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Thrush treatment for men
Approved by our Clinical team | Apr 7, 2020
Can men get thrush?
expand_moreYes, men can get thrush, although the infection is often more associated with women. Thrush is a yeast infection that presents in men as irritation, discharge and irritation around the head of the penis. Men can also have oral thrush which affects the mouth causing painful spots and a cloudy discolouration around the inside of the mouth.
Can thrush go away on its own?
expand_moreSometimes thrush can go away on its own; however the infection can worsen and spread to other parts of the body. If you think you have thrush you should visit your doctor, as the symptoms of thrush are very similar to the symptoms caused by sexually transmitted infections (STI). Your doctor will be able to tell you whether you have an STI or thrush, and therefore what treatment or further testing is required. The treatment you are given will depend upon your diagnosis as well as the severity of the infection.
If you have thrush it’s best that you avoid having sex while the infection and its symptoms are present. Sex can make the infection worse as well as spread it to other parts of your body or to your partner.
How do you treat thrush in men?
expand_moreIf you have thrush you can treat the infection without need for a prescription. However if your doctor has diagnosed male thrush, you can be prescribed creams or tablets. You can also buy thrush treatments over the counter in your local pharmacy; if you have thrush on your penis the topical cream Clotrimazole will more than likely be recommended. This works by breaking down the fungi cells and are applied directly to the infected area to soothe symptoms and fight the infection.
Fluconazole tablets can also be taken, these work by getting rid of the enzymes within your body that the candida fungi feed off. If you take away their food supply then they will struggle to survive and the infection will clear.
Can you prevent thrush?
expand_moreYes, there are some things that you can do to prevent you and your partner from developing the yeast infection. Making sure that you are regularly cleaning your penis and drying it properly will help to stop the infection developing, as will avoiding using perfumed soap on your genitals as these can cause irritation. Wearing lose cotton underwear can also help to keep the skin around and on your penis cool and dry which can prevent the candida fungus from building up under your foreskin. If you or your partner has thrush then using a condom during sex will stop they infection being transferred.
Can you catch thrush through sex?
expand_moreIt is possible to pass on thrush during sexual intercourse and activity; however it is not a sexually transmitted infection (STI). You and your partner may need to get treatment for your thrush to stop you both from getting re-infected.
What is thrush?
expand_moreThrush is a yeast infection caused by a fungus in the body called Candida albicans. These bacteria live in the body in harmony, however certain changes can allow the fungi to multiply and cause and infection.
What does it look like when a man has a yeast infection?
expand_moreTypically thrush looks like redness, irritation, white spots or a rash on the penis. This can be accompanied by itching or burning sensations. The symptoms of thrush in males also looks like many STIs, so it is important that you get regularly tested to look after your sexual health.
References
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