Causes And Risk Factors Of Male Yeast Infection: Warning Signs In Men

Yeast infection is a common ailment in women. It is a fungal infection that occurs when the balance of good bacteria and naturally occurring yeast in and around the vagina is disturbed, leading to vaginal itching, irritation, burning sensation and redness and swelling of the vulva. What many do not know is that yeast infection can also occur in men, also called penile yeast infection. Speaking with the OnlyMyHealth team, Dr Basabbijoy Sarkar, Senior Consultant Physician-Department of Internal Medicine, Fortis Anandapur, sheds light on the same and discusses its cause, risk factors and warning signs. 

What Causes Male Yeast Infection?

“A yeast infection is often considered to be a female issue (vaginal candidiasis) but it can also affect males causing redness, soreness and swelling of the penis,” says Dr Sarkar. He adds that the condition needs immediate treatment when diagnosed or else it might lead to other serious complications. For instance if the infection spreads to the bloodstream, also called candidaemia.

Also Read: What Are Yeast Infections? Know Causes, Symptoms, Treatment and Prevention

According to the doctor, male yeast infection is caused by the overgrowth of the fungus Candida, which tends to be present in the human body in small amounts. If the fungus gets a suitable moist environment, it can grow uncontrollably, leading to the infection. 

He says, “According to medical studies, 1 in every 25 males gets affected by penile yeast Infection. Although children under age four can also be at risk as their foreskin is not easy to retract. This condition is called phimosis.”

Warning Symptoms

Here are some common symptoms of male yeast infection: 

Itching or burning on the tip of your penis or the foreskin

• Redness
• A moist feeling on the tip of your penis
• A cottage cheese-like discharge with an unpleasant smell
• Swelling around the tip of your penis and foreskin
• Sores or white patches of skin
• Difficulty getting or keeping an erection

Who Is At Risk?

A penile yeast infection can spread through unprotected sexual activities, however, it is not considered a Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) because you don't have to have sex to get it. You may therefore consider other risk factors, which include: 

• Being uncircumcised
• Having diabetes
• Not maintaining regular hygiene of the genitals
• Wearing moist or tight fitted undergarments
• Long term antibiotic therapy 
• Using lubricated condoms

A 2019 research published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine found that factors like diabetes and a suppressed immune system can also increase one's risk of yeast infection. This is because high blood sugar levels can cause yeast to overgrow, particularly in the vaginal area, and a weakened immune system is unable to fight off the prevalence of yeast in the body. 

Also Read: Simple Vaginal Health Tips To Prevent Yeast Infection In Women

Preventive Measures

There are ways to prevent and protect yourself against yeast infection. These include:

• Avoid having unprotected sex
• Maintain proper genital hygiene
• Use unscented and chemical free soaps
• Wear loose cotton undergarments
• Drying of the genital area after having a bath

Conclusion

Yeast infection does not differentiate between gender. Although vaginal yeast infections are particularly common in women of childbearing age, men can also develop it and experience distressing symptoms. The key is to maintain proper hygiene practices, avoid the use of scented products, and wear airy, loose cotton undergarments.