It is mistakenly believed that thrush occurs exclusively in women. But in fact, men can also suffer from this disease. How does candidiasis manifest itself in the stronger sex? And how to cure thrush in men? Let's figure it out together with the doctor.
Thrush is considered a very common disease of the mucous membranes. Candidiasis is a consequence of a fungal infection. The fact is that in the body of every person, both men and women, there are conditionally pathogenic fungi of the genus Candida. Their presence on the mucous membranes is considered a common variant of the norm. But this is until the fungi begin to actively grow and spread. Only then does the process pass into the stage of active disease and the person is faced with unpleasant symptoms of thrush.
According to statistical studies, three out of four women under the age of 25 have had thrush at least once in their lives! In addition, almost every second woman has relapses. Men, fortunately, face the disease very rarely, but this does not mean that thrush does not happen in the stronger sex.
Men are carriers of fungi of the genus Candida in 40% of cases. They are present in small amounts and do not cause significant damage to health. However, in the event of stressful factors, a significant decrease in immunity or fatigue, this conditional pathogen can take over and develop into a real disease.
As in women, in men, thrush is manifested due to the active reproduction of opportunistic fungi of the genus Candida. Although these microorganisms are part of the microflora of the oral cavity, colon, genitals, but with the active spread of yeast-like fungi, candidiasis occurs.
In men, thrush is much less common – this is due to the anatomical features of the structure of the male body.
If a woman feels the first symptoms of candidiasis from the very beginning of the active disease phase, then in men the onset of candidiasis is often asymptomatic. Experts attribute this to the characteristics of the body. The external shape of the penis, the mobile foreskin and the absence of deep folds in the groin help men to avoid the appearance of candidiasis. If you add a healthy lifestyle, a scrupulous attitude to personal hygiene and protected sex to these natural features, then the chances of getting thrush in a man tend to zero. Women are more susceptible to this disease.
Fungal infection can be triggered by problems in the immune system, which are associated with an unhealthy lifestyle, frequent stress, lack of sleep. But even here, women have much more factors to get sick, since they have a natural decrease in immunity due to pregnancy and menstruation.
We have already found out that thrush is considered a fungal disease. Opportunistic fungi of the genus Candida live in the body of both men and women, and this is a common variant of the norm. But as soon as the fungi begin to actively spread, the disease goes into the active stage.
Why do they start multiplying? First of all, the cause should be sought in the failure of the immune system. After all, it is precisely because of weak immunity that the body cannot "restrain" yeast-like fungi, and they begin to spread.
Based on the main reason – weak immunity – we can identify several other factors that cause the disease. For example, hypothermia. What usually happens if you go out in the cold in light clothes without a scarf and hat? Usually such "adventures" end with a cold. After all, any hypothermia is a real blow to the immune system.
Another reason for the development of a fungal infection is unprotected sexual contact and candidiasis in a sexual partner. It should be immediately explained that the thrush itself can not be transmitted from the partner in any way. During sexual contact, there is a natural exchange of microorganisms and fungi. Including opportunistic fungi of the genus Candida. Most often, the body independently copes with microorganisms and they do not" take root". However, against the background of weakened immunity, the body may not be able to cope. Therefore, it is better not to neglect protective measures during sex and use a condom.
Itching, burning, curd discharge-these symptoms are most often associated with thrush in women. But how does candidiasis manifest itself in men? Let's find out.
The disease is often accompanied by pronounced edema of the genital organ. Thrush in men is easily recognized by a touch of gray or white color. But in no case should you remove the plaque – because there is an inflamed area under it, which will become even more inflamed because of this.
But these are not the only symptoms of the disease. Due to the dryness of the mucous membrane, cracks appear on the surface of the penis, as well as multiple rashes. In addition, the patient may suffer from discharge from the urethral canal. Outwardly, they resemble sour milk and have a specific smell.
In addition, during the disease, the urethra becomes inflamed. Because of this, a man may experience discomfort for a while after he has already urinated.
Severe itching, characteristic of thrush, spreads to the scrotum and the entire groin area. With an exacerbation of candidiasis, a man can not even sleep because of constant discomfort.
Also, candidiasis in men is characterized by multiple rashes. At first, they do not have clear contours, but as candidiasis progresses, bubbles with liquid will begin to form, which then transform into erosion.