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Diagnosis of Thrush, men

The medical name for redness and soreness of the glans is balanitis. Balanitis is usually caused by thrush, particularly if you notice it after sex. However, the symptoms could also be a sign of something else.

If you’ve had thrush before and recognise what it is, you can buy over the counter treatments from your pharmacist to clear up the infection.

If you’re not sure what is causing the symptoms, you should see your GP or go to your local sexual health (GUM) clinic for tests. If you go to your GUM clinic, you will be seen in complete confidence and your GP won’t be told. You will probably have swab taken from the head of the penis or just under the foreskin to be looked at under a microscope – results are usually available straightaway. A doctor or nurse may also examine your genitals.

If you keep getting thrush, or it doesn’t clear up with treatment, your GP may test you for diabetes, as thrush in men can be the first sign of diabetes.

If you have thrush, it is likely that your partner may also be carrying it in her vagina. This is because the candida fungus commonly lives in the vaginal area. It is a good idea for both of you to get treatment to stop the infection being passed back and forth between you.

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