Yeast infections can occur in men, which could also lead to a condition called balanitis or the inflammation of the head of the penis. It might not be as common or talked about in society, but men’s yeast infections are caused by the fungus, candida, which is normally present on the skin, especially for men with moist skin.
Men commonly get yeast infections when having intercourse with a partner with a vaginal yeast infection, which causes an overgrowth of candida, resulting in an infection. Balanitis is more common for
uncircumcised men, but that doesn’t mean circumcised men cannot experience balanitis.
What are the symptoms of balanitis?
Some of the symptoms of this yeast infection are:
- Shiny areas or white skin on the penis
- Redness, burning sensation, and itching of the penis
- Moist skin on the penis
- Areas of thick and white substances collecting in the skin folds
If you aren’t circumcised and have an impaired immune system due to diseases and HIV, you are more likely to get balanitis. In addition, you can also get balanitis if you do not practice good hygiene, if you are
overweight, and if you have been using antibiotics more than you should for a long period of time.
Studies also show that if a person has diabetes, they are also more likely to get a yeast infection because of the extreme blood sugar levels.
How it is treated
Most yeast infections in men are treated with antifungal ointments, creams, and prescribed drugs. Although some men get through yeast infections with antifungal creams and ointments, some more severe infections need to be checked and treated with prescription medication.
Yeast infections may sometimes recur even after they are cured, which means you will need to follow it up with monthly treatments if that is the case.
