Recurring thrush

[MGJ818]

Hi everyone,

I have been struggling with thrush since Feb 2018 shortly after losing my virginity, after that, I had thrush from Feb - June 2018. I then went on a 6-month course of fluconazole and the thrush stayed away till June 2019. However, in june 2019 it returned really badly and took ages to clear up, then again this month july 2019 it has come back. I do everything advised - probiotics, cotton underwear, no soaps, etc. I even tried the candida diet with no luck. I am only 21 and feel like this is going to control my life, its already causing strain on my relationship and social life. I know I'm not a mum but I thought you ladies may be able to help. I am DESPERATE! Also I have been tested for diabetes, hiv etc, and I am pretty certain it is thrush rather than another condition as my boyfriend displays symptoms too before we both get treated.

Thank you

Hi OP, while I haven’t had the long lasting problems you’ve had, I’ve recently been getting some thrush-like symptoms so been doing some research. Btw have you actually had thrush diagnosed by your GP/clinic? I’m guessing you must have if you’ve been given fluconazole.

I do the same as you - cotton underwear, only wash round there with water etc. From what I gather semen can cause thrush, as can condoms and most lubricant gels, as they can change the ph balance in the vagina.

The only thing different I’ve been doing is using more lubricant recently - a store’s own I’ve never used before - and I think this might be causing it. I used caneston, it went away, I used the lube, it came back. I think it’s to do with the glycerine ingredient which can cause sugars to develop.

Luckily I also have YES lubricant gel and am going to only use that for a bit to see if the symptoms disappear. I have tried to find other brands of lube that are similar - ie more natural, no parabens, glycerine etc (and cheaper!) but haven’t as yet.

Not sure if that helps as I’m sure you’ve gone through all this 🤷‍♀️. Hope it gets better for you and others have more suggestions

@MGJ818 I noticed you’ve started a few different threads on this subject and then not responded to other posters suggestions, so I’m not sure if you’ve seen them...or my reply here? It’s best to keep it all together in one thread - just type bump if you hope for more replies. It will also ensure you don’t get asked the same questions again and again.

Anyway, other posters have suggested trying a different antifungal - nystatin pessary was mentioned, which sounds a good idea

Have you only had it looked at by your GP so far? How about getting it looked at in a GUM clinic? You mention itching but no discharge..have you had testing done for all STIs? Perhaps consider getting them done again?

Just trying to cover all bases along with the suggestion to use condoms if you didn’t previously, or change lube if you use it.