What Are Penile Fungal Infections
Penile fungal infections are caused by the yeast fungus Candida Albicans. This fungus is found naturally throughout the body and usually doesnt cause any problems.
However, it can cause problems if it is allowed to grow and infect, which can happen if for example you have an impaired immune response because of another illness or drug treatment.
The medical term for penile fungal infection is candidiasis.
How To Identify And Treat Lactobacillus Overgrowth Syndrome
As you can probably guess, its extremely difficult for you to confirm lactobacillus overgrowth syndrome at home, which is why you need a medical expert to help you out. Your gynecologist can confirm the diagnosis with a pap-smear culture. But even if it turns out that you have the condition, youll be happy to know that the lactobacillus overgrowth treatment is pretty simple: Add two to four Tbsp. of baking soda alkaline to your bath and soak for 15 minutes twice a day. This can help raise the vaginas pH and nix the overgrowth. If your symptoms return about a week before your period when estrogen levels naturally rise, experts suggest repeating the treatment.
A version of this story originally appeared in our print magazine.
Why Is My Yeast Infection So Difficult To Treat
There are many reasons why you may struggle to get rid of yeast infection. Some of the most common ones are:
- It could be a different type of infection. Up to 75% of women who try to self-diagnose confuse yeast infection symptoms with BV or an STD. In order to be absolutely sure that its a yeast infection, you need to get tested. The easiest way is to order a vaginal health test which will provide lab-tested results within 48 hours. The test kit is sent in an unmarked envelope and its very easy to use. After you send it back in an attached prepaid envelope, you receive your results online along with a free medical consultation.
- Yeast infections are usually caused by a Candida strain called Candida albicans. This strain is usually pretty easy to treat with common OTC medications, such as Monistat, but sometimes it can become immune to conventional treatment. In some cases, a yeast infection can be caused by other Candida strains, such as Candida glabrata or Candida parapsilosis, which are also difficult to treat. In these cases, boric acid is a very effective treatment option.
- If youve got a yeast infection you should strictly avoid bubble baths, using harsh soaps on your vaginal area, using swimming pools and jacuzzis. These things can alter your vaginal pH making your recovery virtually impossible. Check my article about preventing vaginal yeast infections to find out what other things you should avoid.
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How Do You Treat A Male Yeast Infection
Even untreated, it often goes away by itself, but it can sometimes spread to the scrotum, inner thighs and buttocks. Luckily, treatment is simple: Over-the-counter or prescription antifungal creams used twice a day for between one to three weeks will clear the infection. An oral antifungal drug such as fluconazole is also almost always effective. Although various herbal remedies have been touted for women with yeast infections, theres no data on their efficacy in men, and traditional treatment is so safe and simple that theres no compelling reason to explore these possibilities.
Because the infection is transmitted to men by sexual intercourse, both partners should be treated so you dont keep re-infecting each other. However, if only the woman has evidence of a yeast infection, the risk of transmission is so low that theres no need to treat the male partner. Theres no compelling reason to limit sexual intercourse during treatment, but you should use a condom.
Faqs About Penile Fungal Infections
What does penile fungus look like?
How do you treat a penile fungal infection?
If you have a penile fungal infection it should always be treated to relieve the symptoms and ensure the fungus does not spread elsewhere on your body. The treatment typically consists of a fungicidal cream or gel that is applied to the affected area. Both creams and gels are available for purchase at the pharmacy. If these treatments do not work the solution may be a tablet treatment.
Will a penile fungal infection just go away?
How long does it take to treat penile fungal infections?
Usually it doesnt take too long to treat penile fungus. In many cases you will notice a difference after the first application of the cream or gel. However, you should continue treatment a little while after the symptoms have disappeared, so you are sure the fungus is completely gone.
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What Are The Symptoms Of A Male Yeast Infection
Symptoms of a male yeast infection include pain, swelling and redness in your groin area. The redness is usually in patches. Other symptoms may include:
- Thick, white discharge that resembles cottage cheese.
- Foul-smelling discharge.
- Difficulty pulling back your foreskin.
After having a yeast infection, you may notice your skin peeling. The infection makes your skin more vulnerable. This can make it flaky or crusty and eventually it may start peeling.
