The question of whether a man can infect a woman with thrush is ambiguous and has been discussed by experts for many years. The fact is that most often women are the carriers of this disease. Men, of course, can become a carrier, but this happens extremely rarely.
Where does thrush in men come from?
As a rule, infection with thrush in men occurs from their second half, about which many medical works have been written. However, the man himself can act as a carrier, the methods of infection of which are quite diverse:
- Messy connections. Men who like to change their companions often have a higher risk of contracting thrush than other members of the stronger sex. What is remarkable, the disease may not immediately manifest itself, so the man will remain in the dark for a long time. Perhaps the situation will manifest itself only at the moment when a man infects another woman.
- Long-term use of antibiotics. Numerous medications, which can be prescribed for different reasons, do not always bring only benefits to the body. Over time, they weaken the immune system and make the man's body more susceptible to external infections, among which thrush occupies the leading position.
- Strong and prolonged stress. The judgment that men are not anxious is a huge mistake. Their emotions may be completely invisible on the outside, but they will boil inside. As a result, there is an exacerbation of many diseases, one of which is thrush. The causative agent can be in a man's body for a long time, but not make itself felt until the onset of a favorable period.
- Diabetes. This ailment can cause a huge variety of complications, including thrush. However, highly specialized treatment is not suitable here. Both diseases should be dealt with at the same time, and only then can the patient see a positive result.
- Ignoring the rules of personal hygiene. It is quite possible to become infected with thrush in a household way, especially if a man is often in in public places... The use of someone else's dishes, hands not washed in time, or the use of someone else's hygiene products can lead to the fact that thrush will soon manifest itself.
Having seen the symptoms of an incipient thrush, a man should not immediately try to blame a woman for this. He should sit down and think about what exactly could lead to such a phenomenon. And what is especially important, the couple needs to urgently go for treatment. Together!
How is the infection of the female body from a man?
There is an opinion that a man can pass a thrush to his partner only during intercourse. In most cases, this is true, however, other routes of transmission of the pathogen are also possible.
In particular, a huge amount of bacteria is found in saliva, and thrush may well be transmitted along with banal kisses. In addition, a woman can also be infected in a household way, through objects that an infected person touched.
However, in the event that one partner was diagnosed with thrush, and the other does not complain at all about its manifestations, both need to go to the hospital so that the thrush could be said goodbye forever. Even if at first glance it seems that only a woman has become infected, a man must step over his pride and pass tests with her. As practice shows, in about 99% of cases, the causative agent of thrush is present in both partners.
But even after the treatment has been carried out, it will not be superfluous to take care of preventive measures so that you will never remember such a problem again.
And the first thing that is recommended for both men and women is to adjust their diet. Eating foods that contain a huge amount of carbohydrates should be kept to a minimum!
Instead, it is advisable to include more vegetables, fruits and properly cooked meat and fish dishes in daily meals. The amount of alcohol consumed is not regulated, but in any case, you should not abuse it.
A very important preventive measure is the selection of the correct underwear, which should be made exclusively from natural materials. Synthetics, on the other hand, do not allow the skin to breathe, thereby provoking the growth of bacteria.
In addition, if you feel unwell, in no case should you self-medicate, which can be very expensive.
Weakened by uncontrolled intake of medications, the body will become more susceptible to a huge variety of infections, among which there will certainly be thrush!
Due to the fact that thrush is a disease that occurs in every fourth woman, there is new question about whether a man can become infected or somehow pick up thrush from her. Indeed, it has been found that vaginal thrush in a woman is often the cause of the multiplication of fungi on the mucous membranes of a male partner. But how does the transmission of the fungus occur?
About male thrush
Before considering the transmission routes, you need to familiarize yourself with the characteristics of the "male" thrush. As you know, the candida fungus can actively multiply on any mucous membranes, without exception, in particular, not only on the genitals, but also in the mouth, on the mucous membranes of the intestinal tract, etc.
Normally, thrush as a disease in a guy who has not previously had sexual intercourse with a girl is extremely rare.
If this happens, it is more often in the mouth, which is a consequence of a violation of the microflora of the intestinal tract, which in turn is provoked by improper diet, etc.
But it is also worth noting that candidiasis in men, as a rule, does not appear externally. The fungus can "live" for a long time on the mucous membranes of the genitals of a man or a young guy, without manifesting itself as external symptoms. With a weakening of the immune system and a decrease in the protective functions of the body, candidiasis begins to provoke symptoms of the disease.
