Yeast infection of the penis: symptoms, causes and treatment

Yeast (yeast) infections are common in infants and women. In babies, this infection is better known as diaper rash. While in women it is called a vaginal yeast infection. However, it turns out that men can also get yeast infections, namely on the penis. What are the signs of a penile yeast infection and what are the causes? Here is the complete information.

How do men get penile yeast infection?

Yeast infection of the penis usually affects the head of the penis and the foreskin (in uncircumcised men). Unlike vaginal yeast infections, where the fungus grows due to an imbalance of bacteria levels, yeast infections in men are usually transmitted through sex. If you have sex with a partner who has a vaginal yeast infection without safety, you also run the risk of developing a penile yeast infection. However, yeast infections are not classified as sexually transmitted diseases because they can also occur without sexual contact with other people.

Who are the men at risk of developing a yeast infection of the penis?

In addition to contracting your sexual partner, there are several risk factors that can trigger a yeast infection. Consider the following risk factors.

Not circumcised
Taking antibiotics that help kill good bacteria to prevent infection in the penis
Immune disorders or suffering from a disease that attacks the body's immune system, such as AIDS
High blood sugar levels or have diabetes (diabetes)
The area of the penis is damp, for example from sweating or not drying the penis completely after bathing
Lack of maintaining the cleanliness of the penis
Taking corticosteroid drugs
Being overweight or obese

Symptoms of penile yeast infection

There are several signs of a penile yeast infection that you shouldn't underestimate. Check out the following signs and immediately consult a doctor if you experience it.

Itching and burning on the head of the penis
The penis looks red or swollen
White patches or stains appear around the penis area
Bad smell (for uncircumcised men)
White discharge that clumps under the skin of the foreskin (for men who are not circumcised)
Pain when urinating or having sex

Can yeast infection of the penis be treated?

Generally, yeast infections are simply treated with ointments and creams. Usually ointments or creams such as clotrimazole, miconazole, and econazole can be purchased at a pharmacy without a doctor's prescription.

However, in serious cases you may need special handling and oral medications prescribed by a doctor. Especially if the infection causes balanitis (inflammation of the head of the penis). If you are uncircumcised, your doctor may recommend circumcision to prevent the spread of infection.

Prevents fungal infections of the penis

The best way to prevent yeast infection of the penis is to make sure you practice safe sex. Avoid having unprotected sex with people who have vaginal yeast infections. Not changing sexual partners can also reduce your risk of developing this disease.

In addition, maintaining the cleanliness of the penis is also the key to preventing yeast infection. Make sure your intimate area is always clean and dry. If you are uncircumcised, don't forget to clean under the skin of the foreskin with soap and water.