What are the common symptoms of a male yeast infection. How is a penile yeast infection diagnosed and treated. Can male yeast infections be prevented. What are the risk factors for developing a yeast infection in men. How do antifungal medications work to treat penile yeast infections. When should you see a doctor for symptoms of a male yeast infection.

Understanding Male Yeast Infections: Causes and Risk Factors

Male yeast infections, though often associated with women’s health, can affect individuals with penises as well. These infections are typically caused by an overgrowth of the fungus Candida albicans, which naturally exists in small amounts on the skin and mucous membranes. When the balance of microorganisms is disrupted, it can lead to an infection.

Several factors can increase the risk of developing a penile yeast infection:

• Poor genital hygiene
• Weakened immune system
• Prolonged antibiotic use
• Wearing tight or wet clothing
• Using irritating skin products or soaps
• Diabetes
• Obesity
• Being uncircumcised

Are some men more susceptible to yeast infections than others? Indeed, those with compromised immune systems, uncontrolled diabetes, or who frequently take antibiotics may be at higher risk. Additionally, sexual contact with a partner who has a vaginal yeast infection can transmit the fungus, potentially leading to a penile infection.

Recognizing the Symptoms of a Male Yeast Infection

Identifying a yeast infection in men is crucial for prompt treatment. The symptoms can vary in severity but often include:

• Redness, soreness, or swelling of the penis
• White, shiny patches on the penis
• Small red spots on the penis head
• Cracked foreskin
• Thick, white discharge under the foreskin
• Difficulty retracting the foreskin
• Itching and burning sensation
• Discomfort during urination or sexual intercourse

How can you differentiate between a yeast infection and other penile conditions? While these symptoms are indicative of a yeast infection, they can also resemble those of certain sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Therefore, it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis rather than self-diagnosing or self-treating.

Diagnosis and Medical Evaluation of Penile Yeast Infections

When symptoms of a potential yeast infection arise, seeking medical attention is crucial. A urologist or primary care physician can usually diagnose the condition in a single appointment. The diagnostic process typically involves:

1. A detailed discussion of symptoms and medical history
2. Physical examination of the genital area
3. Microscopic examination of any discharge or skin samples

Why is professional diagnosis important? While over-the-counter treatments are available, misdiagnosis can lead to ineffective treatment or worsening of symptoms. Additionally, some serious conditions may present similarly to yeast infections, making professional evaluation crucial for proper care.

Effective Treatment Options for Male Yeast Infections

Once diagnosed, male yeast infections are typically treatable with antifungal medications. The choice of treatment depends on the severity and recurrence of the infection:

Topical Antifungal Treatments

For most cases, topical antifungal creams and ointments are sufficient. Common over-the-counter options include:

• Miconazole (Lotrimin AF, Cruex, Desenex)
• Clotrimazole (Lotrimin AF, Anti-Fungal)
• Imidazole (Canesten, Selezen)

Oral Medications

In more severe or persistent cases, oral antifungal medications may be prescribed, such as fluconazole (Diflucan).

How long does it take for treatment to work? Most infections respond to treatment within a week, but it’s important to complete the full course of medication as prescribed, even if symptoms improve sooner.

Preventing Recurrence and Maintaining Penile Health

While treatment is effective, preventing future infections is equally important. Here are some strategies to reduce the risk of recurrent yeast infections:

• Practice good genital hygiene
• Wear loose-fitting, breathable underwear
• Avoid prolonged exposure to moisture
• Use mild, unscented soaps
• Manage underlying conditions like diabetes
• Use protection during sexual activity with infected partners

Can dietary changes help prevent yeast infections? While not conclusively proven, some studies suggest that reducing sugar intake and incorporating probiotics into your diet may help maintain a healthy balance of microorganisms in the body.

Complications and When to Seek Immediate Medical Attention

While most male yeast infections are easily treatable, complications can arise if left unaddressed. Potential complications include:

• Balanitis (inflammation of the penis head)
• Spread of infection to other parts of the body
• Increased risk of HIV transmission

When should you seek immediate medical care? If you experience severe pain, fever, or if symptoms persist despite treatment, it’s crucial to consult a healthcare provider promptly. These could be signs of a more serious condition or a resistant infection requiring specialized care.

The Impact of Yeast Infections on Sexual Health and Relationships

Yeast infections can significantly impact sexual health and intimate relationships. The discomfort and symptoms associated with these infections often lead to:

• Reduced sexual desire
• Pain or discomfort during intercourse
• Anxiety about transmitting the infection to partners
• Strain on intimate relationships

How can couples navigate intimacy during a yeast infection? Open communication with partners is essential. It’s advisable to abstain from sexual activity until the infection clears to prevent transmission and allow for proper healing. If sexual activity does occur, using barrier methods like condoms can help reduce the risk of spreading the infection.

