It could be very uncomfortable for men to have thrush; thrush in men can grow in embarrassing and inconvenient places like the genitalia and the oral cavity. It is definitely important to understand what causes thrush, how to treat it and also ways on how to prevent thrush from coming back.
Thrush is an opportunistic organism; it is a fungus which is better known as Candida albicans that lives in places where there is moisture. It is also known to grow in places where there the population of good bacteria is compromised like the oral cavity and in the skin. Good bacteria population is decreased when a person takes broad spectrum antibiotics or has a low immune system function; this in turn make the number of Candida albicans bloom and thrive developing thrush.
Thrush in men
Thus, thrush may be found in the linings of the oral mucosa (oral thrush), the skin areas like the sensitive skin folds of the arms, legs and the feet, the genitalia (penis) and can also occur in the gastrointestinal system. Oral thrush is characterized by painful oral sores that can hurt when you drink or eat. Genital thrush in men are mostly found on the folds of the penis; painful sores that ooze and sometimes may be accompanied by a smelly penile discharge. It is important to note that even though thrush develop in different areas of the body, treating thrush is very much the same, removing its food source. Candida albicans thrive in moisture so treatment must start with removing moisture and killing the fungus at the same time.
Moisture on skin folds can be easily removed by using moisture absorbent fabrics for clothes and socks plus refraining from activities that make you sweat more. Using antifungal powder and creams can also fight thrush in men especially thrush that thrives on skin. Oral thrush on the other hand can be treated with antifungal medications and also by eating yoghurt fortified with good bacteria; this will increase good bacteria population in the oral mucosa and also in the gastrointestinal system as well.
Thrush in men that are found in the penile area is treated with antifungal creams. There are also oral antifungal preparations that a doctor can prescribe. A doctor may advice a patient with thrush on the penile area to refrain from any sexual activity until the thrush heals and the patient completes his prescription medication. He is also advised to inform his sexual partner or partners to seek diagnosis and consultation as well since thrush in men is easily transmitted sexually and also through oral sex.
Prevention is always the best treatment for thrush in men. Always wear a condom when you have sexual contact. Have a monogamous relationship to prevent sexually transmitted diseases and most of all stay healthy by eating healthy, living a healthy lifestyle and taking supplements daily to increase your immune system functioning. Thrush in men is preventable and also treatable; consult your doctor for any thrush symptom for appropriate treatment today.
