Is It Possible for Men to Get Yeast Infections?

Most people attribute yeast infections to women. It is entirely possible, however, for a man to develop one as well. The male pride often keeps a guy from discussing such an issue.

Admitting to vulnerability is often hard for men. Admitting to an illness that is more common to women is even harder. If you know your man well, you may be able to help him understand his symptoms and allay his fears. Communication helps keep both partners healthy and happy. Sometimes both the man and the woman need simultaneous treatment to keep the infection from being passed back and forth. If you find it difficult to discuss with your guy, leave an article lying where he can't miss it.

The male symptoms of yeast infection are the same as in the females. Burning, itching, rash, inflammation, and discharge accompany the overgrowth of yeast. It can take from a few days to a couple of weeks for the body to be free of the infection. Recovery depends on how severe the infection becomes before treatment begins. It also depends on how well the individual responds to medications. Finally, it depends on the steps the man takes to prevent a recurrence. Following through the entire treatment is a necessity. Antifungal cream is usually all that's needed for light cases.

If your guy likes yogurt, it would be a big benefit to have him add it to his diet. The yogurt that contains the live culture is the type that helps combat the infection. Combined with the antifungal creams, it will speed the recovery and help the body build a resistance.

Make sure your man knows yeast infection is nothing to be ashamed of or embarrassed about. Yeast is a normal part of our bodies. Sometimes it is just a matter of finishing any medications that may have caused the infection, such as antibiotics. If your guy is able to openly discuss the yeast infection, you should feel blessed in your communication with him. There are very rare occurrences where people are allergic to each other's bodily fluids. Maybe there is something in your diet or in his diet that is contributing to the problem.

Good hygiene is important for both the man and the woman. Fresh underwear daily or even more often may be the need should you have a job that creates heavy perspiration, or if you are involved in sporting events or practices that cause you to perspire heavily. Recovery time depends upon keeping the affected area as dry and clean as possible. Wearing breathable clothing over the area is also a necessity. Even if your man can't stay dry because of the type of work that he might do, he could at least wear clothing that allows better air flow during the time of recovery from the yeast infection.

A man having a yeast infection is no worse than a man having athlete's foot, which is just another type of fungal infection. Reassurance that it is a normal infection that many people endure at some point in their life may be helpful for him to know. Feeling odd because of an unusual occurrence often keeps people from admitting they have a problem, especially if it is of a personal nature.