Thrush In Men
Facts about Thrush in Men
Thrush in men is much more common than most people think. It is a simple over growth of certain bacteria, which may be spread through sexual contact, but is not only spread that way. Men who are not sexually active can get thrush, and most men that do are not sexually active. Anyone can get thrush, even babies, and its treatment can be rather simple.
Thrush in men is simple an overgrowth of Candida albicans bacteria. It is also referred to as a yeast infection. Candida bacteria occur naturally in the human body, but their numbers are usually kept in check by other good bacteria. Thrush in men can occur in the mouth or on the penis and can be rather uncomfortable. It should be treated immediately.
The symptoms of thrush differ according to the location of the infection. Thrush located in the mouth will often show up as creamy, white lesions inside of the mouth, usually or the tongue or gums. Signs of thrush on the penis are itching, redness and irritation on the head of the penis, red spots and a penile discharge. Balanitis, or an inflammation of the head of the penis may also occur. Men with a foreskin may also have smegma, or material found under the foreskin. If any of this material has a bad small or resembles cottage cheese, then thrush is most likely the cause.
There are many causes for thrush in men. Candida bacteria are normally held in check by the body’s good bacteria, so anything that diminishes the good bacteria in the body can trigger thrush symptoms. Taking antibiotics can remove the good bacteria from the body and allow the Candida bacteria to grow. Even having a lowered immune system from stress or fatigue can allow the bacteria to flourish. Men with a foreskin may also have problems with thrush as the moisture rich environment under the foreskin makes it easy for fungus to grow. Men who have sexual contact with a partner who is suffering from thrush may also come into contact with the bacteria in this way. Long term and reoccurring thrush problems may be a sign of diabetes. Obesity can also create problems with thrush infections.
Treatments for thrush are usually very simple. A doctor’s visit may be necessary, especially for an initial infection, to confirm that the infection is thrush and not something else. There are many over the counter anti-fungal creams and ointments (such as clotrimazole) that can provide temporary relief from thrush symptoms. The best treatment is to cure the underlying cause of thrush however. Maintaining an active lifestyle with plenty of exercise and a proper diet will help keep the immune system strong and healthy. This will also help keep the body’s good bacteria working.
Good hygiene and keeping the penis and foreskin clean and dry is also important. It is very important to have the partners of anyone suffering from thrush to get treatment as well. Some home remedies for thrush symptoms include chewing raw garlic or rising with a salt water and garlic mixture for thrush in the mouth, or tea tree oil and water may also work. Some people will take garlic or acidophilus supplements to help prevent a buildup of negative bacteria. For symptoms on the penis, natural yogurt containing acidophilus can be rubbed directly on the penis. It is also good to eat yogurt regularly and to increase the levels of vitamins C and E in the body.
Thrush can occur in anyone and may have uncomfortable and annoying symptoms, but the good news is that is relatively common and easy to treat.