Thrush in men is practically no different from the disease in girls. Initially, there is a burning sensation and itching in the foreskin, redness of the glans penis and swelling of the urethra are possible. Uncharacteristic discharge from the urethra can also be observed: it can be white or even granular (extremely rare). In more severe forms, when urinating or ejaculation, characteristic white "threads" can be observed.
How can you get infected?
Very often, many men ask the same question about whether vaginal thrush is contagious, can it be contracted through sexual intercourse? The most common way of transmission of candida from woman to man is through sexual transmission. That is, when a partner becomes infected during unprotected sexual contact with a female who has pronounced symptoms of a fungal infection.
Of course, most often in a male sexual partner, symptoms of infection with thrush or candidiasis may not externally manifest themselves until there are any factors contributing to this (decreased immunity, protective functions of the body, taking antibiotics, possible other genital infections) ...
Until then, a man is a carrier of candidiasis and is unaware of the disease, since candidiasis fungi can live for a fairly long period on the mucous membranes of the glans penis.
After treatment of a woman who is a sexual partner and after repeated sexual intercourse, she may become infected with thrush again, which will require repeated treatment. That is why a man who contracted thrush from a woman during sex should undergo treatment with systemic drugs (those that are used internally), even if there are no symptoms of candidiasis.
If they are pronounced, there is itching, burning and discharge, then topical preparations should also be used - creams, gels, ointments. Therefore, if your girlfriend has candidiasis and you have had unprotected sex (without a condom) before or during the illness, then both should undergo treatment.
A woman can infect a man with candidiasis also through oral contact with kissing (if a woman develops candida fungus in her mouth). And also with oral sex, when there is direct contact of the man's mouth with the mucous membranes of the woman or the mouth (in which there are candida mushrooms) with the mucous membranes of the male genital organs.
You can also infect a guy in a household way, if, say, you use one towel for two in the presence of an exacerbation of a vaginal infection in a girl. Or, using one cup if there is fungus in the mouth.
Many are interested in the question of whether it is possible to pick up candidiasis for a man in the pool? As a rule, it is impossible to get urogenital candidiasis in the pool, since bleach is used for disinfection, in which the candida fungus cannot survive. More often in the pool you can pick up candidiasis of nails or periungual rollers.
It should also be noted that thrush can occur in a woman as a result of exposure to abundant chlorinated water on the mucous membranes of the vagina, after which, during subsequent sexual intercourse, she can "infect" a man.
But cases of candidiasis in women after a swimming pool are quite rare and are the result of lowered immunity or other protective functions of the body, which often happens during pregnancy.
After unprotected intercourse with a woman who "has" candidiasis, it is advisable for a man to undergo a course of treatment with drugs of systemic action even before the onset of any symptoms. In this case, it will be effective to take one dose of Fluconazole (or other drugs based on it) or undergo treatment within 3 days using the same drugs.
It is not necessary to apply local remedies without any external manifestations of the disease. Such "prevention" in the future will help to avoid the appearance of external symptoms of the present fungus on the mucous membranes, and will also help protect a woman from re-infection during subsequent sexual intercourse. If symptoms of the disease occur, you need to be examined by a doctor.
Can a man act as a carrier of thrush
Every year, the number of women who go to the doctor with complaints about the manifestations of thrush, which cannot be confused with other genital infections, is growing. At the same time, every representative of the beautiful half of humanity knows that thrush is not one of the sexually transmitted diseases. So where does this infection come from, and is candidiasis really the fate of women? Can a man be a carrier of infection?
Features of the disease
The causative agent of candidiasis is the Candida fungi, thanks to which this ailment got its medical name. These fungi are found on the skin, in the mouth, in the vagina in women, and in the large intestine in most healthy people. However, their number is so small that they are not capable of harming the body. They speak of a disease only if the fungi begin to multiply actively, and their number exceeds a certain indicator.
Most often, it is women who suffer from thrush, as it contributes to physiological structure external genitals, where it is always humid and warm. In addition, the female body is prone to hormonal surges, which also contributes to the growth of the fungus.
In the male body, not the most favorable conditions have been created for a fungal infection. Men have stronger immunity, suppressing the activity of opportunistic microorganisms, which include Candida fungi. Not the best conditions are created for the male genital organs.
Features of male candidiasis
Still, any guy can become a carrier of thrush. Moreover, men, as a rule, do not have pronounced signs of the disease. Most often they are passive carriers, unaware of the danger they are putting their partner to.
According to statistics, about 10% of men have had this disease, or are currently suffering from it. Candidiasis in men is completely different than in women. This ailment very rarely causes discomfort to representatives of the male half of humanity. And they suffer from the chronic form of the disease much less often than women.
