When Should You See A Urologist
Your primary care doctor can treat you for mild urinary problems, such as a UTI. Your primary care doctor may refer you to a urologist if your symptoms dont improve or if you have a condition that needs treatments they cant provide.
You may need to see both a urologist and another specialist for certain conditions. For example, a man who has prostate cancer can see a cancer specialist called an oncologist and a urologist.
How do you know when its time to see a urologist? Having any of these symptoms suggests you have a problem in the urinary tract:
- blood in your urine
Are Yeast Infections In Men Preventable
Candida balanitis is preventable, especially if simple safety precautions are observed. In essence, men should practice good hygiene. For example, they should ensure their genitals remain clean and dry to avoid fungal growth.
Moreover, they must avoid wearing tight-fitting underwear to prevent skin irritation, and a moist environment, which will attract yeast. Its also best to avoid bath products with strong fragrances.
What Causes Yeast Infections
Common culprits for this imbalance are antibiotic use, frequent sexual intercourse, irritating soaps or deodorants, wearing tight-fitting undergarments, or any exposure to a hot and humid environment. The role diet plays in increasing the risk of a yeast infection is unclear, but candidal infections are more common in people with diabetes. They are sometimes the first clue to the presence of diabetes.
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Male Yeast Infection Treatment And Home Remedies
Your doctor may suggest:
- An over-the-counter antifungal cream or prescribe one to get rid of the infection
- A steroid cream such as hydrocortisone
- An oral medication called fluconazole
If you keep having yeast infections and arenât circumcised, your doctor may suggest circumcision, especially if your foreskin is very tight .
You can help clear up your infection by:
- Managing your diabetes if you have it
- Losing weight if you are obese
- Avoiding any soaps or other chemicals that cause irritation
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Are Yeast Infections Contagious
Yeast infections arent considered to be sexually transmitted infections , but they can be passed to a partner if you have sex without a barrier method.
Its also possible for a baby to get a fungal diaper rash at birth if the mother has a yeast infection. However, you wont catch a yeast infection from sharing a shower or exchanging saliva with someone.
Oral Thrush Or Pharyngeal Candidiasis
Due to the conditions stated, the candida yeast infection or candida Albicans may migrate and inhabit the mouth causing oral candidiasis or thrush in the throat area. Oral thrush can affect both males and females: young children, infants and the elderly who are getting a chemotherapy treatment or have contracted AIDS. Moreover, patients who are suffering from diabetes may be at a high risk of getting the disease.
Other possible medical conditions which increase risks are obesity, weakened immune system, diabetes
If you have a yeast infection in the mouth or within the throat, the following are symptoms of thrush yeast infection in adults especially yeast infections in males or females:
- Presence of cream-white spots or slight lesions growth on the inside of mouth including the tongue, and inner cheeks. Otherwise, they may be painful lesions on the roof of the mouth, around the gums, or o tonsils.
- Redness around the mouth area,
- Difficulty or pain while swallowing food due to a sore throat,
- Formation of small cracks at the mouth corners.
With aid of yeast infection pictures showing oral candida symptoms provided here it is quite easy to relate. However, certain male yeast infection symptoms may be hidden they are oral yeast infection signs or other causes that go unnoticed by men or women because they are typical or common hence ignored.
Bad breath, frequent indigestion and diarrhea, loose stools, bloating, jock itch, fatigue, etc.
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White Vinegar And Apple Cider Vinegar
Fresh apple cider vinegar is useful while tackling yeast infection in males. Just add tablespoonful fresh vinegar to a glass of water daily. It is both an antifungal natural agent and its enzymes play a significant role in controlling the growth of yeast infection in the mouth. As another male yeast infection treatment vinegar i.e. white vinegar relieves of oral candida symptoms difficulty and pain during swallowing.
Penile Yeast Infection: What Are The Causes And What Can You Do About It
The body’s defense system usually keeps the yeast in check. It is only when this system has a breakdown that yeast can grow out of control. There are some risk factors that can make men more susceptible to yeast infections. Among these risk factors are diabetes, obesity, and the use of certain medications.
A common cause of yeast infections in men is the wearing of tight and restrictive clothing. This can make the genital area damp. A moist environment is a perfect place for yeast to grow.
Men can get a yeast infection in the mouth, which is also known as oral thrush or oral candidiasis. This can occur if the man is taking antibiotics. Antibiotics kill off the good bacteria in the body, as well as the bad. Good bacteria keep yeast in check. Without it, yeast can grow out of control. This is not only a problem for men but for women as well.
