Male yeast infection
Don’t think that yeast infections only affect women. In fact, men are almost as likely to suffer from a yeast infection, though it is not always called this. Generally, if a man’s penis is inflamed and itchy and if it is painful to use the bathroom or have sexual relations, then they may have a form of yeast infection called balanitis. Additionally, men are just as likely to suffer from skin and oral yeast infections (i.e. all it takes is a fungus, some skin, and an immune system that can’t handle it).
So what is a male yeast infection? Well, it’s the same as the infections a woman have except a man doesn’t have a vagina. Thus, though any piece or patch of skin can be affected, when it comes to the groin, a man’s penis, foreskin, and the surrounding areas, are affected when a yeast infection takes hold. Additionally, many of the symptoms are the same for men who have yeast infections. For example, urinating and sex become painful, and there is itching, swelling, and burning.
Men who are uncircumcised are at a greater risk of having a yeast infection because the skin folds of the foreskin are hard to keep clean, are moist, and can become a breeding ground for fungus. Also, men who are diabetic or have a disease or illness that lowers the immune system are also more at risk for contracting a male yeast infection. Additionally, if a man is on antibiotics for quite some time, it can result in a yeast infection because the antibiotics are killing bacteria that might normally keep the Candida albicans fungus from growing.
A man can get a yeast infection from sexual relations with a woman who has one or the infection can come about because of hot or humid weather, a lowered immune system, wet or too tight clothing, or bad hygiene, among other reasons. It is important to treat a male yeast infection as soon as possible so that the pain can be dealt with and so the infection doesn’t worsen or spread.