For individuals in committed relationships, it’s important to note that recurrent infections in one partner may indicate that both partners require treatment. In such cases, simultaneous treatment can help prevent the “ping-pong effect” where partners continually reinfect each other.

Exploring the Link Between Male Yeast Infections and Overall Health

While yeast infections are localized conditions, they can sometimes be indicative of broader health issues. Understanding these connections can lead to more comprehensive health management:

Immune System Function

Recurrent yeast infections may signal a weakened immune system. This could be due to various factors, including:

• Chronic stress
• Poor nutrition
• Underlying medical conditions
• Certain medications (e.g., corticosteroids)

Metabolic Health

There’s a notable connection between yeast infections and metabolic health, particularly diabetes. High blood sugar levels create an environment conducive to yeast overgrowth. Therefore, recurrent infections might prompt a need for diabetes screening or better glucose management in diagnosed individuals.

Gut Health

Emerging research suggests a link between gut health and susceptibility to yeast infections. An imbalance in gut microbiota, often influenced by diet and antibiotic use, may contribute to increased yeast overgrowth elsewhere in the body.

How can addressing these broader health aspects help prevent yeast infections? By focusing on overall health—including stress management, balanced nutrition, regular exercise, and proper management of any underlying conditions—individuals may reduce their susceptibility to yeast overgrowth and strengthen their body’s natural defenses against infections.

Myths and Misconceptions About Male Yeast Infections

Despite increased awareness, several myths persist about male yeast infections. Addressing these misconceptions is crucial for proper understanding and management of the condition:

Myth 1: Only Women Get Yeast Infections

This is perhaps the most common misconception. While yeast infections are indeed more frequent in women, men can and do get them. The anatomy might differ, but the underlying cause—an overgrowth of Candida—remains the same.

Myth 2: Yeast Infections Always Indicate Poor Hygiene

While poor hygiene can contribute to yeast infections, it’s not the sole cause. Many factors, including antibiotic use, stress, and underlying health conditions, can lead to an overgrowth of yeast even in individuals with good hygiene practices.

Myth 3: Yeast Infections Are Always Sexually Transmitted

While yeast infections can be passed between sexual partners, they are not classified as sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Many cases occur without sexual transmission, purely due to an overgrowth of the body’s naturally occurring yeast.

Myth 4: Over-the-Counter Treatments Are Always Sufficient

While OTC treatments are effective for many cases, some infections may require prescription-strength medications or different approaches. Self-diagnosis and treatment without professional consultation can lead to mismanagement of potentially serious conditions.

Why is dispelling these myths important? Accurate information empowers individuals to seek appropriate care and take necessary preventive measures. It also helps reduce stigma and encourages open discussions about genital health.

Advancements in Research and Future Treatments for Yeast Infections

The field of yeast infection research is continually evolving, with new insights and potential treatments on the horizon. Some exciting areas of development include:

Probiotic Therapies

Researchers are exploring the use of beneficial bacteria to combat yeast overgrowth. Probiotics, either as supplements or in topical applications, may help maintain a healthy balance of microorganisms and prevent infections.

Novel Antifungal Compounds

Scientists are working on developing new antifungal medications that may be more effective against resistant strains of Candida or have fewer side effects than current treatments.

Immunomodulatory Approaches

Research into therapies that can boost the body’s natural immune response to yeast overgrowth could lead to more targeted and effective treatments.

Personalized Medicine

Advancements in genetic testing and microbiome analysis may pave the way for more personalized treatment approaches, tailoring interventions to an individual’s specific biological makeup.

How might these advancements change the landscape of yeast infection treatment? As research progresses, we may see more targeted, efficient, and personalized approaches to both treating and preventing yeast infections. This could lead to better outcomes, reduced recurrence rates, and improved quality of life for those prone to these infections.

The future of yeast infection management looks promising, with potential for treatments that not only address the immediate symptoms but also tackle the root causes of recurrent infections. As always, staying informed about these developments and maintaining open communication with healthcare providers will be key to benefiting from emerging treatments and preventive strategies.

Male Yeast Infection: Symptoms, Treatment, and More

Penile yeast infections can create a range of uncomfortable symptoms, but are often treated quickly by OTC medications, and can be reduced by taking certain steps, such as practicing proper hygiene.

A yeast infection is often thought of as a female health problem, but it can affect anyone, including people with a penis.

