No infections are pleasant to talk about, but when they are on the intimate region, they can be really tricky to talk about, even with your doctor. This is why many people have many questions about infections that are sexually transmitted, such as whether men can get Thrush.
Can Men Develop Thrush?
It is a known fact that women are prone to many vaginal infections, such as cystitis, bacterial vaginosis, and Thrush. However, not many people are aware that man can have Thrush, as well. Thrush is, actually, a yeast – or rather, fungal – infection that may develop in moist and warm areas, including the vagina, mouth, and – penis.
While men can get Thrush, this infection is much more frequent in women. There is a logical reason behind this: Candida, the specific fungus causing Thrush, breeds better inside the vagina. The penis’ head isn’t as large as the inside of the women’s vagina, so there isn’t enough breeding ground for yeast to grow on. Still, this can happen. If it does, Thrush causes symptoms such as thick, white discharge that looks like cottage cheese, a bad odor, as well as burning or itching sensation on the penis or underneath the foreskin.
Cause of Thrush
Candida, a type of fungus, causes Thrush, and it is harmless most of the time. It lives in our bodies as it is. However, sometimes this fungus can multiply enormously and grow at a much faster rate than our bodies can regulate. This makes it go out of control, causing Thrush. Most of the time, this occurs in warm and moist areas, such as the throat or genitals.
Many things can trigger the Candida overgrowth, such as weakened immune system, some medical conditions including diabetes, pregnancy, as well as some hygiene measures. If your partner gets Thrush, they might transfer it to you.
If you or your partner have Thrush, it would be wise to avoid sexual intercourse until you get rid of the infection.
Is Thrush an STI?
Having sexual intercourse with a person who has Thrush can trigger the infection inside your body. However, Thrush isn’t an STI because Candida won’t get transmitted from one person to another. It already exists in our bodies, and you won’t suddenly get it because you’ve had sex with a person who has it. However, sexual intercourse can trigger the yeast to start multiplying in your own body, causing Thrush in you, as well.
This is why people with Thrush should avoid having sexual intercouse until they are entirely healthy. Otherwise, they might trigger the infection in their partner.
Thrush Treatment
Thrush is treated with an anti-fungal medication. Most of these treatments will get rid of the infection in about a week. The exact dose varies on whether you decide to take a cream or a tablet.
A common anti-fungal tablet is Fluconazole. You take one Fluconazole pill and this will clear Thrush in seven days. On the other hand, most creams, such as Canesten, while immediately soothing, have to be applied a few times every day during the treatment.
There is also a vaginal suppository for women suffering from Thrush.
As Thrush isn’t an STI, there is no need for your partner to be treated for Thrush – except iff they experience symptoms of the infection.
