Candidiasis is usually called a disease that is caused by fungi of the genus Candida. These microorganisms have a rounded shape. They are close relatives of the yeast. However, unlike yeast-like fungi, Candida can cause disease in humans. In this article, we will talk in more detail about what constitutes candidiasis of a member in men. You can also get acquainted with the causes, symptoms, features of the treatment of this disease.
general information
Representatives of the stronger sex suffer from this fungus much less than women. This is explained by the fact that the male body is less susceptible to these microorganisms. But when the defenses of the immune system weaken, then Candida becomes the cause of an infection that affects the genitals in a man.
In this case, you should pay attention to the fact that you can become infected with this disease not only from your sexual partner. Fungi of the genus Candida are representatives of the natural microflora of humans. Often they are found on the skin, in the intestines, in the mouth, as well as on the genitals of absolutely healthy people. That is why infection with fungi can occur endogenously, that is, directly inside the body in case of weakened immunity. In such situations, it is necessary to treat not only candidiasis of the member, but also to carry out a full examination of the body, identifying chronic diseases that provoked a decrease in protective forces.
Candidiasis cannot be called a particularly dangerous disease. This ailment is easy to treat. However, there is a high probability that, along with unpleasant, but harmless fungi, there was an infection with some other sexually transmitted diseases. That is why, if a man found candidiasis on his penis, you should take tests, consult a venereologist and urologist.
In some cases, this disease in men is a symptom of chronic deep damage to the entire body by a fungus. In such situations, not only the skin and urinary system are affected, but also the intestines, lungs, and other organs. But statistics show that in most cases, Candida fungi affect the genitals superficially.
Candida
So what is Candida? These are such unicellular tiny organisms that belong to fungi. In total, experts share about 150 varieties of these microorganisms. At the same time, 20 of them are able to settle on the skin, as well as internal organs in the human body, provoking the disease.
Candida is presented in the form of an oval cell, inside of which several bags with spores are formed, which are reproduction tools. If such a fungus is in favorable conditions, then it begins to multiply actively by budding, populating the entire surrounding space. Cells begin to stretch, becoming an oval stick. They are combined into long chains called pseudomycelia. Such candida acquire new pathogenic properties. They enter human cells, parasitize in them, and feed on glycogen stores. Fungi also destroy cells with their own enzymes, poison the human body with harmful toxins.
If Candida gets into adverse conditions, the fungus will begin to create a dense shell around itself. Thanks to this, microorganisms retain their own viability, waiting for an unfavorable period. This feature contributes to the strong survivability of fungi. Please note that you can become infected with a fungus not only after contact with a sick person, but also through foods and household items.
Fungi of the genus Candida are also found in nature. A particularly large amount is found in food, sweet fruits and vegetables. In case of contact with the skin or mucous membrane, these microorganisms are divided into them. They prefer a slightly alkaline environment, a stable temperature of about 37 degrees, high humidity. If a person has a large number of confectionery products, as well as other carbohydrate products in his diet, this is ideal for reproduction.
Causes of candidiasis
What are the causes of the disease in men? In this case, the causes have much in common with the factors that provoke this disease in women. All these reasons can lead to a weakening of the body's immune system. These include the following:
- Diseases of the endocrine glands, such as the thyroid gland or adrenal glands.
- Diabetes mellitus, as well as other disorders of the carbohydrate metabolism in the body.
- HIV, as well as other immunodeficiency conditions.
- Protracted stress and overwork.
- Recent severe infectious diseases.
- A long course of treatment with antibiotics or cytostatics, drugs that inhibit the immune system.
- The use of corticosteroid creams.
- A diet that consumes a large amount of carbohydrate foods.
- Climate change.
- Dysbacteriosis
- Minor injuries of the mucous membrane that are caused by rubbing, thermal or chemical irritation.
- Weakening of the local immune system after sexually transmitted diseases.
If a man who was affected by one or more of these factors will have unprotected sex with a woman who is sick with thrush, then the chances of infection are significantly increased. The incubation period from the moment of infection to the onset of the first symptoms is from 4 days to 2 months. In most cases, it is 2-3 weeks. But under conditions of a weakened immune system, candidiasis in men on the penis can also be caused by microbes that were previously part of the body’s own microflora.
Symptoms and signs of candidiasis
In most cases, candidiasis in men begins with lesions of the glans penis. Over time, the fungus passes to the skin and foreskin of the penis, as well as to the inguinal zone. Less commonly, signs appear on the skin of the scrotum. In the case of a common form of the disease, fungal lesions can also be detected on the folds of the body, where all favorable conditions for this are observed. We have examined above that the causes of candidiasis in men and women are almost the same, but the symptoms will differ.
As mentioned earlier, the first symptoms of candidiasis are on the head of the penis. They will be as follows:
- Itching and burning due to the fact that the fungus secretes enzymes. These substances break down carbohydrates that are contained in human cells. As a result of this chemical reaction, acids appear that affect the skin damaged by fungi. The genital organ is rich in nerve endings, which is why it is very sensitive to irritation.
- Swelling and redness that occur on the foreskin and glans penis. These symptoms always accompany inflammation.
- White coating. A whitish coating also forms on the affected skin, which consists of destroyed skin cells, fungi, plasma proteins, as well as immune cells.
- Inflammation of the foreskin. In addition, the foreskin begins to stretch poorly. Painful cracks may form on it. In the future, even scars may appear, which provokes a narrowing of the foreskin.
