Irritation of the genital organs, provoked by the yeast-like fungi Candida, is called the disease “thrush”. This type of ailment can affect both female and male genital organs and mucous cavities. Depending on gender, the disease manifests itself differently, so let’s look at what thrush in men is, what its manifestations are, and whether there are any treatment methods at home.
Online consultation on the disease “Thrush in men”. Ask a question to the specialists for free: Urologist.
- Causes of illness
- Symptoms of thrush
- Symptoms of candidiasis
- Diagnostics
- Treatment
- Treatment with creams
- Antifungal drugs
- Phytotherapy
- Hygiene and nutrition
Thrush in men, or candidiasis in medicine, is an infection of the mucous membranes of the mouth and head of the penis. In its natural form, Candida mushrooms are found in the body of every man, but their composition is limited due to control by the immune system. But when infectious bacteria are provoked, their localization occurs and, in fact, a disease appears, called male thrush.
Men are less likely to be affected by this disease than women, because Candida fungi tend to be removed from the body through the urethra along with urine excretion. These bacteria do not actively take root in the male body, so at the first signs of illness it is worth starting treatment as soon as possible.
Thrush is transmitted both sexually and through saliva, but this is not the reason for the activation of the disease. In order for fungal bacteria to begin active development and reproduction in the body, it is necessary to create favorable conditions for this. The conditions are, first of all, a decrease in the immune system, as well as certain factors that are presented in the next paragraph.
Male thrush begins, first of all, with candidal urethritis, which multiplies within 10–20 days, and then actually goes into the stage of candidiasis. To be able to combat male malaise, it is worth finding out the reasons for its localization.
Causes
Against the background of a pronounced decrease in immunity, Candida albicans fungi can actively spread both in the intimate area and in the oral cavity. By parasitizing the human body, microorganisms produce toxins.
Symptoms of candidiasis can be caused by the following factors:
- insufficient intimate hygiene;
- promiscuous, unprotected sexual intercourse;
- profuse sweating;
- tight-fitting synthetic underwear;
- prolonged stress, unstable psycho-emotional state.
The main causes of candidiasis in men are diseases that reduce the body’s resistance:
- chronic infections;
- obesity;
- diabetes;
- hypovitaminosis;
- immunodeficiency states;
- pathologies of the endocrine system;
- diseases of the hematopoietic system.
Often, the fungus spreads in men after prolonged use of antibiotics that disrupt the microflora of the gastrointestinal tract. Taking corticosteroids and immunosuppressants has a negative effect.
At-risk groups
Due to their physiological characteristics, women are more likely to spread fungal bacteria. But men must also take precautions, knowing exactly who is at risk. The question presented highlights:
- HIV-infected men – the disease entails a general decrease in immunity, which is why the bacteria of this fungal group are activated while in the patient’s body.
- Excess weight – the presence of extra pounds leads to disruption of metabolic processes and decreased immunity. Also, obese people suffer from folds of fat in the groin and armpits, where fungi live.
- Diabetes mellitus is a disease that leads to an imbalance in the flora of the mucous membranes. Elevated blood glucose levels provoke more aggressive behavior and bacteria. However, the disease itself may appear slowly and be difficult to treat.
It should be noted that the Candida fungus is present in all people, without exception, on the mucous membranes of the body.
Only a decrease in immunity - local and general - provokes an aggressive state of bacteria, which is why thrush develops.
How to get rid of thrush in men. No drugs! Video:
Symptoms
After infection and the start of fungal growth, the incubation period for candidiasis varies from 4 to 60 days. In most cases it is 21 days. Signs of candidiasis in men appear depending on the location of the yeast-like fungi.
Medicine distinguishes several types of disease with characteristic symptoms:
- Thrush in the mouth is distinguished by reddish spots covered with a cheesy coating. Candidiasis of the tongue is expressed by cracks covered with fungal accumulations. Swallowing becomes painful. A metallic taste occurs in the mouth due to bleeding.
- Balanitis is candidiasis of the penis. When examining the penis, redness and swelling are revealed. A characteristic sign of candidiasis is a white rash resembling semolina on the head of the penis.