Keep reading to learn more about penile yeast infections, and how you can treat them.
Yeast infections are caused by an overgrowth of the yeast known as candida. This is the same yeast that is found in the body. The difference is that with yeast infections, there are too many of these organisms growing.
How Can You Get A Yeast Infection In Your Penis?
Crotch yeast infections are more likely to occur in men who wear tight clothing, such as briefs or jockey shorts. This can cause the genital area to become moist, which causes the yeast to grow.
The Symptoms of Penile Yeast Infection
Symptoms May Include:
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Male Yeast Infection Complications
If your immune system is weak, thereâs a chance that the fungus can spread into your bloodstream. This is a serious condition called invasive candidiasis. The odds are higher when you:
- Are taking immunosuppressants
- Have a central venous catheter
A high fever, chills, upset stomach, and headache are all signs that your yeast infection may have spread. If you notice these symptoms, call your doctor right away.
Best For Varying Treatment Options: Monistat
Monistat is available in several pharmacies and retail stores, including Walmart, throughout the United States. It provides treatment options that include 1, 3, and 7 days worth of doses.
This product comes in the form of internal suppositories and external creams with applicators that help people place the yeast infection treatment in the right area. Some of the packs include additional topical itch medications to help ease symptoms.
Each applicator contains 200 milligrams of miconazole nitrate, a medication that treats fungal infections.
This product is available starting from $13.97.
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Oral Sex And Sexual Intercourse
Do men get penile yeast infections or urinary tract infections after sexual intercourse with vaginal yeast infected women partners? Yes. Men also can get yeast infections from oral sex practices . This is how oral thrush and yeast infection at the same time, can occur in an individual man or woman.
If the genital infection of yeast occurs in men, the following are common symptoms of male yeast infection:
What Are The Education And Training Requirements
You must earn a four-year college degree and then complete four years of medical school. Once you graduate from medical school, you must then go through four or five years of medical training at a hospital. During this program, which is called a residency, you work alongside experienced urologists and learn surgical skills.
Some urologists decide to do a year or two of additional training. This is called a fellowship. During this time, you gain skills in a specialty area. This can include urologic oncology or female urology.
At the end of their training, urologists must pass the specialty certification exam for urologists. The American Board of Urology certifies them upon successful completion of the exam.
Urologists treat a wide variety of conditions that affect the urinary system and male reproductive system.
In men, urologists treat:
- prostate gland enlargement
- erectile dysfunction, or trouble getting or keeping an erection
- interstitial cystitis, also called painful bladder syndrome
- kidney diseases
- prostatitis, which is inflammation of the prostate gland
- urinary tract infections
Also Check: Can You Get A Yeast Infection From Having Multiple Partners
How Are Male Yeast Infections Treated
Treatment for male yeast infections may include an antifungal medication. Your healthcare provider may recommend an antifungal cream, lotion or ointment. You can apply the antifungal directly onto the infected area of your skin. You can buy many antifungal medications over the counter. Your healthcare provider may need to prescribe you a stronger antifungal medication if the infection doesnt go away. Topical antifungal medications include:
In some cases, your healthcare provider may recommend an antifungal medication taken by mouth. This includes medications such as fluconazole . Your healthcare provider may also recommend using a steroid cream as well to help with your symptoms.
Its important to keep your groin area clean and dry to help get rid of your yeast infection. This can also help prevent a yeast infection from returning.
If antifungal medications dont help or you have frequent yeast infections, you may want to consider circumcision. In addition, if you cant pull back your foreskin to clean it thoroughly, your healthcare provider may recommend circumcision as well.
Prolonged Use Of Antibiotics
As noted earlier some microorganisms are of benefit to human skin. Antibiotics are commonly used to cure bacterial infections. However, if you are on a long-term medication of antibiotics the chances of combating yeast infections are high. In this case, whether you are male or female, young or adult, you get a yeast infection since more beneficial bacteria is destroyed.
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Male Thrush Or Yeast Infection Symptoms
Both men and women typically have a healthy level of Candida yeast in their body. However, when the yeast builds up, it can cause a variety of symptoms.
While many men dont experience severe or noticeable symptoms of a yeast infection of their genitalia, some might experience symptoms such as:
- disagreeable smell
How To Manage Chronic Yeast Infections
The sooner you treat a yeast infection, the faster you can get rid of the associated discomfort. Call your doctor if your yeast infection seems persistent.
Once your doctor confirms the diagnosis, its important to take the necessary steps to make sure you get rid of it for good. This will also help manage the possibility of chronic cases. Consider the following tips to manage chronic yeast infections:
- Make sure you take your full course of medication, even if symptoms go away before the medicine is gone and even if you dont think its working right away.
