Can I use canesten?

[inpixiehollow]

Sorry for a bit of a gross post here I'm 16 weeks pregnant and meant to be going on holiday tomorrow so won't be able to ring speak to the GP and wait for a prescription but I think I've got thrush. I've had it before (though not during pregnancy) so I recognise the symptoms. If I pick up some treatment tomorrow in the supermarket would that be okay? Everything just says "see a doctor before use during pregnancy" but I really don't have the time! Hoping someone has used it during pregnancy previously and can reassure me it will all be fine

I'm pretty sure you can't use it while pregnant but I'm not 100% sure

Speak to a pharmacist

You can use the cream not the pessary (I think it's called, if not the tablet thing that's internal). I was prescribed it a couple of years ago when pregnant.

I was told I could use the pessery but not to use the applicator, just a finger.

Was a relief, the cream doesn't work on its own for me.

Yep, I was prescribed 9 pessaries to use in a row when I had horrendous pregnancy thrush. It didn't get rid of it though, but it magically disappeared on its own after about 6 weeks.

Pessary is ok without using the applicator; cream is fine too. Oral tablet is not….

Thanks ladies!

Ring the GP. The pharmacy told me absolutely not to take the oral medication or pessary!

Not sure about caneston OP but when I had thrush when pregnant I lathered my bits in natural yogurt 😂 and 24 hours later no more itching or burning or uncomfortableness xx I was pleasantly surprised as never tried it before

The cream and pessary (inserted with fingers) can be used in pregnancy. You shouldn't take the oral tablet

@Sleepyquest

Ring the GP. The pharmacy told me absolutely not to take the oral medication or pessary!

Pharmacist probably wasn't able to sell it to you without a prescription from a GP. It's still OK to use the pessary

www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/related-conditions/common-symptoms/thrush/ nhs says pessary is ok to use

I've had thrush 3 times since I found I was was pregnant. You can use the cream and pessary, just don't use the applicator.
DO NOT take the tablet
Don't tell the pharmacy you are pregnant as they won't sell you it but GP just prescribes the same thing x

Can I ask our of curiosity why you can't use the applicator?

It's so you can judge the depth better in case you push it in too far and hit your cervix

@dementedpixie

It's so you can judge the depth better in case you push it in too far and hit your cervix

I find this really strange. Surely when you have an early vaginal scan they hit your cervix? Or don't they? (never had one but planning to soon!)

Cream is fine and pessary is fine but inserted with fingers (not applicator) but you can't take the oral tablet

Ah okay, sorry was just wondering as I'm on progesterone pessaries and use an applicator for them and worried there was maybe something to it!

Yes, cream fine - the consultant at maternity unit gave me a tube when I had thrush at 22 weeks!

I assumed the don’t-use-the-applicator thing was because it was more likely to cause you an internal injury or introduce an infection than your own finger?

I've been prescribed pessaries and the cream twice now. I did try to buy it from the pharmacy but they are a bit militant around here and refused to sell it to me!! The GP gave me a spare prescription so I didn't have to call again if I got thrush again!

I did, through all of my pregnancies.

if you get a thrush that doesn't seem to go away look up Strep B symptoms because you might have that actually.
and get a swab to test for Strep B, it's important info for the birth as you might need AB IV drip during labour and/or they might keep you & baby in for observation for up to 48 hrs.
I had to have that too with youngest 3

Midwife here. Pessary to get rid of the thrush, cream to relieve symptoms. Applicator is also fine.

The reason the pharmacy refers you to Dr is because it's unlicensed for pharmacy sale in pregnancy. Yes it can be prescribed by Gp, midwives etc but they are supposed to screen for gestational diabetes symptoms first. In my experience they rarely do.