Men's Yeast Infections

Many people believe that only women can contract a yeast infection. In fact, men can also get yeast infections and can even pass them on to women. Male yeast infections are similar to those affecting women and can be treated in much the same way.

Cause

• Men can contract a yeast infection if they have unprotected sex with a female partner who has a yeast infection.

Symptoms

• Yeast infections in men often produce symptoms of itching, burning and a rash at the tip of the penis.

Significance

• Yeast infections in men can be harder to recognize and can cause health problems if left untreated, so treatment is important.

Increased Risk

• Men with weakened immune systems and those with diabetes are at an increased risk of picking up a yeast infection.

Treatment

• More persistent or serious yeast infections may require a doctor's care. Most can be easily treated with over-the-counter medications, which are most often advertised to women but work on men just as well.