Male thrush
Thrush is caused by the Candida albicans fungus.
Many people have a small amount of this fungus in their bodies. However, it does not usually cause problems because it is kept under control by the bodys immune system and other harmless bacteria (so-called "good bacteria").
Thrush can develop whenthe good bacteria in your body (which keeps candida under control) is destroyed. For example, if you are taking Penicillin to treat an infection, the antibiotics will not distinguish between good and bad bacteria, and will fight off both types.
Also, if you are run down and your immune system is weak, the candida fungus that causes thrush may multiply.
Candida tends to grow in warm and moist conditions. Therefore, you may develop thrush if you do not dry your penis carefully after washing.
Using perfumed soaps and shower gels can irritate your penis, making thrush more likely to develop. Candida also thrives on skin that is already damaged.
Men who have HIV , diabetes or other conditions that weaken the immune system are more at risk of developing thrush. This is because the infection develops quickly and the weakened immune system is not strong enough to fight it off.
If you have uncontrolled diabetes (usually because you do not realise that you have the condition), you are more likely to develop thrush. Typical signs of diabetes include:
See your GP if you have these symptoms, or if you have thrush that keeps recurring (coming back), even after treatment.
Thrush is a yeast infection caused by a fungus called Candida albicans. Both men and women can get thrush, though it is more often associated with women.
If you have balanitis thrush, you will have a number of distinctive symptoms, such as red skin around the head of your penis and pain and swelling.
Thrush is caused by the Candida albicans fungus.
Visit your GP if you think you have the symptoms of thrush (either on your penis or skin) and you do not have a history of the condition.
The recommended treatment for thrush in men depends on which area of the body is affected.
If you have a weakened immune system there is a risk that the candida fungus will spread into your blood. This is known as invasive candidiasis.