Types of candidiasis in men
At an early stage, candidiasis in men proceeds in a latent form, and therefore remains unnoticed. In general, the male genital area is affected by the following types of thrush:
- candidal cystitis - a disease in which inflammation of the bladder occurs;
- candidal urethritis, characterized by a fungal infection of the urethra;
- balanitis - a condition in which fungi affect the head of the male genital organ;
- postit - a disease in which the foreskin is affected;
- balanoposthitis - a condition in which both the head of the penis and the foreskin are affected;
- mycosis of the skin, when a fungal infection affects the skin in the groin folds and between the toes and hands.
Where does thrush come from in men
Although the male body, unlike the female, carries a fungal infection in a completely different way, the reasons for its occurrence are the same. Candida fungi begin to multiply when:
- after prolonged antibiotic treatment;
- if a man suffers from diabetes;
- with a deficiency in the body of vitamins;
- if you are overweight;
- in the presence of chronic and infectious diseases;
- with congenital phimosis, when the elongated foreskin contributes to the accumulation and decomposition of smegma;
- if the man is HIV-positive, or suffers from AIDS or tuberculosis.
Thrush is not one of the sexually transmitted diseases, and therefore it is not treated by a venereologist, but by a gynecologist or urologist. However, this does not mean at all that this ailment is not transmitted through unprotected sexual contact. Sexual intercourse with a carrier of the infection leads to an increase in Candida in the healthy partner. And if his immune system is unable to cope with the "invasion" of fungi, a person develops candidiasis.
Both men and women are afraid of sexually transmitted diseases, therefore, in the absence of a permanent partner, they abandon traditional sex in favor of oral sex. Meanwhile, oral sex is not always able to protect you from thrush. If a woman suffers from candidal stomatitis, she infects the sexual partner. If a woman's genitals are affected by thrush, a man may get sick with candidal stomatitis.
Most often, Candida attacks pregnant women when their immune systems are most weakened. Therefore, a man can become a carrier of infection after intercourse with a pregnant wife. Having sex with another partner, he will certainly reward her with one of the most painful female infectious diseases.
Signs of illness
With thrush, men appear characteristic signsindicating this particular disease. These include the following manifestations:
- the appearance of red spots on the head and foreskin of male dignity;
- later, a cheesy bloom joins the spots;
- then the spots begin to merge, increasing the lesion;
- the plaque takes on a film-like appearance and takes on an unpleasant sour smell;
- painful sensations appear during urination and intercourse;
- during the act of urination, a white fluid is secreted from the urethra, which looks like semen.
The lesions become swollen, the man experiences severe itching and burning.
How to protect yourself from illness
In most cases, men act as mechanical carriers of the disease. This means that they may not have any manifestations of the disease, but they are able to infect their sexual partner with it. The following situations can contribute to the development of candidiasis:
- weakening of the immune system, in which other diseases appear;
- taking certain medications, which include antibiotics and corticosteroids;
- frequent stress that negatively affects the immune system.
To minimize the risk of developing the disease, you should follow the rules of personal hygiene. Since moisture is an ideal breeding ground for fungus, you need to wipe your skin dry after showering, paying special attention to the genitals.
Small injuries and wounds in the genital area can provoke the development of candidiasis. Therefore, they need to be treated with antiseptic agents in a timely manner.
Often, thrush occurs against the background of the use of various cosmetics that irritate the delicate skin of manhood. You should not get carried away with antibacterial hygiene products, which destroy the physiological protective film on the skin created by beneficial bacteria. Antibacterial soap should only be used for hand washing.
If a disease is detected, both sexual partners should undergo treatment. It should not be assumed that thrush is the fate of women. A man may not get sick, but he is quite capable of being a source of infection. Therefore, after undergoing treatment, he will infect his woman again and again.
The risk group includes men suffering from chronic diseases that reduce the protective functions of the body. Therefore, they need to undergo a timely medical examination, which will reveal the disease at an early stage.
How can you get infected with thrush: ways of transmission?
Most people mistakenly believe that thrush is an exclusively "female" destiny and is not peculiar to men. One of the reasons for this long-standing opinion is that in men, candidiasis occurs practically without symptoms. The second controversial point is the question of whether thrush is transmitted to men from women or not?
In order to clarify the situation, it is necessary to understand how contagious the thrush is and who is susceptible to such a disease. As you know, the main causes of thrush are the intake of antibiotics, the "game" of hormones, and non-observance of the rules of personal hygiene. Such problems can occur in both women and men, which means that everyone can become infected with candidiasis.
