Fed up of reoccurring vaginal infections

[TheHappyMaker]

Just looking to see if anyone knows what could be going on. I’ve seen gynaecology and GP but feel I’m getting nowhere (posting here for traffic)

Six times this year I’ve had BV confirmed through swabs, I’ve had sexual health testing too everything comes back fine other than BV and then now thrush. I’ve been to GP they referred to gynaecologist.

Gynaecologist said she would put a ph balance gel on repeat (for after periods) but it still keeps happening!

symptoms internal vaginal burning! Sometimes feels like it’s in pelviv area too, awareness, and needing to pee more at times! A ticklish tingly sensation (not itchy. No odour no discharge) I’m in 30s

I was in long term relationship when I first started relationship I had a UTI I couldn’t shift after being in paddling pool but it eventually went and sex life was fine, no issue always peed after and showered. He would finish inside, no issues! I don’t use any scented stuff and make sure toilet paper isn’t scented too! As In my very first relationship 19 I kept getting thrush and was put on long course (I’ve always been sensitive) when that relationship ended I never had an issue with my ex boyfriend 5 years but as soon as we split, I started dating (used condom) then boom symptoms started. It was meant to be sensitive condom (but had scent too it! Agh)
I’ve had unprotected too - no matter what I do I seem to be prone to these symptoms. Yet the BV treatment works, maybe for 3 months then symptoms returns (sometimes less) then last time I was sure BV again but it was thrush and presented same way (burning) I feel torn now on how i’ll know as same way. I did have a break but after my period finished (had sex and he has done oral in last few days the horrible sensation is back)
for years I’ve been scared to go into swimming pool due to utis or thrush :( I feel its overly sensitive . Its affecting my mental health because its constant awareness when symptoms are…

I recently got a private test and it came back I have Ureaplasma pavrum. But torn because it can be in normal healthy people, yet does say if symptoms…gp has given doxy but I’m scared of the thrush and whether its not that!

This sounds awful. Sorry you are going through this. I avoid antibiotics (if I can) because I know I will get thrush. I have found cutting out sugar has reduced the number of times I’ve had thrush this year. Hope you get to the bottom of this.

I’ve not had BV but my sister did recently and was given metronidazole suppositories.
Have you had those before?
Also, what underwear do you wear? I think some people are just super sensitive and prone to this but it would drive me mad so I do sympathise. I’ve had thrush once or twice and wanted Freddy Krueger to pay me an unexpected visit. Really sorry you’re dealing with this, must be miserable bless you.

Do you have an IUD? I have seen also that repeated thrush treatments can cause their own issues, I'll see if I can find a link?

https://www.drugs.com/sfx/canesten-side-effects.html I don't know whether any of these symptoms fit? It depends if you have cream or oral treatment too.

Take the meds as UP can lead to infertility.

the Trush is most likely a result of the metronidazole post BV.

Are you a smoker? It can make you more susceptible to infections. Are you HPV positive? When was your last smear?

I really hope it clears up soon for you. You have my fullest sympathy 💐

Thank you, previously HPV positive in past but last smear was fine! Don’t smoke and the thrush I think last time came on after sex too! So it’s frustrating as now think I’m gonna have both reoccurring (thrush, bv) :(
hope I get somewhere x

No IUD, last time I took thrush treatment was the tablet which seemed to settle it now it’s back (I think after sex again as no antibiotics recently ) :(

Thanks for understanding! Had the antibiotics before for BV but not the vaginal ones, its so frustrating! I even wear cotton as apparently thats meant to be best at preventing etc

Thanks for understanding, I do wish they’d come up with some treatment that didn’t trigger thrush! :(

Also frustratingly it seemed there was a probiotic that was helpful but they discontinued it
canesflor :(( I do wish I could have tried it to see if it would’ve helped

Have you tried boric acid suppositories? There is a uk brand called miiyoni that sells them and I have found those to be far more helpful than canesten and diflucan etc..

I get BV sometimes and use BalanceActiv gel pessaries for 3 or 4 days just before going to sleep.
I never used to suffer from it. It's so unpleasant, but the pessaries do the job thankfully.
I have a theory as to what triggers it, but I'm sure a medic would disagree.

Are you on the pill? When I was one of the problems I had was that I constantly got thrush. I had to stop taking it in the end.

Same.

Endless issues until I stopped all hormone contraception.

I had recurrent thrush for years, until I started taking "Optibac For Women '. 2 capsules a day when symptomatic, then 1 capsule a day for prevention.Works a treat. Haven't had symptoms for a few years now. Sainsburys sell it. Can be cheaper online. Make sure it's the" for Women" one, for the right strains.

Does it treat it too for you also or do you need tablet or pessary along with it? Thank you

I’m sure there was a flurry of press articles saying recent research had confirmed that men can pass on BV to women through sexual contact, and treating the man cured the issue. It might be worth looking into.

Was your last smear ok?

Sorry I've just seen your comment above re smear.

Aw you poor thing. I get thrush too at times,mainly sugar overload,tight clothing (leggings etc),antibiotics and if ive been in a hot tub. Ivs had to hold icepacks to take away the burning,you have my sympathy and i hopw you can resolve it. I am hpv positive well i was in the past,why does this mattsr anyone?

I had BV last year for the first time in my 50s after a weekend away with DH and more sex than usual. The gel pessaries ( balance activ) would clear it every time and then on day 4 after a week of treatment it would start again. I had a sneaking suspicion it was meno related and found out that can affect the ph. I started vaginal oestrogen and it all stopped. Been fine for two years now.

I had recurrent thrush and the GP eventually treated it with a 6 week regimen of suppositories and also treated my husband.
I can’t do bubble baths / tights/ tight clothing or any synthetic fabrics etc but was recommend to use Sanex as a body wash, no tights and also an oil based lubricant. I use Yes, Yes ,Yes to prevent micro .

It was hell until it was sorted and I’m still paranoid now

Hi, I don’t know if this is helpful as more thrush related…. I had recurrent monthly thrush for years and couldn’t stop it (for reference am now 52) Unrelated, I did an intolerance test in April for annoying digestion issues. Turns out I’m intolerant to Yeast, Wheat, Cows milk and gluten! Anyway, cut out 95% of this from my diet and the thrush vanished almost overnight……. Haven’t had it since.

Do you use lube during sex? If so, it could be something in that which is causing the issues. I had to move to Yes WB for this reason.