Male Thrush -2

Diagnosis of male thrush
The usual symptom Balanitis or redness and soreness of head of penis (glans) is due to male thrush and can be noticed soon after having sex. However, to diagnose the infection and to rule out any other problem, one needs to get tests done at a sexual health or genito-urinary medicine clinic. The doctor may physically review the genitals for visible signs and symptoms. A swab is taken from the head of the penis or from just under the foreskin and examined under microscope for presence of candida fungus. The results of presence of fungus can be available immediately.
A recurring case of thrush can be treated by OTC treatments from the pharmacist. However, if the infections comes back more number of times, repeatedly after taking treatments or if it does not clear up with the medication, one needs to consult their GP to investigate the cause and alter treatment accordingly. The GP might do a diabetes test as thrush in men is the first sign of beginning of the condition.
A heterosexual man getting thrush infections repeatedly might be due to the other partner who has candida thriving in her vagina. To avoid back and forth of infection between two partners, it is recommended that both go for the treatment.
Treatment for male thrush
Anti-fungal creams – these creams are available over-the-counter or OTC at the pharmacist. This can be combined with a single dose pill called fluconazole.
Steroid cream – this is advised in addition to anti-fungal medicines to reduce symptoms of the infection. However, this should not be used on the infected penis head or glans as it can aggravate the infection.
Hygiene – affected area should be washed carefully and regularly with warm water and dried thereafter. Showers are recommended more than baths. Do not use perfumed shower gels or soaps to avoid irritation to affected areas. Wear loose fit cotton undergarments to keep the penis dry and cool.
Avoid having sex till the infection clears up, as chances are that condition can spread or worsen. However, in case one chooses to have sex, condom should be used to avoid passing infection to the partner.
Some heterosexual men get mild balanitis after having sex, reason being an allergic reaction to the candida in the partner’s vagina. In this case, your partner also needs treatment to avoid back and forth of infection. Again using a condom would help arrest spread of infection between partners.
Complications related to male thrush
Blood poisoning – The candida fungus can spread into the blood if the person suffering from thrush has a weak immunity or suffers from conditions like leukaemia or diabetes mellitus. The chances of spread into blood also increase with antibiotics being taken over long periods or use of intravenous medications. The symptoms include headaches, fever, nausea and shivering. Immediate treatment is important to curb spread of infection to the rest of the body and adverse effects on brain, heart, liver and eyes.