Yeast Infection in Men: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments

Yeast Infection in Men: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments

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This article was medically reviewed by Jason R. McKnight, MD, MS, a family medicine physician and clinical assistant professor at Texas A&M College of Medicine. 

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If you think you may have a penile yeast infection, reach out to your doctor or a urologist.

Martin Barraud/Getty Images

• Yeast infections in men have symptoms like itching, swelling, redness, and irritation. 
• Male yeast infections are often caused by unprotected sex or poor hygiene. 
• To get rid of a yeast infection in men, doctors often prescribe an antifungal like fluconazole.

With 75% of women experiencing a yeast infection in their life, the condition is widely associated with being a vaginal problem. But, what about the rest of the population — can men get a yeast infection?

Here’s everything you need to know about penile yeast infections.

Can men get yeast infections? 

Yes, men can get yeast infections just like women, but how many men get one each year is unclear. 

A yeast infection occurs when there is an overgrowth of the fungus candida. This fungus typically lives in trace amounts on the skin and is kept in check by beneficial bacteria that help regulate the skin’s pH levels. However, under the right conditions — specifically warm, moist environments like the genitals — candida can grow and spread. 

An overgrowth of the candida fungus leads to a condition in men known as balanitis, in which the head of the penis becomes inflamed. This is known as a penile yeast infection. The condition is generally treatable, and knowing the symptoms of penile yeast infections can not only help you cure it early on but also ensure you spend less time in discomfort.

Symptoms of yeast infection in men

• Itching
• Irritation 
• White discharge that is the consistency of cottage cheese
• Swelling 
• Redness
• Tenderness
• General aching in the area 

Causes and risk factors of male yeast infections 

According to Robert Mordkin, MD, CMO of LetsGetChecked and chief of urology at Virginia Hospital Center, other factors — in addition to a moist environment — that can lead to penile yeast infections include:

• Poor hygiene can provide a breeding ground for candida to develop into a penile yeast infection. Thoroughly cleaning your genitals under every skin fold, especially if you are uncircumcised, can decrease your chances of an infection occurring. 
• Irritated or damaged skin from a cut or friction from clothing. 
• Unprotected intercourse with a partner who has a yeast infection. When a man has sex with someone who has a vaginal yeast infection, the condition can spread to their penile area. Until a yeast infection is treated, avoiding sex — especially without a condom — can ensure that the condition does not spread to others. While condoms may help to prevent the spread, it is not a guaranteed method.

Certain pre-existing conditions can also increase your risk of a penile yeast infection, says Giuseppe Aragona, MD, a general practitioner and family doctor at Prescription Doctor, an online healthcare service. According to Aragona and Mordkin, risk factors include:

• Having an uncircumcised penis which allows for candida to potentially get trapped under the foreskin 
• Aging 
• Having a weakened immune system
• Having diabetes — a condition Morkin calls the “single greatest risk factor” for penile yeast infections
• Taking a long course of antibiotics, as the medicine can potentially kill off beneficial bacteria that work to prevent yeast infections  

Yeast infection treatment for men 

Yeast infections in men should be treated similarly to those in women, says Aragona.

Oral antifungal medications like fluconazole are the best treatment for most penile yeast infections, says Mordkin. However, he cautions that more severe cases may necessitate the use of intravenous medications.

If you are exhibiting signs of a yeast infection, it is recommended that you visit a doctor immediately. “Particularly in a man with diabetes, medical evaluation and possible treatment should be pursued so that the infection can be brought under control rather than advancing into a more serious situation,” says Mordkin.

If left untreated, penile yeast infections can lead to numerous adverse health effects including: 

• The skin turns hard and white, making it difficult to urinate. 
• Scarring on the penis, which constricts the foreskin so severely that it can not retract. 
• A greater risk of developing balanoposthitis, a condition in which the foreskin and glands become inflamed. 

In rare cases, a severe course of action involving surgical circumcision may also occur, Mordkin explains. The latter is recommended when a person has recurring yeast infections, usually the result of incredibly tight foreskin. 

Important: Anyone who believes that they have a yeast infection can also visit a sexual health clinic to obtain a prescription for antifungal medicine. Once treatment begins, Aragona says the yeast infection should resolve itself within a week. 

Insider’s takeaway

While commonly associated with women, men are also able to get yeast infections. Penile yeast infections can not only be painful but also dangerous if left untreated. 

