The uncomfortable, often unspoken truth….. Men Suffer Yeast Overgrowth (candidiasis) too.
Now, we get it – talking about intimate health concerns isn't exactly a walk in the park. But here at Kolorex, we believe that education is key to empowerment. So, let's break down how yeast overgrowth develops and what it means for men's health.
What causes yeast infections in men?
Candidiasis is caused by a variety of factors:
- Poor hygiene
- Frequent washing with soaps and using product containing topical allergens
- Not keeping genital area clean and dry
- Poorly managed blood sugar levels, poor diet or overweight
- Impaired /weakened immune system
- Taking medications that suppress the immune system
- Prolonged antibiotic use
- Studies show that men who are not circumcised are more likely to develop Candida balanitis.
Are yeast infections sexually transmitted?
Genital candidiasis isn’t considered a sexually transmitted infection (STI) as it can develop without sexual contact. A partner with a yeast infection does not always transmit it. However, people should avoid unprotected sex with a partner who has thrush until the infection has cleared.
Symptoms of yeast infection in men
Unlike vaginal yeast infections in women, men may often not experience symptoms but when symptoms do appear, a yeast infection may cause extreme discomfort and a painful rash referred to as thrush.
In men, yeast overgrowth generally affects the end of the penis, called the glans. It can also affect the foreskin and extend to the perianal & groin regions. Symptoms of a local yeast infection in men include:
- mild burning
- pruritis/itchy rash
- swelling and tenderness
- redness of the skin
- blistering and pustules
- moist curd-like discharge
- Pain when urinating, during sex and when pulling back the foreskin
Note: Candidiasis is not the same as Tinea Cruris (jock itch), which is another type of fungal infection that also causes irritation & itching in the genital area.
Solutions to yeast infections in men
1) Personal hygiene & topical applications
As yeast is more likely to thrive in warm, moist conditions, it’s important to keep the genital areas as clean and dry as possible. Men should take care to keep the penis clean by washing it carefully in warm running water, with a gentle pH Wash formulated for the delicate skin of the penis, then drying the penis gently and thoroughly. A derma cream may also be applied daily to bring the skin’s natural microbiome back into balance.
Wearing loose and breathable cotton underwear may help to keep the genital area dry and cool.
2) Stress reduction
Exposure to stress has long been known to increase vulnerability to infection particular at the surfaces of the skin & digestive tract. Managing stress with techniques like deep breathing, gentle exercise and getting adequate sleep each night, are important considerations when balancing yeast overgrowth
.
3) Balancing blood sugar
High sugar foods and refined carbohydrates can function like growth enhancers for candida yeast infections. Maintain a healthy balanced diet with plenty of fresh vegetables, healthy fats and proteins and to hydrate with water, caffeine-free herbal teas and avoid alcohol, are important considerations.
Elevations in blood sugar levels, either by way of diet or because of an underlying health concern like diabetes can leave men more susceptible to yeast infection.
4) Lactobacillus Probiotics
Recent studies are showing the potential usefulness of specific Lactobacillus strains such as Lactobacillus reuteri in the management of candidiasis, helping to reduce yeast development.
5) Natural herbal approach- Horopito
Pseudowintera colorata (Horopito), is a natural approach to yeast infections in men such as Candida albicans.
Horopito also known commonly as pepper tree, is an ancient & medicinal shrub endemic to New Zealand. Horopito has intelligently adapted and thrived in the damp, dark conditions of the rainforest by building up natural chemical defences to protect against the threatening forest fungi and other pathogens.
The active constituent, polygodial, is what gives Horopito it’s hot and peppery taste and also its anti-fungal action.
It’s important to consider Candidiasis in the digestive tract, as there is increasing evidence the gastrointestinal tract is the main source of C. albicans infections. A gut balancing supplement, containing Horopito, could be supportive for men's health.
