Can You Develop an Anal Yeast Infection?

Yeast infections are a common infection that can occur in any part of the body. Generally, a yeast infection occurs in the genitals, mouth, or in sweaty parts of the body. But have you ever experienced a yeast infection on the anus? An anal yeast infection usually begins with intense itching and redness. If you experience the symptoms, you should see your doctor to diagnose and receive treatment.

How to Know if You Develop an Anal Yeast Infection?

Like yeast infections in other parts of the body, an anal yeast infection is mostly caused by Candida overgrowth. When this fungus develops out of control and leads to the infection, you will experience the following symptoms

• Itchiness
• Redness
• Irritated skin
• Burning sensation
• Pain or soreness
• Abnormal discharge

As a yeast infection is contagious, it will easily pass to the vagina in women or penis in men.

Related: How to Diagnose Yeast Infections at Home

How Can You Develop an Anal Yeast Infection?

A yeast infection often develops in your genitals, but it’s possible to occur any part of the body, including the anus. The Candida normally lives in the gastrointestinal tract and other warm, dark, and moist environment. When your immune system can’t control the bacteria and Candida, this fungus will become overgrowth. As a result, you can develop an anal yeast infection.

In addition, you can get an anal yeast infection by sexual contact. Although it isn’t an STD, it can be spread through

• Having unprotected anal sex with a person who has a yeast infection
• Sharing infected sex toys
• Analingus with an infected partner

Everyone can develop an anal yeast infection

Effective Treatments for an Anal Yeast Infection

Even though an anal yeast infection is troublesome, it’s treated easily. Most treatments for yeast infection are aimed to vaginal yeast infections. But they can be used to treat yeast infections in the anus as well. Antifungal medication, OTC topical creams, ointment are helpful to remove yeast infection, such as

• Fluconazole
• Clotrimazole
• Terconazole
• Miconazole
• Butoconazole
• Fugacil

With the above treatments, your infection can be healed within one week. The burning and itchiness will clear up within one or two days. But redness and skin irritation may last longer, especially if your skin is injured from scratching.

Apart from medications and topical creams, home remedies are one of the best choices for this infection. They help to boost the healing process fast, including

• Coconut oil. Based on anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal properties, coconut oil is a great cure for an anal yeast infection. It quickly eases itching and redness.
• Olive oil. This remedy is considered as a topical treatment for Candida. It works well for soothing the itchiness. However, it’s less effective than clotrimazole cream for easing the burning feeling.
• Garlic. When mentioning a topical cream for herpes, garlic should be given first. This home remedy is rich in anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-fungal properties. These properties are helpful to reduce the itchiness and redness.

Although home remedies are useful to get rid of an anal yeast infection, they sometimes have side effects. If you notice any burning sensation or irritation, you should stop applying. Then, ask your healthcare provider for another treatment.

Garlic is an effective treatment for anal yeast infections

The Useful Tips to Reduce Your Risk of Yeast Infections in the Future

An anal infection can reoccur whenever Candida develops out of control. Once you keep it under the control and practice a healthy lifestyle, you can reduce the risk of this infection in the future. Here’re the useful tips for you

1. Reduce the Risk of Spreading Candida

To prevent getting Candida in the future, it’s important to reduce the risk of spreading Candida by

• Using condoms when having sex
• Using a dental dam if performing oral sex

Besides, you’re able to reduce the overgrowth of Candida by avoiding irritants and moisture around the anus. Specifically,

• Avoiding perfumed or scented feminine hygiene products on the anal area
• Wearing cotton underwear
• Keeping tight clothes away
• Washing and cleaning the anal area after taking baths
• Changing clothes after swimming as soon as possible

Related: Having Sex With a Vaginal Yeast Infection- Is It Safe?

Wear cotton clothing of you have an anal infections

2. Boost Your Immune System

A healthy immune system is helpful to reduce your risk of developing an anal yeast infection in the future. Things you should do to boost your immune system include

• Taking daily probiotic supplements
• Eating well-balanced diets that are rich in vitamins and mineral, less in sugar
• Cutting down refined sugar and high carbohydrate out of your diets
• Reducing stress
• Getting enough sleep
• Eating more probiotic foods, like yogurt or miso soup

Related: 10 Antifungal Foods for Yeast Infections You Should Eat

3. Avoid Risk Factors of a Yeast Infection

Identifying the risk factors of yeast infections can be helpful to lower your danger of getting it in the future. You will be more at risk of this infection if

• You have diabetes
• You’re obese
• You take antibiotics every day
• You usually take birth control pills
• You have a health problem which affects the immune system, like autoimmune diseases or HIV
• You have many sexual partners and don’t use protective methods during intercourse

Everyone can develop an anal yeast infection. The infection is troublesome and inconvenient, but it’s not serious. Your healthcare provider can diagnose it easily and prescribe helpful treatment. If you experience any symptoms of an anal yeast infection, you should see your doctor to check. In case your sexual partner has symptoms of this infection, they should also see their doctor.