If you notice itching, irritation, or white discharge, visit your doctor. They can prescribe you an antifungal that resolves the infection in about a week.

Sarah Fielding

Sarah Fielding is a freelance writer covering a range of topics with a focus on mental health and women’s issues.  She is also the co-founder of Empire Coven, a space for highlighting trailblazing women across New York.

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Men Get Yeast Infections, Too!

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Nov 20, 2018

By Malcolm Thaler

Updated November 20, 2018.

Candida, a type of yeast, is a normal inhabitant of even the healthiest bodies. It loves warm, dark, moist places, particularly the gastrointestinal tract and the vagina where as many as 20 percent of women of reproductive age harbor Candida. The most common species by far is Candida albicans. Candida normally dwells innocently in these locations, kept in check by the body’s bacterial flora, but when the body’s ecology is thrown out of whack, these yeasts can start to overgrow.

And these overgrowths of yeast like Candida albicans can affect men, as well as women.

What causes yeast infections?

Common culprits for this imbalance are antibiotic use, frequent sexual intercourse, irritating soaps or deodorants, wearing tight-fitting undergarments, or any exposure to a hot and humid environment. The role diet plays in increasing the risk of a yeast infection is unclear, but candidal infections are more common in people with diabetes. They are sometimes the first clue to the presence of diabetes.

How serious are they?

When Candida causes disease, it’s usually local, mild and easily treated. One-third of all cases of vaginitis in women are caused by Candida. Another common manifestation is oral thrush, which has similar symptoms to a sore throat — altered taste and pain with swallowing. Your provider will diagnose thrush by identifying the typical white lesions, often on a reddish background, commonly found on the tongue and oral mucosa.

Serious, even life-threatening yeast infections can occur, but these are almost exclusively limited to immunocompromised patients or patients who have undergone an invasive procedure (e.g., placement of a central venous line) with contaminated equipment.

Can men get yeast infections?

Although uncommon, men can get a yeast infection by having unprotected sex with a woman with candidal vaginitis. It usually appears as small white spots, redness, or a dry, peeling rash on the penis accompanied by itching, irritation, or burning. Men who have not been circumcised are at an increased risk.

How do you treat a male yeast infection?

Even untreated, it often goes away by itself, but it can sometimes spread to the scrotum, inner thighs and buttocks. Luckily, treatment is simple: Over-the-counter or prescription antifungal creams used twice a day for between one to three weeks will clear the infection. An oral antifungal drug such as fluconazole is also almost always effective. Although various herbal remedies have been touted for women with yeast infections, there’s no data on their efficacy (or lack thereof) in men, and traditional treatment is so safe and simple that there’s no compelling reason to explore these possibilities.

Because the infection is transmitted to men by sexual intercourse, both partners should be treated so you don’t keep re-infecting each other. However, if only the woman has evidence of a yeast infection, the risk of transmission is so low that there’s no need to treat the male partner. There’s no compelling reason to limit sexual intercourse during treatment, but you should use a condom.

What about thrush?

Oral yeast infections, or thrush, aren’t unique to men, and there’s no data about the risk of acquiring thrush from oral sex with a woman or man with a genital candidal infection. Treatment, again, is simple and effective — either an oral pill such as fluconazole, an antifungal mouthwash, or antifungal lozenges. Rarely, patients don’t respond to one of these regimens. In that case, thrush may be a symptom of candidal esophagitis, an irritation, inflammation, or swelling of the esophagus. Your provider will need to perform an upper endoscopy and sometimes a biopsy to diagnose candidal esophagitis.

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Malcolm Thaler

Malcolm enjoys being on the front lines of patient care, managing diagnostic and therapeutic challenges with a compassionate, integrative approach that stresses close doctor-patient collaboration. He is the author and chief editor of several best-selling medical textbooks and online resources, and has extensive expertise in managing a wide range of issues including the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and sports injuries.
Malcolm graduated magna cum laude from Amherst College, received his MD from Duke University, and completed his residency in Internal Medicine at Harvard’s New England Deaconess Hospital and Temple University Hospital. He joined One Medical from his national award-winning Internal Medicine practice in Pennsylvania and was an attending physician at The Bryn Mawr Hospital since 1986. He is certified through the American Board of Internal Medicine.
Malcolm is a One Medical Group provider and sees patients in our New York offices.

