What Is Thrush In Men?

Authored by

Dr David Schoenfeld

02 August 2022

Reviewed by

Dr Sameer Nakedar

MBBS (London), MRCGP, PGCert

What’s covered?

Women are more likely than males to acquire thrush, a yeast infection. When it comes to fungal infections, Candida Albicans, which causes yeast infections that affect men and women, are the most common culprit.

This fungus will invade your mouth, throat, and skin, especially your genital or private area. The most common types of thrush infections are genital thrush and oral thrush.

However, the head of the penis was the most commonly infected region. That is why it mainly affects uncircumcised men because the fungus thrives in the ideal conditions found beneath the foreskin.

Candida Albicans, what is it?

Among candida, Candida Albicans is the most prevalent and well-known for its role in causing yeast infections. As a consequence of this fungus, both men and women may get a yeast infection.

As part of our body's natural microflora, it is also a part of our immune system. Most of them aren't harmful, but you could experience some discomfort if you ignore them.

Different Types of Thrush

Oral thrush

Babies under a month old, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems are the most likely to have oral thrush. There is a reddish hue to the skin, with white spots. After the spots are removed, red splotches are left behind, and they may also bleed. The tongue may also have a cottage cheese-like covering that can't be wiped off.

Adults may also have symptoms such as oral sores, a bad taste in their mouths, discomfort in their mouths, and difficulties eating and drinking.

Genital thrush

Though rare, penile yeast infections often cause an itchy rash. Swelling, discomfort, a thick discharge beneath the foreskin, an unpleasant odour, trouble retracting the foreskin, and pain while passing pee or during intercourse are all possible symptoms of penile infections.

Skin thrush

Armpits, groynes, breasts, and between the fingers are just a few of the familiar places where thrush may appear. Red, itchy, and painful skin lesions (rashes) are the most prevalent signs and symptoms, and they gradually go away. A white or yellow discharge might also be seen in some people with skin thrush.

Invasive thrush

The same Candida yeast causes invasive thrush as invasive candidiasis. An illness that may spread to the blood, heart, brain, eyes, bones, and other vital organs, invasive thrush is much more dangerous and can even be worse than oral or vaginal thrush.

Common Symptoms Of Yeast Infection or Thrush In Men

Symptoms of thrush might vary due to gender, but below are the most common symptoms of thrush in men:

Painful rash and red patches on the tip of the penis
Penis redness and itching
Swollen tip of the penis and foreskin pain
Usually, a white or yellow discharge, sometimes with a thick 'cottage cheese' type of texture when passing urine.
Urinary or sex-related pain or discomfort.
Unpleasant smell, difficulty pulling the foreskin back.

(Rash may not be seen on darker skin)

Causes of Thrush In Men

Many causes might lead to thrush in men, but these are the most common reasons:

irritation or damage to the skin
taking antibiotics
poorly controlled diabetes and low blood sugar
weakened immune system

Diagnosing the condition

See a doctor if you think you have thrush.

Sexually transmitted infections may be ruled out by your doctor, who will be able to confirm that you have a yeast infection. It is typically possible to determine whether or not an infection exists by observing the patient's symptoms and examining the infection site under a microscope after administering a potassium hydroxide prep.

You may need to undergo testing in the lab if your doctor detects an STI is present in your genital area.

Thrush Complication

When a man's immune system is weak, he can get an infection of the genital tract known as invasive candidiasis. When the blood is infected with fungal organisms, the illness may spread throughout the body.

As a result, the brain, liver, and heart are just a few of the organs that may be impacted.

Many things may enhance the likelihood of this happening, such as:

being infected with HIV
having diabetes
using immunosuppressive medications
enduring cancer treatment that includes high doses of chemotherapy or radiation
being on dialysis necessitates a central venous catheter for medicines

Treatment for thrush

Antifungal medicine and topical cream may be purchased over the counter if you've already been infected by yeast and know what to look for. It is common practice to use antifungal medicine twice a day in the affected area.

Itching and swelling may be alleviated by using a corticosteroid lotion in addition to antifungal treatment. The corticosteroid may enable the yeast infection to persist or even worsen, so you should consult with your doctor before taking one.

Clotrimazole- or miconazole-based topical creams are often the first-line treatment for male yeast infections that do not involve the penis.

Nystatin cream may be prescribed if you have any response to them.

A prescription antifungal tablet, such as fluconazole (Diflucan), may be necessary for men with severe yeast infections or those affecting the penis.

But if you have recurring thrush symptoms, you require treatment for a longer period which might also need health professionals to have your thrush diagnosed because you might have health conditions.

There may also be testing for sexually transmitted infections. As long as the symptoms persist, it's best to have your partner tested for thrush and other sexually transmitted infections. But you do not need to treat partners unless they have symptoms of thrush.

Recovering from this condition

The infection will be under control within a few weeks of using antifungal cream. Avoid intercourse to aggravate the region or transfer the virus to a loved one. Use a condom if you're having sex; don't do it.

After the illness has cleared up, take these precautions to avoid a recurrence:
Pull the foreskin back and adequately cleanse the head of the penis every day.
On your penis and foreskin, avoid using deodorants, talcum powder, fragrant soaps, or body wash to avoid irritation.
Wear cotton underwear that is loose-fitting to prevent mould and yeast from growing. Strappy spandex shorts and skinny jeans should be avoided at all costs.

Fungi that cause yeast infection mostly build up in hot and moist conditions. So there are many ways you can prevent thrush infections and ease discomfort; for example, are:

always maintain good hygiene
wear loose-fitting cotton underwear
do not use soaps or shower gels
wash your penis carefully and thoroughly
avoid tight underwear or shorts

Is thrush a sexually transmitted infection?

The symptoms and illness of thrush may be passed from person to person if they are prone to it (like people with a weakened immune system or who are taking certain medications).

It is rare to be transmitted through kissing or close contact in healthy people. Thrush isn't considered contagious in most cases but can be spread.

That is why you need to treat thrush if you suspect thrush symptoms. See a pharmacist, a doctor or a health professional for consultations.

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