Thrush in the penis is a fungal infection caused by the fungus "Candida", which usually causes inflammation of the glans (head of the penis) and the foreskin (the skin surrounding the head of the penis). Thrush is similar to a vaginal yeast infection, but it affects men, especially those who are not circumcised. In the following lines, Dalili Medical everything you need to know about genital thrush in men, including symptoms, causes, methods of diagnosis and treatment, in addition to how to prevent the disease, according to our website.

Can thrush appear in men without symptoms?

 

Yes, it can happen, especially in circumcised men. When the head of the penis is exposed, it is dry and uncomfortable for fungi that prefer moist environments and wrinkles. The disease can also go without symptoms in men with strong immunity.

Can thrush be transmitted from women to men?

 

Yes, it is a contagious disease.

Why does thrush last for a long time without going away?

 

Because many people try to treat themselves at home instead of consulting a doctor when symptoms begin to appear.

Can a man transmit thrush to a woman?

 

Of course, it can happen, and with any type of sex, including unconventional ones.

Should I treat myself if the symptoms are mild?

 

If symptoms appear, whether mild or not, treatment is necessary. The only exception is if there are two partners who have sex only with each other and are sure that there are no changes. However, this situation is rare at the moment.

Can an effective treatment regimen be relied upon for relapse without a visit to the doctor?

 

When a relapse occurs, the body's sensitivity to medications may vary, so it is best to consult a doctor.

What is atypical candidiasis? And how can its causes be treated?

 

My observations indicate that about 30-40% of candidiasis cases are not due to the common Candida albicans, but to seven other types of fungi. What are the causes? They are related to sexual factors and the transmission methods we discussed earlier. Treatment can be complex, and sometimes the fungi are highly resistant to drugs.

Does diet influence the onset of the disease?

 

If you consume large amounts of sugar and unhealthy foods, of course, a relapse can occur. However, there is no direct relationship between nutrition and candidiasis.

Men tend to drink beer, a product that contains yeast... Can it cause thrush?

 

Theoretically, it could. But I have not heard of any confirmed cases in this regard.

Does thrush in men affect sperm quality if the couple is planning to get pregnant?

 

This is only affected if there is an effect on the urethra and prostate. If the couple is planning to get pregnant, it is essential to treat the condition, because pregnancy weakens the immune system, which can lead to the continuation of thrush, either now or later.

If the husband has thrush and the wife is asymptomatic, is there any reason to suspect infidelity?

 

This calls for an examination for infections, including thrush, because its symptoms can be similar to those of other conditions, such as allergies or dysbacteriosis.

Can anal sex cause thrush in men?

 

Not directly, but it may contribute to the development of thrush by promoting the growth of atypical bacteria on the glans penis, which can lead to a subtle worsening of the condition.

Do men get thrush?

 

Candidiasis of the genitals in men usually appears subclinically. Clinical symptoms of male genital thrush are less common than in women. This relative disparity in incidence is due to the anatomical characteristics of the external genitalia in men, such as the presence of a foreskin and the absence of deep folds. The natural immunity of the mucous membranes, the presence of normal bacteria under the foreskin, as well as regular hygiene practices, contribute to limiting the rapid growth of fungi on the mucous membranes of the male genitals.

The causes of thrush are related to changes in the physiological state of the mucous membranes of the genitals:

In a healthy body, the pH of the mucous membranes is close to neutral. Any change towards the acidic side, where pH values ​​​​range between 5.8 and 6.5, leads to a significant increase in the pathological activity of fungi.

The increased moisture in the mucous membranes, resulting from body secretions, is a stimulating factor for the rapid growth of Candida in a moist and acidic environment.

As for the word "candy", which corresponds to the Latin word "candy", it refers to sweetness. In the term "candidiasis", the reason for the rapid growth of fungi is indicated in the case of glucosuria, i.e. the presence of glucose in the urine. Unicellular fungi multiply rapidly and thrive in conditions that ensure the absence of mechanical impact on fungal colonies. Therefore, the appearance of cramps, pockets, flows, ulcers, sores, and scars on the mucous membranes and skin is also considered a cause of thrush.

The causes of thrush associated with changes in the physiological state of the body:

Dysbacteriosis is one of the main factors contributing to the appearance of clinical symptoms of thrush. Lactobacilli act as a natural defense against fungi, limiting their rapid reproduction. Although the underlying mechanism of this interaction is complex and still not fully understood, it has been proven that the careless use of antibiotics, especially without medical supervision or correction of the effects of antimicrobial therapy, is a major cause of exacerbation of thrush. Another cause of thrush is a change in hormonal status. A healthy body functions in balance without the need for additional interventions. Hormonal failures can be caused by internal or external factors. In cases of autoimmune disorders such asDiabetes, hormone use is often the cause of thrush. When the body is exposed to external influences such as high doses of hormonal contraceptives or corticosteroids, the risk of thrush increases significantly. Hormonal imbalance during adolescence, pregnancy, or old age can also trigger thrush.

