Candida Yeast Infection in Men

Candida yeast infection is a highly common but overlooked disease in men as quite often men don't realize that they have been infected by it. Read on for some detailed insights about the candida yeast infection in men...

Candida is an infection caused by a group of microscopic fungi or yeast that can manifest in both men and women. There are approximately 20 species of candida, the most common being Candida albicans that live in the moist and damp areas of our bodies. In adults, the candida yeast overgrowth usually manifests as a rash on the skin, which could be on the arms, underarms, lower abdomen, beneath skin folds, and closed or damp areas like the groin/genital area. Read more on candidiasis yeast infection.

Causes of Candida Yeast Infection in Men

Candida yeast infection in men develops due to overgrowth of the Candida albicans. Following are some common causes that contribute to the abnormal growth of this infection.

The most common cause of candida yeast infections in men is imbalance in the ratio of good bacteria to yeast in the digestive system, which helps the yeast fungi flourish and spread throughout the body.

Food products, like, corn, alcohol, peanuts, wheat, barley, etc. are contaminated with molds and fungi which lead to the yeast overgrowth by enervating the body's immune system and eradicating good bacteria through the acidity these food products generate in the intestine.

A weak immune system due to stress, lack of sleep, poor nutrition, etc. is another important cause for candida yeast infection in men.

Having unprotected sex can be yet another cause as the male urethra is totally exposed, making it vulnerable to infection from an infected female.

Use of antibiotics can also wipe out some of the good bacteria that control the candida population in the body.

Candida yeast thrives on sugar-laden food, therefore, if a person is suffering from diabetes, the yeast may grow and spread throughout the body. The yeast may start controlling the digestive system of the body by piercing the lining of the intestine and gradually becoming systemic.

Read more on causes of yeast infections in men.

Symptoms of Candida Yeast Infection in Men

The candida yeast symptoms are not always instantly apparent. However, following are some common male yeast infection symptoms that a person may suffer from during the infection:

Irritation / soreness around the male genital area

Reddish rash / itching on the head of the penis

White clumpy discharge from the penis

Small blisters on the head and shaft

Sexual Dysfunction

Urinary disorders, like, frequent urination, painful urination, etc.

Bladder infections like cystitis

Read more on sign and symptoms of yeast infection in men.

Candida Yeast Infection Test

Here is a simple candida yeast test to determine whether a person is infected or not. Early morning before brushing teeth, spit twice in a glass of water and set it aside for 15 minutes. If the spit dissolves completely, there's no risk of infection but if it becomes cloudy, with strings and sinks to the bottom of the glass, there could be a possibility of infection. After 20-25 minutes, if there's a sediment deposition in the bottom of the glass, the person might have parasites also.

If at any point there's confusion about the home test result, you can consult a doctor for confirmation. The doctor will take a small scraping of the mouth or skin, place it on a slide with potassium hydroxide and examine for a branching pattern consistent with yeast.

Treatment for Candida Yeast Infection in Men

Limited intake of sugar rich foods, gluten (grains), yeast foods, dairy products, soy foods, tuna, swordfish, shark, trans fats and splenda, etc. is the simplest way of treating the infection. Consumption of fresh vegetables, fruits, and clean water that is free of chlorine and fluorides is strongly recommended. The Ultimate colon cleanse or candida cleanse gives immediate candida yeast infection relief by killing the parasite, cleansing the candida yeast and removing the waste from the colon. Antifungal drugs or medications, like, azole, nystatin and amphotericin B. Nystatin can be used to treat candida yeast infection in men. Regular intake of probiotics and some herbs can empower your defense system and prevent the infection. Use of organic coconut oil or coconut capsules and cinnamon bark are also helpful in treating candida yeast infection as they destroy the nucleus of the candida yeast cell. Read more on yeast infection treatment.

Candida yeast infection in men is not fatal and can be cured with proper treatment and precautions. Practicing safe sex, maintaining hygiene, especially in the genital areas, wearing loose cotton clothes, sleeping properly, having balanced and nutrient rich diet to keep your immune system strong, etc, are some simple methods that can be adopted to avoid the risk of infection and prevent it's recurrence in the future.