While most people may think of a yeast infection as a woman's disorder, men can get them too. Male yeast infections may be located in the genitals, though they can also be present in other areas like the mouth. A popular alternative treatment for male yeast infection is tea tree oil. However, before using tea tree oil for your yeast infection, discuss its use with your doctor.
What Causes a Yeast Infection
A yeast infection is caused by a particular type of fungus called Candida. Anyone can get a yeast infection--also called thrush--regardless of their age or gender. They are more common in people whose immune systems are compromised either by stress, chronic diseases or hormonal fluctuations, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Yeast infections are traditionally treated with antifungal medications, which vary in form depending on where the infection is located. However, some men prefer to use natural remedies for their yeast infection symptoms.
Male Yeast Infections
According to Dr. James M. Steckelberg, physician for MayoClinic.com, yeast infections can be transmitted through unprotected sex from a woman to a man. In other words, if your female partner has a yeast infection, there is a chance you can get it too. However, Dr. Steckelberg reports that this method of transmission is not common. Men can also get a yeast infection in their genital area without sexual exposure. Those with compromised immune systems, or who have been on antibiotics for an extended period of time, are susceptible to genital yeast infections. Men can also get yeast infections in other areas of the body, including the mouth, throat or skin.
Evidence for Tea Tree Oil
There is some evidence that tea tree oil can help relieve symptoms of a male yeast infection, though the evidence is limited. Medline Plus reports that there is currently not enough scientific research to rate its effectiveness, though swishing with tea tree oil for a period of four weeks did improve oral thrush in one study of people with HIV. MayoClinic.com reports that tea tree oil can kill the candida yeast in a laboratory, but human studies are limited. They agree that there is currently not enough evidence to rate its effectiveness against any type of yeast infection, regardless of location.
Guidelines
Tea tree oil is generally safe for external use by most people, though it can cause skin irritation. Internal use is currently not recommended. In fact, MayoClinic.com warns that use as a treatment for oral thrush can be dangerous, as tea tree oil is toxic for some people when used orally. If you have a yeast infection, it is best to discuss all possible treatment options with your doctor. These include more traditional medical treatments, currently the mainstay treatment for thrush, as well as alternative remedies like tea tree oil.
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