A penile yeast infection can lead to a wide range of painful and uncomfortable symptoms if not treated. It can also lead to serious complications if the infection spreads to your bloodstream.

Over-the-counter (OTC) medications can often clear up a yeast infection, and some basic prevention steps can help you avoid this fairly common condition.

Some of the most common symptoms of a penile yeast infection include:

• redness, soreness, or swelling of the penis
• white, shiny patches at the top of the penis
• small red spots at the top of the penis
• cracked foreskin
• thick, white discharge under the foreskin or other folds of skin
• difficulty pulling back the foreskin
• itchiness
• burning sensation during urination
• pain or discomfort during sex

Redness, itchiness, and pain in the penis can be signs of other more serious conditions, like some sexually transmitted infections (STIs), so do not ignore symptoms once they appear.

A urologist or primary care doctor can diagnose the condition, often in a single appointment.

A yeast infection is usually caused by a fungus called candida. A small amount of candida is usually present in the body. All it takes is an overgrowth of candida to develop a yeast infection.

A moist environment is ideal for candida to spread, according to 2018 research.

Having sex with a person who has a vaginal yeast infection without using a condom can also cause a penile yeast infection. However, you can also develop an infection without sexual activity.

Aside from sex with a partner who has a yeast infection, several other risk factors can increase your odds of developing a penile yeast infection, such as:

• not cleaning your genitals or bathing regularly
• having a weakened immune function due to certain medications or health conditions
• using antibiotics long term
• wearing wet clothing or tight-fitting underwear
• using skin products or soaps that cause skin irritation
• having diabetes
• using lubricated condoms
• being uncircumcised
• having obesity

Once you make an appointment, a doctor will ask you about your symptoms and likely examine your genitals. Some of the white substance that forms on the penis may be examined under a microscope to confirm the type of fungus causing the symptoms, according to 2022 research.

If you cannot get in to see a doctor or a urologist, consider a visit to an urgent care center or the emergency room. The earlier the problem is diagnosed and treatment begins, the more likely it is you can avoid complications.

It’s not recommended for a person to diagnose themselves and start treatment on their own. If symptoms of a yeast infection are present, contact a doctor. If symptoms are allowed to persist, complications can become very uncomfortable.

In most cases, topical antifungal ointments and creams are enough to clear up an infection. Some of the antifungal creams recommended for a yeast infection include:

• miconazole (Lotrimin AF, Cruex, Desenex, Ting Antifungal)
• imidazole (Canesten, Selezen)
• clotrimazole (Lotrimin AF, Anti-Fungal, Cruex, Desenex, Lotrimin AF Ringworm)

Most of these are available as OTC medications, which means you will not need a prescription. More serious or long-term infections may require prescription-strength medication.

Oral fluconazole (Diflucan) and hydrocortisone cream may be advised in serious infections, like those that have developed into a potentially serious condition called balanitis.

Most antifungal creams are well tolerated and unlikely to cause any serious side effects. Check the label, however, and ask a doctor and pharmacist what to look out for in case you have a bad reaction.

Recurrent yeast infections

Yeast infections sometimes return after they seem to have been cured. If this happens, your doctor will likely recommend a few weeks of daily treatments followed by a few months of weekly treatments.

In some cases, treatment for recurrent yeast infections can last up to 6 months.

If your infection does not respond well to an antifungal ointment and you are uncircumcised, you may be advised to have an adult male circumcision, according to 2016 research. Though this surgical procedure is usually done on infants, it can be done safely on people of any age.

Diabetes and yeast infections

Factors like diabetes and a suppressed immune system may contribute to your yeast infection risk, according to 2019 research.

If you have diabetes, work with a healthcare professional to make sure your blood sugar levels are well-managed. If you have a suppressed immune system, a doctor can recommend ways to help keep your immune system as healthy as possible.

If left untreated, a penile yeast infection can lead to some serious complications.

Balanitis

One of the potential complications of a penile yeast infection is balanitis. Balanitis is an inflammation of the foreskin or head of the penis. Diabetes can increase your risk for balanitis.

If balanitis is not treated effectively, scarring of the foreskin can occur. It can also cause adhesions on the penis.

Balanitis can be painful and make urinating more difficult. If untreated, it can cause swollen and painful glands as well as weakness and fatigue.

Invasive candidiasis

A yeast infection may enter the bloodstream. This is known as candidemia or invasive candidiasis.

This is most common in people who wait to receive treatment until the infection has spread beyond the penis. It is also more common in those with weakened immune systems.