The One Medical blog is published by One Medical, a national, modern primary care practice pairing 24/7 virtual care services with inviting and convenient in-person care at over 100 locations across the U.S. One Medical is on a mission to transform health care for all through a human-centered, technology-powered approach to caring for people at every stage of life.

Any general advice posted on our blog, website, or app is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace or substitute for any medical or other advice. 1Life Healthcare, Inc. and the One Medical entities make no representations or warranties and expressly disclaim any and all liability concerning any treatment, action by, or effect on any person following the general information offered or provided within or through the blog, website, or app. If you have specific concerns or a situation arises in which you require medical advice, you should consult with an appropriately trained and qualified medical services provider.

How to avoid yeast infections: symptoms, treatment and prevention

Contents

• 1 Prevention and treatment of yeast infections in women: is it necessary to consult a gynecologist?
  • 1.1 What are yeast infections?
  • 1.2 Origin of yeast infections
    • 1.2.1 Microorganisms
    • 1.2.2 Weak immunity
    • 1.2.3 Diabetes mellitus
    • 1.2.4 Other factors

    9 0008

  • 1.3 Symptoms of yeast infections
  • 1.4 How is a yeast infection diagnosed?
    • 1. 4.1 Clinical signs and history
    • 1.4.2 Microscopic examination
    • 1.4.3 Culture
  • 1.5 Treatment of yeast infections
    • 1.5.1 Antimicrobials
    • 1.5.2 Topical treatment
    • 1.5.3 Warning
  • 1.6 Prevention of yeast infections
    • 1.6.1 Maintain vaginal hygiene
    • 1.6.2 Avoid tight synthetic clothing and the use of pads
    • 1.6.3 Watch your gut bacteria
    • 1.6.4 Keep sex dry and good quality
  • 1.7 Yeast species that cause infections
    • 1.7.1 Candida 9 0008
    • 1.7.2 Cryptococcus (Cryptococcus )
    • 1.7.3 Pythyroid yeast (Pityrosporum)
  • 1.8 Yeast infections: Candida
    • 1.8.1 What is Candida and how does it cause yeast infections?
  • 1.9 Effects of yeast infections on pregnancy and breastfeeding
  • 1.10 Yeast infections and their effects on the immune system
    • 1.10.1 Overview of yeast infections
    • 1. 10.2 How do yeast infections affect the immune system?
    • 1.10.3 How to strengthen the immune system in yeast infections?
    • 1.10.4 Conclusion
  • 1.11 Related videos:
  • 1.12 Q&A:
    • • 1.12.0.1 What are the causes of yeast infections?
      • 1.12.0.2 Can yeast infections be avoided?
      • 1.12.0.3 What are the symptoms associated with yeast infections?
      • 1.12.0.4 Do I need to see a doctor for yeast infections?
      • 1.12.0.5 What treatments are used for yeast infections?
      • 1.12.0.6 What role does the immune system play in fighting yeast infections?

Yeast infections are a common disease caused by the fungus Candida. In the article you will find information about the causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of this disease. Learn how to prevent recurrences and manage yeast infections in various locations.

Yeast infections are diseases caused by the growth of yeast-like fungi in the human body. Infections are caused by various strains of fungi, including Candida albicans, which is the most common pathogen in humans.

Increased reproduction of yeast-like fungi can occur for various reasons. One of the most common factors is reduced immunity, which can occur as a result of illness, stress, fatigue, or antibiotics. Also, the risk of developing yeast infections increases in women during menstruation and pregnancy, as well as in people with diabetes.

The symptoms of a yeast infection can vary depending on where the fungus is located. The most common infections are in the mouth, vagina, and skin. Symptoms may include itching, redness, and swelling in the affected area, as well as soreness and discharge.

Treatment of yeast infections may include the use of antifungal drugs, as well as the correction of risk factors such as immunodeficiency and impaired microbiocinosis. It is important to consult a doctor at the first signs of infection and identify the cause of its occurrence in order to conduct effective therapy and prevent the development of complications.

What are yeast infections?

yeast infections or fungal infections are diseases caused by fungi that usually live on the skin, in the intestines, or elsewhere in the body. Some of these fungi can cause infections, especially where the skin is damaged or the immune system is weakened.

