Does thrush occur in men?

In the classical sense, the term «thrush» is used to refer to an infectious lesion of the vaginal mucosa caused by opportunistic fungi of the genus Candida. Does thrush occur in men? This fungal flora can cause inflammation of the urogenital tract in males, but in this case it is more correct to use the term «candidiasis». In this article, we will talk about the symptoms and treatment of candidiasis in men.

Symptoms of urogenital candidiasis in men

In the vast majority of cases, urogenital candidiasis in men occurs in the form of balanoposthitis. Balanoposthitis is a combined inflammation of the inner layer of the foreskin and the glans penis.

From a clinical point of view, this disease is manifested by hyperemia and swelling of the glans penis and the inner layer of the foreskin, the appearance of a whitish-gray plaque that has a curdled consistency. A sick person complains of itching and burning in the affected area. Sometimes weeping erosions appear on the surface of the glans penis, creating a danger in terms of secondary attachment of the bacterial flora.

In the chronic course of candidal balanoposthitis, cicatricial changes may occur in the area of ​​the foreskin, leading to its narrowing and the inability to expose the glans penis.

In rare cases, candidiasis in men occurs with damage to the urethra. The patient indicates a feeling of itching and burning in the urethra, the appearance of scanty muco-watery, sometimes profuse purulent discharge. When ureteroscopy on the mucous membrane of the urethra, a whitish coating is detected. When it is removed, a hyperemic and sharply edematous surface is exposed.

Principles of treatment

With timely seeking medical help, urogenital candidiasis in men responds well to treatment.

With this disease, both local and systemic antifungal agents can be prescribed.

With a mild course of candidiasis, it is most often possible to get by with the use of local antimycotic drugs in the form of ointments, for example, nystatin. If we talk about systemic antifungal agents, the leading role in the treatment of candidiasis is given to fluconazole.

With candidal balanoposthitis, the combined use of both local and systemic antimycotics may be prescribed. In 2011, scientists from the Kyrgyz State Medical Academy named after. I.K. Akhunbaeva published a work in which the effectiveness of the complex treatment of candidal balanoposthitis was established by combining the systemic antimycotic drug fluconazole and a local combined ointment containing hydrocortisone, natamycin and neomycin.

After a course of antifungal therapy, a sick person may be prescribed eubiotics, multivitamins and other supporting agents.

It is important that any medication should be used only as directed by a doctor. Self-treatment of urogenital candidiasis can be not only ineffective, but even dangerous.