Many men believe that thrush is something that only happens for women. Thrush in men does however occur and usually affects the head of the penis, causing itchiness, discharge, redness and irritation.
About thrush
You may have heard thrush used interchangeably with “yeast infection” or “candidiasis”. This is because thrush is caused by a fungus (like yeast) called Candida Albicans.
How do I know if I have thrush as a man?
Like chlamydia, gonorrhoea and other bacterial infections in men, some men do not show any symptoms at all. If your female partner seems to be repeatedly experiencing thrush, it is likely that you are both suffering from the infection and are cross-infecting each other and both may require treatment.
Some thrush in men symptoms include:
- Red patches or general redness under the foreskin / on the tip of the penis
- An unpleasant and sometimes smelly discharge that is quite thick in consistency, a bit like cottage cheese
- Phimosis which is difficulty pulling back the foreskin
- Burning, itching or irritation on the penis tip / under the foreskin
Of course these symptoms are also associated with some sexually transmitted diseases so definitely consider wider testing if you are experiencing any of these.
Thrush can appear more widely as a general skin infection also including in the groin, between your fingers, on the skin between your genitals and anus and in your armpits.
Is thrush an STD?
Not all cases of thrush are caused by sexual contact, but sexual contact does spread thrush so if you have a partner, you will both need treatment to prevent re-infection. In addition, the symptoms of thrush in men bear similarities with those of other sexually transmitted infections such as chlamydia and gonorrhoea and bacterial infections so it would be advisable to see a doctor who can advise on the best testing and treatment for you.
Whatever you do, do not leave thrush untreated as it can cause further and more serious complications and spread in the blood, a condition called “invasive candidiasis”, especially if your immunity isn’t very strong.
How can I prevent thrush?
- If your partner has thrush, make sure you use a condom.
- Clean your penis regularly
- Dry your penis properly after washing
- Avoid tight underwear and trousers
- Wear cotton underwear
- Avoid perfumed soaps or shower gels on your genitals
When should I see a doctor?
We recommend seeing a doctor if you have any symptoms or if your partner is suffering from recurring thrush. Treatment for thrush is readily available on prescription and over the counter but we do not recommend self-diagnosing as you may need broader sexual health testing. We are open from 7:30am till 6:30pm and offer same day appointments and the fastest sexual health testing available.
