Signs & Symptoms of Thrush in Men

An infection caused when the Candida yeast naturally present in humans grows abnormally, thrush (Candidosis) occurs in the mouth or genitals of both genders. Because Candida can thrive beneath the foreskin, uncircumcised men are at higher risk of genital thrush.

Oral Thrush Symptoms

• Creamy or yellowish spots on the tongue or walls and roof of the mouth, diminished sense of taste and cracking at the mouth's corners are all symptoms of oral thrush.

Genital Thrush Symptoms

• Inflammation, soreness, itching of the penis and painful urination are signs of balanitis, the primary symptom of genital thrush. Some men have smegma, a yeasty-smelling discharge, and those with yeast allergies may develop cracked foreskins.

Causes

• An immune system weakened by HIV or other diseases, antibiotic use and failure to dry the penis after bathing encourage symptoms of thrush in men. Unprotected sex with an infected partner sometimes transmits the infection.

Treatment

• Eating yogurt combats thrush by restoring the body's yeast-fighting bacteria. Immune-compromised men can use anti-fungal lozenges or mouthwashes prescribed by their doctors for oral and anti-fungal creams for genital thrush.

Prevention/Solution

• Limiting your consumption of yeast-based foods and refined sugar and practicing good oral hygiene, says the Mayo Clinic, are two ways to prevent thrush.