Wearing Damp Or Tight
We’ve all heard this advice, but when a yeast infection is on the mend it can be easy to forget it. “If you have a yeast infection, avoid tight fitting or damp clothes or underwear,” Rachel Stone, MSN MPH, Pill Clubs Director of Triage, tells Bustle. “Yeast loves damp dark environments, so wearing loose clothing and underwear during a yeast infection can help it go away more quickly.” She also notes that it’s important to change quickly after gym time or a swim to make sure that yeast doesn’t linger in the damp clothing.
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Do Any Home Remedies For Penile Yeast Infections Work
There arent any proven home remedies for penile yeast infections, as you need antifungal medications to eradicate yeast overgrowth. So this is not the time to slather yourself in yogurt or apple cider vinegar . To prevent potential complications , its best to see your doc for a course of meds.
How To Prevent And Treat Male Thrush
Although a penile yeast infection is easily treated, it is always advised to take precautionary steps to lower the risk of developing one. Ensuring proper hygiene and going for loose-fitting, breathable clothing are some of the simplest and most effective actions to help you prevent male thrush.
Take a look at some additional prevention tips:
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Wear loose clothes and breathable cotton underwear that is not too tight
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Avoid using aggressive perfumed soaps or shower gels on your genitals
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Take a shower instead of long baths
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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
How To Treat A Recurrent Yeast Infection In Men
Sometimes, even after they seem to have healed, yeast infections come back. If this occurs, your doctor will probably advise starting treatment for a few weeks every day, then switching to weekly treatments for a few months.
Recurrent yeast infections might require therapy for up to 6 months.
Read more in detail about circumcision.
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Yeast Infection Vs Periods
Yeast infections are most likely to occur in the days before your period starts, and so it is not common to have periods and suffer from a yeast infection at the same time. The main reason behind this is the imbalance in the level of hormones. If you are suspecting a possible yeast infection due to the occurrence of yellow-colored discharge keep in mind that other symptoms like redness, itching, and burning should also be there in order for it to be considered a yeast infection. For such symptoms, it is always best to consult a doctor.
Male Yeast Infection Home Remedies
Candida infections will occasionally go away on their own, but ignoring them isnt a good idea. A few yeast infection home remedies can be useful for mild cases. Taking probiotic supplements or eating probiotic-rich foods like natural yogurt can help restore the bodys yeast and bacteria balances. Natural foods and oils with antifungal properties can also act as effective topical treatments, such as:
- Apple cider vinegar
- Hydrogen peroxide
Men who have a yeast infection should also refrain from sex until theyve recovered, as it can further irritate the affected area and potentially throw off their partners candida balance.
Oral thrush may respond to similar home remedies, but mixed with water and used as a mouthwash. Saltwater rinses can also be effective.
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Treatment For Penile Fungal Infections
It is unpleasant and often worrisome to have a penile fungal infection. The good news, however, is that its not dangerous and it can be treated relatively easily.
If you have a penile fungal infection, you should always seek treatment. Partly to soothe the symptoms and partly to ensure the fungus does not spread to other parts of the body or other people.
The most common treatment for penile fungal infections is a fungicidal cream or gel, available at the pharmacy or in high-street health stores.
The cream should be used a few times every day. Usually you will notice an immediate difference after just a day or two of using the treatment.
Is Penile Fungus Contagious
This also applies, for example, to foot fungus. If you have had a penile fungal infection, you may have been infected by a contagious partner.
Vaginal fungus is one of the most contagious fungal infections. Penile fungus, on the other hand, is not particularly contagious.
Generally, women with vaginal fungal infections can infect men with fungus, while men with penile fungal infections will not be able to infect women.
However, it is important that both parties are treated otherwise you can continue to contaminate each other back and forth.
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How Is Yeast Infection In Men Contracted
Almost from anywhere nevertheless, one is more likely to get balanitis if:
It should also be noted that the majority of men do not have the foggiest idea that they have yeast infection. It can be in progress without any notice. Infection is mainly contracted from males partners. It turns out the women are more likely to develop yeast. At the same time it is much easier for females to determine the occurrence of infection on its early stages.
