How to Diagnose Male Yeast Infection Before it's Too Late

Medical doctors diagnose all types of candidiasis by either microscopic examination or culturing. Both methods require laboratory work and therefore cannot be performed independently at the patient’s home. That said, an initial diagnosis can be carried out by a patient answering a simple symptoms questionnaire prior to seeing a certified phycisian.

Male yeast infection is a local manifestation of a complex medical condition caused by yeast-like microorganisms called Candida. There are approx. 150 Candida species in nature, yet only a dozen of these organisms are considered to be the cause of infections among humans. Yeast microorganisms occupy the moist environments of the body, such as the genitals, intestinal tract, mouth, genitourinary tract and throat. Yet, in healthy individuals, these bugs are balanced by the beneficial gastrointestinal bacterial flora.

Under certain conditions, the yeast can reproduce rapidly, shifting to a fungal form. There are number of contributing factors to this process. Among them are:

·         Compromised immune system (a proper functioning immune system is necessary to keep Candida microorganisms under control);

·         Certain dietary patterns (Candida species grow on refined carbohydrates and sweets, therefore consuming large amounts of these food components can contribute to Candida overgrowth);

·         Extra acidity in the digestive tract (that provides an ideal environment for parasites and especially Candida species).

·         The fungal form of yeast is responsible for Candida infections, which often become systemic (affecting the whole body), but can manifest locally as well.

Male yeast infection is one of the most common local subtypes of candidiasis. Self-diagnosis of male candidiasis is usually based upon the identification of certain local and systemic symptoms. The most common local symptoms include sensual symptoms (i. e. burning during sexual intercourse, prostate problems, soreness of the head of the penis, jock itch, hurtful urination, and even severe pain) and visual symptoms (i. e. dry itchy flaky skin, red rash on the penis head accompanied by a thick white discharge). Systemic symptoms include digestive-related problems (i. e. recurrent diarrhea, very loose stools or constipation, bloating and intensive intestinal gas, bad breath); lack of energy, fatigue, mood swings; sexual dysfunction; and cravings for refined carbohydrates and/or sweets).