Thrush on the penis is a bang out ofyeast infection, similar to avaginal yeast infection.
Symptoms include itching, redness, whitish patches, and bleeding.
Antifungal drugs are commonly prescribed to treat the infection.
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This article discussesmale yeast infections, their symptoms, and their causes.
It also looks at some of the ways penilethrushcan be treated.
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What Are The Symptoms of Thrush on a Penis?
Penile thrush is not uncommon, especially in people who are uncircumcised.
However, the condition is thought to be common.
Penile candidiasis is not asexually transmitted infection(STI).
What Is Thrush?
Are There Risk Factors?
There are several risk factors for penile thrush, including:
Is Thrush an STI?
How Is Thrush on a Penis Diagnosed?
Sometimes a healthcare can diagnose penile thrush by examining the area.
Are There Complications from Thrush on a Penis?
Penile thrush will often resolve on its own with little or no treatment.
However, sometimes the infection can lead to severe complications that require aggressive medical intervention.
Balanitis
Balanitisis a condition characterized by inflammation of the glans and sometimes the foreskin.
The swelling can make it harder to pull back the foreskin.
When this happens, it’s almost always in people with severely compromised immune systems.
Without the means to control the overgrowth ofCandida, the infection can become invasive.
IfCandidaenters the bloodstream, it can causesystemic diseaseand affect multiple organ systems.
How Is Thrush on a Penis Treated?
Most cases of penile thrush are not severe, but they can cause significant discomfort and stress.
More serious infections may require medical treatment.
In rare cases, a topical antifungal may cause a hypersensitive skin reaction.
Do not exceed the recommended dose of an OTC antifungal cream or ointment.
If the infection lasts for more than seven days, see your healthcare provider.
Prescriptions
For severe or persistent infections, includingCandidabalanitis, stronger topical antifungals might be prescribed.
People with recurrent balanitis may benefit fromcircumcision.
Studies have shown that the incidence of balanitis in circumcised people is 68% lower than in uncircumcised people.
In cases of invasive candidiasis and candidemia, high-dose intravenous antifungals for several weeks might be needed.
Diflucan and amphotericin B (reserved for only severe fungal infections) might also be prescribed.
How Is Thrush on a Penis Prevented?
you could prevent penile thrush by not having sex with someone who has a yeast infection.
Practicing good hygiene can also help ward off penile thrush.
Improved hygiene, good nutrition, and ideally thecessation of smokingcan also reduce the risk of infections.
Summary
Penile thrush happens when the fungusCandida albicansgrows quickly and triggers an infection.
People with uncircumcised penises are more likely to develop penile thrush.
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