Yeast infection in men (Balanitis)
Contents
What is Balanitis (Yeast Infection in Men)?
Men can get yeast infection of the genitals. Yeast organisms are a common cause of infection of the tip of the penis, a condition called balanitis.
Balanitis can be described as inflammation of the penis glans. It can also result in foreskin inflammation which covers the head of penis unless male was circumcised. Such infection is called posthitis. It may occur separately from balanitis. But sometimes both foreskin and glans can be damaged at the same time.
The main problem about this disease is the fact that it can occur actually at any age. At the same time balanitits is more likely to affect male under 4 years old. It can also be observed with adult men who avoided circumcising. According to the latest statistics 1 of 25 boys under 4 may suffer from this unpleasant inflammation. At the same time balanitis affects every thirtieth man who has not been circumcised.
There are several types of balanitis causes. They include non-infection and infection causes. Disease can mainly be found in patients who have too tight foreskin of their penises. In addition males who suffer from diabetes are also prone to such inflammation. Moreover in this case balanitis can develop rapidly.
Causes of Balanitis
Disease can result in various health problems including balanitis xerotica obliterans. It refers to chronic dermatitis which involves damaging not only of foreskin but also the glans. Phimosis is also included in the list of possible consequences. It mainly occurs when the foreskin is very tight. Paraphimosis is another common problem when a patient can’t return the foreskin to the original location after it was retracted. Cancer is probably the most severe possible consequence.
How is Yeast infection in men contracted?
Almost from anywhere; nevertheless, one is more likely to get balanitis if:
- Uncircumcised;
- Have diabetes.
It should also be noted that the majority of men do not have the foggiest idea that they have yeast infection. It can be in progress without any notice. Infection is mainly contracted from males’ partners. It turns out the women are more likely to develop yeast. At the same time it is much easier for females to determine the occurrence of infection on its early stages.
On the other hand men may by unable to identify its symptoms for a certain period of time which can lead to yeast development. This is why it is common when they are simply informed about the fact by their partners. Another way to identify infection is to complete medical examination as soon as possible.
In other words men’s partners are the only source for contracting infection. There are no other ways for it to enter male’s body. You may start feeling certain discomfort and irritation in some occasions. In addition it should also be noted that men are more prone to yeast in comparison with women.
Some people mistakenly think that only women may suffer from this unpleasant health problem. That is why it is rather important to be well-aware of all possible symptoms in order to prevent development of disease at short notice without harmful consequences.
Incubation Period of Balanitis
Incubation period may vary from 12 hours to 5 days.
Symptoms of Yeast Infection in Men (Balanitis)
Itching or burning of the tip of the penis or the foreskin. Red rash on affected areas. These health problems represent only several possible symptoms of balanitis. In case you want to prevent the progress of the disease you need to be well-aware of all possible symptoms in order to identify the inflammation.
Here are the main balanitis symptoms:
- inflamed glans of red color;
- glans’ soreness;
- irritation;
- thick and lumpy discharge under foreskin;
- itching and unpleasant smell;
- tight foreskin which is also known as phimosis (you can’t pull foreskin back to its original position);
- painful urination.
Some of these symptoms may occur after several days of balanitis’ development. They include thick discharge and irritation.
Testing for Yeast Infection in Men
Physical examination of red rash in the affected area is necessary in case you notice any of the above mentioned symptoms or were informed about the fact that your partner also has yeast infection.
It should be noted that patients will not face any difficulties in diagnosing balanitis. You can consult primary care physician as well as general practitioner. They will easily detect red irritation zones around the glans which is the first sign of yeast infection. Some doctors will provide their patients with initial advice on how to avoid further irritation. All you need is to follow healthy and clean hygiene. Prepare to answer personal questions about the latest coitus and condoms that you use. In some cases infection can result in latex and other materials which are used for their production.
In some cases additional diagnostic tests may be necessary. These may include:
- swab sample from the glans;
- urine laboratory tests in case the patient suffers from diabetes;
- blood test helps to indicate the level of glucose;
- biopsy can rarely be necessary but it can also help on some occasions.
Treatment of Balanitis (Yeast Infection in Men)
If you’re uncircumcised, you can help prevent balanitis by practicing good hygiene. Each day, gently pull back (retract) the foreskin on your penis and clean the skin with soap and water. Then dry the skin carefully. You may also periodically apply an antifungal cream to prevent recurrence.
The treatment of balanitis includes:
- Hygiene under the foreskin of the penis;
- Applying antifungal creams at least twice a day;
- Recurrent balanitis: Diflucan 150 mg one single dose.
These are the most common balanitis treatment methods. Every particular occasion requires a detailed look. At the same time you should always keep in mind that good hygiene is the best way to avoid such health problems.
Allergy
If the inflammation resulted in allergic reaction, you can use mild steroid cream according to prescriptions of your healthcare provider. In addition antibiotic and antifungal drugs may also turn out to be rather efficient. Always keep in mind that you are not recommended to use soap or any other cleaning means which can be potentially irritating.
In case occurrence of yeast infection has been determined, you will be prescribed to use antifungal cream. Don’t forget to provide your partner with the same medication. Moreover it is better to abstain from coitus during the treatment course or use condoms.
In case of bacterial infection occurrence the best way to treat the problem is to take antibiotics. They may include various medications. The most popular ones are penicillin or erythromycin.
If there are no signs of infection or irritation of glans, the patient may be forwarded to dermatologist in order to examine skin conditions more thoroughly.
In case of phimosis the one and only way to get rid of the problem is to proceed with circumcising. This is the most efficient solution.