Candida is a type of fungus that often causes yeast infections. It is usually found on the skin, in the mouth, or on the scalp. If the balance between the general microflora of the body and pathogenic microorganisms is disturbed, Candida can become more aggressive and cause an infection.

Symptoms of yeast infections may include itching, skin rash, swelling, pain, redness or discomfort. The most common yeast infections are caused by an imbalance in the microflora in the vagina in women. In men, yeast infections can be observed on the skin of the genitals or on the glans penis.

Treatment of yeast infections may include the use of antifungals, which quickly kill the fungi that cause infections. It is also recommended to follow the rules of hygiene, avoid tight synthetic clothing and use natural fabrics, as well as maintain a healthy lifestyle to strengthen immunity and prevent relapses.

• Yeast infections are a contagious disease caused by fungi.
• Candida is one of the common causes of yeast infections.
• Symptoms include itching, skin rash, swelling, pain, redness or discomfort.
• Treatment includes antifungals and good hygiene.

Origin of yeast infections

Microorganisms

Yeast infections are the result of the growth and spread of certain types of yeast.

Yeast is naturally present in various parts of the body, including the digestive system, skin and vagina in women.

However, a suitable growth medium can encourage yeast overgrowth and cause infection.

For example, wet shoes and clothing can increase moisture between the toes and promote yeast growth.

Weak immune system

Weak immune system can also cause yeast infections.

Weak immunity can be caused by a variety of factors such as stress, lack of sleep, an unbalanced diet and certain medications.

Diabetes mellitus

People with diabetes also have an increased risk of yeast infections.

High blood sugar can encourage yeast growth in the vagina or on the skin.

Complications of diabetes, such as vaginal itching and discharge, may also increase the risk of yeast infections in women.

Other factors

Other factors that can contribute to yeast infections include: taking antibiotics, using harsh shower gels and soaps, using poor quality pads and tampons, unacidifying the vaginal environment, etc.

Yeast infections should be seen by a doctor for diagnosis and treatment.

Yeast Infection Symptoms

Skin Problems: One of the most common symptoms of yeast infections is skin rashes. It can occur anywhere on the body where there are wrinkles or warmth. Itching and redness of the skin can also be a symptom.

Gastrointestinal disorders: Yeast infections can affect the digestive system, leading to diarrhea, constipation, stomach cramps and vomiting. They can also lead to digestive problems with certain foods, such as dairy or wheat.

Fatigue: Yeast infections can cause fatigue and weakness, often the result of difficult digestion and toxins from damaged gut microflora.

1. Thrush: One of the most common symptoms of yeast infections is thrush. This is a vaginal infection that occurs due to an overgrowth of yeast in the vagina and can cause itching, burning, and soreness.
2. Fungal nail infections: Yeast infections can also present as fungal nail infections, which can be very painful and frightening and unsightly.

If you experience these symptoms intermittently, you may have a yeast infection. It is necessary to visit a doctor and undergo appropriate treatment.

How is a yeast infection diagnosed?

Clinical signs and history

Diagnosis of yeast infections begins with clinical signs and the patient’s history. Signs may include itching and burning at the site of the lesion, white discharge, swelling, and redness of the skin. It is important to find out if the patient had similar symptoms before, whether he was treated and what results were achieved.

Microscopic examination

To confirm the diagnosis, a microscopic examination of the discharge obtained from the site of the lesion is performed. For this, special dyes are used that allow you to see yeast cells in preparations. This method can help determine which types of yeast are causing the infection.

Culture

In addition, culture is used for diagnosis. The secretions from the lesions are placed in nutrient media that promote the growth of yeast colonies. This method allows you to determine the type of yeast, identify sensitivity to antifungal drugs and choose the most effective treatment.

• It is important to pay attention to clinical signs and patient history when diagnosing yeast infections;
• Microscopic examination of the discharge from the site of the lesion helps to identify the type of yeast;
• Culture helps identify antifungal susceptibility and select the most effective treatment.

Treatment of yeast infections

Antimicrobials

Yeast infections are usually treated with antimicrobials. Some of them can be purchased without a prescription, but for more serious cases, you need to see a doctor and get a prescription for strong antimicrobials. One of the most popular drugs is fluconazole, which is difficult to become stable, which means it will be effective with repeated use. However, the use of antimicrobials can have side effects, so do not overuse them unnecessarily.