On the other hand men may by unable to identify its symptoms for a certain period of time which can lead to yeast development. This is why it is common when they are simply informed about the fact by their partners. Another way to identify infection is to complete medical examination as soon as possible.
In other words mens partners are the only source for contracting infection. There are no other ways for it to enter males body. You may start feeling certain discomfort and irritation in some occasions. In addition it should also be noted that men are more prone to yeast in comparison with women.
Some people mistakenly think that only women may suffer from this unpleasant health problem. That is why it is rather important to be well-aware of all possible symptoms in order to prevent development of disease at short notice without harmful consequences.
Can Yeast Infections Spread
Although yeast infections are not categorized as a sexually transmitted disease, they can still spread. They can be spread via vaginal and oral sex. They can also be spread via kissing someone that has oral thrush or sharing sex toys with someone.
A yeast infection can also spread to a baby during birth it is known as a diaper rash. Since Candida can also be present on the breast, they can be spread to a baby while breastfeeding them.
Read Also: Get Rid Of Yeast On Skin
Thrush Treatment For Men
Thrush in men is usually easily treated with a course of an antifungal cream. These can be bought at a pharmacy or a large supermarket, or prescribed by a doctor. There are several creams available, including:
Note that these creams may affect latex condoms and contraceptive diaphragms/caps, making them less effective.
Another option is an antifungal tablet, such as fluconazole. This is a one-off tablet which is swallowed.
What Tests Diagnose A Candida Yeast Infection
For healthy people, most physicians can diagnose a Candida yeast infection without laboratory tests. Occasionally, if the infection won’t go away or involves the entire body, more extensive tests may need to be performed.
- The only definitive way to diagnose a vaginal yeast infection is to complete a full gynecologic exam.
Also Check: Treatment For Chronic Yeast Infections
How Yeast Infection Affects Babies
Babies also get affected by yeast infections which is most commonly known as a diaper rash. Diaper rash can also be caused by other things apart from an overgrowth of yeast. If you notice that the diaper rash does not go away even after the use of anti- diaper rash creams. Along with that, seeing severe red spots in the groin area of the baby can also be a sign of a yeast infection.
Seeing a paediatrician, in that case, becomes very important.
How Yeast Infection Affects Women
Yeast infections in women are very common so much so that 3 in 4 women are estimated to get affected by it twice in their lifetime. In order to help contain the infections and to not let its symptoms get worse, it is important to get yeast infections treated as soon as possible. Yeast infections are also said to return in women that either has a weakened immune system, have diabetes, or are pregnant.
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How To Use Boric Acid Suppositories
For best results, insert one suppository before going to bed, every night for 14 consecutive days. You can insert it using your finger or a suppository applicator. Dont forget to use a panty liner as it may leak out during the night.
Make sure you abstain from sexual activities during your treatment.
If you often get yeast infections, keep using one suppository a week for up to six months after you finish your treatment. Its called maintenance treatment and it will help you nip the infection in the bud before you develop any yeast infection symptoms.
Not Completing Your Yeast Infection Medication
It can be tempting to stop taking your yeast medication once you’re pretty sure it’s all cleared up, but according to Dr. Ross, this may mean the infection sticks around. “Many women dont complete the course of treatment for yeast,” she tells Bustle. “Whether you are taking Diflucan, which is a 2-pill treatment regime, or over-the-counter remedies, you need to take the entire treatment recommendation.”
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What Should I Do If I Think I Have Thrush
If you have never had thrush before, it is best to visit a sexual health clinic or a doctor to check the diagnosis. There are many other causes for balanitis, so it is best to get it checked. A swab can be used to confirm thrush and also exclude other types of infection, such as gonorrhoea.
If you have recurring thrush you may need urine or blood tests to check there is no reason for this. For example, you may be tested for diabetes or for problems with your immune system. Tests for sexually transmitted infections may also be done. Your partner should also be tested for thrush and sexually transmitted infections if the problem keeps coming back.
If you have had thrush before, and you recognise the symptoms, you can buy the treatment from a pharmacy. However, if it is coming back quickly or regularly, you should see a health professional to check for an underlying problem, and to check that your infection is definitely thrush.