In advanced cases, the infection is characterized by severe symptoms:
- curdled discharge on the penis and foreskin with a sour odor;
- constant itching, burning;
- pain during sexual intercourse;
- pain when urinating;
- purulent discharge from the urethra.
When to see a doctor immediately:
- the penis is hot;
- rashes appear on the head, causing a burning sensation;
- presence of cheesy discharge under the foreskin;
- the opening of the urethra became red.
How does thrush manifest in men?
The signs of thrush in men are practically no different from the symptoms in women, although there are some peculiarities. Symptoms of male thrush are as follows:
- there is itching and burning in the genital area;
- pain and discomfort are felt during urination;
- a white coating forms on the penis;
- there is redness of the skin of the penis and groin area;
- pain and discomfort occurs during sexual intercourse;
- dryness and tightness of the skin is felt in the area of the head of the penis;
- involuntary release of fluid or mucus from the penis;
- There is an unpleasant odor in the groin area.
An unpleasant odor, constant itching and burning also occur in the armpit area. In the oral cavity, you can also find a white coating on the gums and tongue, and you may experience unpleasant sensations while chewing food.
Diagnosis of the disease
Treatment of thrush in men begins only after a complete diagnosis. The diagnostic complex includes the following research methods:
- examination of the patient - the doctor checks the affected areas and determines their nature;
- taking a swab from the penis and other affected areas of the body;
- examination of the smear taken;
- a complete examination of the patient - the patient is given a general blood and urine test, as well as additional examinations to identify dangerous diseases.
Based on the examination and confirmation of thrush, comprehensive treatment is prescribed.
Male thrush. Video:
Diagnostics
The main method for detecting thrush in the mouth or genitals is by microscopic examination of tissue samples or secretions. To do this, biomaterial is collected from the affected areas:
- scrapings of skin and mucous membranes;
- urine;
- sperm;
- flushing away secretions;
- cal.
If candidiasis of the tongue has developed, part of the plaque from it is taken. In acute candidiasis, examination of a smear under a microscope reveals cells with mycelial filaments. Material for inoculation on Sabouraud's medium is examined 1 or 2 times at different extents of the disease.
Analysis for chronic candidiasis in men does not reveal fungi during microscopic examination. The diagnosis will be based on a blood serum test.
Types of disease
First, it is necessary to clarify that thrush in men can be spread not only within the genital organs, but also in other parts of the body. The following affected areas are distinguished:
- Skin candidiasis - manifested by a rash and swelling, itching and redness in the groin area, armpits and anus.
- Spread in the intestines - candidiasis in men can also affect internal organs, which is manifested by diarrhea, gas formation, and the presence of white plaque in the stool.
- Oral thrush - often affects infants, but men can also experience a cheesy coating on the tongue and gums, and subsequently small ulcers form on the tongue and gums.
- Nail candidiasis is a rare disease, but it is manifested by thinning of the nail, its redness and delamination.
Each affected area requires distinctive treatment. However, medications for internal use will not differ. Special preparations are used for external use.
Treatment
The treatment regimen for candidiasis in men is aimed at eliminating the clinical symptoms and causes of infection:
- At the initial stage of genital disease, synthetic underwear should be replaced with cotton, and antibiotics should be discontinued or adjusted.
- Treat your partner who shows signs of the disease and temporarily abstain from sexual intercourse.
- Strengthen immunity.
- Restore intestinal microflora using medication prescribed by your doctor.
- Avoid stress and psycho-emotional overload.
- Stick to the right diet.
Medicines
The listed drugs destroy the outer shell of pathogens, leading to their death:
- Clotrimazole is an ointment for treatment, applied twice a day to the glans and foreskin. The product effectively fights yeast, mold and bacteria.
- Miconazole - cream quickly and effectively destroys fungi, used twice a day.
- Nystatin is an ointment for candidiasis for men, applied externally. The duration of treatment is 10 days, but the attending physician can increase the course at his discretion.
- Pimafucin is a cream that is used to treat the male penis twice a day for 2 weeks.
- Natamycin - used three times a day. The duration of the course is 15 days.
- Triderm - used for candidiasis in men. This combined Belgian cream contains betamethasone, gentamicin, clotrimazole.
