Can a yeast infection cause symptoms in a male ...

Dear Kevlar,

First of all, you should be aware that if you are sexually active you can pass yeast back and forth between yourself and your partner resulting in a cycle of re-infection.

The symptoms of yeast infection in men vary from a red, rashy, itching irritation on the outside of the penis...usually toward the head. You can also get the typical cottage cheese like discharge from the penis, and can cause itching. Sometimes, you can even smell the yeast.

Treatment is with an anti-fungal medication taken orally such as Diflucan which is most commonly used. It can kill yeast and other fungi. I haven't seen any data stating that prostatitis can result in yeast infection, however it does not seem beyond the realm of possibility...same for epididymitis. They both seem to be more bacterial related. See the link below for information on both. http://www.dcmsonline.org/jax-medicine/1998journals/january98/inflammatory.htm

You will need treatment from your physician, and avoid sexual intercourse or at least use a condom to prevent passing the yeast infection back and forth between yourself and your partner. Please let me know if you need any further info or clarification.

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Dear AnnlynnRN:

I apologize; I did not include an in-depth description of my problem. I was hoping that a fresh persective might bring insight. Essentially: I have been afflicted with epydidimitis and prostatitis since I was 16 years old. I have tried multiple courses of Anti-biotics and such to address the issue and I am currently in the care of a specialist; but he told me that 'surgery is not helpful' in cases like mine; therefore I'm looking for options. My epydidmis swells given time, or when an intervening ejaculation is not 'powerful.' The only time I had any real relief was back when I was about 22 and was given a 6 month Antibiotic regimen of Sulpha drugs; and as my current physician has pointed out most 'bugs' are resistant to these druge. However, he has agreed to 2 months worth...but I don't have high hopes for that. I am scheduled for a CT scan to look for scar tissue/etc. and hopefully that will provide insight...I'm just desperate for any help.

Thanks

Relist: I still need help.

My prior question was not in-depth; my apologies to all:

I apologize; I did not include an in-depth description of my problem. I was hoping that a fresh persective might bring insight. Essentially: I have been afflicted with epydidimitis and prostatitis since I was 16 years old. I have tried multiple courses of Anti-biotics and such to address the issue and I am currently in the care of a specialist; but he told me that 'surgery is not helpful' in cases like mine; therefore I'm looking for options. My epydidmis swells given time, or when an intervening ejaculation is not 'powerful.' The only time I had any real relief was back when I was about 22 and was given a 6 month Antibiotic regimen of Sulpha drugs; and as my current physician has pointed out most 'bugs' are resistant to these druge. However, he has agreed to 2 months worth...but I don't have high hopes for that. I am scheduled for a CT scan to look for scar tissue/etc. and hopefully that will provide insight...I'm just desperate for any help.

Thanks

Please see above. :)

Dear Customer (name blocked for privacy),

I'm happy to clarify for you. I did some more research and have found some straight-forward answers to treatments for both epididymitis and prostatitis.

CHRONIC EPIDIDYMITIS:

Chronic epididymitis is difficult to treat. Since there is no infection, antibiotics don't work. Some of the treatment options may include ffrequent warm baths, Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs,) for the swelling that you mention having, muscle relaxers, anaesthetic or steroid injections into the scrotum for pain and inflammation control, or surgery to remove the affected epididymitis. Decreasing stress and anxiety with anti-anxiety medications, and stress management techniques can also be useful. If your epididymitis IS of a bacterial nature, antibiotics WILL improve symptoms.

PROSTATITIS:
Prostatitis can be also be acute or chronic. You have chronic as evidenced by your diagnosis years ago. You need to find out if your prostatitis is of a bacterial nature or not. You can have a non-bacterial prostatitis for which antibiotics will not work. The treatment is aimed at relieving the symptoms. Pain medications and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID's) can provide some relief. There is a drug called finasteride which slows down the growth of the prostate which may help inhibit symptoms. Muscle relaxers or alpha-blockers can relax the muscles in the prostate, and anti-anxiety drugs can be used to lower stress and anxiety levels while you are experiencing symptoms. Anticholinergic drugs can provide relief of irritation with urination.

Sounds like a lot, however maybe you can find a combination that works well for you. It may be through trial and error. The goal is to treat your symptoms. Perhaps you can discuss these options with your physician. You can try preventative measures to inhibit symptoms such as practicing very good hygiene by keeping your penis as clean as possible, drink plenty of fluids so that you urinate regularly. Be aware of signs of urinary tract infections and seek treatment ASAP. Avoid unprotected sex; especially anal sex.

Please let me know if there is any further info or clarification you need. Best wishes to you that the sulphonamides will work!

Edited by AnnlynnRN on January 31 2006 at 5:15am