What is a penis infection
Yeast infections are quite common in men. This is because yeast infection-causing fungi (Candida) are present in the skin, especially moist skin, which is also helpful in their adaptation. Candida albicans are a very simple and neutral variety of yeast that are present in small amounts in the mouth and intestines of both men and women. Men get infection in genitals due to this yeast.
These yeast organisms are the main cause of infection on the front end of the penis, causing inflammation, swelling and redness in the front of the penis. If the man has not been circumcised, the infection can also cause swelling, burning, and redness, etc. in the upper foreskin of the penis. Sometimes both the glans and the upper skin can be damaged at the same time.
Certain other factors (such as having sex with a female sexual partner who has vaginal yeast infection) can lead to an overgrowth of candida, which can result in infection. If both you and your sexual partner have symptoms of a yeast infection, it is important to treat both infections simultaneously to prevent the infection from recurring. Good hygiene practice / habit can help prevent this.
Symptoms of penis infection
The highest growth of yeast in males affects the forefront of their penis. This part of the penis is called a mund. It can also affect the skin above the glans. In a penis infection, either the head or foreskin or both parts can be affected by swelling, irritation and redness, and this condition can be quite painful. Itching is a common problem in a penis infection and it can also cause white patches on the head of the penis. Symptoms of yeast infection in men are:
1.Pain during sex
2.Poor sexual function
3.Blush
4.Thick discharge under the upper skin of the glans
5.Smelly smell
6Swelling
7.Pain during urination
8.Itchy rashes around the genital area
9.Difficulty retracting the foreskin
10.Itching and burning
Other related symptoms:
1.Digestive problems like gas formation or flatulence
2.Diarrhea or constipation
3.Irritability or bad mood
4.Weak memory
5.Energy loss
6.Men with diabetes may develop more severe symptoms, such as a stable redness on the glans of the penis.
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When should the doctor see?
Sometimes penile yeast infection can also indicate a serious condition, such as a sexually transmitted infection (STI) or invasive candidiasis. If the blisters are recurring even after appropriate treatment, it indicates diabetes in the male. See a doctor in the following situations:
1.Blood in urine
2.Nausea and vomiting
3.When the blisters first appear
4.Body temperature rise
Causes of penile infection
Yeast infection spreads due to a type of fungus, known as candida. Usually a small amount of candida is already present in the body. Yeast infection develops when the number of candida fungus increases greatly. Significantly, candida spreads very fast due to moisture.
Penis infection develops quite rarely in men who have been circumcised. Because after circumcision their penis is constantly exposed to air. Due to which there is a dry and cold environment. Yeast requires warm and moist skin to stay alive.
The main reason for a penis infection is having unprotected sex with a woman who has a yeast infection in her vulva. Significantly, this infection can also happen without sexual activity. Actually, not taking care of hygiene and staying unhygienic makes anyone easily a victim of yeast infection.Non-drying after washing the penis can also cause penile yeast infection, as the fungus grows rapidly in hot and moist conditions.
When does the risk of a penis infection increase?
You are more likely to develop a penis infection in the following situations:
*Taking antibiotics for a long time that kills the good intestinal bacteria.
*Type 1 or type 2 diabetes. (Read more – What to eat in diabetes)
*Use of scented soap and shower gel, etc. around the area of the genitals.
*Vigorous washing or rubbing of the genital area.
*Lack of cleanliness due to non-regular bathing.
*Medications (such as chemotherapy or corticosteroid) that suppress the body’s natural immune system. (Read more – Measures to increase immunity power)
*Use of topical (oral) or oral (oral) corticosteroid drugs.
*Wearing tight clothes like tight jeans.
*Wearing dirty underwear for a long time.
*Previously a fungal infection such as shingles (athlete’s foot) or other types of shingles.
*Weak immune system due to long-term illness, high stress or HIV etc.
*Having physical sex with a woman who has a yeast infection in her vulva.
*Lifestyle – Eating more sweet and carbohydrate foods.
*Being overweight or obese.
*Being on dialysis.
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Prevention of penis infection
1.Take care of good hygiene – try to make extra effort to keep your genitals clean. Gently remove the skin of the glans and wash the bottom of the skin with lukewarm water. Use mild soaps. Dry the area thoroughly after washing. Make this practice a part of your daily life like a habit of brushing daily.
2.Wear loose and cotton underpants to keep the genital areas cool and dry.
3.Use condom – Like sexually transmitted infection, use condom to reduce its chances of spreading. (Read more – How to have safe sex)
4.Talking – Talk with your partner and make sure that he is symptomatic or not. (Read more – How to have sex for the first time)
5.Cleansing after having sex – Despite all these things, many times a virus of yeast infection can be present in women even without any symptoms. If you wash your genitals after having a physical relationship, this creates an extra layer of protection.
