Thrush. Every. Fucking. Time.

[TheAngryItch]

I am fed up of this.

EVERY time I have sex, I get thrush, plus or minus a UTI. This has happened since I first became sexually active at 18 - I'm now 38.

I have had multiple swabs and been to multiple GPs. Every time it's 'only' thrush, and I get the usual lecture of wee after sex (I always try to - it makes no difference), don't use soap down there (I never do), do/don't cleanse with water after sex (makes no difference, either way), don't wear tights (never do), and on and on. I've tried taking a fluoconazole tablet every time I have sex - I still get it. I've tried probiotic vaginal suppositories like Canesflor - I still get it. I've tried putting in a treatment pessary or cream after sex - I still get it. I've tried using the cream during sex - I still get it. No, DH is not re-infecting me. The thrush I get is so bad we go literally months between any sex - this problem has killed relationships in the past because I just can't bring myself to do it anymore, because I know I'll face days, possibly even weeks, of aching, hideous itch and discharge that takes three or four pessaries, or a lengthy course of oral fluoconazole to shift. One shag literally costs me around £50 in treatments. It's not a sperm allergy - I still get it with condoms. I only get it after sex - rarely/never any other time.

I barely want to mention the UTIs because then I get antibiotics...and we know what antibiotics do to thrush.

Anyone else, please?! I just want a normal sex life!

Diet?
I get it very frequently without making love .. but often after having sweet food or alcohol.. It just appears by itself...

sorry to hear this - sounds extreme. I used to suffer with the thrush/uti combo (not as badly) and cut down on caffeine and it has really helped.

I'm sure I've read articles on this and actually diet and some other changes are what can help.

It sounds horrific

I think cutting out sugar and yeast completely was the gist???

Hmm Daily Fail and can't see who wrote the article

www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-132904/Winning-battle-thrush.html

If it was diet, surely I'd get it at other times?

Caffeine is already at a minimum due to migraines. I don't eat huge amounts of yeast or sugar but, TBH, I think I could live without sex before I could live without those...

Is it worth asking for a GUM referral? Is there anything they could offer that a GP can't?

Obvious question, but you have had bacterial vaginosis ruled out ?

Do you use condoms? I realised I have a slight allergy to latex hence repeated thrush, by etc. Got rid of condoms and no more issues.

They would have registered that in the swabs I've had, wouldn't they?

(That was for AF)

I dunno. I would be asking the question.

20 years! You poor thing. Has no GP ever referred you to a specialist?

Are you on the pill? I changed pills and it disappeared. Was suffering like you for years until I just changed pills and I couldn't believe it. Not had it since! Good luck

I would insist on a referral to a gynaecologist. In the meantime have you tried taking an oral probiotic? I have no idea why as it makes no logical sense to me but taking a daily Culturelle tablet foxed my recurrent thrush which I would get with every period

No, not on the pill anymore, but I got it just the same, on or off. Same with and without condoms, so it's not latex.

Never had any offers of onward referral. Suppose I should just swallow my pride and ask for a GUM referral...

Also you say your husband isn't reinfecting you but they can do that without carrying symptoms so maybe worth him going through one go of treatment just in case if he's not in a while?

witwoo He treats himself every time I get it. I'm at the point where post-sex follow-up is him routinely applying Canesten

I take a daily oral probiotic. Sigh.

You can refer yourself to a GUM clinic

From what I've quickly read on line etc. it sees yes diet can cause it appear like this, if only sex triggers it then well yes you could stick to no sex ever again...

I would be insisting on a referral tbh!

I would insist on a referral too. It sounds like you have something stubborn/resistant to OTC meds. Definitely try a good quality oral probiotic in the meantime like witwoo suggests. I had reoccurring thrush in my late 20's. A good probiotic sorted me out.

Sorry crosspost. What are you taking?

Is gynae or GUM better?

Multivitamin with probiotics - Boots brand.

Do you suffer from psoriasis

No Leggit

You should be able to get to a walk in gum appt within a few days

Gynae may take several months

I would do both