Regardless of how in or out of tune a man is with his own body, one thing he is sure to never miss is male organ pain and abnormal discharge.  There are numerous reasons for such an occurrence, ranging from a mild infection, to a partner-transmitted disease, to a serious medical condition such as cancer.  One such condition – which luckily is very treatable – is the common yeast infection.  Though a yeast infection may not cause serious health side effects, it can easily be passed from partner to partner, making it very important to pop in to the doctor and get treated if a yeast infection is suspected.  While it is likely that most men will encounter a yeast infection at some point in their lives, engaging in a daily male organ health routine will not only alert him to sudden changes, but may decrease the frequency of similar annoying, uncomfortable ailments.

What is a yeast infection… don’t they only occur in women?

While a yeast infection tends to be more common in women – and more readily spotted– it is an infection many men can get, as well.  In fact, some men actually carry a yeast infection without even knowing it, as they are asymptomatic.  Men who show no symptoms are (obviously) more likely to pass it to their partners, which is sometimes how a man finds out he had it to begin with.

A yeast infection is an infection caused by the fungus Candida; in men, it occurs on the male organ. Despite the unpleasant images the thought of a fungus may bring up for most people, it is actually a normal part of the healthy environment and found on the skin of most people.  Generally, the immune system keeps the fungus from turning into an infection, but certain circumstances lead to overgrowth.

What causes a yeast infection?

• Compromised Immunity:  Having a compromised immune system makes one more susceptible to any type of infection, including yeast.  Certain issues cause chronic immunodeficiency including: an underactive thyroid gland, HIV, Lyme disease, mononucleosis, and even chronic stress.

• Antibiotics: Antibiotics are prescribed to kill invading bacteria -- which cause infection.  Unfortunately, an antibiotic medication is unable to discern between good bacteria and bad bacteria. Thus, it may target the wrong kind, allowing a yeast infection to occur.

• Diabetes: This is another chronic medical condition known to be associated with yeast infections.  The elevated sugar levels in a diabetic’s urine creates an environment in which yeast tends to thrive.

• Intimate Transmission: While not considered a partner-transmitted infection, yeast infections can be passed from male to female and female to male during intimacy.

What are the symptoms?

In certain men, no symptoms ever present and he may not discover he has a yeast infection until his partner becomes symptomatic.  Treatment is still recommended for these men, however; otherwise, they will continue to re-infect their partner.  For men who do show signs of yeast infection, symptoms include:

• Severe itching around the head of the male organ
• Irritation and soreness of the head of the male organ
• White, cheesy discharge
• Redness of the head of the male organ
• Blistering on the head of the male organ

How to care for the male organ

The best way to prevent a male yeast infection is to use protection during intimacy, particularly if one’s partner suspects a yeast infection is present.  A quick round of antifungal medication is commonly prescribed to treat the infection, so an infected male organ is as good as new in no time.  Keeping the pelvic area dry is also an important tip to preventing yeast infections, as the yeast that is naturally on one’s male organ tends to thrive – and grow – in warm, moist conditions.  Maintaining proper male organ hygiene by thoroughly washing the male organ regularly with mild soap and water may help prevent excessive bacteria which can eventually lead to infection.  Additionally, the use of a male organ health formula full of vitamins and minerals (most professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil) can also keep the male organ healthy. Choose one with Vitamin A, which has anti-bacterial properties and may help keep infections away.

For additional information on most common male organ health issues, tips on improving male organ sensitivity, and what to do to maintain a healthy male organ, visit: http://www.man1health.com.  John Dugan is a professional writer who specializes in men’s health issues and is an ongoing contributing writer to numerous online web sites.