Male Yeast Infection – More Common in Uncircumcised Men

Male yeast infection in uncircumcised men is much more common than in those who are circumcised. It’s that extra foreskin that proves to be the reason for this. Let me explain.

Yeast is a fungus that lives on every surface of our bodies. Everyone has it, it’s just part of who we are.

The body is an incredible creation and it has the ability to heal itself when given the proper environment to do so. In order to keep it running in tip-top shape, there are checks and balances to keep everything in control and functioning properly. This applies to the amount of yeast we have in our bodies as well. Along with the yeast, we have good bacteria that keep the yeast under control. When the eco system of the body is altered in some way, things get out of whack and don’t work as they should. That’s when the checks and balance system breaks down and you are prone to conditions and disease that are not normal. In this case, the yeast gets out of control and causes a yeast infection.

There are many factors that can cause a yeast overgrowth among men such as:

• steroid use
• antibiotics
• sexual intercourse with someone with a yeast infection
• condoms containing Nonoxynol-9
• diabetes
• compromised immune system
• allergies
• poor hygiene
• chemical allergies (detergent, cologne, clothing dyes)

Yeast is a very common problem among both men and women, though a male yeast infection is much less common than in females. Many male yeast infections go untreated because men don’t think of it as a male problem.

Yeast loves to live in warm, moist environments. The following areas are an ideal breeding ground for it:

• penis
• scrotum
• groin
• anus
• between the thighs
• armpits
• under any flap of fat that hangs down and overlaps the skin
• mouth

Obviously if yeast thrives in warm, moist places, an uncircumcised man has the perfect breeding ground within the penis foreskin. This area is the ideal place for bacteria and fungus to thrive because it’s dark, warm, and it holds moisture. It’s important for all men to keep their genital area clean and dry in order to avoid odors but it’s doubly important for uncircumcised men to pay close attention to their personal hygiene.

In addition to personal hygiene, there are other factors that come into play pertaining to a male yeast infection. It’s possible that you may be having an allergic reaction to some type of chemical in your clothing or in your brand of condoms or lubricants. There are many companies who are offering unscented products now because of the allergic reactions many people are having to the perfumes and dyes put into these products.

Any type of illness that compromises your immune system can be the major cause of getting an infection. People with HIV, Lyme disease, etc. have a hard time avoiding and getting rid of these type of infections. Diabetes is another illness that tends to be a factor in male yeast infections.

Taking steroids is so bad for you in so many ways. I won’t get on my soap box about them right now, but just know that steroids will cause yeast infections.

Antibiotics kill the good bacteria in your body that keeps the yeast in check. You can try to avoid this by asking for an anti-fungal pill from your doctor when they prescribe antibiotics. Of course you should only take that type of pill if you’re particularly prone to these types of infections.

If you happen to be uncircumcised and have a yeast infection now or have had one in the past, here are some things you can do to help prevent getting another one:

• clean your genital area daily and make sure it’s completely dry
• wash your penis immediately after having sex and dry it completely
• avoid the use of condoms containing Nonoxynol-9
• change lubricants
• change your laundry detergent to another brand that is unscented
• only wear white, unbleached underwear
• try looser fitting underwear – boxers vs. briefs

If you follow these simple guidelines, you’ll most likely cut down or eliminate future infections.