Yeast Infection Symptoms

The yeast infection symptoms in men and women share many similarities from the red rashes to the itchy sensations. However, there will be marked differences as well between female and male yeast infection symptoms simply because of the differences in the anatomy of their external reproductive systems.

In this article, we will discuss the signs and symptoms of yeast infections in both sexes. Keep in mind that both types will require similar approaches in treatment including medications, herbs and lifestyle changes. Self-diagnosis from the symptoms is not recommended as many other potentially fatal diseases have similar signs as a relatively harmless yeast infection.

Female Yeast Infection

Let’s start with the female form of yeast infection, which is also known by other names including vaginal yeast infection, vaginitis and candidiasis. While vaginitis obviously comes from the root words vagina and itis (Latin for inflammation), candidiasis refers to the primary cause of female yeast infections – Candida albicans.

This is micro organism, specifically a fungus, which forms part of the natural flora in the mouth, gastrointestinal tract and vagina. It is estimated that the C. albicans fungi live in at least 80 percent of the human population without causing any harmful effects. The body has a natural way of preventing its overgrowth and, thus, maintaining the healthy balance of the micro-organisms.

But certain risk factors like antibiotic use, compromised immune system and hormonal changes pave the way for C. albicans to grow abundantly. When left unchecked, the fungi overgrowth leads to the symptoms of vaginal yeast infections that may or may not require medications depending on their severity, frequency and duration. Medications or no medications, health experts agree that lifestyle changes must be made to lessen the risks for contracting yeast infections one too many times.

So, what exactly are the symptoms of candidiasis? These signs will range from the mild to the severe symptoms depending on factors like the age and physical condition of the woman as well as the exact cause of the yeast infection in the first place. For example, a woman on an antibiotics course may suffer less from the symptoms in comparison with one who has a weakened immune system brought by HIV.

• Vaginal Itching - Many women will report moderate to severe itching in their vaginal region from the inner labia to the outer labia and even in the surrounding area. This is also often the first sign that alerts women to the possibility of a yeast infection.
• Vaginal Discharge – In a healthy reproductive system, discharges made by the glands located inside the cervix and vagina serve an important housekeeping function. Dead cells, bacteria and other potentially harmful matter are carried away with the discharges. But you will observe that your vaginal discharges become thicker, clumpier and whiter than usual albeit there is little to no discernible odor during the first stages of a yeast infection.
• Red Skin - Even without any scratching of the itch on your part, you will also observe red, irritated and almost inflamed skin around the labia.
• Painful Sensations – The pain felt during urination is expected since the urine further irritates the inflamed skin, which is true for the skin-to-skin friction experienced during sexual intercourse.

If you have two or more of the above mentioned symptoms, then you may have a yeast infection. But as preciously noted, self-diagnosis and self-treatment are not recommended paths when other cause for the symptoms like sexually transmitted illnesses are suspected. When in doubt, seek medical opinion.

Male Yeast Infection

On the part of the men, the yeast infection is manifested by the following symptoms:

• Reddish rash on the tip of the penis, which causes pain during urination and sexual intercourse
• Itching and burning sensations also at the head of the penis
• Feelings of soreness on the penis
• Small white blisters that look like oral thrush (Take note that both kinds of yeast infections in different places of the body can be caused by the same C. albicans fungi)
• White, clumpy and thick albeit odorless discharge although this sign is uncommon

A man can get the yeast infection from unprotected sex with an infected woman although it is not considered a sexually transmitted disease. Like women, the men also have higher risks for penile yeast infections from antibiotic use, weakened immune system and uncontrolled diabetes. Diet is also considered a risk factor.

When you have the abovementioned yeast infection symptoms, we suggest adopting a calm attitude. Yes, the female and male yeast infection symptoms may contribute to fears of sexually transmitted illnesses but the good news is that the infection is completely treatable, curable and preventable. So, calm down and start seeking effective treatments.