Yeast infection pill for men: Male Yeast Infection: Symptoms, Treatment, and More
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.
Inexpensive and effective tablets for thrush for men and women
THERE ARE CONTRAINDICATIONS. POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS. A SPECIALIST’S CONSULTATION IS REQUIRED. Thrush
Author of the article
Khokhrina Kristina Sergeevna, pharmacist
All authors
Content of the article
- For women 9 0014
- For men
- Ask an expert on the topic of the article
Antibiotics, hormones, immunosuppressants help in the treatment of serious diseases. But with irrational or prolonged use, they can be harmful. They disrupt the composition of the intestinal microflora, weaken the immune system, and then mushrooms enter the “scene”.
The most common fungal infection is candidiasis, which is caused by yeast-like fungi Candida . In a small amount, they are present in the human body, but when the immune system is weakened, they begin to multiply actively. For example, Candida albicans in 95% of cases is the cause of thrush in women.
Pharmacist Kristina Khokhrina talks about pills that are used to treat candidiasis in men and women.
For women
Thrush or vulvovaginal candidiasis is an inflammation of the mucous membrane of the genital tract caused by a fungus of the genus Candida . The “folk” name of the disease comes from the manifestation of the disease in the form of white curdled discharge. Another characteristic symptom of candidiasis is severe itching and burning in the vulva and vagina. Thrush does not go away on its own; effective and inexpensive drugs in dosage forms have been developed for its treatment:
- oral tablets: Fluconazole, Itraconazole
- topical antimycotics: vaginal suppositories, creams, tablets: Clotrimazole, Pimafucin, Zalain
Oral thrush tablets have advantages and disadvantages over topical medication.
Pros :
- high efficiency
- work in all lesions that can cause a recurrence of the disease, but are not amenable to topical agents
- they can be taken during menstruation
- comfort and ease of reception
Cons :
- serious side effects
- interaction with other drugs in the body
We list drugs in the form of tablets and capsules that are prescribed for the treatment of thrush:
- Diflucan, Fluconazole, Flucostat – the active substance is fluconazole
- Irunin, Orungal, Rumikoz – active substance itraconazole
- Pimafucin, Ecofucin – active ingredient natamycin
- Medicine with fluconazole is considered by doctors as the drug of choice for thrush. It is most active against Candida and well tolerated. In acute candidiasis, a single dose of 150 mg of fluconazole is sufficient to cure.
All products Pimafucin
20 reviews
All products Diflucan
20 reviews
All products Irunin
25 reviews
All products Fluconazole
21 reviews
For men
Candide oz or thrush in men is rare.
Signs of the disease: redness, white coating on the glans penis, accumulations of a curdled appearance under the foreskin, severe itching and burning during urination.
Drugs for the treatment of candidiasis in men are practically the same as those used in women. Of course, with the exception of vaginal suppositories and tablets. Patients are prescribed external antifungal drugs – solutions, creams and ointments. If necessary, the treatment is supplemented with oral tablets.
Tablets help to quickly cure thrush, but may have a negative effect on the body. They can only be used as directed by a doctor.
Disease is easier to prevent than to cure. To prevent candidiasis, you need to strengthen the immune system, maintain the intestinal microflora, avoid stress and self-treatment, follow the rules of personal hygiene, be attentive to your health and the health of your sexual partner.
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symptoms, causes, diagnosis, treatment and prevention
Content of the article
- Symptoms and signs of candidiasis
- Causes of vaginal candidiasis
- Routes of transmission of thrush
- Risk factors for disease
- Complications after thrush
- When to see a doctor
- Preparing for a doctor’s appointment
- Diagnosis of thrush in women and men
- Treatment and its features
- Home remedies, myths and misconceptions
- Prophylaxis
- How to make an appointment with a gynecologist or urologist
Thrush refers to urogenital diseases of a fungal nature.
The second name is candidiasis. The causative agent is a fungus of the genus Candida. They affect the genitourinary system, but do not belong to sexually transmitted infections. Most often diagnosed in women, but men also have cases of infection with these opportunistic microorganisms. Their habitat is the vagina, human intestines and skin. Under certain conditions, the fungal microflora begins to multiply and exceed the allowable amount, which leads to a diagnosis. Patients diagnosed with thrush are treated on an outpatient basis.
Symptoms and signs of candidiasis
Not everyone knows what thrush looks like in women at the onset of the disease. It is accompanied by a number of characteristic symptoms:
- severe itching in the intimate area;
- swelling of the vaginal mucosa;
- burning sensation during intercourse;
- Sour smell of white or yellowish curdled discharge.
Signs of fungal candidiasis in men
Appeared thrush in men shows symptoms in the form of painful urination, swelling of the glans penis, redness and white plaque under the foreskin.
Unpleasant sensations can intensify after intercourse, which should alert. In a state of calm, thrush in men is less pronounced.
