Thrush in men
The content of the article:
- Causes of thrush in men and risk factors
- Forms of the disease
- Symptoms of thrush in men
- Diagnostics
- Treatment of thrush in men
- Possible complications and consequences
- Forecast
- Prevention
Thrush in men is the collective name for lesions of the mucous membranes by microscopic yeast-like fungi of the genus Candida (in about 90% of cases, the causative agent is Candida albicans). The defeat of the urogenital tract is one of the most common manifestations of candidiasis.
Thrush in men is an order of magnitude less common than in women, due to the anatomical features of the structure of the male genital organs. The defeat of the mucous membranes of the genital organs by microscopic fungi with thrush in men is often combined with cystitis.
The presence of erythematous foci with a whitish-gray coating on the mucous membrane of the urogenital tract is the main symptom of thrush in men
Causes of thrush in men and risk factors
The immediate cause of thrush in men is damage to the mucous membranes by microscopic Candida fungi. Infection can occur both exogenously and endogenously. The causative agents of thrush in men can be sexually transmitted, but the development of the disease is often not associated with sexual contact.
Microscopic yeast-like fungi of the genus Candida are conditionally pathogenic microflora and are permanent inhabitants of the body of healthy people, without causing the development of pathological processes. However, with the weakening of the body's defenses, fungi begin to multiply vigorously, causing an inflammatory process. Risk factors for developing thrush in men include:
- immunodeficiency states;
- dysbiosis (including due to the irrational use of antibacterial drugs);
- infectious processes in the body, intoxication;
- changes in hormonal levels (endogenous or exogenous);
- taking a number of drugs (hormonal contraceptives, therapeutic hormonal drugs, immunosuppressants, broad-spectrum antibacterial drugs);
- overweight;
- radiation therapy;
- the presence of glucosuria (glucose in the urine);
- a change in the pH of the mucous membranes of the urogenital tract to the acidic side (pH 5.8–6.5), which increases the activity of fungi;
- injury to the mucous membranes of the genitourinary tract;
- hypovitaminosis (especially a lack of vitamins B 2, B 6, C, etc.).
Forms of the disease
Thrush in men often takes the form of candidiasis (asymptomatic), it can also be acute and chronic (recurrent). Candidacy differs from the norm in a significantly increased number of yeast fungi, detected in the laboratory, which, however, does not manifest itself clinically.
Depending on the localization of the pathological process, candidiasis in men can manifest itself as:
- candidal urethritis (inflammation of the urethra);
- candidal postitis (inflammation of the mucous membrane of the foreskin);
- candidal balanitis (inflammation of the mucous membrane of the glans penis);
- candidal balanoposthitis (combined inflammation of the mucous membranes of the foreskin and the head of the penis) is the most common form of thrush in men.
By the nature of the inflammation:
- exudative form;
- erosive.
Candidal balanitis - one of the forms of thrush in men
Symptoms of thrush in men
The main symptom of thrush in men is the presence of erythematous foci with a whitish-gray bloom on the mucous membrane of the urogenital tract. Patients complain of itching, burning, occasionally pain, especially when scratching the affected areas, as well as discomfort during urination. Signs of thrush in men include a sour (curd) odor in the perineum, whitish flocculent discharge from the urethra. In some cases, narrowing of the foreskin (phimosis) can be observed.
With candidal balanitis, which is the most common form of thrush in men, films, erosion, and red spots form on the mucous membrane of the glans penis. Other signs of thrush in men, flowing in the form of candidal balanitis, include the appearance of an eczema-like rash and / or patchy-scaly foci of hyperemia on the skin of the penis. The pathological process can spread to the foreskin, the skin of the body of the penis, the femoral-muscular and inguinal folds, as well as to the perianal region. Areas of maceration on the mucous membrane of the glans penis are covered with a whitish-gray bloom; when the plaque is removed, a hyperemic erosive surface is found under it. The foreskin is infiltrated, poorly stretchable, attempts to push it back cause pain. Cracks may appear along the edge of the foreskin. The inflammatory process is accompanied by itching and burning in the affected area.
Thrush in men is accompanied by itching, burning, pain in the penis
Candidal balanoposthitis can occur in an exudative and erosive form. The exudative is characterized by the presence of white plaque on the inflamed head of the penis and on the foreskin. In the erosive form of balanoposthitis, in addition to inflammation of the mucous membrane, ulcerations of red color are noted, which form foci of maceration. The process is accompanied by periodic pain in the affected area, which becomes constant as it progresses.
