Ellen Campbell -Grizzle
IT IS a myth that men cannot get thrush.
The condition is caused by the overgrowth of the yeast, Candida Albicans. The organism likes warm and moist skin or areas that are slightly damaged. Generally, if candida causes an infection, it is likely to be in the mouth or at the end of the penis. People, who are unwell, may get thrush on the skin or in the intestines. The yeast occurs naturally in the vagina and is normally kept under control by the presence of certain bacteria.
This balance can be easily upset by other factors such as:
* Antibiotic use
* Stress
* Wearing tight-fitting clothes
* Uncontrolled diabetes
* Some forms of contraceptives
Anything that destroys the good protective bacteria in your body will allow thrush to proliferate. When someone takes antibiotics for an infection, these drugs do not discriminate between good and bad bacteria and may knock out both types. If you are 'run down', or have low immunity levels, thrush may get the better of you. Under such conditions, candida is likely to multiply, become infectious and can be passed on during sexual intercourse.
Technically, thrush is not classified as a sexually-transmitted infection. However, it is possible for people who have thrush to infect their partners. Men begin to notice the symptoms when candida has multiplied. If you are sexually active, watch out for soreness and itching, visibly red (inflamed) foreskin and penis head. A collection of material (smegma) under the foreskin that looks like cottage cheese and smells like yeast is often present. The golden rule is that if you are having symptoms for the first time, or persistent infection, please check with your physician.
It is important to note that men can transmit the infection through sexual activity without presenting any symptoms themselves. However, men who are not sexually active can also develop thrush. If your partner is being treated for thrush, there is good chance that you could have it too. You and your partner should be treated at the same time. There are effective over-the-counter items to treat thrush. If a cream is prescribed for you, it is wise to keep applying the treatment for as long as it takes to clear up the symptoms and then for one week more.
Good hygiene and saline bathing help. Keep under your foreskin dry and avoid the use of strongly-scented bath products or intimate body sprays on broken skin. The application of natural yoghurt can help to relieve pain. You should:
* Avoid sex until the infection has cleared.
* Avoid irritating the affected areas.
* Use a condom when you resume sex.
It is a good habit for you or your partner to check your body carefully on a regular basis for any unusual signs and symptoms. Remember, the persistent overgrowth of candida can be an early warning sign of conditions, such as diabetes or illnesses that compromise your immunity, such as HIV/AIDS.
Ellen Campbell-Grizzle, president, Caribbean Association of Pharmacists; director, information & research, National Council on Drug Abuse; email: yourhealth@gleanerjm.com.
