment. This is one of the classic cases, where due to lack of proper diagnosis, people are becoming dependent on antibiotics, which causes havoc with the balance of good bacteria. When it comes to yeast infection in men or woman, for that matter, becoming increasingly dependent on anti-inflammatory drugs like naproxen and ibuprofen will also destroy the intestinal flora, which will deplete the good bacteria.
Everything in moderation – Watch what you eat.
Antibiotics are also increasingly used in US in the dairy and beef industry. These medications are given to cows to kill bacteria, and make the milk and flesh safe for consumption. However, the downside is these antibiotics are present in milk, dairy products, and the meat, which will cause depletion of good bacteria in the body.
Certain grains and fruits have a stronger tendency to be contaminated with fungus and therefore can promote the growth of yeast in the body and cause infections. These include wheat, cheese, oats rye, corn, oats, peanuts, red apples, and barley. Foods like pastas, breads, cereals, beer, peanut butter, crackers, potato chips, and cooking oils can cause and promote yeast infections.
Yeast Infection in Males – One of the biggest causes of yeast infection in men
Another major cause , if not the biggest, of yeast infection in men is having sex with a woman that is already infected. The infection will appear anywhere on the skin in the genital area, and can spread around. Sex with an infected partner can even cause severe diseases like prostate cancer, when the infection travels up the urethral canal and contaminates the prostate.
Other known causes of male yeast infection include, trauma, problems in the endocrine system, drug abuse, blood disorders, diabetes, malnutrition, and reduced immunity response of the body.
Home Remedies for Yeast Infection In Men
Fortunately male yeast infection can be treated quite effectively with various home remedies. One of the most popular remedy is eating natural yogurt every day. It contains good bacteria, and some even recommend application to the affected areas. Tea tree oil is a trusted remedy as it has many antifungal properties, which will fight the infection. Dilute the oil, and apply a few drops on the sores and affected areas, at least twice daily, until you see the symptoms subside. Vinegar is another powerful antifungal remedy that can give good results in a few days. The best way to administer the treatment is to add about 200 ml of vinegar to your warm bath water, and soak in the tub for some time. One or two cloves of raw garlic can also work wonders in purifying your blood and fighting fungal infections. The power of the candida diet can work amazing wonders in ridding yourself of this nasty infection.
Preventing Yeast Infection in Men
Here are some tips for preventing this embarrassing infection
• Avoid intake of anti-inflammatory drugs and allopathic medicines over a long duration. If they are very essential, take a supplement of vitamin B complex along with the drugs.
• Avoid sex with an infected partner. Even with protection, the sores on the genital area of the woman can be exposed to your skin, and cause an infection.
• Abstain from all moldy foods like cheese, and other items like breads and beer, which are known to promote yeast infection in men.
