Natural Cures for Yeast Infections in Men

Male Yeast Infections

Male yeast infections or penile candidiasis is similar to female infections with symptoms of redness, burning and itching on the tip of the penis. You also may experience pain during urination and sex. While it’s often spread from partner to partner (a woman with a yeast infection infects her partner), it can be caused by antibiotics. Men with diabetes and HIV are more susceptible as well.

Eat more Garlic

Garlic has anti-fungal, anti-bacteria and anti-viral attributes. Some experts claim that diets high in garlic may help fight off yeast infections. This method will probably have to be combined with other cures for male yeast infections.

Use Genetian Violet

Genetian violet is an old remedy but it does work for yeast infections. Your care provider or a pharmacist will be able to prescribe it for you. Use it on the affected area until symptoms improve.

However, be cautious with genetian violet because it will stain your penis and any clothing that comes in contact with it a dark purple. Some people also find it burns a little on application.

Try Yogurt

Simply eating an eight ounce container of yogurt once a day may help fight a yeast infection. Make sure any yogurt you eat has Lactobacillus acidophilus (active cultures). If you don’t like the flavor of yogurt, you could put a little plain, unsweetened yogurt on the infected area to treat the infection directly.

Avoid Sex

If you do have a yeast infection, it’s extremely important that you avoid passing it on to your partner, or they made end up re-infecting you. You could use a condom, though they can aggravate yeast infections.

Keep the Area Dry

One big reason why vaginal yeast infections are difficult to get rid of is because the vaginal area tends to be warm and moist allowing yeast to thrive. In men, it’s easier to keep the penile area dry. Make sure you dry the area well after bathing, change out of swimming clothes quickly, wear cotton underwear and change your underwear after working out. A talcum powder may also help you keep the area dry until the infection clears up.

Change your Diet

Yeast thrive in sugar environments which is why it’s very important to cut sugars and sweets from your diet. In addition, you’ll have to cut red meat and alcohol (especially beer). Consider switching to whole grains and fruits and vegetables to help eliminate the yeast from your body.

References

Martin, Jeanne Marie & Rona, Zoltan P. Complete Candida Yeast Guidebook Prima Publishing, 2000

Murray, Michael ND. Chronic Candidiasis Random House, 1997

Disclaimer

The information in this article should not be considered medical advice. The information in this article is not meant to treat, diagnose, prescribe or cure any ailment. Always check with your physician before taking any products or following any advice you have read on Brighthub.com. Always consult your doctor before you start, stop or change anything that has been previously prescribed. Certain herbs and holistic remedies are unsuitable to take if you are pregnant or nursing and must always be cleared by your doctor before use.