If you’ve been in a hospital and used a catheter to urinate, you may be more likely to face invasive candidiasis. This advanced form of yeast infection is very serious.

Oral antifungal medications may be needed for several weeks. In some cases, the drugs are administered intravenously.

If your infection is treated early and responds well to antifungal medication, it can clear up within 7 to 14 days.

If you are sexually active, your partner should also be treated for a yeast infection to avoid passing the infection on to them, or back to you.

If you get repeated yeast infections and can rule out causes like hygiene and sexual contact, talk with a doctor about other possible causes. You may have an underlying health condition, such as diabetes.

You can help prevent a penile yeast infection by avoiding sexual contact with a partner who has a yeast infection.

You should also avoid having sex with anyone while you have an active yeast infection, as you could pass the infection back to your partner. This could cause the two of you to pass an infection back and forth.

To lower the risk of getting a yeast infection or passing one along, do the following:

• Wear an external condom each time you have sex to help reduce your chances of developing a yeast infection.
• Practice good hygiene, and keep your penis and genitals clean and dry.
• If you are uncircumcised, clean under the foreskin with soap and water, and return your foreskin to its usual position after you have sexual intercourse.

Penile yeast infections are not as common as vaginal yeast infections, but they do occur. They may result from poor hygiene or sex with a partner who has a vaginal yeast infection without using an external condom.

Symptoms include small white patches and redness on the skin as well as itchiness or burning. If left untreated, it can also cause other conditions and complications.

Topical antifungal ointments and creams can typically treat the infection and reduce the risk of long-term complications.

Male Yeast Infection: Symptoms, Treatment, and More

Penile yeast infections can create a range of uncomfortable symptoms, but are often treated quickly by OTC medications, and can be reduced by taking certain steps, such as practicing proper hygiene.

A yeast infection is often thought of as a female health problem, but it can affect anyone, including people with a penis.

A penile yeast infection can lead to a wide range of painful and uncomfortable symptoms if not treated. It can also lead to serious complications if the infection spreads to your bloodstream.

Over-the-counter (OTC) medications can often clear up a yeast infection, and some basic prevention steps can help you avoid this fairly common condition.

Some of the most common symptoms of a penile yeast infection include:

• redness, soreness, or swelling of the penis
• white, shiny patches at the top of the penis
• small red spots at the top of the penis
• cracked foreskin
• thick, white discharge under the foreskin or other folds of skin
• difficulty pulling back the foreskin
• itchiness
• burning sensation during urination
• pain or discomfort during sex

Redness, itchiness, and pain in the penis can be signs of other more serious conditions, like some sexually transmitted infections (STIs), so do not ignore symptoms once they appear.

A urologist or primary care doctor can diagnose the condition, often in a single appointment.

A yeast infection is usually caused by a fungus called candida. A small amount of candida is usually present in the body. All it takes is an overgrowth of candida to develop a yeast infection.

A moist environment is ideal for candida to spread, according to 2018 research.

Having sex with a person who has a vaginal yeast infection without using a condom can also cause a penile yeast infection. However, you can also develop an infection without sexual activity.

Aside from sex with a partner who has a yeast infection, several other risk factors can increase your odds of developing a penile yeast infection, such as:

• not cleaning your genitals or bathing regularly
• having a weakened immune function due to certain medications or health conditions
• using antibiotics long term
• wearing wet clothing or tight-fitting underwear
• using skin products or soaps that cause skin irritation
• having diabetes
• using lubricated condoms
• being uncircumcised
• having obesity

Once you make an appointment, a doctor will ask you about your symptoms and likely examine your genitals. Some of the white substance that forms on the penis may be examined under a microscope to confirm the type of fungus causing the symptoms, according to 2022 research.

If you cannot get in to see a doctor or a urologist, consider a visit to an urgent care center or the emergency room. The earlier the problem is diagnosed and treatment begins, the more likely it is you can avoid complications.

It’s not recommended for a person to diagnose themselves and start treatment on their own. If symptoms of a yeast infection are present, contact a doctor. If symptoms are allowed to persist, complications can become very uncomfortable.

In most cases, topical antifungal ointments and creams are enough to clear up an infection. Some of the antifungal creams recommended for a yeast infection include:

• miconazole (Lotrimin AF, Cruex, Desenex, Ting Antifungal)
• imidazole (Canesten, Selezen)
• clotrimazole (Lotrimin AF, Anti-Fungal, Cruex, Desenex, Lotrimin AF Ringworm)

Most of these are available as OTC medications, which means you will not need a prescription. More serious or long-term infections may require prescription-strength medication.

