Not many people know much about a yeast infection and most of the few people who do assume it’s a health problem that affects females only.
Nevertheless, a yeast infection can affect anyone regardless of gender and a penile yeast infection could lead to some potentially embarrassing and uncomfortable situations it not treated early.
If a penile yeast infection should spread into a patient’s bloodstream it can lead to some light threatening complications.
Some basic prevention steps as well as some over the counter medications can help you prevent and clear this infection easily.
Table of Contents
- Symptoms of penile yeast infection
- What causes a penile yeast infection?
- What are the risk factors associated with penile yeast infections?
- Do I have a penile yeast infection?
- How do you treat Penile yeast infection?
- What are the complications associated with a penile yeast infection?
Symptoms of penile yeast infection
The early symptoms of penile yeast infection are usually a red and on some occasions white rash, and also some shiny patches on the skin of the penis.
You may notice some moistness on the skin of the penis and a thick white substance may occupy under the fore skin or on other folded areas of the penis skin. You may audio experience a burning sensation of itching feeling on your penis.
In a case where a patient experiences itchiness, redness, and pain in the penis, it is most possibly a sign of a sexually transmitted infection, or some other more serious conditions.
Because of house dangerous this condition can be, it is vital that you see medical help immediately you notice any of the symptoms, you’re doctor or urologist should be able to make a diagnosis in a single appointment.
What causes a penile yeast infection?
All yeast infections are caused by a fungus known as Candida. The is always the presence of a little amount of Candida on the skin, all it takes for a yeast infection to develop is an overgrowth of Candida. A most environment is an ideal breeding ground for Candida and also ideal for its spread.
One common cause of a penile yeast infection is having unprotected sex with a female who has a yeast infection. That doesn’t mean a man can’t contact a yeast infection without engaging in any sexual activity, poor hygiene is another reason why a man might get a penile yeast infection.
What are the risk factors associated with penile yeast infections?
Asides having sex with a lady who has a yeast infection, there are a few other risk factors that can increase your chances of getting a yeast infection.
One major risk factor is being uncircumcised because the area under the fore skin can become a conducive breeding ground for yeast infection.
Not having a bath regularly or not washing your genital as often as possible could put you at risk of getting a yeast infection also.
Other potential risk factors include obesity, diabetes, having an impaired immune system as a result of some other medical issues, and HIV.
Do I have a penile yeast infection?
Your doctor will have to review your symptoms and examine your penis. Some of the thick white substance might be collected for examination under a microscope to help confirm the type of fungus that may be causing the symptoms.
If you can’t get access to a urologist or a doctor, consider visiting an urgent care center or even going straight to an emergency room.
This is vital because the faster the condition is diagnosed and treated, the higher your chances of avoiding further complications.
Never do a self diagnosis and engage in treatment without consulting a doctor. If you notice any symptom of yeast infection, let your doctor take a look and tell you what steps to take.
How do you treat Penile yeast infection?
In a lot of cases what it takes to clear up an infection is a typical anti-fungus ointment and cream.
Most of these creams and ointments are available for sale as over-the-counter medications which means you do not necessarily need a doctor’s prescription to purchase them.
In the case of a more serious offer long term infection you may be required to take a prescription-strength medication.
A hydrocortisone cream and an oral fluconazole (deflucan) may be prescribed in cases of serious infection like those that develop to become balanitis. There are cases where a yeast infection may return after it has been treated and appears to be cured.
If such a thing occurs, your doctor will most likely recommend a weekly treatment for many months following a few weeks of daily treatment.
You are less likely to have serious side effects because most antifungal creams are well tolerated. It is however important to check the lebal and also ask your pharmacist or doctor what you should look out for incase you have an adverse reaction.
If you are uncircumcised and you notice that your infection isn’t responding well to antifungal cream treatment you are likely to be advised to get a circumcisions. Even though circumcisions is usually done on babies, it can also be safely done on adults.
While treating the infection with the prescribed cream or ointment, it is essential that you engage in good hygiene but having a bath regularly and washing your genital frequently so your can clear up any infection that seems to be lingering.
If you are dealing with diabetes, it may increase your risk of getting a yeast infection so you should do week to work with your health care provider to see that your blood sugar level is controlled.
If your immune system is suppressed your doctor will most probably recommend some ways to help keep your immune system the healthiest it can be.
What are the complications associated with a penile yeast infection?
One potential complication of a penile yeast infection that should be avoided at all cost of balanitis. Balanitis is when the head of fore skin of the penis has an inflammation. Diabetes can increase a person’s risk of having balanitis.
If not treated properly, balanitis can lead to scarring of the foreskin and can also cause adhesion on the sex organ. This condition can make urination more difficult because it is painful. If left untreated, balanitis can lead to swollen and painful glands, as well as fatigue and weakness.
A yeast infection may find its way into the bloodstream. It is known as invasive candidasis or candidamia. This is more common in men who have a weak immune system and also in men who do not receive treatment early enough.
People who have been in a hospital and have had to use catheter for urination are more likely to get invasive candidasis.
