Genital candidiasis is a reasonably common infection among women of childbearing age, and, therefore, it is one of the conditions that raise the most doubts and gynecological consultations. One of the frequently asked questions is whether it can be sexually transmitted to men, causing a fungal infection in their genital area. Well, the answer is yes, and it is that men who have sex with a woman who suffers from this infection are much more likely to present later what is known as candidal balanitis because their immune system cannot. Many times, cope with such high levels of this yeast. Male genital yeast infection causes a rash on the glans that causes pain, itching, and redness.
In this FastlyHealarticle, we answer the question: does yeast infection spread to men? and explain all the symptoms and possible forms of treatment.
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Is yeast infection sexually transmitted to men?
Genital candidiasis is an infection caused by the excessive proliferation and growth of the Candida albicans fungus in the intimate area. This fungal infection is much more frequent in women than in men because the vagina constitutes a humid and warm area where the perfect environment is created for the yeasts to increase excessively. When a woman has a vaginal yeast infection, some frequent doubts usually arise. Among these, we find those related to sexual intercourse and the contagion of the said condition through them. Next, we detail the question: is yeast infection spread to men sexually?
As indicated by medical specialists, although candidiasis is not a sexually transmitted disease (STD) because it can also be contracted through other routes, vaginal candidiasis can be transferred to men during sexual intercourse. And it is that when coming into direct contact with an infected vagina, on many occasions. However, the defenses found in the skin of the penis act against yeasts. They increase to such high levels that the immune system cannot cope with them.
When a man is affected by the overgrowth of the Candida Albicans fungus in his genital area, what we call candidal balanitis occurs, which is inflammation of the glans (the end of the penis) that causes symptoms such as skin rash, pain, and itching, among others that we will detail below.
Can I have sex if I have a yeast infection?
Once it is known that candidiasis is transmitted to men sexually, gynecologists recommend that women who present with this vaginal infection temporarily suspend their sexual relations to avoid infecting their partner, on the one hand, and to prevent the symptoms from aggravating or, worse, on the other. It has been reported that friction and continuous rubbing during sexual contact can worsen the irritation and inflammation of vaginal tissues, thus delaying the complete healing of this condition.
If you are interested, you can learn more about this issue by consulting the article Can I have intercourse if I have vaginal yeast?
Man can also be a carrier of candidiasis.
Although candidiasis is sexually transmitted to men, and this is the most common cause of candidal balanitis, the truth is that other factors can favor the excessive growth of Candida Albicans in the male genitalia and, therefore,, the development of fungal infection on the penis. Among these risk factors, we find the following:
- Having a weakened immune system: the immune system is responsible for keeping yeast levels in the body under control, but when it is weakened, candida can increase and give rise to a fungal infection. For this reason, candidiasis is more frequent in newborn children who still have an immune system that is being strengthened, men who are taking antibiotics, which can cause a lowering of the defenses or patients with HIV.
- Diabetic men: fungal infections are more frequent in men with type 2 diabetes, and it seems that high levels of glucose in the blood cause the yeasts to obtain energy from sugar, and this, added to a humid environment, is the perfect condition for let these yeasts grow.
- I was not having the penis circumcised, as the candida fungus finds a humid, covered, warm area perfect for development and growth.
- Eat a diet rich in sugars and carbohydrates.
- Wash the genital area with soaps or aggressive or irritating hygiene products since these damage the bacterial flora of the skin of the penis and make it challenging to fight yeast.
- Obesity.
Candida yeast infection symptoms in men
Genital candidiasis in humans causes signs and symptoms such as:
- The appearance of a skin rash on the glans, usually, red and white dots are observed at the end of the penis.
- Formation of a whitish layer on the glans.
- Swollen glans and / or foreskin.
- Genital redness and irritation.
- Itching and burning.
- Discomfort when urinating
- Discomfort when having sexual intercourse.
- Dry or cracked penis skin.
Candidiasis in men: treatment
Given the manifestation of the above symptoms, it is advisable to go to the doctor so that he can confirm the diagnosis of candidal balanitis and indicate which treatment should be started. Suppose the man has been infected during sexual intercourse. In that case, his partner must also be examined by the specialist and undergo treatment to cure the infection and prevent this infection from recurring among the members of the couple.
The treatment for genital candidiasis in humans may include the following:
- Application of antifungal creams to eliminate fungus on the glans. They are lotions that are applied directly to the genital area to combat the excessive growth of Candida Albicans. In general, they are usually required for a period ranging from 7 to 21 days.
- In candidal balanitis with more severe symptoms or recurrence of infection, oral antifungal treatment may be prescribed.
Whatever the treatment prescribed by the doctor, it is imperative to respect the indicated doses and their duration as much as possible since if it is suspended in advance, it is very likely that the fungal infection will not be completely cured.
Measures to prevent yeast infection in men
Several preventive measures can help prevent a yeast infection on the penis:
- Wash the genitals daily with mild soaps specific to this area. Avoid the use of harsh soaps or perfumed or fragranced hygiene products.
- Try to keep the intimate area always dry.
- Make use of a condom when having any sexual relationship.
- Wear cotton underwear and pants that are not too tight to promote perspiration in the area.
- Follow a healthy and balanced diet avoiding consuming large amounts of foods rich in sugar.
- If you have diabetes, it is essential to monitor the disease and frequently checks that your blood glucose levels are adequate.
This article is merely informative. At FastlyHeal .com, we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to Can yeast infection, spread to men? We recommend that you enter our category of Male reproductive system.
I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.