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AIBU?

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AIBU to wonder how anyone manages a 10-day thrush treatment?

40 replies

Fitanditchy · 28/04/2026 16:22

I really really apologise for how much TMI this is.

I’ve been getting relentless thrush for months now, which I suspect is thanks to my good friend Lululemon and daily intensive workouts. It goes away after one dose of canestan but always comes back quickly.

(it’s definitely thrush, incidentally).

The doctor has given me the 10 day dose of treatment now, which he thinks may help properly kick it once and for all.

In my experience though, the day after using a pessary is always gross, with remnants of said pessary reappearing throughout the day. I’ve always found I can’t do anything active at all really. I just stay at home and wait for it to leave.

How on earth is it practical to do that for 10 day? How does anyone do it? Is there some secret to name it NOT the most uncomfortable, messy thing in the world?

Sorry if that’s an utterly ridiculous question but the thought of it is making my skin crawl!

OP posts:
Auroraloves · 28/04/2026 18:16

Also you don’t need to be prescribed it, asda pharmacy sells the generic fluconazole for £5

Auroraloves · 28/04/2026 18:15

I take the tablet, always works. (Haven’t had it for years thankfully but used to get it monthly after my period)

stepfordwifey · 28/04/2026 18:13

I had the same problem following regular exercise classes. I just couldn’t get rid of the itching although I’m not certain it was thrush. Someone recommended trying Feminaflora supplement (New Roots). Not cheap but I thought it would be worth a go.
I’ve only taken them for 30 days and have to say I’ve noticed a real difference. It seems to have stopped it. I’m going to carry on for a while just to boost my gut biome. As an alternative to topical creams and fluconazole it might help.

MotherofPufflings · 28/04/2026 17:57

Fitanditchy · 28/04/2026 16:39

I will go back and ask for the oral medication! No idea why I’ve not been prescribed that.

If it's easier, then it's very cheap to buy online

PeasePuddingPottage · 28/04/2026 16:55

Yes I found the pesserys useless. And bloody painful. But tmi but I found that a full wax lessened my case of utis and thrush. But obviously that's a personal choice!

Pinkflamingo10 · 28/04/2026 16:41

Wear a pad or period pants. Ask for the oral dose aswell.

Fitanditchy · 28/04/2026 16:39

MotherofPufflings · 28/04/2026 16:25

Did the GP say why you were prescribed pessaries and not fluconazole tablets?

I will go back and ask for the oral medication! No idea why I’ve not been prescribed that.

OP posts:
Dinosweetpea · 28/04/2026 16:36

You just use pads?

LiverpoolSnoopy · 28/04/2026 16:36

EilonwyWithRedGoldHair · 28/04/2026 16:33

Having had recurrent thrush for years, I just used pantry liners and got on with it when using the pessary.

But I'm surprised they didn't try the 7 day Fluconazole course. I've not had a GP offer me the pessary in the last 10 years, I did have a course last year but that was in desperation after six months of Fluconazole didn't help (don't let that put you off - in my case, despite positive swabs for thrush, it turned out I also have lichen sclerosus. I believe courses of Fluconazole are usually highly effective.)

I’ve just had another swap done after six month treatment only gave temporary relief and it came straight back. They’ve taken another swab. Did the GO diagnosis second condition or were you referred?

EilonwyWithRedGoldHair · 28/04/2026 16:33

Having had recurrent thrush for years, I just used pantry liners and got on with it when using the pessary.

But I'm surprised they didn't try the 7 day Fluconazole course. I've not had a GP offer me the pessary in the last 10 years, I did have a course last year but that was in desperation after six months of Fluconazole didn't help (don't let that put you off - in my case, despite positive swabs for thrush, it turned out I also have lichen sclerosus. I believe courses of Fluconazole are usually highly effective.)

Ineffable23 · 28/04/2026 16:33

I hate the pessaries, but I think I just used to wear a pad if I had to use them.

Vroomfondleswaistcoat · 28/04/2026 16:31

Yes, I've always just taken the tablet. The pessaries and cream thing never ever worked for me.

MotherofPufflings · 28/04/2026 16:25

Did the GP say why you were prescribed pessaries and not fluconazole tablets?

QuestionsIneedAnswered · 28/04/2026 16:24

Can you take fluconazole instead?

PeasePuddingPottage · 28/04/2026 16:24

I found the pill much more effective!

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