What are the causes of penis fungus? | Penis fungus – Candidosis in men

What are the causes of penis fungus?

The kind of yeast fungi that cause candidosis in men are usually found naturally on the skin. One speaks of a so-called normal skin flora. Also the mucous membranes can physiologically already carry the fungus on themselves.

Usually the fungi are in a natural balance with other germs (mostly bacteria). So the bacteria and fungi normally even serve to protect the skin and mucous membranes. Only when the normally present mixture of germs is out of balance can a real infection develop.

Typical causes for such a disturbance of the balance can be various systemic diseases. These include diseases that weaken the immune system, as is the case with HIV or some cancers. But also the intake of drugs that influence the immune system can cause a penis fungus.

In addition, diseases such as diabetes (blood sugar disease) also affect the immune system‘s ability to defend itself and thus promote the onset of such candidosis. However, the penis fungus can also be transmitted to men during unprotected sexual intercourse. If a new fungus enters the natural flora of the genital mucosa, the germ balance can also be upset and infection can occur. This often happens especially in phases of physical or physical stress. In addition, a narrowing of the foreskin has a positive effect on men, since this makes it more difficult to clean the glans and the germs can grow undisturbed.

Diagnosis of a penis fungus

The diagnosis of candidosis in men is usually made by the family doctor or urologist. First of all an anamnesis is performed. During this process, the doctor asks the person concerned about his or her symptoms, their duration and the specific risk factors for a penile fungus.

Then the physical examination of the penis is performed, during which redness and swelling of the glans may be noticeable. If candidosis is suspected, a smear should be taken, which can be examined microbiologically. This enables the detection of the specific pathogen and thus influences the choice of therapy.