Index
It is a fungal infection. Both men and women can develop it.
But it is much more common in women, affecting three out of four at some point in their lives.
The infection of candidiasis in men most commonly affects the glans of the penis and is known as balanitis by candida. Candidiasis in man can also cause rashes on various parts of the body and oral thrush.
Causes
The fungus candida Albicans, which causes candidiasis, occurs naturally in our bodies.
In healthy circumstances, it is harmless, but when it is exhausted, or the immune system of your body is compromised, the candida can grow excessively in almost any part of the body.
Certain health conditions, such as diabetes, can also encourage the fungus to multiply and cause an infection.
Symptoms of candidiasis in man
- Redness
- Swelling.
- Itching and irritation.
- Gritty discharge under the foreskin.
- Unpleasant smell.
- Pain when urinating.
- Problems with retracting the foreskin.
- Pain during sex
Men with diabetes can develop more severe symptoms, such as severe redness in the glans of the penis and pain.
Other symptoms
Skin infection: Candidiasis infection can cause painful and itchy skin rashes in other areas of the body, including:
- Armpits
- Groin area.
- Between the fingers.
- The skin between the penis and the anus.
- Obese men can develop rashes between the skin rolls.
Oral candidiasis: Symptoms of oral candidiasis include:
- Unpleasant taste in the mouth.
- White and creamy bumps on the tongue or inner cheeks.
- The bows or injuries can be painful and bleed.
- Damages can spread to the palate, gums, tonsils, or throat.
Who is at risk of getting candidiasis?
You are at risk of developing candidiasis if you:
- It has a weakened immune system.
- It is obese (the fungus can thrive in large skin rolls).
- You have type 1 or type 2 diabetes.
- You have HIV.
- It is treated with antibiotics that kill friendly bacteria, suppressing the candida fungus.
- They are using topical or oral corticosteroids.
- It has damage to the mucous membranes in the mouth or gastrointestinal tract.
- Wear tight clothing, such as lycra or nylon shorts or tight jeans.
Can men get candidiasis during sex?
Vaginal candidiasis is not a sexually transmitted infection, but it can sometimes be sent to a man during sexual intercourse. This is rare and depends on whether you have a compromised immune system or other risk factors.
If you already have candidiasis, your infection may get worse during sex. The safest course of action is to avoid having sex until you have completed a course of treatment and the disease is gone.
Homosexual men can also develop candidiasis after having unprotected sex. This usually goes away with treatment, but it is better to avoid sex or use a condom until the infection clears up.
Some men may have a mild form of balanitis (inflammation of the penis) after having sex. An allergy can cause this to the candida fungus in the partner’s vagina. This usually goes away if the couple receives treatment.
Diagnosis
If you suspect that it is candidiasis, consult a doctor. Your doctor can rule out the possibility of a sexually transmitted disease and confirm that the problem is a fungal infection.
The infection can usually be diagnosed based on the symptoms and appearance of the site of infection and a potassium hydroxide preparation to observe the yeast under a microscope.
If your doctor suspects a sexually transmitted infection in your genital region, you may also need laboratory tests.
Prevention
Personal hygiene is essential to prevent candidiasis since candida prospers in hot, humid conditions.
Preventive measures include:
- Keep your penis clean and dry well after washing.
- Avoid scented shower gels or scented soaps.
- Avoid tight underwear and other restrictive clothing.
- Use a non-biological detergent.
- Drink a lot of water.
- Avoid sex until the symptoms of candidiasis have decreased.
- Use a condom if your partner can have candidiasis.
When to seek medical advice
Candidiasis in man is usually relatively harmless and can be cleared quickly by over-the-counter antifungal treatments.
Occasionally, it may indicate a more severe condition, such as a sexually transmitted infection (STI) or invasive candidiasis. Recurrent candidiasis, despite appropriate treatment, may suggest that a person has diabetes.
Consult your primary care physician or sexual health clinic if you:
- He has candidiasis for the first time.
- Develop a high temperature.
- You have blood in your urine.
- You have nausea and vomiting.
Treatment of candidiasis in men
If you do not have risk factors and your immune system is not affected, candidiasis can usually be treated without prescription medications.
Topical antifungal creams are usually recommended for canker sores that affect your penis or groin.
They can include:
- Clotrimazol.
- Econazol.
- Ketoconazole
- Miconazol.
If you develop symptoms of itching, your doctor may prescribe a corticosteroid cream as an additional treatment to reduce inflammation.
If your symptoms do not improve in 2 weeks, you may need an oral fluconazole tablet.
Seek medical attention if your symptoms do not improve after two weeks of taking fluconazole. You may need to be referred to a dermatologist for specialized treatment.
According to doctors, reinfection is expected, so it may be better to avoid sexual intercourse or use a condom during treatment. Sometimes, both sexual partners may need treatment.
Recovery
After the infection goes away, follow these steps to avoid another infection:
- Be sure to remove the foreskin and thoroughly wash the glans of your penis every day.
- Do not use deodorants, talcum powder, scented soaps, or bath gel on the penis and foreskin, as they can irritate.
- Wear loose cotton underwear so you do not create a warm, moist environment for the yeast to thrive. Avoid tight pants.
