Any problem with the genital area can be very alarming. Sexually transmitted disease and other conditions can cause a variety of symptoms in the area. Yeast infections and Herpes are two common reasons someone may be experiencing problems in their genital area. Let’s take a look at how both of these problems affect the person, specifically men.
Male Herpes Overview
1. The Basics
Genital herpes, which can affect both men and women, is a sexually transmitted disease caused by the herpes simplex virus. It is primarily spread through sexual contact. After the first infection the virus lays dormant in the system and can reactivate several times a year.
2. Symptoms
The symptoms of genital herpes in men include itching or burning in the urethra, swelling of lymph nodes in the groin, and sores or blisters on the genitals. The first outbreak of herpes is typically the worst and most severe.
3. Cause
There are two different strains of the herpes simplex virus that can cause genital herpes. These are HSV-1, which causes cold sores that can spread to the genitals through oral sex, and HSV-2 which causes genital herpes through sexual intercourse. The virus spread from skin to skin contact of a person with herpes, during an active outbreak.
4. Treatment
Antiviral medications can help sores from herpes heal sooner, lessen the severity of the symptoms, and reduce the frequency of outbreaks. Some of the common ones prescribed include Valtrex, Famiciclovir, and Zovirax. Some topical creams may also help to heal the sores and reduce symptoms associated.
Things To Know About Male Yeast Infection
1. Overview
Yeast infections are caused by a build up of yeast. It is a common belief that only women can get yeast infections. While it is true that the problem is more prevalent with women, men can suffer from yeast infections as well.
2. Symptoms
Many times when a man has a yeast infection no symptoms occur. However when the infection progresses symptoms can begin to pop up and include discomfort during sexual intercourse, an increased desire for sweet foods, indigestion, burning while urinating, itchiness, and white discharge from the penis.
3. Cause
All human bodies have yeast present but when the balance of this yeast gets interrupted a yeast infection can occur. It is most common for a man to contract a yeast infection from unprotected sex with a woman that also has a yeast infection. Antibiotic use can also cause a yeast infection because it kills all of the bacteria that helps to regulate yeast production in our bodies. Some foods, including beer, can also promote excess yeast growth in the body and result in a yeast infection.
4. Treatment
Some anti fungal creams are effective in the treatment of yeast infections. A one time oral pill that is prescribed by a doctor may also be used and typically relieves the symptoms of the infection within 48 hours. In order to decrease your chance of developing a yeast infection you should always keep the genital area clean and dry and remove excess hair so that sweaty conditions and dampness do not allow yeast colonies to thrives.
Differences Between Herpes and Yeast Infections in Males
1. Symptoms
Herpes on the male genitals cause sores or blisters to form. These can be very painful and also cause burning with urination. In a yeast infection often no symptoms arise but when they do they do not cause sores and instead cause irritation and discharge from the penis.
2. Cause
Yeast infections are caused by an excessive buildup of yeast in the body that can be caused by a number of different things. Herpes is a sexually transmitted disease that is caused by sexual contact with an infected person.
3. Treatment
There is no cure for herpes, treatments only focus on shortening the healing time for the blisters and helping to reduce the frequency that they occur. With yeast infections treatment to cure the problem is very simple and only involves a topical cream or a one dose medication to kill the yeast.
4. Other Differences
Herpes and yeast infections in males are very different in many ways. Herpes are a reoccurring disease that may heal but will inevitably show themselves again. Yeast infection is a very simple problem that can be cured quickly. Both can be caused by unprotected sex however, though a yeast infection is not considered a sexually transmitted disease.