Thrush (or Candidiasis) is a yeast infection that irritates the mucous membranes around the genitals. Thrush can appear in the mouth or on the penis, and sometimes in the anus.
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Thrush
Symptoms
It is normal to have small amounts of this yeast in the genital area, but a range of factors can cause excessive yeast growth, or the yeast to overgrow. These factors can include recent antibiotics, soaps and detergents and tight clothing that promotes excessive sweating.
Symptoms include redness, a rash or itching on the part of the body infected.
How do you know if you have it?
Thrush is diagnosed by a simple genital examination, but can be confirmed by a swab collected from the infected area. Thrush is treated with anti-fungal creams or tablets.
I'm living with HIV
Thrush is more likely to occur if you are living with HIV. Thrush on the penis, testicles, anus and throat are more common and more severe for people living with HIV. Some oral anti-fungal treatments can interact badly with HIV medications, so always check with your HIV specialist before taking them.
To avoid recurrences, uncircumcised men should wash (with water only) and dry under their foreskin daily. It may also help to wear light cotton underwear and avoid tight restrictive clothing.
STIs
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Chlamydia
Chlamydia is a bacterial infection that can infect the mucous lining of the penis, anus or eyes.
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Gonorrhoea
Gonorrhoea is a bacterial infection that lives in the mucous lining of the penis, throat, anus or eyes.
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Herpes (HSV)
Herpes (HSV) presents in two different types.
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Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
Human Papillomavirus (Warts) is the virus that can cause warts on the penis, anus or surrounding areas.
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Lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV)
LGV is a particularly virulent form of the Chlamydia bacteria. It is still rare, but it may become more common over time.
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HIV
We comprehensively discuss HIV across our website, so we'll just cover the basics here. HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. It belongs to a group of viruses called retroviruses, which work by invading cells within the body then begin to continually reproduce itself.
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Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A causes inflammation in the liver and is the form of the virus which often comes on very quickly and is short-term but severe.
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Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a virus that causes inflammation of the liver.
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Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C (HCV) is a virus that causes serious damage to the liver.
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Syphilis
Syphilis is a bacterial infection that infects the penis, throat or anus and then spreads to different parts of the body through the bloodstream.
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Gut Infections
Gut Infections are caused by bacteria (such as amoebiasis, shigellosis, giardiasis and salmonellosis).
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Pubic Lice (Crabs)
Pubic Lice (Crabs) are small parasites that grip onto the hair in the genital area.
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Scabies
Scabies are tiny mites (smaller than crabs) that burrow under the skin to lay eggs.
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Thrush
Thrush (or Candidiasis) is a yeast infection that irritates the mucous membranes around the genitals.
Keep reading…
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