- Candide, or Kandinorm , is a gel that is quickly absorbed. Itching, like inflammation, is treated in 2–3 days.
Treatment with ointments will be more effective if, before using them, you make baths on the penis area with saline solution or a weak solution of potassium permanganate. The procedure is carried out 3 times a day for 15 minutes, after which a cream, for example Fluconazole, is applied.
Systemic treatment
Chronic candidiasis in men has a long course. Complex therapy includes drugs for internal use, which are used in various ways. If Fluconazole, as well as other external drugs, are used in a timely manner for candidiasis in men, then the disease does not develop into an advanced form.
So, Fluconazole is taken once a week for six months. Another option is to take Fluconazole capsules at a daily dosage of 400 mg on the first day. The next two days, 200 mg is prescribed. At the same time, a course of immunomodulators is being taken.
Treatment of oral thrush includes the use of Fluconazole in combination with rinsing solutions. The drugs Miramistin, Chlorophyllipt, Nystatin are used.
Treatment of chronic candidiasis in men with medications takes a long time. During the course you are required to maintain a balanced diet. This is due to the fact that candidiasis pills for men have a negative effect on the liver.
Folk remedies
When the disease appears in men, home therapy may include the use of medicinal plants. Healing infusions of the following herbs are considered effective folk remedies:
- Alendula and chamomile . To prepare, take 2 cups of the dry mixture, place it in a container and fill it with 0.5 liters of water. Bring to a boil, remove from heat and leave for 30 minutes. Used for baths before applying any cream .
- St. John's wort . For 0.5 liters of water, 2 tbsp is required. l. chopped grass. The mixture is boiled and left for 30 minutes. Use for penis baths three times a day.
It is recommended to use folk remedies in combination with drug treatment and under the supervision of a doctor.
What is candidiasis
Among the inhabitants of the microflora of the human body that help its work is the fungus Candida albicans of the genus Candida. It belongs to yeast microorganisms and is found on mucous membranes. While a person is healthy, the fungus does not manifest itself, but when immunity decreases, a sharp growth of the colony occurs, especially in a warm and humid environment. This reaction leads to the development of infection - candidiasis or thrush.
The disease most often affects the female genital organs, which have a favorable environment for the growth of the fungus - acidic, moist and warm. Men are less susceptible to infection. This is due to uncomfortable conditions for fungal infection - an alkaline environment and the external location of the genitals. A sharp drop in immunity can provoke:
- balanitis – superficial candidiasis affecting the glans penis;
- candidiasis urethritis - with the disease, the scrotum and skin of the groin area are affected by inflammation, the fungus settles on the urethral mucosa, causing problems with urination.
The cause of thrush in men can be sexual contact with an infected woman. If a person is healthy, then treatment of candidiasis in men is not required in this case - the body’s immune cells will cope on their own. When the protective barrier is weakened, the factors for the development of pathology become:
- sexual infections;
- hormonal imbalance;
- diabetes;
- excess body weight;
- metabolic disease;
- use of antibiotics, hormonal agents;
- diseases of the endocrine system;
- drinking alcohol;
- stressful situations;
- psychological stress.
Symptoms and features of the course in men
When signs of the disease are found on the genitals, men panic, but are embarrassed to consult a doctor and often self-medicate. It is important to know the symptoms of infection - advanced candidiasis can lead to cystitis, inflammation of the prostate gland, urogenital diseases, and impotence. Characteristic signs of candidal balanitis:
- swelling, red spots on the head of the penis;
- the appearance of a white cheesy coating;
- burning, itching and pain during sexual intercourse;
- increased libido as a result of irritation of nerve endings;
- presence of sour odor.
It is necessary to begin treatment of candidiasis in men before the disease begins to progress. As the infection develops, damage to the skin of the scrotum and inguinal folds is observed, which leads to candidal urethritis, which is characterized by symptoms:
- frequent urge to urinate;
- formation of peeling in the foreskin area;
- the appearance of wounds, superficial erosions with bleeding;
- cutting, burning when urinating.