Oral fluconazole (Diflucan) and hydrocortisone cream may be advised in serious infections, like those that have developed into a potentially serious condition called balanitis.

Most antifungal creams are well tolerated and unlikely to cause any serious side effects. Check the label, however, and ask a doctor and pharmacist what to look out for in case you have a bad reaction.

Recurrent yeast infections

Yeast infections sometimes return after they seem to have been cured. If this happens, your doctor will likely recommend a few weeks of daily treatments followed by a few months of weekly treatments.

In some cases, treatment for recurrent yeast infections can last up to 6 months.

If your infection does not respond well to an antifungal ointment and you are uncircumcised, you may be advised to have an adult male circumcision, according to 2016 research. Though this surgical procedure is usually done on infants, it can be done safely on people of any age.

Diabetes and yeast infections

Factors like diabetes and a suppressed immune system may contribute to your yeast infection risk, according to 2019 research.

If you have diabetes, work with a healthcare professional to make sure your blood sugar levels are well-managed. If you have a suppressed immune system, a doctor can recommend ways to help keep your immune system as healthy as possible.

If left untreated, a penile yeast infection can lead to some serious complications.

Balanitis

One of the potential complications of a penile yeast infection is balanitis. Balanitis is an inflammation of the foreskin or head of the penis. Diabetes can increase your risk for balanitis.

If balanitis is not treated effectively, scarring of the foreskin can occur. It can also cause adhesions on the penis.

Balanitis can be painful and make urinating more difficult. If untreated, it can cause swollen and painful glands as well as weakness and fatigue.

Invasive candidiasis

A yeast infection may enter the bloodstream. This is known as candidemia or invasive candidiasis.

This is most common in people who wait to receive treatment until the infection has spread beyond the penis. It is also more common in those with weakened immune systems.

If you’ve been in a hospital and used a catheter to urinate, you may be more likely to face invasive candidiasis. This advanced form of yeast infection is very serious.

Oral antifungal medications may be needed for several weeks. In some cases, the drugs are administered intravenously.

If your infection is treated early and responds well to antifungal medication, it can clear up within 7 to 14 days.

If you are sexually active, your partner should also be treated for a yeast infection to avoid passing the infection on to them, or back to you.

If you get repeated yeast infections and can rule out causes like hygiene and sexual contact, talk with a doctor about other possible causes. You may have an underlying health condition, such as diabetes.

You can help prevent a penile yeast infection by avoiding sexual contact with a partner who has a yeast infection.

You should also avoid having sex with anyone while you have an active yeast infection, as you could pass the infection back to your partner. This could cause the two of you to pass an infection back and forth.

To lower the risk of getting a yeast infection or passing one along, do the following:

• Wear an external condom each time you have sex to help reduce your chances of developing a yeast infection.
• Practice good hygiene, and keep your penis and genitals clean and dry.
• If you are uncircumcised, clean under the foreskin with soap and water, and return your foreskin to its usual position after you have sexual intercourse.

Penile yeast infections are not as common as vaginal yeast infections, but they do occur. They may result from poor hygiene or sex with a partner who has a vaginal yeast infection without using an external condom.

Symptoms include small white patches and redness on the skin as well as itchiness or burning. If left untreated, it can also cause other conditions and complications.

Topical antifungal ointments and creams can typically treat the infection and reduce the risk of long-term complications.

Men’s thrush: treatment of thrush in men, symptoms of candidiasis in men

Men, having found pronounced symptoms of candidiasis, often ask themselves the question: “Do men have thrush?” In fact, the fungi that cause thrush are present in the normal microflora of the colon and mouth. However, under a combination of adverse circumstances, these fungi begin to actively multiply, which, as a result, leads to the appearance of such an ailment as candidiasis in men.

General information about thrush in men

In the presence of such a disease as thrush in men, the symptoms, treatment and prevention of this disease depend on how the disease progresses.

What is thrush?

Thrush is a type of yeast infection caused by Candida albicans that can develop in the mouth and throat, skin, and genitals. Fungal infections of the genital organs are more common in women, but also occur in men. Mushrooms produce various enzymes (lipotic, protelytic, saccharolytic) that irritate sensitive nerve endings located on the mucosa. The effect of these enzymes on the body and explains the clinical signs of thrush in men.

Causes of thrush in men

Signs of thrush in men are less common, due to the fact that the Candida fungus does not linger in the body, but is washed out during urination.

Causes of thrush in men are endogenous (internal) and exogenous (external) in nature.

