Do I have really need to see a GP about thrush

[Mrsfrumble]

…. Just because I’ve never had it before? I’m sure that’s what it is, but NHS website recommends seeing a GP if it’s the first time. I haven’t been near the GP surgery since January 2020 and don’t even know if they’re back to normal yet or how easy it will be to get seen, and yeah, I’m embarrassed (even though I know I shouldn’t be). Can I just get something over the counter? And if so, what’s the best?

GUM clinic is probably best they can take a swab and put it under a slide there and then to confirm thrush, they will give you the appropriate treatment then.

It's just some people get BV and Thrush mixed up, not saying you have but it does happen.

Or buy over the counter clotrimazole cream and see GP if it doesn't get rid of the symptoms.

You can buy the pessaries and cream and / or Fluconazole 150mg tablet over the counter. If you’re sure you’ve got thrush I’d just try some of that and see if it goes. If it doesn’t then I’d see the doctor.

What are your symptoms? If it’s mostly a dry, itchy feeling around your inner labia and just inside vagina I’d suggest Canestan external cream. If you’ve also got a cottage cheese discharge I’d advise asking for the internal and external canestan cream combo. I don’t think either will do much harm if you turn out to have something else and if you’re not feeling quite a bit better within 24-48 hours you’ll have some good evidence that it’s not just thrush.
What are you embarrassed about? Talking about it or the possibility of an examination? Latter not very likely. I expect the GP would advise over the phone.

Yes don't mess about just buy the over the counter tablet, get the own brand one it's about 6 quid.

onlinedoctor.superdrug.com/thrush-treatment.html you can use an online dr like this from superdrug

Discharge is thicker than usual (but doesn’t smell), vagina feels hot and itchy, it stings when I pee (but not as badly as a UTI) and sex is a bit uncomfortable. Unlikely to be an STI as have been married forever and we always use condoms anyway.

I know it’s silly to be embarrassed; I’ve had multiple smears and have given birth twice, but I’d still rather not have to be swabbed or examined unless absolutely necessary. I’ve used to Superdrug service before when I had a UTI on a bank holiday weekend and they were good, so I’ll try that first.

You can get treatment over the counter.

I had thrush permanently throughout my pregnancy with DD, literally nothing shifted it, was the pits. It resolved the day she was born. Feel for you, OP, it's really grim.

When the GP wanted a swab they got me to do
it. When I needed high vaginal swabs it was a midwife or consultant - like I say though, this was because it was persistent. I very much doubt they'll need to examine you.