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Original poster

Finding it hard to manage recurrent thrush

58 replies

kittykat818 · 25/01/2022 17:39

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!

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Original poster
kittykat818 · 26/01/2022 22:05

@Sugarcube84 Ah I am very happy for you, I hope I grow out of it one day!

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kittykat818 · 26/01/2022 22:06

@vivariumvivariumsvivaria Hey, thanks for this. I have had quite a few examinations for vaginal eczema etc but they are sure it is thrush returning

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kittykat818 · 26/01/2022 22:07

@rhowton Hi, I've not heard of this. Are you diabetic or is it just something you use. I have been tested for diabetes but don't have it. Thanks!

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kittykat818 · 26/01/2022 22:10

@Beachbabe1 Could I ask what you took, I am definitely worried I may have candida overgrowth but I have seen that the diet is very strict. Did you also do the diet with the tablets?

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vivariumvivariumsvivaria · 26/01/2022 23:34

That's great that they think it's eczema. Who's your "they"?

If you've been seeing your GP for 4 years and it's not settled then you should be referred to gynaecologist or dermatologist who specialises in vulvas.

Hope you get sorted

accidentlygothereagain · 26/01/2022 23:47

I'd agree with latex allergy maybe? I have a latex allergy and it can cause thrush too.

Maybe also try Holland & Barrett Yeast Raiders.

Original poster
kittykat818 · 26/01/2022 23:48

@vivariumvivariumsvivaria At the GUM clinic and a number of gynecologists I have been looked at for various skin conditions but everything is always normal and they are sure I just have the recurrent thrush as the swabs always show it and because my symptoms fully disappear with antifungals. My partner also catches the male equivalent of thrush when I am infected and we have sex so we are sure it is thrush it is just a matter of trying to find out why I keep getting it! I am in the process of getting referred to another gynecologist but so far they all just put me back on the antifungal drugs which mask it for a while but don't seem to attack or fix the root cause. Thanks!

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Original poster
kittykat818 · 26/01/2022 23:49

@accidentlygothereagain Hey, I don't think it is latex, I have been getting thrush for 4 years and was not using condoms at all during some periods and the thrush would still return like clockwork. I will have a look at Yeast Raiders, thanks!

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Kr1spyKr3m3 · 27/01/2022 00:32

I had recurrent thrush for 6 years after giving birth to my first child. Nothing worked until I stopped drinking coffee! I had been drinking two or three cups a day but went cold turkey to see if it stopped my frequent headaches. It didn’t, but the thrush disappeared and hasn’t returned since...and it’s been over a year!

vivariumvivariumsvivaria · 27/01/2022 01:41

That's good, @kittykat818. Glad you have a good team ruling out trickier things.

Beachbabe1 · 27/01/2022 07:17

My symptoms of candida overgrowth were constant thrush, regular migraines, sensitive itchy skin, abdominal pain, disturbed sleep & indigestion. I used threelac. Expensive but read the reviews and how the tablets work. I found them to be the best. I tried a few others also. Good luck x

Original poster
kittykat818 · 27/01/2022 09:10

@Kr1spyKr3m3 Hi, I have cut out coffee for the last three months but I am still getting the thrush sadly :(

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kittykat818 · 27/01/2022 09:11

@Beachbabe1 Thanks I will have a look now, did you change how you were eating as well?

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kittykat818 · 27/01/2022 09:16

Bad news this morning, went to the GUM clinic yesterday and my swab has come back positive for candida again. The fourth time in four months! I don't know what is wrong with my body :(

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Beachbabe1 · 27/01/2022 09:24

No i dont think i did

unidentia · 27/01/2022 09:55

You poor thing.

My years of recurrent thrush was caused by cervical cell changes. Stopped as soon as I had them ablated. You're too young for cervical screening, but if you're getting any bleeding after sex etc I'd get that checked.

Original poster
kittykat818 · 27/01/2022 10:41

@Beachbabe1 Thank you!

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kittykat818 · 27/01/2022 10:42

@unidentia I am 23 so I haven't had a screening before and I don't have any bleeding after sex but it might still be worth mentioning. Thanks!

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Mayhemmumma · 27/01/2022 10:48

Underwear?
Only had thrush when I started exercising and it was all the Lycra!
Cotton pants only and no g strings

Original poster
kittykat818 · 27/01/2022 11:05

@Mayhemmumma Hey, yeah I have switched over to 100% cotton underwear and no longer wear thongs. I've also stopped going to the gym as I worried that was triggering it but I still seem to get the thrush!

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BottleOfSun · 28/01/2022 00:33

I saw online some people take three doses of oral fluconazole 150 mg every 72 hours and for maintenance, oral fluconazole 150 mg once a week for six months

BeanAnTae · 28/01/2022 00:55

Watch hot baths - I can't even bathe in plain hot water now or I'll get thrush. Also have to be careful of wearing tights. It's a total misery OP.

BeanAnTae · 28/01/2022 00:56

And as you know wipe from front to back after using the loo.

loopylindi · 28/01/2022 04:19

Do you know what......every month or so we get ladies posting about recurrent thrush/type symptoms and nobody seems to be able to come up with a definitive answer. I'm sure if men got these problems we'd have a solution by now. For me (as I've posted before ) it has been over 40yrs of irritation, swelling and an uncontrollable urge to wriggle!! I've been prescribed every cream, tablet, diet etc all to no avail. Finally I was diagnosed with LS but since there's nothing that can cure it I just keep applying the ointment !

erinaceus · 28/01/2022 05:02

I had recurrent thrush, not for as long as you have had but for a few months. I got rid of it by taking a dose of fluconazole once a week for four weeks and giving one capsule to my partner. and also ironing all the gussets on all of my knickers. I read about the latter on MN, supposedly it prevents reinfection. I was a bit dubious about that but I gave it a go.

Is there a reason you can't take fluconazole prophylactically? I'm not a medic so don't know.

I hope you manage to clear it Flowers