Sign and symptoms of yeast infection in men

Candida Albicans is the fungus that is present in small amounts in our body, particularly in the digestive tract. This fungus is not harmful as long as it is kept under control by the body’s immune system and by the good bacteria. However, there are several causes that can weaken the immune system and cause Candida to multiply immensely, thus leading to the occurrence of yeast infection.

Although yeast infection is the condition typical for women, men can also contract it. The most suitable areas for the Candida overproduction are those parts of the body that are warm, dark and damp. There are several such areas in the body of a man, such as mouth and penis and therefore, yeast infection can be oral and penile.

Causes of yeast infection in men

Men can develop yeast infection through an unprotected sexual intercourse with a woman who already suffers from vaginal yeast infection. Furthermore, the potential causes for the occurrence of this infection in men include excessive consummation of sugary foods and antibiotics. Antibiotics kill the bad bacteria together with good bacteria, thus destroying the balance between the Candida and good bacteria.

Symptoms of yeast infection in men

The most common symptom of penile yeast infection is the irritation of the head of the penis. This irritation is usually accompanied by severe itching that sometimes can be even unbearable for men. Another symptom of penile yeast infection is the outbreak of sores on the foreskin and on the head of the penis. These red sores or blisters are ugly and painful. White discharge from the penis, as well as burning sensation may also occur when penile yeast infection develops in men.

Balanitis is a medical term for the swelling of the glans penis and it is one of the obvious signs of penile yeast infection in men. When the fungus in question is present in the blood stream, it is referred to as candidemia. This condition has the symptoms that are very similar to those uncharacteristic of genital herpes. The most common signs of candidemia include occurrence of infection on the mucus membranes and in the navel and armpits. Other symptoms that may appear when a man suffers from a yeast infection are pain in the muscles and joints, strong cravings for sugary foods and diarrhea, as well as rapid heart rate and low count of white blood cells.