Reoccurring thrush, advice regarding sanitary products..

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I have reoccurring thrush ( sometimes a couple times a month ), anything seems to trigger it from bubble bath, washing powder and sanitary towels. I have seen my gp and was given a long dose of treatment (2 weeks) which cleared it up for a while but now it's back to how it was.

Sanitary towels seem to make it ten times worse and I am unable to use tampons, I am wondering if I should try washable pads?

Anyone have any advice.

Which pads were you using? Boots do a range called 'cottons' I don't think it's their own brand but it is stocked there. May be worth a try. I have no advice for washables though I'm sorry

I have tried several but I haven't tried boots, I will give them a try. I can not use always ( they are the worst ).

Hey there,

I know this might seem obvious, but have you considered asking to see a gynaecologist? Reason I ask is that they would be able to advise on this the best and probably offer you more effective treatment than your GP. I once had this problem and a gynae gave treatment over six months which eventually made it go away for good.

I wouldn't know about washable pads but my concern is that you'd need to wash them at at least 60 degrees to kill the infection.

It sounds like you are in a. A lot of discomfort and would certainly benefit from seeing a specialist. Even if the wait is long, at least you know you're seeing someone.

Hope you feel better soon x

I too get thrush a couple of times a month, and around every period. I don't use tampons since I had a prolapse op but I have found the best towels by far are bodyform. They don't seem to irritate like the others.

Also, if you are using canesten then the pessary irritates like crap and the internal cream is much better.

Try balance activ gel, I think it is now available on prescription but can get it in tesco for a similar price.

I find using one after my period or when needs be.

It restores the ph levels and is like a dream come true

I think washable sanitary pads are a good idea, they are made from natural materials with no added chemicals and they're so much more comfortable than disposable sanitary pads.

Before getting washables, I used Natracare sanitary products for years - they are the best disposables as they are the most natural with no chemicals. However I found that they would sometimes irritate my vulva whereas washable never do.

If you want to try Natracare products you can buy them from Waitrose or health food shops (or online).

If you want to try washables there are various online options, I got mine from Honour Your Flow using the discount code MUMSNET.

I would almost bet on you having a perfume allergy. Ask docs, you can get a patch test done for limolene and linalool.

I use reusable cotton pads now, no more issues.

I also have a terrible reaction to sanitary pads. I've switched to re usable and they're great, not had any problems since.

I think it would be worth getting checked out still though.

Have you tried a mooncup?
It's made from medical silicone and can be washed and sterilised in water

There is also a diet which is supposed to help. I haven't done it but my friend who has suffered from reoccurring thrush did it for a couple of months and said it helped
I think you have to cut out all yeasts and grains but you can find more info online

Other tips:

Don't use perfumed products to wash your vulva, use something like Aqueous cream or Sanex Zero or a very simple, natural non-irritating product from a health food shop.

Wear 100% cotton knickers (or the highest cotton content you can find, and make sure the gusset is cotton) as they are more breathable.

Try to wear trousers or leggings made from natural materials (avoid anything synthetic or very tight) and dresses or skirts with bare legs or hold-ups (avoid synthetic tights).

Probiotics might help, e.g. Optibac for women (oral) and/or Canesflor probiotics (vaginal). The vaginal ones are messy so you will need to use a comfy sanitary pad!

Also consider reducing your sugar intake, you could even try the candida diet if you get desperate (although it's very strict and I found it impossible to stick to!)

sparechange Cross post, I think we're taking about the same diet.

I feel your pain, thrush can be dreadful, I suffered a lot with this when on the pill and am pregnant now and still struggling, although not as much as you are
I find that actimel probiotic drinks seem to help and I only use non-bio detergents and soap free shower gels, which again do help.
Great tips on washable sanitary towels, I didn't know they existed and will be giving them a try after baby.
Go back and ask for a referral as others have said, life is too short to be miserable. Good luck.

OP I used to get this a lot. Now I only use water to wash there and use washable sanitary pads, they are cotton and so so so much better for me.

I had absolutely horrendous reoccurring thrush for years. The only time I was completely rid of it was when I had my period. Tablets would kill it off for maybe a week then it would be back as bad as ever. I was really into clean eating a few years back and completely cut sugar out of my diet for a few months. My thrush disappeared and now I eat a more standard diet I maybe get it a couple of times a year and the caneston hc cream is enougb to clear it up. Don't know if it would help you but maybe worth a try?

Oh I use the mooncup too but you said you cant tampons so I assume cups are a no go

I can only use Natracare or Naty brand. Naty pads are much better. I had a 6 month course of fluconazole before they realised my my 'thrush' was actually eczema so you could try a moisturising cream (e.g. Aveeno or something similarly gentle) around the area too a few times a day. A steroid cream twice a day for a week calmed the inflammation I had too. Also if you need to wear tights just cut the gusset out for more air flow!

Anti-candida diet - very strict for 1 week, fairly strict for 1 month
That cured my persistent thrush and I have hardly ever had a problem since then.

Look it up for more detail, but no sugar, no yeast, no processed food, very limited carbs (no refined, only complex). That includes no fruit or alcohol.
Lots of veg, chicken & fish.
Some brown rice or pasta.
Some yeast free wholemeal bread. (very easy to make)
Lots of probiotics (acidophilus & live yoghurt.
Green or herbal tea.

When you start to reintroduce foods - do it slowly.
Thrush is caused by an imbalance of bacteria. Treating it locally often doesn't last very long if the imbalance is in the gut.

And yes to washable pads - I use a mooncup now, but washable pads were the best when I was suffering!

Oh and when you get probiotics, forget the little drinks, get the capsules from Holland & Barrett like this