Prevention
Measures are taken against candidiasis to reduce the risk of infection and infection:
- protected sex;
- maintaining intimate hygiene;
- physically active lifestyle;
- strengthening the immune system;
- proper nutrition.
If you experience itching and burning on the genitals, you should consult a urologist. The effectiveness of thrush treatment with folk remedies, as well as with medications, will depend on timely measures taken. The advanced stage of the disease causes severe discomfort and is difficult to cure.
Author: Lyudmila Plekhanova, doctor, especially for Dermatologiya.pro
Antifungal drugs for candidiasis in men in tablets
When the causative agent of the infection is Candida fungus, and the man turned to specialists too late, antifungal drugs in tablets and capsules are prescribed for treatment. After oral administration, the medicine begins to act on yeast-like fungi from within the body. Therapy is effective in case of protracted course of the disease and the appearance of complications. It is important to determine the sensitivity of the fungus to the drugs before taking it. Popular antimycotic agents for candidiasis:
- Flucostat;
- Fluconazole;
- Natamycin;
- Diflucan;
- Itraconazole;
- Orungal.
Fluconazole
The antifungal drug suppresses the synthesis of stearins in cells and effectively destroys pathogenic microorganisms. Fluconazole remains in the blood plasma for a long time, providing a healing effect. When treating candidiasis you need to consider:
- the drug is prescribed by a doctor for progressive infection;
- contraindications – high sensitivity to components, liver pathologies;
- side effects - dizziness, nausea, rashes, allergies;
- The course of treatment and dosage is selected individually, taking into account the severity of the disease.
Diflucan
The medicine has the active ingredient fluconazole, which actively resists fungal infections in candidiasis in men. Diflucan capsules are prescribed for complicated candidal urethritis. When prescribing, dermatologists take into account:
- contraindications – liver disease, sensitivity to fluconazole;
- side effects – headache, diarrhea, cramps;
- capsules are taken once, daily dosage – 150 mg;
- The duration of treatment is determined by the doctor in accordance with the symptoms and the results of interim tests.
Itraconazole
The drug in capsules counteracts a large number of fungi, including Candida. It helps well with advanced cases of the disease. The medicine is absorbed into the blood and accumulates, continuing treatment. You should know:
- side effects – pain in the stomach, head, allergies;
- contraindications – heart pathologies, liver disease, kidney disease, hypersensitivity, diabetes mellitus;
- the minimum course of treatment is a month;
- The dosage is determined by the doctor individually.
Orungal capsules
The antimycotic agent has the active substance intraconazole, which changes the permeability of fungal cells, stopping its reproduction. It has a powerful effect in the treatment of progressive candidiasis. When prescribed to men, the following is prescribed:
- contraindications – pathologies of the heart, kidneys, liver, intolerance to intraconazole;
- side effects - ringing in the ears, nausea, diarrhea;
- course of treatment – from three weeks;
- dosage - corresponds to the severity of the disease, determined by a dermatologist.
Natamycin tablets
The drug is an antimycotic antibiotic active against yeast-like pathogenic microorganisms of the Candida species. Natamycin affects fungal colonies at the cellular level and suppresses their development. Doctors need to know:
- the drug is contraindicated in case of allergies to macrolide antibiotics;
- has side effects - redness, burning, rash, vomiting;
- the duration of treatment depends on the symptoms;
- the dosage is set individually.
Diet and hygiene
For the fight to be effective, it is necessary to increase immunity in every way. Nutrition plays a huge role here. A healthy diet is a surefire cure for thrush. The diet should contain more white meat, rice, seafood, cabbage, carrots, garlic, parsley, and citrus fruits. But carbohydrates should be limited. They promote the growth of fungus.
Good hygiene can also be considered a cure for thrush. After water procedures (preferably a bath, not a shower), the genitals should be thoroughly dried. It is recommended to wear only cotton linen, and not just wash it, but boil it. Avoid intimate life, and if this requirement is not met, be sure to use a condom. By the way, this measure is the main one from the point of view of preventing thrush in men (especially those who do not have a regular partner).
What it is?
Candida fungus is a microscopic simple organism consisting of a single cell and belongs to the class of fungi. There are more than 150 species of this organism, 20 of which successfully reproduce on the surface of the human body and on its mucous membranes.
