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Original poster

Thrush, or VA, or thrush from oestrogen, or…?! <head spins off>

11 replies

UnsureOfOutcome · 26/06/2023 18:17

Am losing my mind over this stuff; would be so grateful for any input/experiences, if people felt able to share?

Started around a month ago with what I thought was thrush: out of nowhere (only possible trigger was me running out of cotton knickers and wearing a decrepit pair of nylon ones), itching, stinging, burning, swollen-feeling vulva. Tried canestan; didn’t seem to help. Took to the internet, and thought: I’m 45, this could well be VA. I had a prescription for HRT due to other symptoms which I hadn’t got round to starting, so I picked that up, started on oestrogen gel, and about 5 days later felt better.

Fine for about 10 days, and then LIKE IDIOTS dh and I decided to have sex Hmm Within a couple of hours, I started to feel the burning again. The following day I walked to and from the station to work and was in horrible pain and discomfort; felt like my labia were sort of sticking together, and everything was burning. Wfh for the rest of the week, and was prescribed Blissel by the GP over the phone; however, the day after the first dose, I noticed that I had actual thrush discharge. Treated for that with fluconazole on Saturday am, and was feeling definitely better today - to the extent that I thought maybe I’d had thrush all along - but I took my 8yo to his swimming class this afternoon, probably walked about 300yds in total, and everything is stinging and burning again 😭😭😭😭

Has anyone experienced anything along these lines?! I really don’t know what’s caused what; whether this is thrush healing slowly; whether VA is the issue and it/the oestrogen is causing thrush, or WHAT. It’s also massively triggered by walking which seems very specific and odd - I think because my labia are creating friction with each other?!? Is this possible?! So grateful for ANY thoughts - can’t decide whether to push on with Blissel or whether that’ll just re trigger the thrush.At the minute I really can’t move from the sofa, which is going to get pretty old with my boss fairly quickly, I should think…

OP posts:
JinglingSpringbells · 26/06/2023 21:07

Ouch- poor you.

Blissel is (I think) one of the weaker types of vaginal estrogen (I've not known anyone use it really, except here.)

If it is VA it can take a few weeks to reverse. You might be better off on Vagifem or Ovestin.

Ovestin is a cream and you can smear it on outside, not just use it internally.

Original poster
UnsureOfOutcome · 26/06/2023 22:01

Thanks so much for replying @JinglingSpringbells - really appreciate it! Just tried some more Blissel tonight and it's all a bit sting-y - wondering if there are micro cuts, maybe, though I can't see anything. I could definitely ask for a stronger cream from the GP if VA is the issue; has anyone else had the pain-while-waking thing with it..? Honestly too sore to go any distance Confused

OP posts:
PandyMoanyMum · 26/06/2023 22:04

Could it be lichen sclerosus?

JinglingSpringbells · 26/06/2023 22:12

I had a little look online after posting @UnsureOfOutcome and Blissel is 10 times weaker than Ovestin. So it's really, really weak stuff. (Ovestin is weak anyway.)

It's quite common to have some stinging with these products at first (Ovestin used to sting when I used it) and gel may be worse rather than the cream.

One tip someone told me is to wash with cool water after having a wee. This gets rid of all the urine which is acidic and can make you sore.

Obviously don't use any scented soap or 'feminine' products, bio-washing powder, or tight jeans. I am sure you know this.

Iloveanicegarden · 26/06/2023 22:22

@UnsureOfOutcome I second the LS suggestion. Swollen labia which feels like they are rubbing together with the consequent discomfort, itching, tearing and pain. GPs know FA about this condition. You'll likely need to be referred to a dermatologist and if you are lucky they will know what to do. A biopsy will need to be done to confirm diagnosis. In the meantime get a washing up bowl that you can sit in, fill with hot to warm water then dissolve half to a dessertspoonful of baking powder or bicarb in. Sit in for about 10mins. Dry by dabbing not wiping. If you've still got the itch use Germaloids or any cream with Lidocaine in it. Do try to see a doctor though

Divebar2021 · 26/06/2023 22:29

I only know about half your question OP…. About 5 years ago I developed thrush having not had it for 10 years at least. My god it was persistent. I used Cannestan tablet etc and it would dwindle but not disappear. Typically it would fire up again after my period. Eventually I went to the Drs and had a swab taken to confirm it was thrush ( it was). I was prescribed fluconazole which I took weekly for 6 weeks. It still reappears now on occasion but I treat myself with flucanazole I buy from an online pharmacy. At the time I thought I was reacting to a mooncup but maybe it was a hormone change. ( I was 48 and am 52 now). The Dr needs to swab to confirm what it is and you may need more than one dose to treat. ( my symptoms by the way did not include the classic “cottage cheese” discharge but was very wet… sorry TMI)

Original poster
UnsureOfOutcome · 26/06/2023 22:53

Thanks so much, everyone! @JinglingSpringbells so if it is VA, maybe I need a stronger product? Have tried blissel and Yes VM this eve, and it feels if anything drier; having to literally unpeel my labia from one another (so sorry for the TMI ). Very helpful to know that stinging isn't unusual though.

And @PandyMoanyMum and @Iloveanicegarden - hadn't really considered LS. Am seeing the nurse practitioner (who's the practice menopause specialist) on Thursday; will ask her view, and see about a referral..

And @Divebar2021 - interesting re thrush and possible hormonal stuff...

OP posts:
KeanuKenunu · 26/06/2023 23:32

i've had lots of problems around this in the past. I would recommend getting a different toilet paper - Panda bamboo - I started getting. Normal stuff disintegrates and sticks between your bits and contains irritants. That helped me. Also avoid soaps around your bits in the shower. Check your washing powder as well. For sex - use Sylk or Yes. I tried an oestrogen cream but it made me worse. I think that if something stings rather than soothes its not right for you. I think the manufacturers of the oestrogen creams don't think properly about irritants.

JinglingSpringbells · 27/06/2023 08:13

@UnsureOfOutcome I really suggest you talk to your GP, assume at the moment it is VA and ask for Ovestin.

This is an oil based cream so it should make you much more comfortable applying it externally.

Severe VA can cause what you are describing. There is a book Me and My Menopausal Vagina by Jane Lewis detailing her long term issues with it all , so it might be worth reading that.

Original poster
UnsureOfOutcome · 27/06/2023 16:31

Thanks so much again @JinglingSpringbells - I'm seeing the practitioner tomorrow, and will ask for that. Have downloaded the book and going to read this eve. Bit bemused that it could go from no symptoms to severe in a month!!!

OP posts:
MrsBantry · 11/04/2025 22:32

@UnsureOfOutcome - I know this is a very old thread but I'm wondering how you got on? I ask as I'm experiencing something similar now. Xxx

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