Can thrush be contacted through Sex?

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Male Candidiasis- penile thrush in men Genital candidiasis also known as yeast infection is a common medical condition among women, its occurrence in men is very rare. In men, genital candidiasis affects the head of the penis (the glans penis) and, if present, the foreskin (prepuce).

Causes of male candidiasis Candidiasis is caused by a yeast fungus, Candida. They are found naturally inside the body and on the skin – it is normal for the microbe to be there. Every human being is colonized by the fungus – but at levels that do not usually cause problems. There is evidence of yeast on the penis in up to a fifth of men who do not have any signs or symptoms of balanitis. Candida albicans causes problems only under certain conditions that allow it to thrive and grow to numbers that result in candidiasis with the fungal cells producing hyphae, structures that penetrate the tissue. Our immune system and natural ecology of bacteria normally keep the fungal population in check, but if this balance is disturbed, the fungus can thrive. An example of this is commonly seen with newborn babies that can be affected by thrush while they develop a balanced microbial flora.Sexual health: men’s sex performance can be affected by erection and ejaculation problems, collectively known as male sexual dysfunction.

Can thrush be contacted through Sex

Genital candidiasis in men especially candidal balanitis is generally sexually acquired, however, it is not classed a sexually transmitted infection because it can be present in men who are not in a sexual relationship. Men who have a female partner with a genital yeast infection (termed vulvovaginal candidiasis in women) do not need to seek treatment themselves unless they also get symptoms, since sex does not necessarily result in transmission of the fungal infection to men. Men are recommended to avoid unprotected sex with a female partner until the woman’s infection has cleared up after treatment.10 Symptoms of male candidiasis Generally, almost all candida infestation is asymptomatic. Men with genital candidiasis may experience an itchy rash on the penis. Around the head of the penis, the following may be experienced, red skin, swelling, irritation and soreness, itchiness, inflammation as well as white patches on the skin On the foreskin, there may be thick, lumpy discharge under the foreskin, producing an unpleasant odour, difficulty pulling back the foreskin (phimosis). Pain may be experienced when passing urine and during sex.   Tests and diagnosis If this is the first time a man has had symptoms, or there is no response to usual treatment, it is important to consult a doctor because professional diagnosis could rule out alternative problems (differential diagnosis) or underlying issues, such as diabetes, that predispose men to the infection. A full screen for sexually transmitted infections would be done.

It is important for a doctor to ask questions about the rash (take a clinical history) and examine the penis to confirm a diagnosis of candidiasis, and this is how most clinics determine the problem. If the doctor is unsure of the diagnosis, suspects there may be another cause for the rash, or considers it to be a severe case; penile glans swab and under the foreskin will be taken and sent for laboratory culture of the organism and the typical microscopic appearance of the spores and hyphae. Any persistent sores or ulcers that do not heal should be biopsied.