The candida cell has an oval shape. When it enters the human body, it determines the habitat as favorable or unfavorable. In the first case, the fungus begins to actively multiply, increasing the number of microorganisms. This leads to the formation of a large number of decay products, thereby causing intoxication of the human body and the initial process of the disease. In the second case, when the environment for the reproduction of candida is unfavorable, and the body’s immune forces successfully cope with the fungal bacterium, it becomes covered with a dense shell and waits for the right moment to activate the reproduction process.
Candida is widespread in the environment, especially in acid-alkaline environments, so the method of infection can be very diverse - from a simple handshake to eaten fruit bought in a store. However, in 95% of cases the mode of transmission is indicated through sexual intercourse.
Systemic drugs
Preparations for internal use are prescribed for prolonged candidiasis and the presence of serious complications. Let's consider proven and effective drugs:
- fluconazole. The drug has pronounced bacteriostatic and bactericidal effects. The peculiarity of fluconazole is that it is quickly absorbed into the circulatory system and maintains its concentration for a long time;
- flucostat. The drug quickly dissolves in the gastrointestinal tract, due to which high therapeutic concentrations of the drug are maintained in tissues and biological fluids;
- itraconazole The product has a wide spectrum of action and pronounced fungicidal properties. Itraconazole quickly spreads throughout the organs, accumulates and maintains the desired therapeutic concentration for a long time.
Symptoms of male candidiasis
Clinical manifestations of genital candidiasis in men depend on the location of the pathological process and its prevalence.
Read more about the symptoms and signs of thrush in men in a separate article!
Balanitis
With an isolated lesion of the head of the penis, the symptoms of male thrush will manifest themselves in swelling and redness of the skin, the appearance of islands covered with a white-grayish coating.
Over time, they will be rejected, leaving behind painful erosive surfaces. Constant companions of the disease are intense itching of the external organs of the reproductive system and a burning sensation at the time of urination.
Balanoposthitis
If treatment for candidal balanitis is not started in a timely manner, the fungal infection will spread to the skin of the foreskin. A characteristic feature is hyperemia and swelling of the skin of the preputial sac, and the appearance of whitish, mushy deposits on it.
Gradually, erosions with a weeping surface will begin to appear on the foreskin, which eventually turn into small scars.
Excessive growth of scar tissue can contribute to a narrowing of the preputial ring and the formation of phimosis, in which pain and difficulty in removing the head are observed, and the fungal infection will begin to progress even more.
It is also possible to develop complicated forms of male candidiasis:
- Candidal urethritis.
- Cystitis against the background of thrush.
- Extremely rare - acute pyelonephritis.
Urethritis
Fungal infection of the inner walls of the urethra is accompanied by severe itching and pain during urination.
The external opening of the urethra becomes swollen and brightly hyperemic, along its edges there are deposits typical of candidiasis. Thick white-yellowish discharge, reminiscent of cottage cheese, also appears.
Cystitis
When the infection spreads higher up the urethra, the walls of the bladder become involved in the pathological process and acute candidal cystitis develops. In addition to the main manifestations of thrush, the clinical picture of the disease is accompanied by dysuria (frequent urination, urgency, increased volume of nocturnal diuresis) and pain in the suprapubic region.
A general urine test reveals Candida fungi, leukocytes and desquamated transitional epithelium. This form of candidiasis requires urgent systemic therapy to prevent acute pyelonephritis of a fungal nature.
What does thrush look like in men: photo
Next, you will be presented with several photos of what male thrush looks like.
As a rule, the skin of the penis is inflamed and swollen, the foreskin is swollen and increased in size, there are abundant dense mushy deposits that are easily removed and expose erosive areas.
In the case of the development of complicated forms of the disease, the regional inguinal lymph nodes enlarge.
Causes
Many factors contribute to the development of the disease:
- Taking antibiotics. Normally, the human body contains a small amount of Candida fungi, but they are in balance with beneficial microflora. Taking specific medications destroys beneficial and harmful bacteria, upsetting the balance. The process causes the development of infection.
