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Yeast Infections In Men: Does This Really Happen?
It certainly does! Mention the words "yeast infection" and most people think of vaginal yeast infections common among women. However, yeast infections do occur in men. This type of infection is not considered a sexually transmitted disease like chlamydia or herpes, but it is still considered a part of the STD "family."
By far, the most well-known type of yeast infection is that which is experienced by women. The candida yeast infection results from an overgrowth of the fungus in the vagina. A candida vaginal yeast infection is caused by the use of antibiotics and steroids, clothing that's too tight, some bath products and wearing damp underwear or swimsuits. This same infection can be passed sexually from women to men. When yeast infections occur in men, the culprit is most often of the candida variety.
Women are very familiar with the signs and symptoms of vaginal yeast infections. However, yeast infections in men usually show no symptoms at all if they're sexually transmitted. Not knowing they have sexually contracted candida, infected men pass the infection right back to the woman who gave it to him in the first place!
Are There Other Types Of Yeast Infections In Men?
Absolutely. The candida variety of yeast not only causes vaginal infections among women, it also results in a variety of other closely-related infections that can occur in both women and men.
Common yeast infections in men are "jock itch" and "athlete's foot." In these conditions, the candida yeast thrives in warm, damp environments like the crotch and in between the toes. When men perspire in the crotch area, especially if they wear a jock strap, this warm dampness can cause a candida yeast infection in men. Similarly, men's feet tend to perspire more than women's feet. Wearing socks and sneakers, for instance, creates just the type of environmental opportunity for candida to thrive. The old tale about yeast infections being spread through communal showers is accurate. Both these types of yeast infections in men are easily treated with anti-fungal sprays found in drug stores.
"Thrush" is a candida infection of the mouth and is another example of yeast infections in men and women alike. Thrush is characterized by creamy-white patches on the tongue, lips, and sides of the mouth. This is a painful and very unsightly infection that requires a prescription medication to heal. Those most at risk to develop thrush are adults with weakened immune systems that result from the use of antibiotics or steroids, or adults with AIDS. Those with auto-immune disorders such as fibromyalgia and lupus are also at risk. This type of yeast infection in men can be treated by a liquid anti-fungal such as Nystatin that's swished in the mouth several times a day. Thrush is also treated by the drug Clotrimazole, a wide-spectrum medication that's a proven candida-killer. Famvir, another broad-spectrum oral medication attacks candida in the mouth, herpes, and shingles.
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