Thrush is a yeast infection, also known as candidiasis. Both men and women can develop thrush, but it is far more common in women, affecting three out of four at some time in their lives. Thrush infection in men most commonly affects the head of the penis and is known as candidal balanitis. Candida infection can also cause skin rashes on various parts of the body and oral thrush.

Causes of male thrush
The fungus candida albicans, that causes thrush,
occurs naturally in our bodies. In healthy circumstances, it is harmless, but when you are run down or your body’s immune system is compromised, candida can grow excessively almost
anywhere in the body. Certain health conditions, such as diabetes, can also encourage the fungus to multiply and lead to infection.


Symptoms of candidal balanitis that affect the head of the penis and may include:

*Redness
*Swelling
*Itching and irritation
*Thick, lumpy discharge under the foreskin
*Unpleasant smell
*Pain during urination
*Problems pulling back the foreskin
*Pain during sex
*Men with diabetes may develop more severe symptoms such as intense redness of the head of the penis and pain.
*Candidal skin infection
*Candida infection can cause painful, itchy, skin rashes in other areas of the body including:
*Armpits
*Groin area
*Between fingers
*Skin between the penis and anus
Obese men may develop rashes between rolls of skin.
*Oral thrush
*Symptoms of oral thrush include:
*Unpleasant taste in the mouth
*Creamy white bumps on tongue or inner cheeks


Who is at risk of male thrush?

You are at risk of developing thrush if you:
*Have a weakened immune system
*Are obese (the fungus can thrive in large rolls of skin)
*Have type 1 or type 2 diabetes
*Have HIV
*Are on antibiotics that kill the friendly bacteria, which normally suppress candida
*Are on topical or oral corticosteroids "dexacortin"
*Have damage to the mucous membranes in the
mouth or GI tract
*Wear tight clothing such as lycra or nylon shorts or
tight jeans
*Have sex with someone who has a thrush infection

Can men get thrush during sex?

Vaginal thrush is not a sexually transmitted infection
but it can sometimes be passed on to a man during
sex. This is rare and depends on whether you have a
compromised immune system or other risk factors.
If you already have thrush, your infection can be
made worse during sex. The safest course of action
is to avoid having sex until you've completed a
course of treatment and the infection has cleared up.

Preventing thrush
*Personal hygiene is important to prevent thrush as
candida thrives in warm, moist conditions.
*Preventative measures include:
*Keeping your penis clean and dry well after washing
*Avoiding perfumed shower gels or fragranced soaps
*Avoiding tight underwear and other restrictive clothing
*Using a non-biological washing powder
*Drinking plenty of water
*Avoiding sex until symptoms of thrush have subsided
*Using a condom if your partner may have thrush


When to seek medical advice
Thrush is usually fairly harmless and can be quickly
cleared up by over the counter anti-fungal treatments. Occasionally, it can signal a more serious condition, such as a sexually transmitted infection (STI) or invasive candiasis. Thrush that recurs despite appropriate treatment may indicate a person has diabetes.

See your doctor or sexual health clinic if you:
*Have thrush for the first time
*Develop a high temperature
*Have blood in your urine
*Have nausea and vomiting

Treating thrush
If you have no risk factors and your immune system is not impaired, thrush can usually be treated without prescription medicine.

For thrush affecting your penis or groin, topical antifungal creams are usually recommended.

They may include:
*Clotrimazole
*Econazole
*Ketoconazole
*Miconazole

If you develop symptoms of itchiness, your doctor may prescribe a corticosteroid cream as an additional treatment to reduce inflammation.

If your symptoms don’t get better in 2 weeks, you may need an oral fluconazole tablet. These are usually available over the counter. Seek medical advice if your symptoms don’t get better after. 2weeks of taking fluconazole.

You may need to be referred to a dermatologist for specialist treatment. According to doctors, re-infection is common, so during treatment it may be best to avoid sex or use a condom. Sometimes, both sexual partners may need to be treated.

cc: Seun
cc: Lalasticlala

God bless all those involved in subsidising the price of latex condoms and close-up tooth paste!!! Kia if not.. Emmyk?

bonio:
God bless all those involved in subsidising the price of latex condoms and close-up tooth paste!!! Kia if not.. Emmyk?

Do I know you?

Emmyk:


Do I know you?

Where lalsticlacla sef....

mentorandfriend:
Are you a doctor sir?

No sir