Yeast infections, which are also known as Candidiasis, tend to happen when an imbalance in the body’s bacteria occurs.
Bacteria are always present in our bodies and these are essential for helping us function properly, they are quite often referred to as “friendly bacteria”. The majority of these bacteria can be found in our gut (gut flora) and on our skin. Bacteria are single-celled microorganisms, and as the name suggests, very small. They come in a variety of shapes which include spirals, rods and spheres. They can be found pretty much anywhere on the planet, even in radioactive waste.
Unfortunately, not all the bacteria found in our bodies are “friendly” and some species are pathogenic, which can cause infectious diseases. These might include syphilis, cholera and less common diseases like leprosy and bubonic plague. Bacterial diseases are common in respiratory infections, including tuberculosis, a disease that kills approximately 2 million people every year.
Thankfully, yeast infections are not contagious, although there have been cases of a mother passing on this infection to her newborn baby (because she was suffering from a vaginal yeast infection).
Male yeast infection symptoms are fairly easy to notice and can produce red patchy sores near the head of the penis or on the foreskin, a burning sensation or severe itching. A white discharge from the penis might also been witnessed, but this is uncommon.
The symptoms of male genital yeast infection may appear fairly obvious to a doctor, but further tests may be performed to confirm the diagnosis. Whilst the male yeast infection signs may point to Candidiasis, it might also be an indication of some other underlying problem.
Symptoms of male yeast infection quite often reveal the presence of diabetes. Although the classic signs of diabetes are usually frequent urination, increased thirst and hunger, and sometimes a feeling of being tired, the increased blood sugar levels can also produce yeast infections on the penis. Treatment for the yeast infection is fairly straightforward and usually involves antibiotics or creams and ointments, depending on the location of the infection.
Dietary changes have also been suggested, although there is some debate within the medical profession as to how affective these are. However, there clearly seems to be an excessive amount of yeast in the body, or on the skin, and a reduction of foodstuffs that contain extra yeast seems like a prudent step to take.
It has been suggested that alcohol, chocolate and cheese should be at the top of your list of foodstuffs to avoid. Other items would include fermented products like bread, soy sauce and vinegar, which all contain yeast. As “friendly bacteria” are good for the body and help to create a balance with the ones that are not, plain yoghurts would be beneficial to your diet, as they contain the sort of bacteria you need.
Generally speaking, yeast infections are not too serious on their own, but it is important to treat the problem as quickly as possible to avoid any complications. It is also wise to consult your doctor, so that more serious underlying diseases can be ruled out.
