By Courtney Snavely
If I had a quarter for every yeast infection I’ve had over the years… I would be able to pay for half a load of laundry at my local laundromat.
(I’ve had 5 yeast infections over the past two years.) I take care of it in silence, get some anti-fungal cream from my local pharmacy and wear cotton underwear for a week.
[ READ MORE: A TALE OF ONE WOMAN'S BATTLE WITH YEAST ]
Recently my partner asked me, “how’s your vagina doing?” Laughing it off I responded, “it’s great, how’s your penis?”Not so great. He had an itchy, red rash under his foreskin and immediately recognized the symptoms as those of a yeast infection.
Yes, men can get yeast infections! Who knew?! (Actually a large number of healthcare professionals and my partner who had previously gotten a yeast infection from an ex)
What causes a male yeast infection?
A male yeast infection is actually not caused by yeast at all! Very misleading. It is caused by the same sneaky culprit , the fungus candida, that causes female yeast infections. Candida is usually present on skin but issues arise when there is an overgrowth.
Having vaginal sex with a partner that has a yeast infection can be a contributing factor for this overgrowth.
How can I prevent giving my partner my yeast (of the candida variety)?
If you are absolutely positive you have a yeast infection (have had one previously, know the symptoms, are sure it’s not an STI or a bacterial infection, you know the deal), get an over the counter anti-fungal medication or see your doctor for oral medication.
Do not have sex before you’re fungus free! I know it can be difficult, but abstain from sex until you’re both in the clear. Otherwise you’ll just be playing yeast infection tag and continuously reinfecting each other.
I know I have a yeast infection, but I’m too embarrassed to bring it up
Trust me, I know how awkward this can feel. But bringing it up sooner prevents your partner from getting an infection, reduces the risk of you being reinfected, and gets both of you back to comfort much quicker.
[ YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: HOW TO TELL YOUR PARTNER YOU HAVE A BACTERIAL INFECTION ]
If you don’t want to use the word “yeast infection,” tell them you are experiencing some discomfort and think it’s best if you wait until you’re in a sexier mood. If they can’t handle your discharge at it’s…chunkiest, they don’t deserve it at it’s… normal consistency.
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