Causes of vaginal candidiasis
The causes of thrush are associated with a decrease in immunity. The list of provoking factors also includes:
- taking oral contraceptives;
- taking antibiotics;
- pregnancy;
- violation of the microflora in the body;
- Hygiene products with unsuitable Ph.
Ways of infection with thrush
Thrush during pregnancy appears due to changes in the hormonal background and the composition of the microflora. In other cases, in women, the risk of infection depends on the state of health. Thrush can also appear in men if there was unprotected intercourse with a Candida carrier. The fungal microflora is transmitted if hygiene is not observed (foreign towels, shared bedding). Pools and beaches are often places of infection.
There may be signs of thrush after a kiss. Oral contact is a common route of infection because Candida can be found on any mucous membrane of the body.
Risk factors for disease
Risk factors depend on external exposure and health status. The chances of getting a diagnosis increase with frequent stress, hypothermia, the use of condoms, due to recent infectious diseases. Thrush often appears during pregnancy in women, which become a risk factor for men as well.
The list also includes the following items:
- diabetes mellitus;
- HIV infection;
- chemotherapy;
- beriberi;
- dysbacteriosis.
Complications after thrush
At first, thrush symptoms are less pronounced. Especially during menstruation, when the alkaline environment in the vagina changes. Then the thrush eliminates these causes and the regression of recovery begins. Without treatment, the disease will progress, provoking the development of complications:
- extensive reddening of the mucosa in the intimate area;
- sores and fissures;
- frequent relapses of candidiasis;
- infection of internal organs;
- outbreaks of inflammatory processes;
- weakening of the immune system;
- risk of infertility in women and sexual dysfunction in men.
When to see a doctor
If the occurrence of thrush in women or men is recorded, it is recommended to immediately consult a doctor. Over-the-counter medications may not work as expected. In addition, before making a diagnosis, you need to take smears for laboratory analysis. According to the clinical picture, it is not always possible to determine the nature of mycosis: bacterial vaginosis, thrush or colpitis. Gynecologists of JSC “Medicina” (clinic of Academician Roitberg) in the center of Moscow are engaged in the diagnosis and treatment of these diseases. If you haven’t been exposed to Candida before, don’t self-medicate. Especially in the case of illness in children under the age of 12, with regular relapses and with an allergic reaction to ointments, suppositories. Any drugs for thrush are selected according to individual criteria.
Preparing for a doctor’s visit
Thrush in women causes and symptoms are almost the same, so you need to follow the general rules for preparing for the visit.
It is recommended to come in the first days after the end of menstruation. Before visiting a gynecologist:
- don’t douche, just take a shower;
- refrain from sexual intercourse 2-3 days before taking;
- Do not take any medication 2 weeks before your appointment.
Diagnosis of thrush in women and men
During the diagnosis, the clinical picture is taken into account. This is the patient’s well-being, discharge with thrush and the presence of a number of symptoms. At the appointment at JSC “Medicina” (clinic of Academician Roitberg) near the Mayakovskaya metro station, a gynecologist conducts an examination and takes tests to study the microflora. Thrush has different causes. Truth can only be found by inspection. And for this, men need to contact a urologist. The clinic has the necessary doctors, its own laboratory and equipment that allow you to quickly get the result and make an accurate diagnosis.
Treatment and its features
Thrush in women is treated depending on the tests and the severity of the symptoms.
If they are not very pronounced, topical medications will be prescribed: antifungal creams, vaginal suppositories, ointments. After that, preparations are used to restore microflora and probiotics. But chronic thrush requires a more systematic approach and antibiotic therapy. You also need to follow a diet. Sweets, store-bought juices, fatty foods, smoked meats, starchy foods, sweet fruits, pickles, and alcohol should be excluded from nutrition. It is worth knowing about the diet, how to treat thrush in women and maintain the microflora to stop relapses.
Home remedies, myths and misconceptions
Traditional medicine knows how to cure thrush at home. Douching, baths and tampons are used. The traditional way: dilute 1 tsp. soda in 1 liter of water. You need to douche 2 times a day. Decoctions of herbs are also suitable for this method: St. John’s wort, yarrow, chamomile, oak bark, knotweed, sage, juniper. A common myth is that there is no need to buy a cure for thrush.
You can quickly and cheaply get by with folk remedies. No, that’s not possible. Treatment with herbs and lotions takes about 2-3 weeks. And not the fact that they will help. Thrush requires treatment without fail. It doesn’t go away on its own.
Prevention
Often, thrush in women appears due to the use of daily sanitary pads and wearing tight synthetic underwear. In order to prevent, it is worth abandoning these habits. Cotton underwear is the best choice. Avoid hypothermia at any time of the year, dress warmly. Do not use scented hygiene products, select the appropriate composition and Ph level. With symptoms of the disease, do not self-medicate, any candles and tablets for thrush should be prescribed by a doctor. Avoid stress and overwork, and do not abuse alcohol and sweets.
How to make an appointment with a gynecologist or urologist
You can make an appointment with the specialist you need online.