Are you wondering if your girlfriend will notice your jock itch?
Are you having problems in your groin area? Is it itching? Are you too embarrassed to talk about jock itch to your partner? Will she suspect about your fidelity and think that something else might be causing the problem down there?
If the answer is yes to the above questions you’d better tell her. You as a man should know how girls are when something is kept hidden from them. I think all men have been there (do you really want to go back?)
There is nothing to be embarrassed about. It is better to accept the problem once it is there and treat it as soon as possible. Jock itch is a mildly contagious too, so it’s better to let the cat out of the bag sooner rather than later (or risk the wrath!).
It is normal to have a certain level of discomfort when it comes to talking about problems regarding the groin area, genital area and sex in general. After all, it’t not exactly dinner time conversation (“So, honey, I have a itchy rash on my long john, please pass the peas”) – and if you find it hard to abstain from sex (pun intended), it’s probably better for you and your better half to lay off the night-time nookie until the rash is completely gone. However, keep in mind that jock itch is a very common groin rash, so you are not alone. There are plenty of men, all around the world having the same problem as you do. Understanding what a jock itch is, knowing how to recognize its signs and symptoms and knowing how to treat and prevent future jock itch problems is a must.
What is jock itch?
“Jock itch”, also known as tinea cruris, is a fungal infection which affects the genital area, inner thighs and buttocks of a man. It can affect women too, though men have a higher risk.
A jock itch is a form of ringworm. People often assume that ringworm is a type of worm, but it is, in fact a fungal infection. This ringworm, in particular, was named as “jock itch” because it is most common among athletes and otherwise very physical people who tend to sweat a lot. Heat and moisture represents a good environment for the fungus to develop, leading to rash in the affected area.
How to recognise jock itch
A jock itch presents itself as a red rash originating from the point of infection, usually around the groin, inner thigh or buttocks. It spreads out from this point outwards affecting other regions. The area under the rash often becomes flaky or rough but not painful to the touch, although it is usually itchy, just like the name suggests. Go figure!
Wearing clothes, however, may cause pain and discomfort as the fabric rubs against the rash. Along the border, too, you may notice small blisters at the edge of the rash. Not a pretty sight, but completely normal!
Although the infection is most common among men, women can also be infected by jock itch as it affects active people, regardless of gender. Besides, it is also possible to have both jock itch and athlete’s foot at the same time.
Jock itch and sex life
If you’ve got jock itch and a hankering for some night time loving, beware – the infection is transferrable during sex even (though this doesn’t always happen). And the latex sheild of a condom cannot prevent its transmission. The only way out is to get it treated before having sex again. Abstinence is recommended at least until the rash fades, usually 10-14 days after the treatment has started.
Be honest and tell your partner about your jock itch
Jock itch is described as mildly contagious medical condition because direct contact between the infected and uninfected individuals can transfer the ringworm. Even then, the newly infected individual has to provide a similarly moist and warm environment for the ringworm to grow, which does not always happen. Nevertheless, it is advisable to avoid sexual contact when you have the infection because the groin area is usually warm and moist regardless of the level of physical activity.
Besides with direct contact, sharing the same clothing or towels can spread the infection from one person to another.
So the possibilities of your girlfriend getting jock itch are high. But as mentioned, even when the fungi is spread through direct contact while having sexual intercourse or sharing the same clothes and towels, they will need to find a perfect, moist, and warm environment for them to continue to grow and multiply. This is not always the case, even though there is a great chance that your partner will get it too.
Be honest and talk about jock itch to your partner. There’s no sure-fire way to bring it up, though maybe don;t talk about it over a romantic, candle-lit dinner. There is always a good explanation of how you have got the dreaded jock itch, so discuss what treatment you are seeking (here’s some recommendations), and before you know it, you’ll be enjoying your sexual life again!
Treatment of jock itch
A jock itch often resolves on its own even without a treatment. The signs and symptoms of jock itch also tend to come and go and in persistent cases even antifungal pills are recommended.
A doctor will usually tell a jock itch just from looking at the infected area and noting the above symptoms. Sometimes, the rash may not be very clear, though, leading the doctor to suspect to other causes. In these cases, they may take a few scrapings of the skin from the infected area and have a look under a microscope or create a culture.
You have nothing to worry about if the diagnosis comes back positive, despite being uncomfortable or even embarrassing, as jock itch is not serious. Over-the-counter antifungal ointments can take care of the infection quickly. These medications can also come in the form of powders or sprays if you prefer, and the rash should disappear within a few days. Even then, keep applying the medication for at least 10 days to make sure it’s gone, (definitely gone!).
If you also have athlete’s foot at the same time, treat them both together because they’re both caused by similar fungus and can cause recurrence. Severe jock itch can be resistant to topical ointments, in which case the doctor will prescribe stronger creams although this rarely occurs.
Avoiding the infection
It’s always better to avoid the infection in the first place, rather than having to deal with it thereafter. Observing these simple steps will keep you safe:
- Take a shower immediately after a heavy workout. Take an extra attention to the groin area. Afterwards, make sure you dry yourself off properly with a clean towel. Do not share a towel with anyone, and if possible, avoid public showers which can be a host to fungus.
- During workouts or games and even afterwards, avoid wearing tight underwear if you can, or just make sure to keep them clean.
- Obese individuals are also at risk of jock itch, but proper hygiene can keep the infection away.
If you need more information about jock itch and if you need to find out how to get rid of your problem please get a look at:
