When you think about yeast infections men usually don't come to mind. Yeast infections in men do happen though, and it is not a sexually transmitted disease like herpes, although men can get yeast infections from sexual contact so it is considered to be part of the STD family.

Yeast infections in women are caused by an overgrowth of Candida in the vagina. Men can be infected with this through sexual contact. While women have symptoms that make it obvious to them that they have a yeast infection, this type of yeast infections in men often show no symptoms. This can cause partners to play yeast infection tag unintentionally.

Other Types of Yeast Infections in Men

The Candida yeast infection is not the most common type of yeast infection in men. There are a variety of related infections that happen in men and women.

Jock itch is a common yeast infection in men, as is athlete's foot. Candida thrives in warm, dark, damp places. That is why these areas are targets in men. Between toes and in the crotch area it is dark, warm and sweat makes the conditions perfect for yeast to grow. Wearing a jock strap increases the possibility because of the increased heat and moisture involved.

Yeast infections in men can be spread through communal showers at the gym; this is why anti-fungal cleansers are used to keep down the growth of this fungus. Shoes can also be a place for fungus to grow; treating sneakers with anti-fungal sprays that are found in most drug stores can kill the fungal growth and treat yeast infections in men.

Thrush is another kind of yeast infection that is found in the mouth of men and women. This is an overgrowth of Candida, as with other yeast infections. Thrush causes white patches to form inside the mouth on the inner wall of the mouth and on the tongue. Thrush is very painful, and the longer it continues the worse it feels. Thrush is a type of yeast infection in men, women and children that requires a prescription; this can be in liquid form, lozenges or even an anti-fungal pill. The people who are most likely to get thrush include diabetics, people who take steroids, people who have recently been on antibiotics, and those who have autoimmune disorders.

Prevention

The prevention of yeast infections in men starts with keeping dry. Sweat adds to the other two conditions to make the perfect environment for Candida. Changing socks more frequently, changing under clothing after working out, and wearing loose clothing will help to keep dry and take away the perfect conditions. The use of anti-fungal sprays in shoes and buying new shoes once you have had a break out of athlete's foot will help to prevent yeast infections in men as well.