Candida albicans is the species of fungi responsible for yeast infection or candidiasis.
This health problem occurs when there is an overgrowth of Candida yeast in the body.
Although it is a type of yeast and it also feeds on sugars, Candida is very different than the yeasts that are usually used for making bread, beer, or wine.
Candidiasis can occur in different parts of the body such as the mouth, skin, perianal area, nails, and genital area.
Since the genital candidiasis is often found in women, they are more concerned about yeast infection then men.
Women also have better understanding about the symptoms and causes of the disease.
Candida albicans thrives in moist, dark, and warm places, like the vagina.
On the other hand, the penis does not provide such an ideal environment for the yeast to live in.
Despite that, yeast infection can also occur in the male genital area, especially in the tip of the penis or the foreskin.
This infection is also known as penile or male candidiasis, candida balanitis, or balanoposthitis.
Yeast infection in men can be caused by many factors, such as poor body immune system (due to chronic illness or stress), sexual transmission (from a woman who has vaginal candidiasis or a man who has anal candidiasis), prolonged use of antibiotics (which kills 'good bacteria' or prebiotics that keep the Candida population at bay), bad eating habit (excessive consumption of carbs and sugar), and diabetes (since yeast feeds on sugars).
The use of the chemical compound nonoxynol-9, usually found in the lubricant of some condoms or spermicidal jelly, can also cause penile candidiasis.
It is also believed that men with uncircumcised penis are more prone to the infection since Candida can easily grow beneath the foreskin.
However, a study showed that the infection is as likely to occur in circumcised men as in those who are uncircumcised.
As the symptoms of penile candidiasis are less visible than vaginal candidiasis, it is not surprising that yeast infection in men is noticed only after a lengthy period of infection.
Because of this, the infection has probably already reached an advanced stage.
As with other diseases or health problems, the more severe the condition, the more difficult it is to cure.
Candida infection does only affect men physically, but it can also have negative psychological effects particularly in younger men or adolescents.
Male with Candida infection tend to have lower self esteem, difficulty in concentrating or paying attention to details, irritability, learning and memory problems, as well as unexplainable lack of energy.
As mentioned previously, symptoms of yeast infection in men are less prominent than in women.
Similar to vaginal candidiasis, penile candidiasis also is indicated by severe itchiness, rashes, and pain in the tip of the penis.
Inflammation normally occurs in male candidiasis as well.
The combination of these symptoms is often referred to as "jock itch" and will likely to spread around the penis, perianal area, backside, and upper thighs.
Besides the jock itch, men who suffer from this condition also tend to experience difficulty or discomfort when urinating and produce genital discharge which is white in color and sometimes with cheese-like odor.
More serious penile candidiasis can result to a bloated feeling in the stomach and even erectile dysfunction.
Yeast infection in men is harder to cure since it is often triggered by the combination of several causal factors.
If you have a mild infection, you can try using over-the-counter anti fungal medications such as creams and pills that can be easily bought from the nearest drug store.
However, if the problem persists, you are advised to consult a doctor and get a proper treatment.