Monday, March 19, 2012

A Male Yeast Infection Can Be Tricky to Diagnose



Candidiasis (yeast infection) is an infection caused by microscopic fungi or yeast. There are more than 15 species of Candida, the most common one being Candida Albicans. These fungi survive on all surfaces of our bodies. Under some conditions, they can become so numerous they cause infections, particularly in warm and moist areas. Examples of such infections are vaginal yeast infections, thrush, skin and diaper rash, and nailbed infections. Male yeast infections are also common.
Yeast infections can be difficult to diagnose. Symptoms can resemble other ailments in both men and women. Here are some symptoms that are typically associated with yeast infections. As you'll see, they 

could easily be symptoms of other conditions;
- Abdominal pain 
- Mental confusion 
- Fatigue 
- Indigestion or bloating
- Joint pain
- Red and itchy eyes
- Depression
- Vision problems
- Hair loss
- White coating on the tongue
- Craving for carb's and sweets
- Toenail fungus
- Sinus drainage
In addition, the following may also be yeast infection symptoms for women;
- Vaginal itching
- Vaginal discharge
- Vaginal burning or irritation
- Redness on the skin near the vagina
- Burning during urination
- Pain during intercourse
Symptoms of male yeast infections may include one or more of the following;
- Pain during urination
- Open sores
- Oral thrush

The most common symptom in men is pain during urination.
While male yeast infections are not as common as in females, they do occur frequently. It's possible for a man to contract a genital yeast infection if he has unprotected sex with a partner who has a genital yeast infection. However, just because your partner has a yeast infection doesn't mean you will get one too. Sexual transmission of yeast infections is uncommon.
In females, a vaginal yeast infection is irritation of the vagina and the area around the vagina, called the vulva. It is caused by an overgrowth of the fungus or yeast Candida. Yeast normally live in the vagina in small numbers, but when the bacteria in the vagina become out of balance, too many yeast grow and cause an infection.
Vaginal yeast infections are very common. About 75 percent of women have a yeast infection during their lives. And almost half of women have two or more yeast infections.
Vulvitis can also cause local pain in addition to the above symptoms. Pain in the vulva area is referred to as vulvodynia.
In up to 5% of women, yeast vulvovaginitis may cause a recurrent problem. A recurrent yeast infection occurs when a woman has four or more infections in one year that are not related to antibiotic use. Recurrent yeast infections may be related to an underlying medical condition and may require more aggressive treatment.
How are vaginal yeast infections and vulvitis diagnosed?
Vaginal yeast infection is suggested when a cheesy white discharge is noted over the walls of the vagina, but the symptoms of vaginal yeast infection are nonspecific and may be a result of other conditions. To firmly establish the diagnosis and to rule out any other causes of the symptoms, your doctor may take a specimen scraped from the affected area for microscopic analysis or for culture in the laboratory. Identification of yeast under a microscope, when possible, is the least expensive and most rapid and accurate way to establish the diagnosis.


Q & A:

Resolved Question

Show me another»

How do u treat a yeast infection for a male?

In the last 2 days, my bf was complaining his penis was a little irritated. We didn't think much of it because we figured it was the soap, which was a problem in the past. But just today, I come to the realization that I have a yeast infection. I bought the Monistat and used it asap. I already feel better and will continue with treatment. My question is how is a male yeast infection treated? Besides not having sex.
Any and all answers are appreciated.
Thanks in advance.

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker

male yeast infections are mostly an issue of hygiene... the infection usually grows under the foreskin and can be washed off,,, with a antibacterial soap would be best...
  • 3 years ago