According to most guys, yeast is what is in beer. And maybe it is the stuff that makes bread rise, right? At the very grossest, it is what women have to deal with, those nasty “female” yeast infections.

Unfortunately for men, though, male yeast infections do occur. While yeast infections in men are definitely far less common than with women, men do suffer from the dreaded yeast infections.

What is a yeast infection?

A yeast infection is caused by the fungus technically called in the medical field Candida. The most common form is Candida albicans, although there are over twenty other types of yeast fungus.

Everybody’s body has yeast naturally residing in it. So having yeast in and of itself is not bad. When it multiplies and grows out of the control, though, it presents the problem of a yeast infection. Male Candida likes warm, moist places to grow, such as your gastrointestinal tract, mucus membranes, in folds or creases of your skin, and around toenails and fingernails.

There are several different types of yeast infections which individuals can suffer from. Those which are most common with males occur in the mouth, on the genitals, and under folds of skin (especially in the armpits).

Various symptoms often occur which notify you that you have a yeast infection. Depending on what type of male yeast infection that you have, your symptoms and discomfort–or even pain–levels will vary. Two common types of yeast infections in men occur in the mouth and on the penis.

Oral thrush

Yeast infection in your mouth is called oral thrush (or just thrush). It appears as a milky white coating most commonly over your tongue, though it can spread to cover your tonsils, sides of your cheeks, the roof of your mouth, and your gums. The white spots sit on top of red pustules, which are usually tender and can bleed easily (though not profusely) if scraped. Oral thrush is known to be very uncomfortable and often painful.

Oral thrush mainly occurs in babies and toddlers, as well as elderly. However, those with weakened immune systems, tongue piercings, and diabetes are very susceptible to yeast infections of the mouth. Especially since the mouth is very warm and obviously kept constantly moistened with saliva, it is a perfect breeding ground for yeast fungi. Those with uncontrolled diabetes are especially prone because the sugar present in their saliva gives the yeast already present something extra to feed on. Consequently, it is easy for oral thrush to take over.

Penile yeast infection

Probably the most common type of yeast infection for males is the penile yeast infection. It, obviously, affects the penis. It is associated with extreme itching and burning, due to a red rash which forms usually at the tip of the penis. White blisters and flaky skin can also form. Rather than a yeast infection, a penile yeast infection is sometimes classified as Balanitis, which is any inflammation of the head or foreskin around the penis. Urination and sexual activity can be extremely painful.

Penile yeast infection can occur when having sex with a partner who has a vaginal yeast infection herself. Yeast infections are not considered sexually transmitted diseases, but the infection can occur during intercourse. Oral thrush, for instance, can be gotten through oral-genital intercourse or even through kissing.

Just because your partner has a yeast infection does not mean that you will get one, though. Opinions are varied as to how likely you are to get one, with some saying the chances are very low, while others state it as a top factor to getting a penile yeast infection. If your partner or you get a yeast infection, you both should get treatment to ensure you do not keep passing the infection back and forth.

Many times guys fall prey to yeast infections of any kind due to a weakened immune system (if you have HIV or are recently recovering from a severe illness). Other factors of male yeast infections include being overweight (yeast infections will form under your skin folds), diabetes, poor hygiene, and taking antibiotics.

Male yeast infection treatments

All the details about why or how you got a yeast infection probably does not interest you nearly as much as just how do you get rid of male yeast infection.

Male yeast infection cures can come over the counter, through a doctor’s prescription, or even through home remedies. One of the most common alleviants (and cures) is Monistat, which you can get over the counter at your local drug store. Even though it is commonly used by women, it does work for men, as well. It is an anti-fungal treatment cream which you apply directly to the affected area of the penis.

If you have any doubts that you are suffering from a yeast infection, it would be wise to make an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible. Many of the same symptoms of a penile yeast infection are also true of genital herpes and should get immediate and proper treatment, which your doctor will best know how to prescribe. Especially if this is your first time experiencing a yeast infection, it would be wise anyway to see your doctor.

Many home remedies exist which claim to cure male yeast infections. While they have not been backed up by full medical research, numerous individuals claim they worked effectively for them and are definitely worth trying. One of the most popular is applying plain yogurt to the affected site.

Oral thrush can be treated with liquid medication you swish all around your mouth and then swallow. Another is like a cough drop, which you allow to dissolve in your mouth, giving time for the medicine to affectively target the yeast infection.

Leading a healthy life is a great way to prevent male yeast infections before they even start. A balanced diet and consistent exercise help eliminate stress from your life, decrease chances for disease, and improve your immune system–just to name a few. All of which significantly help to reduce the chances for mail yeast infections to occur in the first place.