One of the most misunderstood and overlooked diseases in modern times are male yeast infections. Women get signals of yeast infections through certain discomforts and irritations in their vagina which is hard to miss. Most men are clueless as to the presence of yeast infections until other health problems crop up. Generally a man is enlightened by his counterpart of the presence of a yeast infection on account of the woman herself suffering from a bout of the same infection.

Consequences of a male yeast infection

For a man, yeast infection can assume dangerous proportions. When a male contracts the infection through sexual intercourse, there is the possibility of the yeast traveling up to the urethral canal and finally affecting the prostate gland. At certain times, male yeast infections are conspicuous in the form of yeast infection in the penile area. The skin on the penis becomes dry and cracked leading to painful erections. Certain conditions which may signal a yeast infection in a man are bad breath, constipation, indigestion, bloating, sexual dysfunction, jock itch, athletes’ feet as well as prostate problems. Excessive craving for carbohydrates and sugar may also signify a yeast infection in man.

Causes of a male yeast infection

The causes for a male yeast infection are similar to that of a woman's. Yeast infection takes place as a result of imbalance of the ratio of good bacteria to yeast within the body. Use of antibiotics, sexual contact with an affected person, consumption of alcohol, beer, peanuts, processed rice and wheat products, as well as a weak immune system contribute to a yeast infection in a man.

How to treat a male yeast infection

Some natural cure techniques of a male yeast infection include:

• Vinegar: Vinegar blended with little water can be applied on the area of infection. Vinegar generally relieves itching and soreness.
• Tea Tree Oil: The oil can be first diluted and generously applied on the affected areas.
• Oregano Oil: Oregano oil is a very effective and time tested method to destroy yeast. The oil should contain over a certain percentage of carvacrol, preferably over 68%. Carvacrol, the active component in oregano oil is very useful in fighting against a yeast infection.
• Cold coconut oil: Pressed coconut oil is available in liquid form, pills or in extra virgin form. A study by Gudmundur Bergsson of the Department of Anatomy in 2001 has proved coconut oil effective in killing yeast.
• Garlic: Garlic has anti fungal as well as anti bacterial properties. Eating a garlic clove or having garlic pills is a good way of treating a male yeast infection. Garlic can also be directly applied to the area of infection by wrapping and tying the clove in gauze.
• A warm sitz bath: A refreshing sitz bath with vinegar will relieve itching and help restore the pH balance of the body.
• Herbs like chamomile, licorice, and black walnut can be applied directly in paste form or consumed for controlling a yeast infection in a man.

Diet Changes: Certain dietary modifications will also go a long way in curing a male yeast infection. You should do a colon cleansing by abstaining from consuming products that contain yeast. Wheat, eggs, grain (gluten), fructose or trans fats should be avoided. You must make yogurt intake a part of your daily habit for lactobacillus acidophilus to multiply within your system. Acidophilus pills are another alternative to yogurt. Daily consumption of cranberry juice also helps to clear away the symptoms of a male yeast infection.

Medications: The most popularly prescribed drug for treating a male yeast infection is Monistat. This is an anti fungal cream useful for elimination of female yeast infections also. Lotrimin, Lamisil, and Micatin are similar treatments directed to work against yeast infections. Use of Vagisil cream also helps in reducing the feelings of itchiness and burning sensations. The anti fungal creams can be directly applied on the infected part of the penis.

Recurring or chronic male yeast infections are much graver and need urgent medical attention. Sometimes certain oral medications like Diflucan (fluconazole) and Nizoral (ketaconazole) control as well as eliminate male yeast infections. Prolonged and recurring male yeast infections can signal certain hazardous medical problems like diabetes and HIV. Attempting to treat the real cause behind the yeast infection appears to be the most ideal solution.

Some other personal hygiene steps include:

• Washing of the affected region with water and drying thoroughly with a soft towel.
• Avoiding tight fitting clothes or damp clothes
• Practicing safe sex.
• Washing of undergarments regularly.

Maintenance of personal hygiene and use of natural remedies should be the prime focus areas in the path of treating yeast infections. Discipline should also be exercised with regard to continuity of treatment till the symptoms disappear.