6.Avoid using scented shower gel and aromatic soaps
7.Use less caustic and less chemical detergent powder
8.Drink plenty of water (read more – right way to drink water)
9.Avoid having sex until the symptoms of blisters have subsided.
Diagnosis of penile infection
In most cases your doctor tests the disease only on the basis of the symptoms mentioned by you. The best way to know if you have a penis infection is to contact the doctor as soon as possible if you feel any of the symptoms mentioned above. During the test, your doctor will examine you thoroughly and may also ask you some questions to do the test properly.
To ensure the test, the doctor may perform the following tests, such as:
A. Serum glucose test (to check for diabetes)
B. If a discharge is flowing then do a lab test on it – Doctors can also take some samples from the affected part of the penis with the help of swab so that it can be further analyzed with the help of microscope.
C. Tests to check for sexually transmitted diseases.
D. If a stable lesion or ulcer remains, which is not healing, a biopsy may also be required.
Treatment of penis infection
Some types of antifungal creams are suggested for ulcers that affect your penis and the area around it.
Including:
1.Clotrimazole
2.Econazole
3.Ketoconazole
4.Miconazole
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If you are developing symptoms of itching, the doctor prescribes corticosteroid cream as an additional treatment to reduce swelling and irritation etc.If your symptoms do not get cured even after 2 weeks of treatment, then the doctor prescribes Fluconazole tablet. These drugs are also commonly available in the form of over-the-counter (medicines from medical stores without prescription).If your symptoms do not subside within 2 weeks after taking the medicines, then seek medical advice. The doctor may refer you to a dermatologist for specific treatment.
Since men are infected by sexual intercourse, the treatment of the female partner of the man must also be done together to prevent the infection from spreading again. However, if evidence of yeast infection is found only in women, then the risk of infection in men is very low. In such a situation many times a man does not need treatment. There is also no compelling reason to reduce sexual activity during treatment, but you must use a condom.
Factors that suppress diabetes and the immune system also increase the risk of yeast infection. If your infection is not cured with anti-fungal cream and you are not circumcised, you may be advised to get circumcised first. Circumcision is a surgical procedure that is performed exclusively during infancy. However, it can be done safely on any male at any time.
If you have diabetes, with the help of your doctor, try to keep your blood sugar level at a normal level. If your immune system is weak then your doctor can help you to keep your immune system healthy.
Let’s look at some home remedies associated with this problem:
Garlic
Garlic is one of the best ways to treat yeast infection in men. To kill yeast fungus from your body, usually eat one piece of garlic 2 or 3 times a day.
Curd
Plain yogurt is considered one of the best remedies for yeast infection. To help prevent their symptoms, men can consume yogurt daily without sweetening. To prevent symptoms, you should consume 2 to 3 cups of curd daily. You can apply curd directly to the affected parts of your genitals.
Coconut oil
You can also apply coconut oil directly on the affected skin to reduce symptoms like itching, burning and other discomfort. Coconut oil also helps in healing the scratches caused by the fungus in the skin.
Apple vinegar
Men can apply apple vinegar directly on the affected skin to treat their skin. You can also take a bath by adding two cups of vinegar to the hot water of your bath. Sit for at least 20 minutes in a bathtub in which vinegar has been mixed.
Aloe vera gel
The natural antibacterial properties of aloe vera make it an effective treatment for yeast infection. Simply apply aloe vera gel on the affected skin of your penis. This gel provides quick relief from symptoms and by using it continuously, it completely gets rid of the problem.
Risk and complications of penis infection
What are the problems with infection in the penis?
The most likely complication of yeast infection in the penis can be balanitis (inflammation of the penis). Balanitis is a condition of swelling, burning and redness in the glans and upper skin of the penis. Diabetes increases the risk of balanitis.If balanitis is not treated effectively, it can cause scarring in the upper skin of the penis. It also causes stickiness in the front of the penis. This condition is very painful due to which there is a lot of difficulty in urinating. If balanitis is left untreated, it can cause swelling and severe pain in the penis glands and may also cause weakness and fatigue.Yeast infection can enter the bloodstream. This condition is known as candidemia or invasive candidiasis. This problem is usually quite common in those who wait for the infection to spread around the penis to get treatment.If you are admitted to an ambulance, and use a catheter to urinate, you may have invasive candidiasis. An increased form of yeast infection can become a serious condition. In such a situation, you may need to take oral medications for fungal for a few weeks. In some cases, medications can also be given intravenously.