Yeast infections are caused by a fungal overgrowth known as candida. Though yeast infections are most commonly found in women, men can be infected too. Candida is normally found within the body, but the body's protective bacteria help keep the candida population to a minimum. If there is a reduction in the amount of good bacteria, candida may have an opportunity to multiply, resulting in an infection.
Antibiotics
Antibiotics are prescribed to help fight off various infections in the body. Their primary mission is to kill bacteria that cause infections, but they also kill good bacteria that keep candida, which is a fungus, and other organisms from growing out of control. According to the MayoClinic.com, the longer antibiotics are used, the higher the risk of developing a yeast infection increases. In the event that a male develops a yeast infection, anti-fungal treatments may work to kill the infection.
Sexual Intercourse
A man who has unprotected sex with a woman who is infected with a vaginal yeast infection may contract it. According to Brown University Health Education, infected sex partners are able to continuously pass the infection back and forth until the infection is treated in both. The symptoms of a yeast infection in a man will include pain when urinating, red irritated skin on the penis and extreme itching. According to the MayoClinic.com, male yeast infections can be treated using over-the-counter drugs such as Monistat. It is best if both partners abstain from sex until the yeast infection has successfully been treated.
Diabetes
Individuals with diabetes generally have higher blood sugar levels when their blood sugar is not well controlled. Higher blood sugar levels can encourage candida to grow and thrive. Men are likely to see swollen red patches of skin around the infected area. According to San Francisco City Clinic, men with diabetes should avoid wearing tight underwear and should keep their genital area cool and dry to prevent a candida overgrowth. Some men may notice yeast developing under the foreskin if they are uncircumcised. Keeping the area clean can help decrease the amount of repeat infections.
