Answering Your Questions About Genital Thrush

Dealing with genital thrush is no picnic. Whether youre a male or a female, the discomfort is not easy to deal with, and getting rid of it can be even harder if you dont do exactly the right thing. In this article you will learn about genital thrush, and why its easy to get and not always so easy to get rid of.

What Is Genital Thrush?
Genital thrush is a yeast infection that affects the womans vagina and vulva, and a mans penis and surrounding area, often including the inner thighs and even the scrotum. All yeast infections begin inside the body when the fungus (Candida) that we all carry grows out of control due to changes in our bodies or a weakened immune system. This manifests itself as a painful and itchy rash on the outside of our bodies, with the genitals being among the most common area.

Why the Genitals?
Yeast thrives in an environment that is moist and warm which is what makes the genitals a target for yeast infections. This confined space is among the warmest and dampest spots on our bodies because of the constrictions provided by tight clothing and the heat produced by the constant movement of the thighs when we walk, or even just the heat that comes from sitting with our legs closed.

What Can I do to Stop Genital Thrush?
Putting an end to genital thrush requires making an effort to keep the area as clean and dry as you possibly can. If you are trying to treat a bout of genital thrush, then you need to keep the area exposed to the air as much as possible, so try sleeping without any underwear on so that the area can breathe.

When you do have to wear underwear or clothing, try to stick to breathable fabrics like cotton which will help to keep the warmth and moisture to a minimum. Wash a couple of times daily without using soaps that are heavily perfumed so that you avoid further irritation. And, always pat the area dry and avoid rubbing which can also be very irritating to the area.

Antifungal creams can be used to treat genital thrush, though if you prefer a safer and more natural remedy, unsweetened, plain probiotic yogurt works equally well without any side effects. It can be applied to the penis or inside the vagina to treat genital thrush. And, if you apply it straight from the fridge, you can enjoy some very soothing relief from the burning and itching that generally accompanies genital thrush.

One final piece of advice about genital thrush is to avoid sexual intercourse or wear a condom when you suspect that you may be suffering from genital thrush since it can be passed back and forth between partners.

If you have had unprotected sex when you may have been suffering from a yeast infection, then both you and your partner will need to be treated so you can avoid passing it back and forth to each othersomething that has been shown to go on for years in some couples.