- Anemia, cancer, and other pathologies increase the chance of becoming the owner of candidiasis. It’s not the ailments themselves that are scary, but the methods of treating them; aggressive drugs negatively affect the body’s defenses, reducing resistance to fungi.
- Failure to comply with personal hygiene rules. Fungi love a moist and warm environment; the absence of regular showers or not wiping the genitals after taking a bath creates a favorable environment for the proliferation of pathogenic microflora. An important role is played by the use of shower gels and lotions with various fragrances. In some cases, chemical components cause irritation, as a result of which candidiasis develops with greater force.
- The course of diabetes (type 1–2), the presence of HIV infection, and, as a result, reduced immunity are unable to cope with the proliferation of pathogenic microflora. Men with serious illnesses are at risk of developing thrush.
- Obesity. Excess weight in a person is characterized by the presence of a large amount of fatty tissue under the skin, which creates favorable conditions for the development of thrush. In addition, uncontrolled weight encourages the development of all kinds of diseases of organs and systems.
Particular attention should be paid to the fact that candidiasis can be transmitted sexually through sex with an infected partner. At the first signs of the disease, it is very important not to self-medicate and not show unnecessary embarrassment, but to consult a doctor.
Personal hygiene
For a speedy recovery, it is recommended to follow the rules of body care and intimate hygiene. If we talk about the underwear itself, then before starting treatment you should change it to new ones. Use only loose underwear made from natural fabrics.
During treatment you should avoid intimacy. You should not bathe in the bathtub; it is better to use the shower. For intimate hygiene, you should not use body care products. After taking a shower, the genitals should be thoroughly dried with a towel.
We recommend! Triderm for thrush: treatment, instructions, ointment analogues.
Drug therapy
Local therapy includes the use of various ointments and creams. The treatment uses agents that have an antifungal effect. These drugs contain active medicinal substances that have a detrimental effect on the causative agent of the disease.
The drugs destroy fungal cells and contribute to its death. Typically, such ointments include the substance imidazole, which neutralizes pathogenic microorganisms.
Among the most effective are creams containing imidazole:
- Clotrimazole;
- Econazole;
- Ketoconazole;
- Miconazole;
- Nystatin (belongs to a special class of antifungal agents, commercially available under numerous brands).
Even if symptoms of candidiasis have been detected in a man before, he should definitely consult a specialist. Also, do not neglect a visit to the doctor if the procedures already used are ineffective.
An integrated approach - combining tablets and external creams and ointments, guarantees a quick recovery and reduces the risk of relapse to a minimum.
The following drugs are very popular:
- Diflucan;
- Forkan;
- Fluconazole;
- Flucostat and others.
It is enough to take one tablet of the prescribed medication for complete recovery. Medicines are well tolerated by the body and rarely cause side effects. It is prohibited to buy or take any medications on your own. Only a qualified specialist, after conducting the necessary tests, will prescribe the correct course and required dosage.
Can a man infect a woman during sexual intercourse?
Despite the fact that urogenital candidiasis is an infection that affects the organs of the genitourinary system, it is not classified as a sexually transmitted infection. Both sexually active men and those who have never had sexual intercourse can get sick.
If a man is healthy and his partner has genital candidiasis (usually vulvovaginal candidiasis - damage to the vagina and vulva), he does not need to start treatment in the absence of symptoms of a fungal infection. The very fact of sexual contact with a sick woman will not necessarily lead to the development of infection in a man - as a rule, for this to happen, his immunity must still be reduced.
However, you should avoid having unprotected sex with a partner who has signs of urogenital candidiasis until she has been accurately diagnosed.
How to treat
Only the attending physician determines the necessary course of treatment.
Sometimes representatives of the stronger sex are diagnosed only on the basis of symptoms alone or tests of the partner. This is a big mistake, since the symptoms of different ailments can be similar, and sometimes even identical, but the solutions are completely different. Without laboratory tests, it is not advisable to begin treatment.
When the diagnosis has been accurately confirmed, antibiotics and antifungal drugs are prescribed. However, it is important to understand that the treatment of candidiasis in men largely depends on the affected area. Therefore, it is worth understanding that what is suitable for the oral cavity, of course, will be inappropriate for eliminating a problem that has arisen in the genital area.