For the acute form of candidal balanoposthitis, hyperemia and swelling of the affected area is characteristic, an increase in body temperature, an increase in inguinal lymph nodes are possible.
In the chronic form of the disease, the pathological process can spread further, affecting the urethra, bladder, kidneys, and other internal organs, but the clinical manifestations are less pronounced. As a rule, they are limited to a burning sensation and itching in the affected area, slight hyperemia and scanty discharge.
Isolated candidal postitis is rare, usually an inflammatory process in the mucous membrane of the glans penis (balanitis) joins it. With candidal postitis, inflammation of the prepuce is observed. The characteristic symptoms of the disease are itching and burning of the affected area, hyperemia of the leaf of the foreskin, a grayish-white bloom, and a decrease in libido.
Candidal urethritis is relatively rare. The clinical picture of the disease resembles gonorrheal urethritis, but is less pronounced.
With the involvement of the bladder in the pathological process and the development of cystitis, there is a feeling of heaviness in the pelvic region, pain, frequent urination. The urine is cloudy, and an admixture of blood may be found in it.
Diagnostics
Diagnosis of thrush in men is based on the characteristic clinical picture of the disease, confirmed by the identification of yeast-like fungi of the genus Candida (predominance of vegetative forms).
Visual examination of blastospores and pseudomycelium of Candida fungi is carried out by light microscopy in native or fixed and stained (according to Gram or methylene blue) preparations of preputial smears. The method allows detecting the vegetative form of microscopic fungi, which is a diagnostic indicator of the progression of the infectious process. However, the microscopic method does not allow for the species identification of the infectious agent.
The diagnosis of thrush in men is based on the identification of fungi of the genus Candida
The identification of Candida fungi using the culture method with quantitative colony counting allows identification of the type of fungus, quantitative assessment, and determination of sensitivity to antimycotic drugs. Laboratory detection of Candida fungi in the absence of signs of the disease is not an indication for therapy, since these fungi in small quantities can also be detected in healthy people. It is precisely the quantitative determination of the pathogen that has diagnostic value.
Treatment of thrush in men
Treatment of thrush in men is aimed at eliminating the factors that caused the development of the disease, treating concomitant pathology, as well as normalizing impaired functions and increasing immune reactivity and nonspecific resistance of the body.
For local treatment, antimycotic drugs are used in the form of ointments, pastes, drying powders, and solutions. In some cases, antifungal drugs are prescribed in tablet form.
Topical preparations containing corticosteroids are used to eliminate itching and reduce signs of inflammation.
For the treatment of thrush in men, antimycotic drugs are prescribed topically
Treatment of the chronic form of thrush in men is long-term, aimed, first of all, at eliminating exacerbations. Since chronic thrush is associated with some form of immunodeficiency, its complete cure is rarely achievable without eliminating the cause of the decrease in immunity. In addition, regular treatment of chronic thrush in men with antimycotic drugs can build drug resistance in fungi.
Patients with a chronic form of the disease are prescribed local and general antimycotic drugs. To strengthen the immune system, immunomodulators and vitamin complexes are shown.
During the period of treatment, patients should avoid unprotected sexual intercourse, as well as adhere to a diet with the exception of alcohol, sugary carbonated drinks, chocolate, smoked meats, fatty, fried and pickled foods, canned food, semi-finished products, confectionery.
Possible complications and consequences
With the progression of thrush in men, close and distant complications of the pathological process may occur. Close complications include erosion of the genital mucosa, a predisposition to sexually transmitted infections (damage to the mucous membrane contributes to the penetration of infection). Long-term complications of thrush in men can be urethritis, cystitis, pyelonephritis, glomerulonephritis, prostatitis, damage to other organs and systems. In the case of severe immunodeficiency, thrush can lead to the development of sepsis.
Forecast
With the right treatment, the prognosis is favorable. With the transition to a chronic form, it worsens.
Prevention
Measures to prevent the development of thrush in men include:
- timely treatment of diseases of internal organs and infectious processes in the body;
- timely consultations with a doctor if you suspect inflammation of the organs of the genitourinary system;
- rejection of the uncontrolled use of drugs;
- refusal of casual unprotected sex;
- compliance with the rules of personal hygiene;
- rejection of bad habits, balanced nutrition, maintaining good physical shape.
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Anna Aksenova Medical journalist About the author
Education: 2004-2007 "First Kiev Medical College" specialty "Laboratory Diagnostics".
The information is generalized and provided for informational purposes only. At the first sign of illness, see your doctor. Self-medication is hazardous to health!
