Most people think that only women can get yeast infections, but men can get thrush too.
In men, thrust often affects the foreskin and head of the penis, causing inflammation at the tip known as balanitis.
Symptoms of thrush
Although Candida yeasts live on the skin and mucous membranes normally, an overgrowth can cause symptoms, such as:
- swelling
- irritation
- itching around the head of the penis
- itchy rash
- red skin
- pain during urination
- painful sex
- lumpy discharge under the foreskin
- difficulty pulling back the foreskin
Although candidiasis can occur during intercourse, it’s not considered a sexually transmitted infection.
Risk factors for thrush
Because poor hygiene is a risk factor, washing thoroughly can go a long way in preventing thrust. Still, there are other risk factors, including:
- diabetes
- using too many cleansing products
- antibiotics
- immunosuppression
- corticosteroids
Thrush treatments
If you have a mild case of thrush, it probably won’t require a trip to the doctor. You can buy topical over-the-counter antifungal cream at the pharmacy. Apply it once a day for 7 to 21 days as directed.
If you get a prescription from your doctor, it may be one of the following:
- Monistat (miconazole nitrate)
- Specazole (econazole nitrate)
- Lotrimin (clotrimazole)
Prevention
The best way to prevent getting thrush is with good hygiene. That means:
- Wash your penis with warm, running water.
- Avoid soaps or shower gels with perfumes as they can irritate your penis.
- Thoroughly dry your penis.
- Choose loose-fitting underwear. Cotton is the best fabric to help keep your genitals cool and dry.
Complications from thrush
It’s rare for healthy men to develop invasive candidiasis. Most people who are at risk for this fungal infection of the blood have a weakened immune system.
Other factors that put you at risk of complications from thrush include:
- diabetes
- HIV
- being on dialysis
- having a central venous catheter
- chemotherapy or radiotherapy
- immunosuppressant drugs
