Courageous warrior and gentle giant alike, nothing will pierce a man’s heart with fear faster than a festering, enflamed penis.   

Balanitis, or a yeast infection of a man’s genitals, is no walk in the park. The most common symptom is irritation and soreness of the head of the penis, but you could also experience a burning sensation during intercourse and urination, severe itching and pain, a jock-itch type rash, red patches and blisters on the head of the penis, and a white, clumpy discharge.  I know, you’re thinking, “Stop, I don’t want to hear any more symptoms!” 

Yes, although not pleasant, it’s only a temporary condition that’s treatable. But first, here are a few causes so you can figure out how you picked up one of these bad boys in the first place.

Though you can contract this infection from almost anywhere, you are more susceptible if you’re uncircumcised.  The extra folds of skin can be a moist breeding ground for the yeast, which is the root of the infection.  Practicing good hygiene every day will help prevent this from happening, i.e. retracting the foreskin to carefully wash between the folds and then dry with a soft towel. 

Men with diabetes are good candidates for a yeast infection because the elevated sugar in the urine acts as food for the naturally occurring fungus, Candida; if you haven’t been diagnosed with diabetes, but are experiencing other symptoms of this disease, like constant thirst and the need to urinate often, definitely go see a doctor. This is a serious condition that requires follow-up care.

A more pleasant way to contract this disease is through sexual intercourse.  If your lover is a woman, and she happens to have a yeast infection, she could transfer the infection to you during intercourse.  If one of you shows any symptoms, it’s suggested that you refrain from sex until it clears up because otherwise, you’ll just pass it back and forth to each other. Take it one step further by keeping your hands (and your sex toys) really clean after genital touching.

Men (and women) can also get an anal yeast infection, especially if they practice anal sex with another male.  A condom will normally prevent passing on the infection, but supposedly if there’s a spermicidal lubricant called Nonoxynol-9 added to the condom, this could contribute to the makings of a yeast infection. 

If the above scenarios don’t apply to you, another cause could be a prolonged use of antibiotics. Antibiotics unfortunately destroy the good bacteria found in the genital area, along with the bad, which can encourage excess yeast growth. 

If the above-mentioned symptoms are new to your genitals, consider seeing a doctor before swabbing on an over-the-counter medication found at your local pharmacy.  Reason being, tests should be performed to make sure that it’s indeed a yeast infection.  Plus, your medical practitioner could prescribe medications that are more powerful than those found in the public market, perhaps lifting this infliction from your family jewels within days.