- If youre sexually active, ask your partner to get tested for Candida, too. This will help prevent the infection from spreading.
- Change and launder your clothing and fabrics, like towels and sheets, regularly and separate from other clothing. Consider adding bleach, or distilled white vinegar to the wash.
- Wash items that come into contact with infected areas directly after use to prevent spreading yeast cells or re-infecting yourself.
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How Are Yeast Infections Treated
Prescription and OTC medications both treat vaginal yeast infections. If this is your first time experiencing a yeast infection, its best to talk with your doctor for an official diagnosis.
However, if youre familiar with the symptoms, youll likely be able to pick up an OTC medication to treat the yeast infection.
Talk with your doctor to assess your symptoms and treatment needs if:
- your symptoms dont go away after finishing treatment
- the infection comes back within 2 months
- you have four or more yeast infections within 12 months
Prescription yeast infection medications can include oral pills, creams, ointments, or gels. Diflucan is an oral medication usually prescribed as one dose. For a severe yeast infection, your doctor may recommend a longer prescription course.
Other available OTC or prescription medications include:
Be sure to always finish the entire treatment course, even if your symptoms resolve before completing the medication.
Most OTC treatments are either topical creams and gels or oral medications. Although they all have the common goal of alleviating symptoms, they tend to work differently.
What Complications Can Occur From Male Yeast Infections
You may be embarrassed, but its important to have your yeast infection checked out by your healthcare provider. An untreated yeast infection can cause many complications which may include:
- Increased risk of penile cancer.
A note from Cleveland Clinic
A yeast infection may be the last thing you want to talk to your healthcare provider about, but its important that you do. There are treatments available to help relieve the pain and itchiness that come with a male yeast infection. With the help of an antifungal medication such as a cream or an ointment, you should be good to go. But if not, your healthcare provider is there to help you. Reach out to your healthcare provider today to find the best option for you.
Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 06/06/2022.
References
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Testing For Yeast Infection In Men
Physical examination of red rash in the affected area is necessary in case you notice any of the above mentioned symptoms or were informed about the fact that your partner also has yeast infection.
It should be noted that patients will not face any difficulties in diagnosing balanitis. You can consult primary care physician as well as general practitioner. They will easily detect red irritation zones around the glans which is the first sign of yeast infection. Some doctors will provide their patients with initial advice on how to avoid further irritation. All you need is to follow healthy and clean hygiene. Prepare to answer personal questions about the latest coitus and condoms that you use. In some cases infection can result in latex and other materials which are used for their production.
In some cases additional diagnostic tests may be necessary. These may include:
- swab sample from the glans
- urine laboratory tests in case the patient suffers from diabetes
- blood test helps to indicate the level of glucose
- biopsy can rarely be necessary but it can also help on some occasions.
How To Treat A Penile Yeast Infection
This article was co-authored by Scott Tobis, MD. Dr. Scott Tobis is a board certified Urologist. With more than seven years of experience, he specializes in treating patients for urologic conditions such as urologic cancers, prostate enlargement, vasectomy, kidney stones, frequent/urgent urination, erectile dysfunction, incontinence, and blood in the urine. Dr. Tobis holds a BS in Cellular and Developmental Biology from The University of California, Santa Barbara, and an MD from Dartmouth Medical School. He completed his internship in General Surgery and residency in Urologic Surgery at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry and his fellowship in Urologic Oncology and Robotic Surgery at The City of Hope National Medical Center. Dr. Tobis is a diplomat of the American Board of Urology.There are 15 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. In this case, 91% of readers who voted found the article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 796,629 times.
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Male Yeast Infection Risk Factors And Causes
Weve already established that yeast infections in men and women are caused by an excess of candida yeast on the skin. Moist, occluded areas are the biggest risk factor, says Dr. Bard. These areas are much for conducive environments for a candida imbalance. But perhaps the more pressing question is: what causes this fungal imbalance? The most common culprit is sexual contact with an affected partner. Again, these fungal infections arent contagious, and theyre not sexually transmitted infections, but a direct encounter with candida overgrowth can affect the skins natural fungal cells.
The good news is that theyre somewhat avoidable. However, certain behaviors, medications, and conditions can drastically increase the chances of developing a candida infection, like:
- Poor hygiene and cleanliness
- Using soaps or shower gels that irritate the skin
- Diseases that suppress the immune system
Avoiding these risk factors can contribute significantly to yeast infection prevention.