Causes of thrush in men:

• weakened immune system;
• poor hygiene;
• sexually transmitted infection from a woman;
• prolonged or uncontrolled use of various antibiotics, drugs;
• frequent change of climatic zones;
• emotional upheavals: the presence of nervous breakdowns, stressful conditions;
• diabetes mellitus (high blood sugar contributes to the development of a yeast infection).

In addition, when candidiasis occurs in men, the cause of the disease can be “hidden” in the dysbacteriosis of the mucous membranes, various dysfunctions of the mucosal barrier that occur due to trauma, inflammation and maceration.

What do the symptoms of thrush look like in men?

Male thrush usually affects the glans penis, causing irritation, discharge and redness. The inside of the foreskin may swell. Candidiasis is more common in uncircumcised men. This is because the conditions under the foreskin are favorable for the development of the fungus. Also, when a disease such as thrush occurs in men, the symptoms have characteristic signs for all types of the disease – itching and a whitish coating on the mucous membrane. For self-visual diagnosis of candidiasis, it is enough to know what thrush looks like on shorts. It leaves characteristic traces – thick, white or slightly yellowish discharge.
Picture of thrush in men (initial stage)

Symptoms of thrush in men

The manifestation of thrush in men depends on what affects the disease. On the skin, candidiasis in men manifests itself in the form of redness and the appearance of vesicles on the skin, and on the mucous membranes – in the form of inflammation of the infectious nature of the oral cavity and urethra.

Symptoms of thrush in men:

• there is itching, burning on the foreskin, as well as on the glans penis;
• white discharge appears from the site of the lesion, resembling cottage cheese;
• the penis becomes swollen;
• discharge has a pungent odor;
• during urination there is a white discharge that looks like semen;
• the process of sexual intercourse, as well as urination, is accompanied by pain in the genital area.

When candidiasis occurs in men, the symptoms and treatment of this disease depend on how quickly the incubation period has passed. Basically, this period takes 14-21 days, during which the fungi actively multiply in the body, but do not yet give visible symptoms.

How to treat thrush in men

After the first symptoms of thrush appear (listed above), a urologist and a dermatovenereologist know how to treat this disease.

If candidiasis is caused by endocrine disorders, treatment is prescribed by an endocrinologist after consultation.

To establish the diagnosis, the patient will need to take a smear for bacterioscopic examination and bacteriological culture. Additionally, the following tests may be prescribed:

• for the presence of genital infections;
• blood sugar test;
• for the Wasserman reaction;
• general blood and urine analysis.

If the appearance of thrush has other causes (sugar, infection of the genital organs, etc.), then appropriate treatment is carried out by narrow specialists. If only one thrush is found, symptomatic treatment with local preparations for thrush is prescribed.

Thrush in men is 4 times less common than in women. Therefore, among the variety of medicinal preparations for women (creams, gels, ointments, suppositories for thrush, vaginal tablets), only ointments and antifungal tablets are used to treat men.

Among the ointments, the following medicines are distinguished.

• Pimafucin.
• Ointment Levomekol.
• Candide b.
• Nystatin.
• Cream Ecodax.
• Clotrimazole.
• Metronidazole.

Thrush is a disease that requires timely treatment, because there is a risk of complications.

If the disease has developed as a result of infection from a sexual partner, then the treatment of thrush in men requires the use of drugs locally, and in some cases internally, by both partners.

If the disease has caused a number of complications, turned into a chronic form, complex treatment of thrush is required. So, in combination with local drugs, antifungal tablets are prescribed. This approach in therapy will allow you to get rid of the signs of candidiasis already for 2-3 days. Such tablets from thrush have proven themselves well:

• Pimafucin.
• Futsis.
• Diflucan.
• Nizoral.
• Medoflucon.
• Nistanin.

Before using any drug, be sure to consult your doctor!

Diet for thrush

If candidiasis occurs in men, treatment includes not only medication, but also diet.

How to treat thrush in men with diet?

What should be excluded from the diet?

• Sweet and starchy foods: sweets, chocolate, sweet fruits, dried fruit, jam, honey, ice cream and other “simple” carbohydrates.
• Starchy products such as sweet pastries, bread. Cut down on potatoes, corn, rice, and other similar foods.
• Marinades , canned foods, smoked products.
• Some fermented milk products – ryazhenka, milk, cottage cheese.
• Products of fermentation or which may cause fermentation and contain live yeast and live fungi. Among such products: grapes and other sweet fruits, blue cheeses, kvass, beer, wines, bread, and so on.
• Certain beverages such as caffeinated coffee and tea, sugary drinks and alcohol.
• Certain nuts including peanuts, pistachios and cashews.
• Tobacco.

