Men with active penile yeast infections should not undergo vasectomies until the condition clears up. A yeast infection could be a sign of a suppressed immune system meaning that it is not a good time to have surgery. Also, the discomfort associated with the vasectomy coupled with yeast infection symptoms could be very disturbing.
Men with yeast infections may experience soreness, itching, pain during intercourse and pain when urinating. Because the vasectomy will cause some discomfort in the penis while the patient is recovering, the yeast symptoms could aggravate the problem. The yeast infection could also increase the time needed for complete recovery from the vasectomy. For this reason, the man should be treated for his yeast infection prior to the surgery. Treatment usually includes an oral medication like diflucan which can cure most yeast infections in a couple of days. Diflucan has been approved by the FDA for over the counter sales and is available at most pharmacies. Topical anti-fungal creams may also be used to relieve symptoms.
More than 500,000 vasectomies are performed in the United States each year. About one in six men over the age of 35 has had the procedure according to the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. This procedure permanently sterilizes a man and takes away his ability to impregnate a woman. The procedure involves making two small incisions in to long ducts known separately as the vas deferens. These are the pathways that normally allow sperm to mix with semen before it is ejaculated from the penis. The procedure is considered safe to perform in healthy men.
While vasectomies are considered a very effective method for birth control, a man who has a vasectomy can still contract a yeast infection from his female partner if he does not wear a condom. The yeast infection is passed during sex and can enter the man's prostate gland. A man whose sexual partner has been diagnosed with a yeast infection should probably have himself checked. Many times, male yeast infections have no physical symptoms and men may go for years without knowing they have an infection.
If a man has chronic yeast infections with annoying symptoms he should check with his doctor before having a vasectomy or any other kind of surgery. Chronic yeast infections can signal more serious health problems such as diabetes or HIV. Discuss your yeast infection and other health conditions with your doctor before scheduling a vasectomy.
Glossary:
Vas deferens: Pathways that normally allow sperm to mix with semen in a man's penis before ejaculation