If it's not thrush then what is it?!

[Diorissimo1985]

I am in so much pain with thrush-like symptoms and it is getting no better, it's been like this for about 5-6 weeks now. I went to the Dr who prescribed pessaries and Canestan cream, which I've been doing for nearly 2 weeks to no improvement.

However last week the surgery called with my swab results and said "there was no growth" - and then put the phone down! I assumed this meant it wasn't thrush? So what is it then?

I am also taking Vagifem pessaries to help with post-partum/breastfeeding linked low-oestrogen issues as was suffering with dryness and soreness.

I've had all the STI tests at the GUM clinic earlier this year as I thought it was herpes or something the pain was so bad (they also suggested thrush when I saw the nurse there) - but all tests came back negative.

I'm at the end of my tether and feeling so down about it - does anyone have any advice or suffered similar?

I'm going something similar and just wanted to reply. I know how frustrating and horrible it is. If you have visible signs of redness or swelling, could it be excema or dermatitis perhaps? Or there's a condition called Lichen Sclerosis, which causes thrush like symptoms.
I started to get thrush symptoms in April, tried a canestan pessary but things didn't improve. My husband ended up with thrush too. I then tried the canestan oral pill - still didn't shift it, followed by another pessary. I went to the doctors and was swabbed for everything, but all results were clear. Went back a few weeks later as I was still in discomfort, swabbed again and the results were clear. I'm still in constant discomfort with a horrible burning sensation and I just can't get answers on what it could be. The GP says I have no visible signs of thrush. I've tried using hydrocortisone but this makes no difference. It's so frustrating and is really getting me down. I'm going to push for a referral to gynaecology and see if I can get anywhere. Sorry, I'm not much help really, but just wanted to offer solidarity.

Could it be an allergy to washing powder perhaps? I seem to have issues when using biological powder but since using non bio Fairy consistently, my symptoms seem to have gone.

You could try something like the Multigyn Flora plus which is supposed to help with rebalancing - I used to use this when first using vagifem because of thrush-like symptoms.

Allergy to soap, shower gel or bath products?

Use an emollient instead of soap

I have a similar problem and it seems to tie in with bacterial vaginitis 😐 seeing a doctor about it tomorrow

Hey OP, I suffered like this for a decade with tonnes of swabs etc before I was finally referred to a specialist who diagnosed lichens schlerosis. Gave me a steroid cream and it was sorted in a few days. Fingers crossed you get it figured out.

I have these symptoms. I have a skin sensitivity to lots of things including ingredients in most soaps, cleaning products, moisturisers, and some steroid creams. I get a reaction on my vulva wherever on my body I use the product. Only solution for me is to cut out all soaps, shampoo etc and use savvy green laundry detergent.