Finding it hard to manage recurrent thrush

[kittykat818]

Hi all, I have been getting recurrent thrush for over 4 years now (ever since losing my virginity, I am still with the same partner). We have both been treated dozens of times and I have even done long courses of antifungals (6 months at a time) but the thrush always returns. I have the typical candida Albicans and have tried a lot already including coming off of hormonal birth control, always showering after sex, not using any scented washes, lube, or toilet paper, etc. I have also been tested for diabetes, vitamin deficiencies and had my thyroid checked but everything comes back totally normal. I have tried doing the anti-candida diet (no carbs, no fruit, no sugar) for a few weeks at a time but always give up but I feel like this may be my only hope now. However, the thought of being on a restrictive diet seems quite miserable. Has anyone ever experienced this/ done the diet and if so how did you find it? I feel quite desperate at this stage and the thrush is having a massive impact on my mental health, my relationship, and my social life. Thanks!

It’s recurrent - you mention that you have checked things such as toilet paper etc - I assume that includes sanitary protection?
Diet definitely helped me - fruit, alcohol, even breads could trigger.
Maybe try a gentle lubricant before sex - sensilube for example, avoid all the flavoured , tingling ones.
So sorry, it’s awful. Menopause fixed it, but I am sensing that’s some way off for you.

Do you have the copper iud? I ask as you mention not having hormonal birth control. Mild copper intoxication can result in reoccurring thrush as I found out.

I get it EVERY time I've had a period for the past two years. And it's awful. Doctor couldn't find a parti ular reason for it. Nothing over the counter works, I have to buy an internal cream and use it for a week or two to get it cleared (overnight is fine but I don't really have time or patience to lie down for hours of a morning for the early dose). If it's an option for you, try the mini-pill. It's stopped my periods and stopped the thrush (but my god do I know if I missed a pill, guaranteed misery as soon as I come on. I totally understand how bad it is for you.)

I had that with a copper iud too. It resolved immediately once it was out

I had it constantly before I was diagnosed as diabetic.

Once my diet improved, I also used Multi-gyn active gel daily. It stings at first, but made a huge difference. I haven't had an attack for years thank god.

Gah poor you I had this for about 3 years and just kept trying to rest it would get a tiny bit better & I’d put up with it until my vulva became sooo sore and painful and inflamed. Sex was so painful. I did lots of research & thought there might be other underlying issues like Lichen Sclerosis which the Dr also thought could be possible. However it was just bastard thrush. I finally saw to an amazing GP who did lots of tests & confirmed it was thrush and reassured me it can become so resistant to treatment and recur. She prescribed me standard fluconazole capsules but to take once a week for 4 weeks and it cleared it. It’s returned a few times in the past 2 years and a double dose a week apart has cleared it again. I feel for you. It’s awful. Good luck x

@WhiteXmas21 Yes I've moved over to fragrance-free organic pads now but still no luck! I am 23 so still a way off menopause, feels like I have a long journey of thrush ahead of me.

@MrsGaskthrill @ifoundthebread No copper IUD, happy you found a solution to your issue though!

@Mrsfenchurch I have done a few long courses of fluconazole, usually weekly for 6 months and while I am taking the medicine I am fine and the thrush stays at bay for 6 months after but after that it's back every month again until I do another long course! It's awful, isn't it?

@BoodleBug51 Can I ask how you changed your diet? I definitely have a sweet tooth but doctors keep telling me there isn't any proven link between diet and thrush.

A course of the oral tablets snf then increasing my iron levels despite being within normal range fixed it for me. Something about iron stores I think?

Probably something you have already eliminated but if you use bio washing powder and fabric softener that may be causing irritation.

You poor thing. What a nightmare. Couple of ideas:
1 - what is your contraceptive? Latex allergy is an awful lot like thrush and so latex condoms can be an issue
2 - have you tried mooncups for period? Can help to live away from any kind of pad or tampon (even organic ones)

Sorry - typo. I meant ‘Move away’, not ‘live away’.

I agree with WeatherwaxOn - I once spent 3 months treating what I thought was thrush but was someone in our shared household buying bio washing powder! I can use bio on all my other clothes but it has to be Non-Bio (& cotton gusset) for my pants

Have you tried a good probiotic? They can help to stop the flora over growing

I was exactly the same (at age 17-22)and seem to have grown out of it (lol at age 37 after 2 children) wearing loose fitting clothes and going commando helped as did reducing sugars, in hot drinks, fruit, fruit juice, alcohol, bread, also reducing hot baths and seventies products

@Sugarcube84 Hi, did the thrush stop after the age of 22? Or was it not until 37 that it stopped? Thanks!

@BottleOfSun Hi, yes I have spent loads on probiotics over the years and take them every day with no luck! I have heard that they really work for some others though.

@Ouchouchouchy Hi, I got my iron levels tested recently and I was in the healthy range but I have started taking a supplement anyway as I have heard a few people say the same.

@Brandnewnotepad I am currently on no contraceptive (risky I know) but condoms were irritating me and I was advised to stay away from hormonal contraception as they thought this could be what was triggering the thrush.

I have previously bought a moon cup but couldn't get the hang of it so I stuck with the organic pads, I will try and give it another go this month!

Kittykat818 it stopped about 22 and then I just had normal occasions of having it over the years. I had a terrible case when I found out I was pregnant with my first. But now I’ve not had it for ages

Go back to your GP and ask for a differential diagnosis to rule out lichen sclerosis or other vulval skin conditions.

There are a few, all with good treatment options - which aren't for thrush.

Metformin has changed my life.

Mine was because of sugar levels raised shortly after ovulation. Metformin is a diabetic drug and I had to fight for it.

I also had this issue. Same as you I tried everything under the sun. Really got me down, had it on a constant cycle. Went for loads of tests at docs. No one could help me. In the end I done my own research and found out I had candida overgrowth. I bought some candida overgrowth treatment tablets and after 6 months or so it went! Never had it since and this was around 10 years ago! Please try some, changes your life!