- Enlarged lymph nodes. This is because the lymph nodes cleanse the lymph of toxins and microorganisms that cause soreness and inflammation.
- Pain during urination and sexual intercourse.
- Frequent urination, clouding of urine, as well as blood impurities in it. Sometimes there are painful sensations in the lower abdomen and pubis. These signs suggest that Candida infected the cells of the bladder mucosa.
So, now you know what symptoms accompany candidiasis on the penis. You can see photos of these microorganisms in our article.
What does the disease look like in men?
In men, candidiasis begins with swelling and redness of the glans. Then such signs begin to spread to the foreskin. The urethra opening becomes bright red. Small pimples also form on the glans penis. They can burst and form wet areas. Sometimes patients observe minor erosion, which is damage to the skin that looks like small ulcers. In some places, maceration is formed on the skin of the genital organ, presented in the form of loosened, damaged areas. The skin is impregnated with intercellular fluid, begins to swell.
In parallel with all this, the genital organ becomes too hot to the touch, as well as painful. In the morning, the urinary canal sticks together with mucus. A whitish coating appears on the head, as well as under the foreskin. It has a curdled consistency, while being easily removed, exposing the bright red damaged areas of the skin.
When you find candidiasis on the head of a penis, you can begin to treat this disease. But what does she mean?
Treatment features
Treatment of candidiasis on the head of a penis should be prescribed by a specialist after diagnosing this disease. Self-medication is dangerous in this situation, since this ailment is often confused with sexually transmitted diseases. Improper therapy can cause serious complications, such as the chronic form of candidiasis, prostatitis, inflammation of the testicles, narrowing of the urethra and foreskin, as well as gangrenization of the penis.
External treatment
Candidiasis of the glans penis can be treated with both local medicines and tablets. If Candida provoked only superficial damage to the head, then for treatment it will be enough to use only ointments. In most cases, for local treatment of penile candidiasis, cream “Clotrimazole” is prescribed. It must be applied to the affected area twice a day. The duration of treatment is 5-7 days.
Pills
In some cases, specialists prescribe an antifungal agent that can comprehensively affect a man’s body, saving the patient penile candidiasis. The photos in this article can clearly show what the main causative agent of this disease looks like. To get rid of it, experts prescribe in most cases the drug "Fluconazole", which is the most effective in the fight against fungal infections. In addition, this drug very rarely provokes any side effects. This medication is taken once a day. In most cases, to treat candidiasis in men on the penis, it is enough to take once 150 mg of this drug. Analogs are the following: Diflucan, Medoflucon, Mikosist, Flucostat, Forkan.
Sometimes for the treatment of candidiasis on a penis in men, the photo of which is presented in this article, polyenes are prescribed - antimycotic drugs of natural origin. For this, the doctor prescribes "Nystatin", designed specifically to combat this kind of fungus. It is taken in the amount of 1-2 tablets 3-4 times a day. The duration of therapy is 2 weeks. Please note that for the treatment of penile candidiasis, the dosage should be selected strictly individually.
Traditional medicine recipes
Often people prefer to use traditional medicine recipes, as home remedies are made on the basis of natural ingredients and are less likely to provoke side effects, which cannot be said about medications. But what to use for the treatment of candidiasis on a member at home? For this, plant-based products are used. As a rule, they are used for local therapy. To cure candidiasis in men on the head of the penis, you can prepare the following home remedies.
Garlic
Phytoncides, as well as other active substances of this product help fight candidiasis. To do this, you will need to prepare garlic water. Crush 2-3 cloves of garlic, pour the resulting slurry with two glasses of cold water. The product should be infused for 1 hour. This composition is used 3 times a day, on an empty stomach.
You can also use garlic oil to treat candidiasis. To prepare it, you need to grind 4-5 garlic cloves, pour them with 20 ml of refined vegetable oil. The finished product is stored in a cool room. Every morning and every evening on a clean and dry skin, it is necessary to apply the resulting composition with a cotton swab.
Calendula
The infusion based on this plant is used to wash the skin on the head of the penis with candidiasis. In the photo you can see how the calendula looks. To prepare the infusion, you need to take 2-3 tablespoons of flowers, pour them with two liters of boiling water. The infusion should stand for 40 minutes. It is used for hygiene twice a day.
Soda
This ingredient is used to relieve discomfort in the affected area. To prepare a 2 percent soda solution, take one teaspoon of the main ingredient, as well as 1 liter of warm boiled water. The resulting solution is washed in the affected areas before applying drugs. In addition, you can use this procedure as an independent medical event.
Juniper
To prepare this home remedy, you need to take 15 g of juniper cones, pour them with one glass of boiling water, then wrap them with a warm towel and leave for 3 hours. The finished product is taken orally in the amount of one tablespoon three times a day. This is done on an empty stomach.
Honey, Onion, Lemon
This tool is able to not only prevent the spread of the fungus, but also well stimulates the immune system. For cooking, you should take 10 tablespoons of lemon juice, 5 tablespoons of onion juice, as well as the same amount of natural honey. All ingredients are thoroughly mixed. The finished composition is used three times a day, before eating.
Please note that treatment with folk remedies for candidiasis in men should be supplemented with the use of traditional medicine. Therapy is best done under the supervision of a physician. In such situations, a quick and effective disposal of an unpleasant disease is guaranteed.
In conclusion, it is worth recalling that all medications should be taken only after consultation with your doctor. Only a specialist prescribes a particular medicine and dosage, depending on the individual characteristics of the patient's body.