Treating Yeast Infections in Men

Most people do not think much about yeast infections in men. Typically, people assume that yeast infections are the province of women. However, there are several ways that a man may develop a yeast infection. Should you be a male and find yourself with a yeast infection, here are some ideas about treatment.

The single most common means of a male developing a yeast infection is by having unprotected sex with a partner who has an active yeast infection. Often, this will appear as a rash on the foreskin of the penis, or on the head of the penis if the male in question is circumcised. Itching, irritation, and soreness may also accompany this rash.

Prolonged use of antibiotics may also result in yeast infections in men. Part of the reason for this is that the antibiotics may very will rid the body of natural enzymes that help to control the development of yeast in places of the male body that tend to retain some moisture, such as the groin and the armpits. While this does not seem to be an issue if the antibiotics are taken for two weeks or less, the potential for developing a yeast infection seem to increase after that.

When it comes to treating yeast infections in men, several drugs have been shown to be effective, but two of them carry the potential for severe side effects. Fluconazole appears to trigger a number of allergic reactions in men. Ketaconazole has been said to damage the liver and also reduce the adrenal glands ability to produce natural steroids, including testosterone. Consult your doctor immediately if you are using either of these drugs and notice any type of side effects.

Some men have reported that use of an over the counter topical cream will clear up yeast infections in men just as effectively as they do in women. A home remedy for treating yeast infections in men recommends mixing a drop or two of white vinegar in with the over the counter products, but at present there has been no wide scale testing of this theory. The best bet for any man experiencing a yeast infection is to see his doctor and obtain a professional opinion on the most effected treatment for his condition.

Yeast infections in men may be less common in women, but there are effective ways to treat the condition when they do arise. For more information, check out health sites for men on the Internet, or talk with your physician.