Topical treatment

In addition to antimicrobials, topical treatment using creams, ointments or suppositories may be effective. They are a milder treatment option and may be effective in treating the early stages of yeast infections. However, as with any other treatment, do not overuse them unnecessarily, as side effects may be possible.

Warning

To help prevent yeast infections, follow these tips: maintain a healthy diet, avoid excessive alcohol and sugar, wear cotton underwear, use condoms during sexual intercourse, and change tampons and pads periodically.

Prevention of yeast infections

Maintain vaginal hygiene

Maintaining proper hygiene of the vaginal area is very important in preventing yeast infections. You should shower or bathe daily and use a mild soap to clean the area around your vagina. You should also avoid any intimate hygiene products, as they can upset the natural pH balance of the vagina, making it more prone to yeast infections.

Avoid tight synthetic clothing and use of panty liners

Wearing tight synthetic panties or pants can increase moisture and allow yeast to thrive in the vagina. It is better to choose natural fabrics and loose fit. You should also avoid using pads, which can also change the pH balance of the vagina and lead to yeast infections.

Watch your gut bacteria

Immunity has to do with how the nutrients we consume are absorbed. It is also important to monitor the bacteria that are found in the intestines and avoid overeating sugar. Prebiotics are especially helpful, these simple foods help to improve the intestinal microflora. A healthy gut microflora can boost the immune system and prevent infections, including yeast infections in the vagina.

Keep sexual relationships dry and of good quality

Decompensated or sexually inactive women are at increased risk of infections. It is possible to get an infection during intercourse, so you should avoid rough movements and use lubricants if necessary. Sexual partners may also be treated to clear the infection and not carry it back. Otherwise, the healing process will be disrupted and the risks of infection will be higher.

In general, yeast infections can be prevented by good hygiene, looking after your gut bacteria, choosing the right underwear, and avoiding traumatic sexual positions. If you experience symptoms of a yeast infection, see your doctor for appropriate treatment.

Infectious yeast species

Yeast is a single-celled fungus that is often used in industry and food processing, but can also cause various infections in humans.

Candida

Candida is the most common yeast that causes infections in humans. Candida can affect the skin, mouth, genitals, and respiratory organs. This yeast can cause mild itching and irritation, as well as more serious infections such as esophageal candidiasis.

Cryptococcus

Cryptococcus is a yeast that can be found in soil and insects, as well as in animals. Although they are not common infectious agents, cryptococcus can cause very serious illness in humans, such as cryptococcal meningitis, which affects the brain and spinal cord.

Pythyroid yeast (Pityrosporum)

Pythyroid yeast can cause skin infections such as seborrheic dermatitis and pityropsoriasis, which are manifested by various types of rashes. This yeast is found on the surface of the skin in most people, but it can cause an infection in some people.

• Yeast is a type of microorganism that can cause infections in humans.
• Candida is the most common yeast causing infections.
• Cryptococcal meningitis can be caused by cryptococci that are present in soil, insects and animals.
• Pythyroid yeast can cause various skin infections such as seborrheic dermatitis.

Yeast infections: Candida

What is Candida and how does it cause yeast infections?

Candida is a fungal species that can cause yeast infections. It can grow in different parts of the body, such as the mouth, intestines, genitals, or skin.

Candida can cause various types of yeast infections such as skin candidiasis, urethritis, vulvovaginitis, thrush and gastroesophageal reflux.

To prevent yeast infections, it is recommended to maintain health through proper nutrition, adequate sleep, stress reduction and avoidance of excessive consumption of alcohol and sugar. It is also important to select probiotics to support healthy gut flora and limit antibiotics to the minimum necessary.

If you suspect a yeast infection, it is best to see a doctor for diagnosis and treatment. Late treatment can aggravate symptoms and cause serious complications.

Effect of yeast infections on pregnancy and breastfeeding

Yeast infections such as candidiasis may affect pregnancy and breastfeeding. During pregnancy, women’s immunity decreases, which can lead to the development of yeast infections. In addition, the use of contraceptives and antibiotics can also contribute to infection.

Pregnant women may be at risk of preterm labor and preterm pregnancy if they have yeast infections. The disease can also be transmitted to the child during childbirth, which will lead to the development of candidiasis in the newborn.

When breastfeeding, the infection can be transmitted to the mammary glands, which can lead to illness and difficulty in feeding the baby. For the prevention and treatment of yeast infections in pregnant women and nursing mothers, consultation with a doctor and the use of appropriate medications is recommended.

