Yeast infections are usually identified with women, but they also occur in men, and are one of the causes of a persistent itch on the penis wreaking havoc on a man. When a yeast infection is responsible for penile itching, it goes from being a nuisance and inconvenience to a penile health problem, so taking steps to treat or prevent the condition is essential. One avenue that men may want to explore is the possible use of probiotics as a preventive measure.
Thrush
When itchy penis is caused by a yeast infection, it is often called a yeast infection, but since that word is a mouthful, men more commonly call it “yeast infection.” The yeast that creates yeast infection is a fungus known as candida albicans, which occurs naturally in the body and is very common. Like all fungi, it thrives in warm, humid areas, making the penis an attractive place for it to appear.
Yeast infection usually presents as an itchy rash on the tip of the penis (and on the foreskin in intact men). It can also cause pain, especially when urinating. Intact men can also experience increased smegma when thrush is present.
Although yeast infection can be transmitted during sexual intercourse, it is not considered a sexually transmitted infection. And for whatever reason, it is found more often among men who are not sexually active!
Probiotics
Now that yeast infection has been explored, what about probiotics? What are they and why could they help with yeast infection?
One reason that candida albicans tends to grow beyond its normal levels and create a yeast infection is because the immune system may be operating at too low a level. This can happen for a number of reasons. For example, taking steroids or antibiotics can lead to a weakened immune system. When that happens, the “good” bacteria – the kind that keep candida albicans in check – decline, giving yeast a chance to take hold and grow.
That’s where probiotics come in. Probiotics are some of the “good” bacteria mentioned above. They are active in the digestive tract and can help prevent unwanted yeast growth there.
Several studies have shown that probiotics help the gut keep candida albicans under control and therefore can help prevent thrush. Therefore, including probiotics in the diet, especially if the immune system is suppressed, can help prevent itchy penis.
No studies have yet been done to indicate whether the use of probiotics in an already active case of yeast infection can help it go away. In such cases, a man should consult with his doctor to determine which course of treatment may be best to treat active candidiasis. Generally, applying an antifungal medicine will give good results.
Men who are interested in adding probiotics to their diet to help prevent oral thrush should consult with their doctors and / or a nutritionist in advance (as they should with any significant dietary changes they are contemplating).
Probiotics can be a good preventive measure against yeast infection, but there can be many other causes for itchy penis. Often times the symptoms of an itchy penis can respond to the use of an upper penis health cream (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil, which is clinically proven to be gentle and safe for the skin). The itching is often caused or aggravated by dry skin on the penis. So, select a cream with a high-end emollient (like shea butter) and a natural moisturizer (like vitamin E). This combination of moisturizers helps create a “moisture shield” to strengthen the skin of the penis. The cream should also include alpha lipoic acid, a powerful antioxidant that keeps skin healthy by fighting free radicals that can damage the skin cells of the penis.