Discomfort in the genital area
Candidiasis balanoposthitis (an infection affecting the male genitourinary system, caused by the Candida fungus) affecting the head of the penis and foreskin is treated locally. A man may be prescribed Macmiror Complex cream or clotrimazole cream. The course of treatment usually lasts no more than 7 days. During this time, the cream will need to be rubbed into the foreskin and glans several times a day. The product has not only an antifungal effect, but also antitrichomoniacal and antibacterial.
Fluconazole is a fairly effective drug for thrush
If the problem has just become apparent, then Fluconazole may be prescribed. The drug has many commercial names. The most popular of which are:
- Diflucan;
- Flucostat;
- Diflazon;
- Medoflucon;
- Forkan;
- Mikosist.
Bowel related disease
If diseases associated with intestinal problems have led to the development of candidiasis, then these should be eliminated first. In this case, treatment may involve the use of probiotics, which make it possible to eliminate all foci of fungal infection and restore the microflora of intestinal infection.
Oral cavity
The most effective in this case are antifungal agents and antibacterial solutions that need to be used to rinse the mouth. In advanced forms, suspensions can be prescribed: Fluconazole and Nystatin.
Nystatin for thrush
It takes about 3-4 weeks to completely eliminate the problem.
The chronic form of the disease is more difficult to treat. In this case, the treatment regimen takes the following form:
- The causes of decreased immunity in the patient are identified.
- Not only antifungal drugs are prescribed, but also immunostimulants.
- Make sure that new foci of infection do not appear. If detected, they are immediately eliminated.
✚
Important! If the treatment does not produce any effects and the man’s health does not improve, it is recommended to go to hospital.
During inpatient treatment, injections of antifungal drugs and antibiotics are prescribed.
Treatment with folk remedies
There are often cases when folk methods helped eliminate thrush in a short time.
So, in cases of oral candidiasis, calendula is brewed, and then the mouth is rinsed with the decoction up to 6 times a day. Viburnum or cranberry juice also helps. You can lubricate the affected areas with it.
Folk remedies for candidiasis
The juice of onion, garlic and celandine can eliminate thrush that has “settled” on the penis.
If you have a problem with your intestines, drink freshly squeezed carrot juice.
Creams
How to cure thrush in men with tablets will be described below. However, it is necessary to approach the issue comprehensively, so first we should talk about that part of the treatment that men often refuse. In addition to mandatory medications, special creams must be applied to the affected areas.
From the total mass of such funds, the following can be distinguished:
Name | Features of application | Effect | approximate cost |
Miconazole, micozone | The active ingredient is miconazole. The cream is applied 1 – 2 times a day. Its texture is viscous, but the cream is absorbed well. You should not apply the substance too actively or frequently, as the fungus may develop resistance to the components of this remedy. | The cream disrupts the synthesis of the most important component for the production of pathogenic microflora of the fungus - ergosterol. This happens due to the disruption of the structure of fungal microorganisms by the cream substances. Cure occurs after 5-9 days of regular use. | From 148 rub. |
Nizoral | The active ingredient is ketoconazole. The texture is standard, the cream is absorbed a little worse than mycozone. It should be applied 3 times a day. | The results of the cream will be visible 7 – 12 days after the start of applications. | From 120 rub. |
Ifenek | The active ingredient is econazole. It is necessary to apply about 3 - 4 times a day, the texture is quite liquid, the substance is absorbed very quickly. | The effect will be strengthened on the 10th day of regular use. | From 70 rub. |
No doctor can tell you how to cure thrush in men without following the rules of safe sex.
Therefore, it is necessary not to neglect creams against candidiasis. Damage to the mucous tissues and covering of the head of the penis can be painless and almost unnoticeable. But the threat of infection with other fungal infections, the risk of suppuration and necrosis, provided there is insufficient attention to treatment, increases significantly.
What you should pay attention to
According to statistics, male genital candidiasis is not as common as female one. And there are reasons for this. The fact is that representatives of the stronger sex have a foreskin on the genital organ, which prevents the penetration of infection, and the absence of multiple folds does not allow fungi to “stay” in one place for a long time. Combined with good hygiene and excellent immunity, all this allows you to forget that there is such a disease as candida in men.