Who's guilty
Since the causative agent of candidiasis "selects" first of all the folds of the vagina (constant comfortable temperature and pH), the most frequent carrier of the fungus is a woman. In addition, women are characterized by periodic hormonal surges, which also provokes candidiasis. In men, it is more difficult for fungi to linger, this is a purely physiological moment.
A woman can also get infected from a man, since the fungus also affects the male genital organs. This happens in the case when the thrush does not particularly manifest itself - the so-called carriage arises and the partners live without protection.
Symptoms often appear with a general weakening of the body. Exacerbation of candidiasis is accompanied by burning and itching, redness and uncharacteristic discharge.
How the fungus is transmitted
Despite the fact that thrush is not a sexually transmitted disease, it can be transmitted from one sexual partner to another. According to statistics, about 4 out of 10 men contracted candidiasis from a woman. The risk of illness increases with reduced immunity, diabetes mellitus, hard exhausting work and improper or poor nutrition.
Candidiasis affects any mucous membranes of the body - the oral cavity (a fairly common phenomenon that occurs even in infants), genitals, and the digestive system. There are cases of fungal infection of the conjunctiva of the eyes, ear, internal organs, skin. The disease occurs both independently (for some "internal" reasons), and as a result of ingestion from the environment or through sexual contact.
A woman can infect a man (and vice versa) with thrush as follows:
- The disease is transmitted sexually from partner to partner during sex without the use of contraceptive protective equipment.
- With oral sex - in the event that fungi of the genus Candida "live" on the mucous membrane of the oral cavity.
- Through common items (bed, towels, washcloths, etc.). In the same way, thrush is transmitted not only to the sexual partner - it can also infect other family members, even children.
- Candidiasis is also transmitted when swimming in the pool, visiting a bath or sauna, but only if this is a joint stay or the cleaning and disinfection of water and premises was poorly carried out.
Protection methods
In order to prevent men from contracting candidiasis, it is necessary to take some protective measures. Their observance is not particularly difficult. These include:
- Refusal of intimacy during treatment with mandatory verification of the effectiveness of the prescribed treatment regimen. To do this, after the end of the medication, it is necessary to pass tests for the presence of Candide in the body.
- If one sexual partner has Candida, a condom must be used during sex.
- After sex, the genitals must be treated with special antiseptics. For example, potassium permanganate or "Miramistin" infect the fungus, which means they treat thrush. But these drugs should be used either in combination with other therapeutic measures, or as an "ambulance".
You can become infected with thrush through sexual and household means, through contaminated things and household items. Observing simple precautions on the part of both partners will help protect against illness.
Almost every woman encounters thrush at least once in her life. As a result, girls often worry about whether a man can be infected with thrush or get infected from him. Let's explore both issues in more detail.
Candida fungus, which entails candidiasis, can actively multiply on all mucous membranes, whether it be the genitals, intestines or oral cavity. In this case, a man's thrush can be in a latent form for a long time, without manifesting itself in external symptoms. And only in case of weakening of immunity and protective functions of the body, candidiasis in men begins to make itself felt.
The symptoms of male thrush are not much different from female candidiasis:
- there is redness of the glans penis;
- burning and itching begins in the intimate area;
- white discharge from the urethral canal and under the foreskin may form.
But the very structure of the reproductive and endocrine system in a man is not suitable for the reproduction of a fungal infection.
So is it possible to infect a man with thrush?
In the vast majority of cases, a man's thrush appears as a result of unprotected intercourse. Infection of a man with candidiasis occurs during sexual intercourse (vaginal, oral or anal) with a woman who has symptoms of pathology.
This gives a completely logical answer to the question - a woman can infect a man with thrush.
Ways of infection in men
Infection with thrush in men can occur not only after vaginal sex, but also as a result of oral sex or their alternation with kissing.
The least common is the household route of infection with thrush, when using common dining and hygiene items. But if the partner's Candida fungus develops in the mouth, then even a banal transfer of candy or ice cream, in 80% of cases, will lead to infection of the partner.
Sharing a bath with an infected woman can also cause candidiasis in men, but in extremely rare cases.
But a man's visit to the pool can no longer cause infection with thrush, since the water in the pool has an increased chlorine content, which is an unfavorable environment for the development of urogenital candidiasis.
Can a woman be infected with thrush?
The chance of contracting thrush from a man, although extremely small, is still possible.
When infected with thrush, men may not be aware of this and become carriers of the infection until the symptoms described above begin to appear as a result of a weakened immune system.
In this case, a man can already infect a woman with a thrush. Especially if a woman has already encountered such an ailment and underwent a course of treatment prescribed by a specialist. In this case, the girl's candidiasis will again begin to manifest itself and the man will act as the source of the appearance of thrush.
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