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!

Has your partner treated it with the cream or by also taking a fluconazole tablet? They can take tablet and it definitely try that as it’s more effective than cream. My partner never had symptoms and used cream when I had it but I only ever cleared it when he took the tablet!

You can also buy fluconazole tablets in bulk from online pharmacies for a few pound each so much cheaper than chemists. Get yourself a few and the next few times you feel the thrush coming on both of you take a tablet.

Also echo everyone else’s advice but also change your laundry liquid brand ( even if your already using non bio) I found out I was allergic to persil non bio and this was also a trigger!

@erinaceus Hi, I was taking it prophylactically and it was keeping it away but I was worried about the long term effects this would have on my health. Since I stopped doing this and started getting the thrush again it seems I have almost become resistant to the fluconazole and it it doesn't seem to be working as well sadly. There's also the issue around feeling like the fluconazole is putting a plaster over a bigger issue rather than helping to sort out the root cause. Thanks!

@Oranges555 Hey, yes partner has also been treating with the tablet. He took another today and is using the cream. I have bought a new laundry detergent and asked my flatmate and boyfriend to share this one in case some of their detergents were somehow lingering in the washing machine!

@BeanAnTae I always shower instead of having baths but maybe I'll try cooler water in the shower!

@loopylindi Thank you for this! I couldn't agree more, doctors don't seem to care as much when it's its issues that primarily impact women. I have been looked at for LS but all clear on that front, I hope I get a proper diagnosis/ fix to this issue one day!

I don’t know about treatment but a salt bath is supposed to be extra soothing and preventative as it is anti-fungal.
It might help calm things down a bit - it was recommended by a friend.

I've just touch wood recovered from this I would say finding out what the trigger is is really helpful. I.e. sex, period or something else?

I eventually realised I was allergic to all the canesten products so just double dosing the tablets for a week cracked it. And lots of a very natural lube for sex stops it returning.

Wash with aqueous cream also.

I too am allergic to latex and washing powder etc.

@Molly2008 hey, yeah it’s really been a struggle for me to figure out what it is triggering it as I pretty much get it all the time I haven’t been able for completely pin it down.