Yeast infections are usually identified with women, but they occur in men as well, and they are one of the causes of persistent penile itching that wreaks 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 preventative measure.

Thrush

When penile itching is caused by a yeast infection, it’s often called a yeast infection, but since that word is a mouthful, men more commonly call it “thrush.” 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, moist areas, making the penis an attractive place for it to appear.

Thrush 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 males may also experience an increase in smegma when thrush is present.

Although yeast infection can be transmitted during sexual intercourse, it is not considered a sexually transmitted infection. And for some 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 might they help with yeast infections?

One of the reasons 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 various reasons. For example, taking steroids or antibiotics can cause a weakened immune system. When that happens, the “good” bacteria, the kind that keep candida albicans at bay, dwindle, giving oral thrush 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 the growth of unwanted yeast there.

Several studies have shown that probiotics help the intestine to keep candida albicans under control and, therefore, can help prevent the onset of thrush. Therefore, including probiotics in the diet, especially if the immune system is suppressed, can help prevent penile itching.

No studies have yet been done to show whether using probiotics on an already active case of yeast infection can help it clear up. In such cases, a man should consult with his doctor to determine which course of treatment may be best for treating active thrush. Usually, applying an antifungal medication will have good results.

Men who are interested in adding probiotics to their diet to help prevent yeast infections should still consult with their doctors and/or a nutritionist ahead of time (as they should with any significant dietary changes they are contemplating).

Probiotics can be a good preventative measure against yeast infection, but there can be many other causes of penile itching. Often penile itch symptoms can respond to the use of a superior penile health cream (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil, which is clinically proven to be gentle and safe for the skin). Itching is often caused or exacerbated 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 potent antioxidant that keeps skin healthy by fighting free radicals that can damage penile skin cells.