What should be included in the diet?

• Non-starchy vegetables including broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, onions and tomatoes.
• Low sugar fruits such as citrus fruits, olives and berries, but only in moderation.
• Lean proteins including chicken, eggs and fish.
• Healthy fats such as avocado, coconut oil, extra virgin olive oil and linseed oil.
• Gluten-free grains such as quinoa, oat bran, buckwheat and rice.
• Nuts and seeds such as almonds, coconut, linseed and sunflower seeds.
• Certain dairy products such as butter and ghee, and products containing live active cultures such as kefir and yogurt (natural).
• Probiotics.

Sexual contact during thrush

Although it is possible for a man with candidiasis to have sex, most doctors do not recommend it until the infection has cleared. In addition, men may abstain from sexual activity during thrush to minimize pain and itching. Sex during this period is not only uncomfortable, but can cause candidiasis in men to last longer, cause symptoms to return if they have recently cleared up after treatment, and increase the partner’s risk of developing the disease.

For a more detailed answer to this question, see our article “Is it possible to have sex with thrush?”

Complications of male candidiasis and consequences

If left untreated, advanced thrush in men can turn into a chronic form, and periodic exacerbations will greatly impair the quality of life. With untimely treatment, the structure of the urethral mucosa may be disturbed, which makes it difficult to urinate, the inflammatory process can rise to the prostate gland and bladder. It also reduces the sensitivity of the nerve endings of the penis. With advanced candidiasis, there may be a complete lack of libido and a manifestation of sexual dysfunction. That is why it is necessary to diagnose and begin treatment of thrush in a timely manner, without waiting for complications.

Prevention of thrush

Prevention of thrush in men includes the following recommendations:

1. Strengthen your immunity and health, get enough sleep and try to avoid stress. In addition, it is better to stop drinking alcohol and smoking.
2. Maintain personal hygiene.
3. Avoid casual sex and unprotected sex.
4. Do regular self-examination of the genitals for various changes.
5. Do not use deodorants, talcum powder, perfumed soaps or shower gels on the genitals. They can cause irritation.
6. Wear loose cotton underwear to avoid creating a wet environment for Candida to grow.
7. Avoid tight underwear and pants/shorts.
8. Be sure to visit your urologist twice a year. Such visits help diagnose diseases at an early stage and start timely treatment.

symptoms, treatment, prevention at home

Candida albicans is present in almost everyone in the body – it is a normal cohabitant of the microflora. If a person is healthy, his immunity works well, then the fungus “sleeps” peacefully. You can live your whole life and never get thrush. However, if there is a malfunction in the body (for example, a person falls ill, takes certain medications, does not follow the rules of hygiene), candida begin to rebel – they multiply and cause serious discomfort.

How is thrush in men and how to deal with it, tells dermatovenereologist, urologist, candidate of medical sciences Sergey Lenkin .

Symptoms of thrush in men

– The fungus affects not only the genitals, but also the inguinal folds, the oral cavity . .. And yet, the thrush of the genitourinary system is the most common lesion of those that I observe in my many years of practice, – says Sergey Gennadievich. – Symptoms of the disease are usually expressed in the region of the glans penis and foreskin. The head itself (balanitis) is almost never affected in isolation, because it comes into contact with the skin. Therefore, it is more correct to speak about candidal balanoposthitis, and not candidal balanitis. Inflammation can move to the urethra. Outwardly, this is imperceptible: it can manifest itself only as a slight itching when urinating. But tests show the disease.

Thrush in men is manifested by the following signs of inflammation:

• redness, swelling of the mucosa;
• itching, burning;
• dryness, irritation, hypersensitivity, soreness;
• strong white coating, similar in appearance to cottage cheese, often with erosive inclusions;
• bad smell.

Provoking factors of candidal balanoposthitis :

• increased sugar in diabetes mellitus;
• chronic diseases;
• overweight;
• long-term use of antibiotics;
• stress, depression;
• violation of intimate hygiene.

– Infection from a sexual partner is one of the main factors that provoke thrush, – the doctor clarifies. – Itching, burning, raids, smells – all these symptoms often appear a day or two after sex, and quite often after oral sex. Candida lives very often in the mouth, on the tongue. It happens like this: a woman takes tests from the vagina – everything is fine, but from the mouth – bad. And the man gets infected. Another option for relapse is due to the arrival of a new type of thrush fungus to the existing one and the creation of cooperation by them.

Diagnosis

Four types of tests are performed to diagnose candidal balanoposthitis.

