Penile thrush is another name for male yeast infection or penile candidiasis and is often characterised by red patchy sores near the head of the penis, severe itching and often a burning pain on urination. The good news is that should these symptoms be familiar, they can be cured.

Many men on becoming symptomatic immediately make the assumption that is it is a sexually transmitted disease. The reality is that whilst it can be passed from women to men, penile thrush infection very often develops in men who are not sexually active.

Penile thrush like vaginal thrush occurs where it does because yeasts (which thrush is) like warm, moist places. These yeasts are normally kept under control by harmless bacteria and the body’s normal immune system. It is when there is an imbalance of these factors that an infection takes hold. Medication such as antibiotics can encourage the development of thrush as they provoke such an imbalance. Treatments such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy can contribute to the development of  thrush too as they reduce the body’s defence systems.

Treating penile thrush is straightforward and consists of either medication or through natural means. Due to the embarrassment and discomfort caused by the symptoms, there is often a desperation to treat the symptoms quickly and expect a quick response. Many people cannot afford or do not wish to pay for medication. Also, medication can sometimes lead to other side effects.

The joint treatment of couples is always important as there is always the possibility that re-infection can…