A change in the body's immune status is the cause of thrush. The immune system plays a vital role in regulating the body's functions. Through the natural resistance provided by the skin and mucous membranes, as well as humoral and cellular immunity, complex protective reactions occur in response to fungal attacks. The immune system is negatively affected not only by biological agents such as viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasitic worms, but also by medications. Medications such as glucocorticoids, chemotherapy drugs, as well as ionizing radiation, previous infections, and allergic predisposition to fungal metabolites, all lead to suppression of the immune system.

The body's protective status declines during the subclinical stage of an associated disease. Many diseases, including sexually transmitted diseases that affect the genitourinary system, appear at this stage subclinically, but may be accompanied by candidiasis that appears with clear clinical symptoms. Treatment of candidiasis without diagnosing the underlying disease in this case is useless. Genital candidiasis in men, which occurs in the shadow of sexually transmitted diseases in a subclinical manner, may be characterized by a severe course and unexpected results on the health of the body.

### Causes of genital thrush in men

Thrush is not a sexually transmitted disease, but it may be transmitted during sexual intercourse if the wife suffers from a yeast infection. There are several factors that may increase the risk of thrush, including:

- **Not circumcised**: as the possibility of fungi accumulating under the foreskin increases.

- **Poor personal hygiene**: Lack of attention to hygiene may contribute to an increased risk of infection.

- **Diabetes or weak immunity**: These conditions make the body more susceptible to infection.

- **Long-term use of antibiotics**: may affect the balance of fungi in the body.

- **Wearing tight or non-cotton clothing**: These clothes retain moisture, which creates a suitable environment for the growth of fungi.

There can be other causes of thrush, such as the use of chemical products or irritating soaps.

Lesses that affect the genitourinary organs in men as a result of a fungal infection are known as:

- **Postitis**: Inflammation of the mucous membrane of the foreskin due to various factors including fungal bacteria.

- **Balanitis Candida**: Inflammation of the mucous membrane of the glans penis due to various factors including fungal bacteria.

- **Ballanto-balanitis**: Combined inflammation caused by fungal pathogens in the male external genitalia.

- **Urethritis Candida**: Inflammation of the urethra due to infectious agents.

Thrush in women is usually considered an independent condition that is not associated with serious internal diseases. In contrast, persistent chronic thrush in men always indicates the presence of more serious health problems.

**Signs and symptoms of thrush in men**

Thrush usually appears as a white coating on the head of the penis. Before visiting a specialized clinic, the patient may notice the following symptoms:

- A feeling of discomfort during urination, accompanied by burning and pain.

- Constant or intermittent itching.

- Discomfort during intercourse.

The patient often diagnoses his condition himself and prescribes treatment, and this can be successful, since thrush in men is usually not considered a serious disease. However, it should be borne in mind that these symptoms may be associated with many infectious and non-infectious diseases.

Thrush in men usually appears in the form of inflammation of the foreskin and glans. Balanitis, which is accompanied by symptoms of thrush, is diagnosed by a doctor based on clinical and laboratory examinations:

In the medical history, hormonal disorders, obesity, use of antibiotics before the onset of the disease, or unprotected sexual intercourse may be detected. Common symptoms include an unpleasant odor in the perineum, pain during urination, discharge from the urethra, and other uncomfortable sensations.

Clinical examination reveals swelling of the foreskin and glans penis. When the head is exposed, a white coating appears on it. In some cases, primary or secondary phimosis (narrowing of the foreskin) is diagnosed. In severe cases, the pathological process may involve the foreskin and glans penis.

Based on the clinical picture, balanoposthitis is divided into two types: simple (exudative) and complicated (erosive), and can manifest itself in acute or chronic form:

Symptoms of exudative (simple) balanitis are characterized by the formation of a plaque on the head and foreskin, and in some cases, signs of catarrhal, serous, fibrinous or purulent inflammation may appear.

As for complicated inflammation of the external genitalia, it is manifested by persistent pain, bright red ulcers, which turn into soaked foci and overlap each other.

Exudative and erosive candidiasis manifest themselves with various symptoms in both acute and chronic forms:

Symptoms of acute balanoposthitis include inflammatory signs such as redness, pain, swelling, fever, and decreased sexual ability. This acute condition is often the result of an infection. At this stage, enlargement of the inguinal lymph nodes can be observed. As for the symptoms associated with the chronic course of balanoposthitis, they are often accompanied by signs of diabetes, hyperplasia, intestinal bacterial disorders, and immunodeficiency. In some chronic cases, thrush may be accompanied by symptoms affecting the urethra, bladder, and kidneys. In severe cases, symptoms may appear indicating damage to internal organs.

**UseM Diagnosis:**

- **Microscopic examination of an unstained smear of the foreskin contents:** The diagnostic value of this method reaches 75%.

- **Microscopic examination of a stained smear of the foreskin contents:** The diagnostic value of this method reaches 92%.

