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Original poster

Living with constance thrush!

56 replies

Leonora94 · 18/02/2023 20:58

It’s driving me mad. Ever since my second daughter was born (2 years ago) I basically live with constant thrush.

I can’t quite believe it’s been two years. I saw a gynaecologist about a year ago who just said “you’ve got thrush” (…I know!) and gave me canenstan, who I should probably buy shares in at this point. It’s particularly bad after sex, and is now impacting my sex life with DH as I cba with the flare up. The symptoms get better but it’s almost like the thrush never really goes away. If I dare to even wipe instead of pat with loo roll, thrush for 4 days! Basically nothing and no one (including me) can touch my fanny and it’s starting to make me miserable!

I do have the Marina coil and read it could be that….Will be ringing the doctor on Monday as it’s gone on too long but wondered if anyone else has had a similar experience?

OP posts:
incognitodorrito · 18/02/2023 21:11

I was the same. The only thing that has helped me is going commando and cutting out sugar. Spent a bloody fortune on canestan over the years and it barely touched it. It’s something that isn’t taken seriously enough, i was in agony with it at times. I hope you get it sorted.

NisekoWhistler · 18/02/2023 21:14

Go on an yeast free diet, it will sort in days, unbelievable what yeast is in, so do plenty of research.
Good luck

Whattheladybirdsaidnext · 18/02/2023 21:16

Have you treated your husband? He may be asymptomatic and reinfecting you.

Tefiti3 · 18/02/2023 21:17

Have you ever been prescribed Fluconazole? It sounds like the candida overgrowth could be throughout your body, rather than just in your vagina. The coil is probably not helping either, would you consider removal?

Original poster
Leonora94 · 18/02/2023 21:36

Thanks for you replies, it really is miserable.

I hadn’t thought about my diet, will look more into it. Yes, I’m thinking about removing the coil but was hoping for that to be a last resort.

Do you mean treat my husband with canestan? If so yes we do.

Im hoping a doctor can
prescribe Floconazole this week, I’m determined to not get fobbed of with canestan again!

OP posts:
Yellowcakestand · 18/02/2023 21:42

I always ask for floconazole over the counter as its so much cheaper and is the same thing.

Your gp can prescribe maintenance medication for this to take to prevent flare ups.
I also had blood sugar tested.
Mine was down to the mini pill.

Original poster
Leonora94 · 18/02/2023 21:46

Oh that’s interesting I didn’t realise you could get it over the counter, maybe I’ll ask for a blood sugar test as well. I didn’t get on well with the pill at all, which is why I really don’t want it to end up being down to the coil - it’s the only contraception that doesn’t make me a hormonal mess.

OP posts:
LancashireSquirrel · 18/02/2023 21:48

They should give you a long term course of Fluconazole (6 months) to really kill the bacteria. I'm amazed your GP hasn't done this already given how long you've been suffering.

FatAgainItsLettuceTime · 18/02/2023 21:49

Have you been tested for diabetes?

Hbradley · 18/02/2023 21:50

I was like that for years and was just using the pessaries to treat it and it never properly cleared. I then took the oral tablet and it was sorted just like that. I wish doctor had suggested earlier.
have you tried oral tablet?

changeit221 · 18/02/2023 21:57

I have this. Had it ever since I had my child 3 years ago. My GP put me on a 6 month course of fluconazole - one tablet a week. I'm currently on my 4th 6 month treatment. It keeps it at bay while I'm on it, but come back as soon as the 6 months is over.

She also has me on vagifem pessaries (the idea being that perhaps vaginal dryness causes an environment thrush likes) and got me to try Relaxtogel too (which is technically for BV, which I don't have, but again she thought balancing out PH levels was worth a try). I am not sure either have particularly helped, but 🤷‍♀️

Go back to your GP and ask for them to take it seriously.

cocksstrideintheevening · 18/02/2023 21:58

Donates would be my first thought but try flucanazole otc

over50andfab · 18/02/2023 21:58

Have you actually tested positive the thrush and had anything else ruled out with swabs? It might also help to test which strain you have as you might have one that is resistant to the treatments you’ve been prescribed. A sexual health clinic can help with this.

Original poster
Leonora94 · 18/02/2023 22:11

I’ve had it tested, they’re certain it’s thrush. I also had a smear about a year ago which came back all fine. Never been tested for diabetes. I’ve only ever been “treated” with pessaries and the external cream.

@changeit221 Sorry to hear nothings clearing it, that’s rubbish. Babies really mess with PH Levels clearly.

Thanks everyone, I feel armed with things to suggest to the GP. I’m also going to request a woman, hoping she will take me more seriously.

OP posts:
Logburnerperils · 18/02/2023 22:13

She sounds horrible to be honest. I thought Constance headache was bad

user1477249785 · 18/02/2023 22:17

I had this for years. I know this sounds totally crazy but I saw a gynaecologist who told me to bath in warm water with salt added regularly. I'd tried everything. This sorted it. I have no idea why.

changeit221 · 18/02/2023 22:18

Might be worth asking the receptionist if there is a GP with a particular interest in women's health. My GP surgery has one doctor that does.

DeirdreRashid · 18/02/2023 22:24

I had this, started after needing antibiotics and then mirena coil fitted close together. Now about 5 months into a 6 month long course of fluconazole. Fingers crossed it stays away once the 6 months is up

BloggersBlog · 18/02/2023 22:32

I found cutting out caffeinated tea and coffee helped a lot.

Really hope you get some permanent relief soon x

han01uk · 18/02/2023 22:33

Try Wellgard Vitaflora supplements, help the good vaginal bacteria. I am diabetic and prone to thrush with high blood sugars, do you eat sugary foods, you're not undiagnosed type 2 diabetic? Cut down the sugar, try the supplements, they have really made a big difference for me.

Boomboom22 · 18/02/2023 22:33

@user1477249785 how much salt? As in table salt not Epsom salts?

StillWeRise · 18/02/2023 22:36

Logburnerperils · 18/02/2023 22:13

She sounds horrible to be honest. I thought Constance headache was bad

😂came here to make that joke but you beat me to it

SunshineLoving · 18/02/2023 22:37

That sounds really annoying for you. I don't want to minimise in anyway and it's probably something you've thought of, but have you tried cotton clothing, cotton underwear? You should get the least irritation from cotton pants.

I'm not sure what to suggest in addition to that but I would definitely start wearing cotton if you haven't already.

Chipshopflipshop · 18/02/2023 22:42

Are you sure it's not lichens scelorsis??
Is there any discharge or just laub and itching? I have LS and it's symptoms mimic thrush. LS is an incurable autoimmune disorder, I believe mine was triggered by an episiotomy in childbirth. The skn in the vulva, perineum, anus and vagina cam go white, crack, be raw and constantly itch. A lot of Gps don't have a clue about it, I'd definitely get a second opinion

Babymamamama · 18/02/2023 22:46

I had the same when I had a Mirena coil. I don’t recommend this but I removed it myself. Never had thrush since. Oh and I had a copper coil after child birth and no issues with that either.