Can men get thrush?
Both men and women can get a thrush yeast infection. The disorder is more prevalent in women (a condition known unsurprisingly as vaginal thrush), but men can also suffer from the disease. Thrush is cased by Candida albicans, a fungus that normally lives harmlessly on the skin, in the mouth (oral thrush), gut and penis. Problems occur if conditions change and the Candida fungus multiplies rapidly causing the symptoms of thrush.
What are thrush symptoms in men?
When considering thrush in men, although other parts of the body can be affected, the focus is on infections of the penis as these are unique to males. A penile yeast infection (which is often referred to by the generic term: male yeast infection) has the following main symptoms:
- Soreness, itching and irritation of the head of the penis (and underneath the foreskin for men who are uncircumcised).
- Burning sensation when urinating.
- Discomfort and pain during sex.
- Red patches or a rash on the penis.
- A thick discharge (similar in consistency to cottage cheese) under the foreskin or on the head of the penis with a yeasty odor.
- More on male yeast infection symptoms
Causes of thrush in men
Risk factors include poor nutrition, use of antibiotics (these can destroy healthy bacteria that are crucial to maintaining the natural balance of flora on the penis), steroid use and diabetes (due to elevated sugar levels that encourage yeast growth).
It is also possible to contract thrush of the penis from sexual activity with a partner who may be suffering from yeast overgrowth. However thrush is not a sexually transmitted disease as celibate men can also become infected.
In order to reduce the chance of contracting thrush, it makes sense to avoid wearing tight underwear made from synthetic materials that restrict the airflow around the penis and genitals. In addition, men should steer clear of strong, heavily perfumed soaps when washing the genital area as this may negatively upset the harmless bacteria on the penis that are crucial to stopping an overgrowth of thrush-causing Candida.
Treating thrush in men
If a thrush infection is limited to the penis, the use of topical antifungal creams can normally clear up the symptoms. And in order to address the underlying causes of the thrush your health professional may advise a course of probiotics (especially if you have been taking antibiotics).
Remedies such as applying natural yogurt to the penis and homeopathic products like Yeastrol can also assist in restoring the natural balance of bacteria that helps keep the Candida yeast under control. For more severe cases of thrush an anti-Candida diet is a logical precaution so that the infection does not recur.
Information on this site is intended to be used for informational purposes only. It is not intended as professional medical advice and should not be used to substitute for a doctor's recommendation. You should not use the information on this site for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease or for choosing any medication. Any individual who develops a fungal infection should consult a licensed physician for proper diagnosis and treatment. Disclosure: Compensated Affiliate. Please read our Disclaimer.