1. Swab. Glass is applied to the head of the penis and an imprint of plaque remains on it, which is then studied under a microscope.
2. PCR analysis (determination of polymerase chain reaction) of plaque for 8 types of thrush fungus.
3. Thrush culture. The importance of this analysis is that it determines the sensitivity of identified fungi to drugs.
4. Blood test for immunoglobulins (the body’s immune response to a disease). Assign in chronic cases or when there is thrush of the internal organs. For example, in the intestine, hard to reach for a smear.

An important point: before the diagnosis, you should not urinate and do not wash your head for at least a day. It is necessary that the same plaque accumulate, which indicates the presence of a fungus.

Treatment of thrush in men

– Antifungal ointments are often prescribed: clotrimazole, nizoral … Even many medical manuals have such recommendations. However, the ointment does not penetrate into the urethra, and from there the fungus colonizes back to the entire penis again, laments Sergey Lenkin. – This is the first reason for the ineffectiveness of pseudo-treatment. The second is that patients constantly swallow single-use tablets such as fluconazole, diflucan, flucostat, having read tips from the Internet. This leads to the fact that the symptoms are muffled, the disease becomes chronic, and Candida – even the most common Candida albicans – becomes resistant to drugs. According to my data, about 30% of candida are practically insensitive to any pills. This is a big problem! Patients infect their partners, and with any decrease in immunity, relapses of the disease occur. Then these pill-makers, painters and candle-makers (that’s what I call self-treatment lovers) come to us with neglected thrush, and it’s not clear what to do with them.

Approximately 30-40% of cases of candidiasis, according to my observations, are caused not by the usual Candida albicans, but by other seven types of fungus. Causes? Sex and other methods of transmission that we have already talked about. Treatment can be difficult, sometimes the fungus is very resistant to drugs.

Four types of tests are carried out to diagnose candidal balanoposthitis.
Photo: Pixabay

Prevention at home

– The best prevention is the treatment of latent cases so as not to infect the partner, Sergey Lenkin insists. – As for prevention during intimate life: if you know that your partner has thrush and do not want to get infected, then you can use ointments – clotrimazole, nizoral. Or single-dose pills like fluconazole. They are effective for prevention, and not for treatment, as many people think.

Also remember to urinate immediately after intercourse, as the fungus is excreted in the urine through the urethra, and this is also a preventive measure.

Popular Questions and Answers

Can thrush in men be asymptomatic?

Maybe. For example, in circumcised men. When the head is open, it is dry and uncomfortable for candida, which loves wrinkles and moisture. Asymptomatic course also occurs in men with more or less strong immunity.

Is thrush transmitted from woman to man?

Yes, it is a contagious disease.

Why does thrush not go away for a long time?

Because they try to treat at home and start the disease instead of going to the doctor.

Can a man infect a woman with thrush?

Of course, yes. And with any kind of sex, including unconventional.

Should I be treated if the symptoms are mild?

If symptoms appear – whether mild or not – they should be treated. The only exception is when it comes to the carriage of both partners in a married couple who have sex only with each other and are sure that there are no changes. But this is almost never the case these days.

Can a successful treatment regimen be used for relapse without going to the doctor?

In case of relapse, the sensitivity to drugs may be different, so it is better to consult a doctor.

What is atypical candidiasis? How to treat, the causes of the disease?

Approximately 30-40% of cases of candidiasis, according to my observations, are caused not by the usual Candida albicans, but by other seven types of fungus. Causes? Sex and other methods of transmission that we have already talked about. Treatment can be difficult, sometimes the fungus is very resistant to drugs.

Does nutrition influence the onset of disease?

If you gorge yourself on sugar and other filth, then a relapse is, of course, possible. But there is no direct link between nutrition and candidiasis.

Men love beer, beer is a yeast product… Can it provoke thrush?

Theoretically, maybe. But I am not aware of such cases.

Does thrush in men affect the quality of sperm (if the couple is planning a pregnancy)?

Only if urethra, prostate are affected. If a couple is planning a pregnancy, they need to be treated. Because pregnancy is a state when the immune system is weakened, and thrush will still manifest itself, if not now, then later.

Natural alternative therapies – are they effective? Furacilin, chamomile…

I don’t use this kind of treatment. Nevertheless, furalicin baths – why not? Chamomile – perhaps, but as an additional method of anti-inflammatory treatment. Weed, of course, does not kill thrush.

The husband has thrush, but the wife has no symptoms – a reason to suspect in infidelity?

This is an occasion to get tested for infections, including thrush. Because the symptoms of thrush can often be symptoms of another disease: from allergies to dysbacteriosis.