Yeast infections and their effect on the immune system

Yeast infections at a glance

Yeast infections are diseases caused by fungi of the genus Candida. They can affect various parts of the body, including the skin, mouth, stomach, and genitals. Often, yeast infections occur when the balance of microorganisms in the body is disturbed, when the number of Candida mushrooms increases dramatically.

How do yeast infections affect the immune system?

Yeast infections can have a negative effect on the immune system. With repeated or prolonged infections, the immune system can weaken and become vulnerable to other diseases. In addition, Candida can lead to symptoms such as inflammation and allergic reactions, which can be detrimental to overall health.

How to strengthen the immune system for yeast infections?

A healthy lifestyle is essential for strengthening the immune system in yeast infections. It is important to eat right, avoid sugary and fatty foods, and increase your intake of fruits and vegetables. It is also important to exercise regularly, control weight and get enough sleep. In addition, you can take complexes of vitamins and minerals, as well as probiotics to restore normal microflora in the body.

Conclusion

Yeast infections can have a negative effect on the immune system, so it is important to take care of your health and take steps to prevent such diseases. In addition, at the first signs of infection, you should consult a doctor in order to start treatment in a timely manner.

Related videos:

Q&A:

What causes yeast infections?

Yeast infections can be caused by microflora disorders, reduced immunity, antibiotics, changes in hormone levels during pregnancy or menopause, irregular sexual activity, and some other factors.

Can yeast infections be avoided?

Personal hygiene and proper nutrition, control of hormone levels, regular sex life, restoration of microflora after taking antibiotics can reduce the risk of yeast infections.

What are the symptoms associated with yeast infections?

Yeast infections usually present with vaginal itching, which can be very intense and persist even after showering, and a white discharge that may be strong-smelling and unpleasant in texture. With a prolonged course of infection, swelling and redness of the vagina may occur.

Do I need to see a doctor for yeast infections?

Yes, you should definitely consult a doctor who will prescribe the appropriate treatment, as well as check the presence or absence of other diseases, so as not to miss a serious pathology.

What treatments are used for yeast infections?

Antifungal medicines are used to treat yeast infections, which can be taken by mouth or topically. It is also important to treat your partner. It is possible to use probiotics and change the diet.

What role does the immune system play in fighting yeast infections?

The immune system plays an important role in fighting yeast infections by controlling the growth of fungi in the body. Therefore, regular strengthening of the immune system can reduce the risk of infections and facilitate their treatment.

symptoms, treatment of thrush in women and men, risk factors, diagnosis

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Daniil Davydov

medical journalist

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N/A. Although fungi that can cause candidiasis live on the skin and mucous membranes in about 50% of people, not every carrier develops the disease.

However, this is a common disease that can cause a lot of inconvenience, and it is not always easy to cure it. To avoid problems, when unpleasant symptoms appear, it is important to consult a doctor as soon as possible.

Go see a doctor

Our articles are written with love for evidence-based medicine. We refer to authoritative sources and go to doctors with a good reputation for comments. But remember: the responsibility for your health lies with you and your doctor. We don’t write prescriptions, we give recommendations. Relying on our point of view or not is up to you.

What is candidiasis

Candidiasis is an infection caused by microscopic yeasts of the genus Candida. More than 160 species of these fungi live in nature, but candidiasis in humans causes only 20 of them. More often, the infection is associated with the Candida albicans species.

What is candidiasis – an international guide for doctors Uptodate

Candida albicans in a stained smear under a microscope. On the right – three round adult yeast fungi, on the left – a chain of elongated dividing yeast fungi. Source: thunderhouse4-yuri

How candidiasis develops. Normally, the immune system keeps yeast reproduction under control. While the immune system is on guard, fungi live on the skin, mucous membranes, in the gastrointestinal and genitourinary tracts of many people without harming them.

But sometimes fungi begin to multiply rapidly – for example, against the background of a serious illness, due to which the immune control of yeast fungi weakens, or as a result of long-term use of antibiotics, due to which the number of beneficial microorganisms competing with fungi decreases.

6 infections that can become untreatable due to overuse of antibiotics

They then attach to the surface of host cells and secrete enzymes that help absorb nutrients from the intercellular space and from the host cells themselves. To protect the cells, the immune system secretes cytokines – fighting substances that not only destroy fungi, but also cause inflammation in the tissues in which they have invaded. If the immune system succeeds in suppressing the reproduction of yeast fungi, the disease goes away. But if the immune system does not have enough strength for this, a person will not be able to recover without medicines.

