Thrush - can I take a second pessary if the first didn't work?

[GodReastieMerryGentlemen]

I know I have thrush, it's definitely thrush. And I know why I have it (I have v sensitive skin and am allergic to latex and was fitted for a diaphram last week using latex ones as they were unable to fit me with non latex so it's a result of that).

Used pessary on Sunday evening and still using the cream and although helped it hasn't been shifted (usually would have been significantly better by now).

For some reason I'm sure I can take a second pessary if the first one doesn't quite do the job, but can't find much specific about this online. Has anyone had experience of this?

I know you'll tell me to see my GP, but I'd rather sort this at home/GP is super busy and I can't wait.

[BigPawsBrown]

I have bouts of persistent thrush and when I saw my gp she said as I was sure it was thrush (mine went from raging thrush to mild with a treatment and then back to raging after a few days) to try another. I try to do them 7 days apart because ime it does seem to continue killing it for that long. FWIW, I find gel pessary (falls out less), oral pill, cream and doing everything by the book for a while helps (cotton pants, shower every day and wash but don't rub, no baths, sleep naked). Feel your pain!

[marriednotdead]

A couple of things. Another 500 (mcg?) pessary would be fine IME but I've found a 3 x 200mcg dose can be more effective, especially if it's persistent.

If you can limit your yeast and sugar intake both immediately and long term, it will go quicker and be less likely to recur

[GodReastieMerryGentlemen]

I don't eat sugar at all other than some fresh fruit and a little dried fruit and don't have any yeast in my diet either married . That's interesting re: 3 x 200 being better. I did the standard canestan pessary last time and have another gel pessary I've got on stand by incase. For future reference, how far apart can/should the 200 mcg ones be taken apart?

I'll try to wait for 7 days for the next one or as long as I can

[iwantginsoakedXmas]

Can you take the oral capsule? I find that they do the trick for me.

[GodReastieMerryGentlemen]

I can but I get anxious about side effects (and if there are side effects, I'll get them! I tend to be sensitive to medications) so for peace of mind I'd rather the pessaries.

[DayLillie]

I find the oral capsule helps better - I get thrush because of vaginitis. It does not risk further irritation.

The fillers in the pessaries are probably irritating your already sore tissues from the latex. This will just encourage the thrush.

Don't let anyone near you with latex again!

[marriednotdead]

If it's not shifting, and it's definitely thrush, then I'd get on with further doses to stop it in it's tracks. The 200s are meant to be used on 3 consecutive nights- messy but worth it.
I'm not a fan of taking tablets either, I'd rather treat a problem locally than dose my entire system to get to something specific.

[BIWI]

I don't eat sugar at all other than some fresh fruit and a little dried fruit

But this is sugar! It won't be helping you if you have thrush.

[GodReastieMerryGentlemen]

Yeah, I know I know I guess what I meant is I don't have a high sugar diet.

Day yes I won't! I didn't have a choice though as apparently they can't fit for a diaphragm with latex free, they have to fit with latex then they can prescribe a latex free one in the right size.

[BIWI]

I haven't had thrush for years, but when I did I used to get it very regularly, so you have my every sympathy.

What worked best for me was a combination of the Diflucan tablet and the Canestan pessary.

And no sugar!

[GodReastieMerryGentlemen]

Thanks BIWI I think if this doesn't shift it that will be the next option. I hadn't thought of doubling up the pessary and tablet.

[PinkSparklyJumboStocking]

I didn't find the pessary or OTC Diflucan helped me. The only thing that got rid of my thrush was a course of diflucan prescribed by my GP.

I hope you feel better soon, I know how miserable it is

[goodasitgets]

Use another pessary. The oral treatments don't work for me. Own brand from online chemist are often much cheaper, around £5
I had thrush that dragged on for ages, doctor gave me 6 pessaries and I used one a month whether I had thrush or not and it shifted it

[Poppiesway]

Sorry to hijack..
What are the peasarys you all talk about? I'm awake because of thrush symptoms driving me insane tonight!!
I've used diflocan oral treatment before which has shifted it.. But I've taken this three times since August.. There's a limit on the box regarding how many times it should be taken I think? (I can't get to chemist till later afternoon as working today :( but when I get there I'll ask for one if the peasarys your all talking about!!

I've not had thrush for years and years and now suddenly seem to forever have it and it's really getting me down :(

[GodReastieMerryGentlemen]

poppies the one I've used is canestan. They sell it in supermarkets etc doesn't have to be OTC.

[BIWI]

If you keep getting it, you really need to look at your diet and cut out as much sugar as you possibly can (which includes fruit!) - and if you're on the pill, you might consider coming off it, as that does make it worse

[GodReastieMerryGentlemen]

Not on the pill and I do sometimes get thrush, but I can always put it down to something (e.g. washing powder etc etc). Second pessary seems to be rally helping not so fx it's sorted out this one.

[DayLillie]

The 'sugar' that is feeding the thrush comes from the breakdown of cells from tissues damaged by the allergic reaction.

Some other suggestions I have though of:

You can get a canesten cream pessary which is recommended as more soothing for menopausal ladies with sore bits. Put it in at night as it falls out during the day

Anti-histamines may help damp down the allergic reaction. They are very cheap at supermarkets these days - might be worth having some in for the future.

You can get a gel (from bigger Boots and Amazon) - multi-gyn Flora plus which helps balance the pH and discourage the thrush. It might help stop it from coming back. It also falls out so use at night. (stings a bit too) There is also Actigel which is for BV as well, is thicker and easy to smear a bit around with your finger, to prevent attacks.

[crumblebumblebee]

I get thrush every couple months and it lasts for a fucking week. I can't take oral fluconazole , so I am prescribed the pessaries and use one a day for 5 days. I also take acidophilus tablets every day. Live yoghurt on a tampon is very soothing. Sitting on a ice pack helps me get through the really bad irritation and heat pads for the back and stomach pain that I get.

My sympathies. I have several chronic, life changing illnesses but I find thrush the most misery inducing condition of them all. :(

[goodasitgets]

You can, it says don't use the applicator just push it in

[crumblebumblebee]

Livvy I was advised that thrush treatments don't work as a preventative or have I misread it and you have the dreaded thrush already?

[GodReastieMerryGentlemen]

Thanks DayLille I didn't know alot of that. Multi-gyn flora stuff, is it something to be used daily long term or just occasionally if I get the initial tingle?

Crumble that sounds miserable, thrush is so uncomfortable and really feel for you. Will try to ice pack though when it's bad, great idea.

Livvy I was prescribed several pessaries when pg as I had constant thrush throughout.

[DayLillie]

The floraplus - you use daily for 5 days, or 1 every 3 days for prevention. I did that along with canesten oral. The actigel is thicker and less messy as a preventative (and works out cheaper) and seems to have helped over the last month. I seem to get 'nearly' thrush whenever anything changes.