Recurring thrush

[MGJ818]

Hi everyone,

I have been struggling with thrush since Feb 2018 shortly after losing my virginity, after that, I had thrush from Feb - June 2018. I then went on a 6-month course of fluconazole and the thrush stayed away till June 2019. However, in june 2019 it returned really badly and took ages to clear up and again this month july 2019. I do everything advised - probiotics, cotton underwear, no soaps, and even the candida diet for a while with no luck. I am only 21 and feel like this is going to control my life, its already causing strain on my relationship and social life. I am DESPERATE!

Thank you

[CrocodilesCry]

Has your partner been treated for thrush? Sounds like you could be passing it between you if he/she hasn't been treated.

Also try an oil based shower gel like Bioderma and no other shower gel or detergents, not just soap.

It's miserable and I do sympathise, hope you sort it.

[MGJ818]

Hi @CrocodilesCry, my partner was away for a month and I still got it again despite treating it the first time, so don't think that is the case unfortunately

[Seaweed42]

Do you get the discharge every time or is it just external itching? If it's just external itching it could be a localised eczema.
When the doctors take a swab they often find thrush even if its not the thrush that is causing the problem.
Do you go swimming in a swimming pool because that can trigger it also.

[MGJ818]

@seaweed42 Hi, I don't tend to get the discharge just more itchy, however, because my boyfriend also displays symptoms I'm pretty sure it is thrush. And no I do not go swimming. thank you

[Squashpocket]

You have my sympathies OP. Recurring thrush was a feature of my twenties. Thankfully I seem to have aged out of it, so that may be the case for you too.

Have you figured out what sets off an attack? The big ones for me were sex, too much alcohol, too much sugar. It is helpful to try to pin this down.

I also found during a full on infection I usually had to use two doses of the fluconazole tablet, plus cream 3 times a day for a week, sometimes followed up with the pessary if needed. I would also keep a tube of the 2% clotrimazole cream in my handbag in between attacks and apply it as soon as I felt a tingle.

I would also second ensuring that your boyfriend has been treated fully. Has he had the fluconazole tablet? If not, I would ask him to do that too. You may be passing it back and forth.

Don't put up with it OP, it is bloody awful. Go back to the GP as many times as you need to to get this sorted. Best of luck

[LittleCandle]

I had recurring thrush after DD2 was born. It came without fail after my period. Antibiotics would clear it up, and then I'd have a period and bang - back it came. XH was treated for it, but it came even when he was away working. The only thing that cure it for me (sorry) was having a hysterectomy. I don't think I've had it since. I hope you find something that works for you.