Genital Candidiasis is a fungal (yeast) penis or vagina infection, usually referred to as thrush, resulted from candida albicans. The Candida Fungus (yeast) usually resides in the intestines or on the skin. From such areas, it may spread to the person’s genitals. Candida Yeast is not generally transmitted sexually.

Candidiasis usually causes vaginitis. Genital Candidiasis is more common, mostly, because of oral contraceptives, antibiotics, and other medications increasing use, which change the vagina environment in a way that favors candida growth. Candidiasis is most likely to occur in diabetes, menstruating or in pregnant women. Sometimes, suppressive immune system diseases, cancer chemotherapy or corticosteroids may faciliate Genital Candidiasis.

Females, who have genital candidiasis, generally develop vulva and vagina irritation or itching, and can have a vaginal discharges. Often, the discharge is light, but irritation is severe. The vulva can be swollen and redidsh. Skin can crack and can be raw. The wall of the vagina is commonly covered with cheese-like white material, but it can look normal. Males frequently experience no symptoms, but the foreskin and penis end (the glans) can be irritated and soke, particularly, after sexual intercourse.

In some cases, the males can have a slight penis discharge. The foreskin and end of the penis can be covered with white cheese-like material, can have small crusted blister, and can be determined by obtaining penis or vagina specimens and testing them under a microscope. These specimens may be cultured to confirm diagnosis.

For females with Genital Candidiasis, treatment consists of washing vagina with soapy water, drying it and after that applying antifungal creams consisting of terconazole, tioconazole, butoconazole, miconazole and clotrimazole. Alternatively, itraconazole, fluconazole, or ketoconazole, may be used orally. For males, the penis and foreskin (in uncircumcised men) must be washed and dried before applying antifungal creams, such as nistatine.?

This entry was filed under Diseases and Conditions.

Tags: antifungal creams, candida albicans, candida fungus, candida yeast, candidiasis treatment, foreskin, genital candidiasis, immune system diseases, penis discharge, sexual intercourse, vagina infection, vagina irritation, vaginal discharges