can I use canesten pessary?

[Mumtobe193]

Hi all,

I'm currently 24 weeks pregnant and I'm being driven crazy by thrush! I can't sleep because it's so sore and itchy, I've tried natural yoghurt and that seems to calm the itch for all of about half an hour before it starts again.

Didn't want to use any chemicals down there if I could help it whilst I'm pregnant but the yogurt just isn't cutting it. Gonna go it and get myself some canesten this afternoon as I know the cream is safe to use in pregnancy. However a few years back when I was on the pill I used to suffer from recurrent bouts of thrush (I don't think my body responds well to influxes of hormones) and the canesten cream never quite cut it, it would temporarily stop the itch but wouldn't clear it, I would always need the pessary aswell. Only I'm not sure if it's safe to use in pregnancy? From what I can gather most pharmacists won't sell it to pregnant women without a prescription, why is this?

I'm never going to be able to get a doctors appointment to actually get a prescription until next week, and I'm working long hours all weekend and I can't bear the thought of working all weekend with no relief from this awful thrush, and I really can't afford to take time off for something like this.

Will I be okay just buying the pessary over the counter and just using it? Obviously I will be sending DH in to get it for me or wear a big scarf to hide my bump. Is it a bad idea?

It’s fine to use the pessary and cream. You’re only not meant to use the oral pill. I was prescribed the pessary at 38 weeks - only thing was I was told to insert it with my fingers rather than the applicator. I think that’s to avoid disturbing your cervix. I was very far into my pregnancy though so may be fine for you to use the applicator. Maybe ring your midwife or ask to speak to gp over the phone. My doctors do this so you don’t need an actual appointment.

Yes you can use it in pregnancy. Use your finger to insert. Can you not buy them in supermarkets too? The oral tablet is not advised in pregnancy but pessary is ok

Does it work as well if you put it in with your finger? Would it not come out?

And that's right the likes of Tesco sell it, forgot about that, I'll just go there and take myself off to the self checkout to avoid the embarrassment of having to deal with an actual person lol

Your middle finger should be able to push it up far enough

Yes, but use a finger, not the applicator. Your mw can prescribe it free too.

Pessary is fine. I had thrush after 20 weeks and doctor prescribed pessary and cream. Asked midwife about whether to use the applicator or not and she said it was fine, just to be careful inserting and that my cervix would be tilted back anyway so unlikely to actually 'disturb' it. Annoyingly the pessary and cream combo didn't cut it with mine, so I got given internal cream to use, twice a day inserting with applicators. It cleared up so quickly. Midwife also recommended my OH take an oral capsule as chances were we were simply passing it back and forth between ourselves. After that, all has been well. Good luck!

Just in case you need it again, I had a thrush during first trimester and I phoned the GP, they just wrote me a prescription for Canesten for me to pick up without me having to wait an appointment. If it's a reoccurring thing they should be fine doing that.