Men and thrush
You might have heard your partner talk about thrush, and thought of it as a problem for women “down there”. While thrush is a condition usually associated with women, it can affect men too. It’s caused by an infection with the fungus Candida albicans, a micro-organism that lives on warm and moist parts of the body. In men, thrush develops around the genital area, especially in men who have a foreskin, and may cause:
- irritation, a burning feeling and inflammation of the penis head
- itching and soreness
- redness, and/ or small red spots
- discharge under the foreskin, or on the tip of the penis.
- an unpleasant, yeasty smell
Causes of male thrush
Because thrush occurs on the penis, it’s often assumed that it’s passed on through sexual activity. And while this may happen in some cases, men are more likely to get thrush due to factors that cause the fungus to multiply, such as poor personal hygiene, or when the immune system is compromised.
Anything that weakens your immune system can increase your likelihood of developing thrush, as can a course of antibiotics, mental health issues, insomnia or illness. Men with diabetes can also be more susceptible to thrush.
Treatment and prevention
Following is a list of strategies you can employ to help manage thrush, and reduce your risk of suffering from this unpleasant condition.
- If you have thrush, avoid having sex until the infection has cleared up, or use a condom. It would also be wise to follow the same rules if your partner has thrush.
- There are a range of anti-fungal creams and ointments available to treat male thrush, some of which are available over the counter.
- If you are undergoing a course of antibiotics, you may benefit from a probiotic supplement that contains bacteria to help support your immune system. Natural yoghurts that contain Lactobacilli may also help to restore balance.
- To help prevent thrush, take care of yourself by getting plenty of sleep, eating more nutrient dense whole foods, and drinking plenty of water. Drink alcohol not at all or in moderation, and minimise your intake of high sugar, high glycemic ind ex foods and drinks that can elevate your blood sugar levels.
- Clean your penis thoroughly every day when you bath or shower. If you are uncircumcised, pay special attention to cleaning under and around your foreskin.
- Improve your management of stress, and look for ways to counteract the harmful effects of stress on your immune system, such as relaxation techniques and meditation.
References available on request