While it is not considered a sexually transmitted disease, men can acquire the infection from their female partners. In a male, symptoms include a mild rash at the end of the penis and itching. Some 15 percent of men who have relations with a yeast-infected female will develop their own infection.
Beyond regular infections, there is also a condition known as a complicated yeast infection. This occurs with severe symptoms - swelling, extensive redness, terrible itching that leads to cracks, tears, or fissures in the vaginal area. The complicated yeast infection is caused by Candida bacteria other than Candida abicans and can reoccur more than four times per year. Those who are pregnant, have unmanaged diabetes, or an immune system weakened by medications or the presence of HIV are at a higher risk for a complicated yeast infection.
OTHER POTENTIAL PROBLEMS
Since the symptoms of yeast infections resemble other conditions, it is imperative to have it diagnosed via laboratory testing. A doctor can typically diagnose an infection with a brief examination and a microscopic look at vaginal fluids.
If the patient does not have a vaginal yeast infection, here are the other possibilities generating similar symptoms.
- Bacterial vaginosis - Usually referred to by the acronym BV, this is a bacterial infection not caused by yeast overgrowth. The discharge will typically have a strong, fish-like odor and cause pain during urination.
- Trichomoniasis - An infection caused by a parasite and usually acquired during sex. This condition can generate a foul-smelling green discharge, as well as swelling of the labia and redness. Pain during urination is also present.
- Sexually transmitted diseases - Gonorrhea and herpes can generate symptoms similar to a yeast infection. Redness in the labia and painful intercourse are among the symptoms that should be checked.