What is candidiasis. How dangerous a yeast infection will be depends on the state of the person’s immune system.

Overview of Candida Infections – Uptodate

People who are severely immunocompromised can develop invasive candidiasis. For example, in people with HIV infection who are not receiving antiretroviral therapy, in those who have recently had an organ transplant, or in people who are being treated with chemotherapy drugs.

In this condition, yeast fungi enter the bloodstream and spread along with it throughout the body. From the blood, fungi penetrate the eyes, joints, heart, lungs and other organs and can seriously damage them. In some cases, invasive candidiasis can result in the death of a person.

But in most people without serious health problems, the immune system is not weakened enough for fungi to “break through” into the bloodstream. They develop local mucocutaneous infections, in which fungi settle in the folds of the skin, interdigital spaces and nails, on the mucous membranes of the mouth or genitals, but do not penetrate deep into the body.

What is mucocutaneous candidiasis – MSD International Medical Guide

One of the most common types of candidiasis is a local mucocutaneous infection of the genital organs, commonly referred to as thrush. This disease is not considered a sexually transmitted infection as it can also occur in people who generally do not have sex. But if a person without thrush engages in unprotected oral, vaginal, or anal sex with a partner who has the disease, they also run the risk of becoming infected.

Unlike invasive candidiasis, thrush does not damage organs and is not life threatening, but can cause discomfort and recur. Further we will talk about it.

Who can get thrush

People of either sex can get thrush. A mucocutaneous candidal infection of the genital organs in women is called vulvovaginal candidiasis. In men, the same disease is called candidal balanitis.

Who is most likely to get candidal infection of the genital organs – Medscape International Medical Directory

At the same time, candidal infection of the genital organs is more common in women than in men. According to statistics, 75% of women will experience it at least once during their lifetime.

Who develops vulvovaginal candidiasis – Uptodate

Risk factors for vulvovaginal candidiasis in women. In some women, thrush may occur without clear external causes. But much more often, the disease has provoking factors, among which the most common are:

• the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics. This is the most common provoking factor – due to antibiotics, vulvovaginal candidiasis develops in 25-33% of women;
• diabetes mellitus. Women who do not control blood glucose well with medication are more likely to develop the disease;
• immunodeficiency. Women who live with HIV infection or take drugs that suppress the immune system – such as glucocorticoids – develop the disease more often than women of the same age without these diseases;
• high estrogen levels. In pregnant women and women who take estrogen-based drugs in postmenopausal women, the disease occurs more often than in women of reproductive age outside of pregnancy;
• genetic features. Some women with alterations in the SIGLEC 15 and TLR2 genes, which code for the proteins that make up cell membranes, are more likely to develop vulvovaginal candidiasis than women with the typical pattern of these genes.

In addition, experts from the US Women’s Health Administration believe that two more factors increase the risk of developing vulvovaginal candidiasis:

1. Incorrect clothing. Synthetic underwear and tight clothing increase body temperature and humidity in the genital area. And since Candida prefers to grow in warm, humid conditions to avoid vulvovaginal candidiasis, it makes sense to wear cotton underwear and choose looser clothing.
2. Improper hygiene of the genitals. For example, changing pads and tampons too infrequently, douching – a procedure that removes normal bacteria from the vagina – and wiping the perineum in the direction from the anus to the vagina can increase the risk of developing the disease – this is how you can bring fungi from the rectum to the mucous membranes.

17 important questions for gynecologist Tatyana Rumyantseva

Risk factors for candidal balanitis in men. As with women, the risk of developing thrush is higher in men who take antibiotics for a long time, suffer from immunodeficiency and diabetes.

Who develops candidal balanitis – Mayo Clinic

But there are also unique risk factors, such as overweight and poor personal hygiene. Therefore, some experts believe that men who have not been circumcised have a higher risk of developing candidal balanitis than those who have undergone this procedure.

Symptoms of thrush

In women. Typically, women with vulvovaginal candidiasis complain of itching, burning, or irritation in the vulva and vagina. Pain often occurs during intercourse, and itching and other discomfort may increase.

