Pregnant and in agony with thrush. Canesten not working.

[househunter84]

Hi all

I have had issues with thrush over the last 9 months. I am 7 weeks pregnant and have been suffering for 3 weeks now. Dr recommended canesten pessaries 2 or 3 times a week. It isn’t touching the sides. I am in agony and concerned the candida is going to become systemic. Can anyone help? Is there a pregnancy safe alternative? Worried I may have to have a termination as can’t cope with this for 9 months.

Thank you

Its very unlikely you would get a serious systemic infection from a yeast infection so don't worry too much about that. However, I understand how painful and itchy it can be. Have you a Sexual and reproductive health clinic? They don't just deal in STI's and are much better at dealing with things like chronic thrush.

If not then ask your GP to tke a swab and send it to the lab as you've had treatment failures and that should be investigated. Good luck, it must be miserable!

I pop up on most thrush posts to recommend this - www.stressnomore.co.uk/multi-gyn-actigel-previously-bio-fem-8775.html (random website I’ve never used before)

I had recurring thrush for about 3yrs and this is my lifesaver!

I buy in bulk from amazon. It is for BV but also works with thrush. It basically just keeps vaginal PH at a level where Candida and other “bad” bacteria cannot survive. There is a thrush version, but that comes in separate iNdividual dose tubes, so works out expensive. I apply about 2.5ml with a medicine syringe (although it comes with an applicator it’s hard to control the amount) I find 2.5 is enough without being too messy.

If the thrush is very active, it might sting (A lot) But generally you shouldn’t feel any effects from it.

I apply in decreasing amounts, so twice a day for up to a week, then once a day, every other day, twice a week, once a week.

This would be alongside any prescribed treatment from GP

Now I Only use it after baths, swimming and sex, and in the days before my period is due, or as soon as I feel any soreness/tenderness.

I tend to avoid baths, but if thrush bad I would also bath in small amount of bicarbonate soda

This may sound bonkers but have you tried putting plain yoghurt on it? And taking daily manuka honey? Niether would do any harm but might be worth a try as both have properties that could help without medication. I’ve used both with success.

Thanks. I have a chronic illness for which I’m on longterm antibiotics, which is why I’m concerned about it becoming systemic... STI clinic is a good shout. Thank you ❤️

Thanks @Waterlemon ❤️. I’ve tried this already unfortunately and it hasn’t shifted it on its own. I think it’s quite a serious case ans need something stronger.

Thanks @Ummm21. Doesn’t sound bonkers. I’ll give it a go.

Coconut oil applied directly, works a dream! Please check is safe in pregnancy

I think you need to go back to the GP, Antibiotics always give me thrush. Doesn’t solve it, but wet a flannel, put it in the freezer and then in your pants when it’s really cold but not frozen solid. Helps a bit to ease the symptoms. Hope you get it sorted, I feel for you!

I am pregnant and been miserable with thrush for the last 12 weeks. The first time the doc did a swab test it came back negative because I'd already been using canestan. They agreed to do a 2nd swab about 8 weeks later also expecting it to be negative because again I'd been using canestan but I actually tested positive for thrush and BV. I'm on my last day of this gel and I'm feeling much better.

I used plain yogurt when I was pregnant, works really well but messy.

Plain yogurt - loads of it and a sanitary towel

Thanks @bellsbuss. Sorry for my ignorance but how do you get it up there?!

I’m so pleased for you @Nichola2310. It’s such a worry isn’t it? Yes, the cream you’ve got is for Bv. I’ve heard of it. I haven’t got BV. Just the thrush. Desperate for an alternative to the pessaries as they just aren’t working :(

Another shout for natural yoghurt alongside treatment. If you are on long term antibiotics it's likely they are killing off the "good bacteria" in your vagina and this let's the candida grow. Regularly topping up your good bacteria with yoghurt should help stop this from happening

I always found a salt water bath or dunk helped.

Plus switching from using femfresh wash to just water has kept it at bay for years (I would suffer 3 to 6 times per year.

Natural yogurt using a syringe did help, messy but worth it.

To help with the itch I would sit on an ice pack to help cool it.

I have suffered in and off for years - canesten cream usually doesn't help but the pessaries are better.
But I have found that certain foods trigger an 'attack' - I have to avoid tinned pineapple (but fresh is ok)and any fruit juice made from concentrate (found this out after a night of drinking cocktails!! It wasn't worth it!)
Also Nutella on white bread will lead to a 2 week bout

Gynodaktarin - I was prescribed it in my last pregnancy. It worked really quickly.

Thanks @toadstool32. Had you tried canesten pessaries previously and had they not worked?

Another one for plain yoghurt

It's cold and really really soothing, and then it's clears up the thrust too. I used to slather it on.

@househunter84 it was just a really bad case - I was past the stage of canestan!

@toadstool32 think i’m a bad case too. How are you now? Do you still suffer from thrush?

Recurrent/ constant thrush in pregnancy is really common isn't it let alone if you're on ADs. Nightmare.

Plenty to try on here. I'd also go back to doc and say look it's not working this is destroying my quality of life. If no joy can you see a different doc?

Also, what about the tablet that zaps it in your whole body? Can that be taken in Pg?

Final point- if having sex, partner can have it with no symptoms and keep passing it back to you. (I didn't fancy sex when thrush and that plus Pg means maybe unlikely but thought worth mentioning!).

Other thing is breathable lovely natural cotton pants. Some liners and things can set it off. No smellies in bath. No tights tight trousers etc. Assume you know all that though!

You have my sympathy.

Don’t know if damage in pregnancy but oral lactobacillus rhamanous reduces it for me.. Holland and Barrett

I never get thrush normally but ALWAYS get it when pregnant. I had to have GP prescribed antibiotics in the end. Sever thrush in pregnancy can sometimes be a symptom of group step B (which is nothing to worry about, just means you have antibiotics in labour) so maybe a good idea to raise that

Short-term oral fluconazole is safe in pregnancy, it's what I have to use.