- **Seeding of the discharge on Sabouraud medium (similar media):** is used to distinguish fungal colonies.

It should be noted that the presence of fungi in the laboratory sample is not considered a decisive factor in the diagnosis. The results of the examinations are interpreted based on a combination of patient history data and clinical symptoms (main and auxiliary). In some cases, the diagnosis may be difficult despite the clarity of the clinical picture. Genital candidiasis in men is common, and is often the result of secondary diseases, while the main causes that led to the appearance of thrush remain unknown.

**Method of taking a smear:** A glass is placed on the head of the penis to collect a sample of plaque, which is then examined under a microscope.

**PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) Analysis:** It is used to identify 8 types of thrush fungi.

**Fungal culture:** This analysis is important because it determines the sensitivity of the fungi to drugs.

**Blood test:** It is used to detect immunoglobulin, which helps in assessing the body's immune response to diseases.

**Causes of thrush in men**

Singular fungi of the genus Candida are symbiotic (communicative) and are widely distributed in the environment. In a state of harmless symbiosis, these fungi are permanent residents of the human body and do not adversely affect health. Theoretically, the fungus can be isolated from 100% of the world's population. In some cases, candidiasis can manifest as a disease, but remains in a subclinical form. According to various sources, this condition occurs in 5-30% of individuals. With severe exposure to pathogens, thrush can manifest clinically.

**Consequences of thrush in men**

Usually, simple candidiasis, which is not associated with concomitant diseases, is treated quickly and disappears without any consequences. But the situation is different with chronic fungal diseases of the genitourinary system. The consequences of candidiasis can be short-term or long-term

Early consequences appear during the acute stage of the disease and include:

- Problems in sexual life, as candidiasis causes erosion of the mucous membrane of the genitals, leading to pain and discomfort during sex.

- Increased susceptibility of patients with candidiasis to sexually transmitted diseases, due to the presence of "open doors for infection" such as erosion and cracks in the mucous membranes of the genitals.

As for the later consequences in the chronic stage of the disease, they appear in the form of ascending inflammations of the genitourinary system, such as:

- Urethritis, which is an inflammatory disease of the urethra.

- Cystitis, which is inflammation of the bladder walls.

- Nephritis, glomerulonephritis, and pyelonephritis are infections of the kidney tissue.

Severe forms of candidiasis can spread to the prostate gland, causing inflammation. Candidiasis is one of the many factors that contribute to the development of sexual dysfunction and infertility in men.

**Treatment of thrush in men**

Before starting treatment for thrush in men, it is essential to make an accurate diagnosis through laboratory tests. Other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) may present with similar symptoms, so identifying them will help in conducting the necessary tests to determine the real cause of the disease. If you self-medicate for candidiasis, the infection may remain latent without effective treatment.

If a man who shows signs of thrush has a regular partner, it is important that the partner also undergoes examination and treatment, especially if there was sexual contact without using a condom.

Candidiasis is treated comprehensively, in the absence of signs of sexually transmitted diseases, using antifungal medications and topical agents such as ointments and creams with antifungal action. In some cases, treatment may be limited to topical preparations only. The choice of treatment methods depends on the severity of symptoms, the duration of the disease and the degree of inflammation.

Antifungal agents include medications available for the treatment of candidiasis in men, which come in different forms such as tablets, sprays and creams for topical use, including:

- Miconazole

- Ketoconazole

- Econazole

- Clotrimazole

**Personal hygiene:** Personal hygiene is one of the basic factors that contribute to a quick recovery. It is essential to adhere to the rules of hygiene, especially in sensitive areas. It is preferable to wear cotton underwear and dry the genitals well after washing them to avoid creating a suitable environment for the growth of fungi. It is advisable to replace the underwear with new ones or boil them during washing.

It is advisable to avoid sexual intercourse during the treatment period, take a shower instead of bathing in a tub, and use hygiene products recommended by your doctor to wash your genitals, instead of cosmetics.

**Diet:** An unbalanced diet is one of the main causes of thrush. Foods rich in fast carbohydrates, such as sweets, pastries, bread made from refined flour and chocolate, contribute to the appearance of this disease, as simple carbohydrates are the main food for Candida fungi.

Thrush can be treated faster if sweets are replaced with vegetables or dairy products. It is also advisable to reduce the consumption of alcohol, pickles and smoked meats.

**Normalization of bowel function:** Intestinal dysbacteriosis is one of the factors that promote the development of thrush. Digestive problems can occur as a side effect after taking some medications.

**Prevention at home**

- Regarding prevention during sexual intercourse: If you know that your partnerIf you have thrush and want to avoid infection, you can use ointments such as Clotrimazole or Nizoral, or take single-dose pills such as Fluconazole. These medications are effective for prevention, not treatment, as many people think. Also, don't forget to urinate after intercourse, as the fungus is expelled with urine through the urethra, which is also a preventive measure.