subject: What are the Signs of a Yeast Infection for Men and Women? Ask an Online Biologist! [print this page] What are the Signs of a Yeast Infection for Men and Women? Ask an Online Biologist!
As a biologist who runs an online health forum, I am often asked a lot of questions that members say they are too embarrassed to ask their doctors. First of all, let me assure you that you should not be embarrassed to discuss your health concerns with your physician; it is their job to be discrete. If you do not really feel comfortable in discussing personal health concerns with your physician, perhaps it is time to get a new doctor.
Having said this, it is time to tackle two of the most often asked questions I receive: "How do I know if I have a yeast infection?" and "If I do have a yeast infection, what is the best way to treat it?
Let's consider the first question first, and remember that a yeast infection can occur in both men in women and may be spread to either party, through sexual intercourse. In women, a vaginal yeast infection manifests itself in the following ways: painful urination and/or discomfort during sexual intercourse as well as vaginal itching or burning. Women may also experience an odorless vaginal discharge which may be thick and cottage-cheese like or clear and watery.
Men often do not have any outward signs of a yeast infection, but may experience a short term rash and a burning sensation of the penis. It is important to note that even if a man is not having any symptoms, he may pass the yeast infection on to his partner. In fact, women may effectively treat their yeast infection only to have it reappear again. The reason it reappears in many cases is because the male partner harbors the yeast infection microbes and thereby continually re-infects his partner. This is why it is important for both sexually active partners to seek treatment if they suspect either partner has a yeast infection.
As far as treatments go, there are many options. Often women attempt to treat their condition by using over the counter creams with brand names such as Gyne-Lotrimin, Femstat, or Mycostatin. Many women opt for less messy alternatives such as oral prescribed medications some of which are taken twice a day for 14 days. A third option of treatment includes natural remedies which can be very effective. One such product is sold on the internet and offers effective lasting relief from the persistent, annoying and sometimes embarrassing symptoms of a yeast infection.
Once a yeast infection is cured, there are preventative steps which may be taken. Women never wear panty hose without wearing cotton panties underneath and should be careful to always wipe from front to back after a bowel movement to prevent transferring yeast from the rectum to the vaginal area. Some women suggest you should eat a cup of yogurt each day if you are taking antibiotics to prevent yeast infections which sometimes follow antibiotic treatment. But please remember, yogurt alone will not cure vaginal yeast infections.
Yeast infection symptoms can be very intense and persistent at times and you may feel that you have difficulty doing even simple activities without feeling irritation. However it is important to remember that this condition is quite common and understood and early recognition and treatment will ensure lasting relief. The parting advice I offer to our concerned members is simple, if you procrastinate or delay treatment due to unwarranted embarrassment you are only prolonging your unnecessary discomfort.
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