Candidiasis vaginitis symptoms – MSD

Sexual organs look swollen and mucous membranes appear redder than usual. In addition, some women develop a thick, white, cheesy, odorless vaginal discharge that sticks to its walls. But there may not be any allocations, or they will be scarce.

Men. As a rule, men with candidal balanitis complain of inflammation, pain and irritation in the area of ​​the glans penis, and thick white lumpy discharge appears between the penis and foreskin.

Symptoms of candidal balanitis – MSD

Some men with candidal balanitis complain of pain when urinating and find it difficult to retract the foreskin.

Diagnosis of thrush

Diagnosis of mucocutaneous candidal infections of the genital organs in women and men is similar. In both cases, a gynecologist or urologist makes a diagnosis on the basis of an external examination of the skin of the genital organs and an analysis of a discharge sample.

The easiest and fastest way is microscopic examination, during which a specialist looks for fungi in a stained sample under a microscope.

Methods for diagnosing candidiasis – Medlineplus

This method is not very accurate, since not a single yeast fungus may fall into the field of view of the microscope. A more accurate method is sowing, in which the sample is cultivated on a nutrient medium in order to then determine the type of fungus that will grow on it. However, mushrooms grow up to 7 days, so the result will have to wait a long time.

Therefore, in practice, most doctors prefer fast and accurate PCR tests. This is the name of research that helps to identify the genetic material, that is, DNA or RNA, of the pathogen in the sample.

Microscopic examination and seeding of a biomaterial sample in the direction of a doctor is usually done free of charge under the CHI policy. But since far from all state laboratories have equipment and reagents for PCR, these tests usually have to be done in private laboratories for money.

You have the right to free tests under CHI

What tests the doctor prescribes for suspected thrush

Anastasia Belova

obstetrician-gynecologist from the Fomin Clinic

The number and type of studies will depend on the diagnostic hypothesis. If the doctor believes that the cause of the problem is a typical fungal infection, he will only prescribe a laboratory PCR smear test to determine Candida albicans DNA.

However, sexually transmitted infections do not have specific symptoms. To make sure that candidiasis has not “masked” a sexual infection, doctors usually refer to the main STIs: these are PCR smear tests for gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, chlamydia and genital mycoplasma and blood tests for syphilis, HIV, hepatitis B and C.

In case of recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis, a PCR test for atypical fungi may be needed: most often these are Candida tropicalis, Candida parapsilosis and Candida glabrata, but other pathogens may also be included in the diagnostic panel. The disease is considered recurrent if a woman has three or more exacerbations of candidiasis per year.

Cost of a PCR smear test for Candida albicans DNA without biomaterial sampling:

• KDL laboratory — 430 R;
• Laboratory “Helix” – 380 R.

Cost of PCR smear tests for major sexual infections without biomaterial sampling:

• KDL laboratory – 1630 R;
• laboratory “Hemotest” – 1750 R.

Cost of blood tests for syphilis, HIV, hepatitis B and C together with blood sampling:

• laboratory “Helix” – 2180 R ;
• laboratory “Invitro” – 2950 R.

Cost of PCR smear tests for DNA of five types of fungi without biomaterial sampling:

• KDL laboratory — 1230 Р;
• Invitro laboratory – 800 R.

In addition to laboratory PCR tests, there are also home vaginal test systems that detect antigens to Candida fungi in women. However, before consulting a doctor, they should not be used.

How much does it cost to take a PCR test

The accuracy of these tests is about 90%, so they can make mistakes and give a false negative answer. But even a positive analysis will not say anything about the causes of the disease – after all, fungi live in the vagina of many women without causing harm. And if the infection was indeed caused by yeast fungi, a vaginal test will not be able to determine which species they belong to. That is, it will not be possible to clarify the diagnosis and select the correct treatment with the help of express tests.

Treatment of thrush

There are many antifungal medicines that are suitable for treating candidal infections of the genital organs in men and women. As a rule, men are prescribed pills, and women – either pills or topical agents, such as vaginal suppositories or ointments. The effectiveness of tablets and suppositories is approximately the same.

Candidiasis Clinical Guideline – Infectious Diseases Society of America

Many “thrush” medications, such as those based on the popular antifungal drug fluconazole, are available without a prescription and require only one or two tablets. But since antifungal drugs are very easy to buy, the same thing happens with them as with antibiotics: pathogenic fungi gradually lose their sensitivity to them.