The disease can affect not only the head of the penis and the foreskin, but also the urethra, affecting the prostate gland.
In most cases, the disease indicates disorders from:
- carbohydrate metabolism;
- hormonal levels;
- immune system;
- bacterial flora.
Diet
During treatment of candidiasis, the doctor will definitely give recommendations regarding nutrition, which should be followed throughout the course. The diet should first of all be enriched with foods that have antifungal properties, for example, pumpkin suppresses the growth of fungal infections.
On the other hand, it is necessary to stimulate the immune system and eat immunostimulant foods. For example, such an affordable product as garlic has pronounced antifungal properties and strengthens the body's internal defenses.
In addition to all of the above, it is important to replenish the body with “competitors” of yeast-like fungi – bacteria. Therefore, increase the consumption of fermented milk products in your diet. An important point is that they should be without added sugar, which, on the contrary, will stimulate the growth of yeast-like fungi.
What can and should be consumed?
Introduce the following foods into your daily diet:
- vegetables and fruits, but not sweet ones. It is better, of course, to use them raw, but if you need to heat them, it is better to do it stewed or boiled;
- lean meats and fish;
- cereals;
- legumes
What should you exclude from your diet?
During treatment for thrush, you should not consume the following:
- sauces;
- alcoholic drinks;
- smoked meats;
- yeast products;
- sweet fruits and juices.
Treatment at home
Having learned how to treat thrush in men at home, do not rush to go to the pharmacy for medications without first visiting a urologist. The doctor will do a special test to study the characteristics of the fungal flora and differentiate candidiasis from other diseases with similar symptoms. To establish a diagnosis, men are required to undergo urine and blood tests. This is necessary to exclude diabetes mellitus from the causes of endocrine disease thrush.
To prevent therapy from being useless, a man must treat the disease together with his partner and not have sex until complete healing. Otherwise, relapses will occur due to mutual infection. The fact of the couple’s recovery is confirmed by the responses of repeated tests for candidiasis. In this way, the man and woman gain confidence in complete healing.
If the doctor has diagnosed candidiasis, the patient will most likely be prescribed drugs with imidazole. Creams with such an active substance are available over the counter in pharmacies. However, these medications can cause local side effects, most often a burning sensation in the treated area.
If the discomfort is unbearable, your doctor may change the inappropriate medication to a corticosteroid cream. Be that as it may, both types of drugs fight the Candida fungus and extinguish the source of inflammation.
In special cases, if thrush cannot be cured with these remedies, men are prescribed medications with fluconazole. They destroy the structural proteins of fungal bodies.
During the treatment of candidiasis, men should not only use medications, but also perform certain activities. They will help patients protect themselves from relapses of thrush in the future.
Prevention
Prevention of male candidiasis:
- Striving for optimal weight and playing sports.
- Changing the diet in favor of plant and dairy products.
- The correct choice of products intended for lubrication during sexual intercourse (it is recommended to buy water-soluble gels).
- Refusal of condoms that have caused an allergic reaction at least once (intimate organs often react with allergies to latex products).
- Wearing underwear made of breathable fabrics. For example, cotton panties allow air to pass well to the genitals, do not allow the lower part of the body to sweat too much, and do not overheat the sensitive area.
- Mandatory use of protective equipment during casual intimate intercourse and with unfamiliar partners.
- Using toilet or laundry soap for washing. Synthetic gels and overly aromatic products disrupt the microflora of the genital organs.
- Thoroughly drying the body after hygiene procedures.
- Changing into dry clothes when leaving a pool or natural body of water.
- Give up bad habits and lead a healthy lifestyle to maintain a strong immune system.
Hygiene
If thrush is detected in the early stages, when its symptoms are mild, treatment does not necessarily involve hospitalization. Self-improvement is quite enough (if a specialist allows it).
For this, good hygiene is enough, which not only treats, but also prevents thrush, since all yeast infections develop in moist, warm places. Additionally, the use of antifungal creams and drugs that are equally effective in killing fungi is required.