Is this thrush and can I use Canestan? (probably TMI!)

[LiegeAndLief]

Aplogies for my ignorance, but I have been blissfully unaffected by thrush, cystitis or anything of that nature up till now...

I've been itchy and sore for a couple of days, no horrible smell or discharge or anything. Bought some Canestan today as I thought it must be thrush but it says on the leaflet not to use it if it's the first time you've had these symptoms unless you've been properly diagnosed. I'm going to really struggle to get to a doctor until Wednesday and I don't think I can carry on until then - it's getting worse. Does this sound like thrush? Should I just use it anyway? What's the worst that can happen?!

Just in case anyone asks - I have only had sex with dh and a condom. I am as sure as I possibly can be that dh has not had sex with anyone else. I also ate two big packets of jelly babies yesterday - doesn't eating lots of sugar or something contribute to thrush?

Sugar does contribute to thrush yes if you are prone that way, as does heat (is it hot with you?), tight clothes, perfumed products etc. I quite often get thrush without much discharge but am confident that's what it is due to familiarity. I think if it was me I would just use the canestan and make a doctor's appointment if you don't get some relief pretty quickly (within a day or so, especially if you've got the pessary as well). I think you can also treat it naturally with live yoghurt and being careful with diet but I've never tried it - maybe worth a google?

I think it's worth following guidelines for cystitis home treatment too (lots of fluid, and preferably things like barley water that make your pee alkaline. Avoid coffee, alcohol, undiluted fruit juice - all acidic). That's because even if you don't have cystitis if the whole area is sore it probably burns when you pee anyway and making your wee as dilute and alkali as possible should help with that. That's what I do anyway.

Btw some condoms actually give me thrush. Think it is the spermicide or lubricant or something? A thought if you've just started using a new brand.

Thanks. I have no idea where it's come from as I haven't changed anything, always have cotton underwear, no excessively tight clothes etc. Will steer clear of fruit juice and alcohol (sob), although at the moment it's not hurting to wee - pretty sure I don't have cystitis.

Sugar can bring it on. Have tepid showers and not baths. keep your knickers off under a skirt in the house, and don't wear PJs all night.

What type of lube do you use? a lot of commonly sold lubes are glycerin based and cause thrush.