Candidiasis, or thrush, is a yeast infection caused by the fungal species from the genus Candida. A common cause of the infection is Candida albicans.
There are a number of risk factors associated with the development of candidiasis, which in females include pregnancy and the use of antibiotics. In males, risk factors include not drying the penis properly after washing, or using perfumed products on the genital area.
Candidiasis can be transmitted from person to person through unprotected sexual intercourse or by touching the genital areas with contaminated fingers.
In females, symptoms include itching, redness and pain around the vaginal area, unusual discharge, pain when urinating and pain during sexual intercourse. Symptoms in males include inflammation of the penis, itchy sore areas under the foreskin or on the head of the penis, discharge, a tight foreskin and pain when passing urine.
Candidiasis is often effectively treated with an anti-fungal agent.
