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Original poster

Recurrent thrush

40 replies

MGJ818 · 29/12/2019 19:44

Hello,

I need any advise I can get. I have been getting thrush for nearly two years now (ever since losing my virginity). It went away for around a year when I was on weekly fluconazole tablets for 6 months and then the 6 months after that. However, June of this year it came back and I’ve got it every month since. Right now I have a terrible case, I’ve tried a fluconazole tablet and three canesten pessaries but I still have symptoms. I’ve been to the GP, gum clinic and gynae countless times and no one seems to know what to do. I have tried altering my diet , stopped all shower gels, cotton knickers, been tested for all the obvious causes (hiv, diabetes etc) have also tried multi gyn gel which is supposed to balance your PH. Nothing seems to stop it, it’s effected every aspect of my life including my relationship (have tried treating the bf too) and university studies. If anyone has any advice or has experienced a similar thing please do let me know as I am DESPERATE.

OP posts:
Nicelunch25 · 29/12/2019 19:46

Have you cut out bread? Sugar? Yoghurt is quite good.

Original poster
MGJ818 · 29/12/2019 19:56

@Nicelunch25 I did try this for about a month, but I lost a ridiculous amount of weight and started looking very unhealthy. I do try to have a lot of yogurt and kefir

OP posts:
Elieza · 29/12/2019 20:20

Could it be that although you treated your boyfriend, he was never fully free of it, so each time you have had sex he has unknowingly reinfected you? He may have had no symptoms and thought he was ok.

I’d suggest you stop sex or use a condom every single time without fail and see how you get on.

Original poster
MGJ818 · 29/12/2019 20:45

@elieza Yeah it could be, however when I have thrush my boyfriend tends to show symptoms but when I was on the fluconazole he didn't have any. Which would suggest I am the problem.

OP posts:
WillyWasAWatchdog · 29/12/2019 20:48

Coming from experience and utter desperation after having several months of thrush myself this seemed to clear it for me : in addition to treating your partner again and using condoms until it clears completely - try washing your knickers in boiling water every time you wear them (use a drop of non bio liquid, scrub and rinse extra well) and make sure you put your towels on a hot wash or better still dry your privates instead with toilet roll after washing to avoid any contamination. Wash your private area with aqueous cream and luke warm water, avoid baths and swimming, if you wash your hair in the shower bend over so the suds don't end up washing down to your privates. Try using canesten pack of 3 200mg pessaries on 3 consecutive days. Eat plenty of plain unsweetened yoghurt (when you're not using canesten squirt some plain yoghurt into your vagina daily using a kids medicine syringe) and cut down on sugar as much as possible. Also ask to be tested for diabetes. Good luck!

BitOfFun · 29/12/2019 20:53

What does your GP advise?

gamerchick · 29/12/2019 20:57

This is going to sound really weird. But I was plagued with either thrush or BV. Not as extreme as you but more often than was comfortable, just a really stroppy fanny. Until I started going the gym and having Epson salt baths for the aches. I haven't had either since and it's been months.

Might be total coincidence but I figure anything is worth a shot sometimes.

Drabarni · 29/12/2019 20:58

Have you and your partner if you have one taken the tablet?
Me and dh did this, had it for years before, both of us.
Tok Once tablet and it went away for 15 years, came back due to pregnancy so post natal we both took it again and 15 years clear.

Not cheap though, maybe get a prescription?

Elieza · 29/12/2019 20:59

Symptoms or not I’d still be abstaining or using condoms just in case! Worth a try!

SpudsAreLife84 · 29/12/2019 21:01

Have you had your blood sugars checked lately? Recurrent thrush can be a symptom of diabetes so worth getting it checked out

Ineverdidmind · 29/12/2019 21:04

Do you have a mirena coil? I had constant thrush with mine which I finally seem to ne shaking off now the coil has gone.

MakeMineALargeProsecco · 29/12/2019 21:06

Are you on the Pill?

I used to get thrush regularly whilst on it.

And avoiding baths, tights etc.

Original poster
MGJ818 · 29/12/2019 21:46

@Drabarni do you mean me and my partner both taking the tablet at the same time? If so have done this 3 or 4 times, but maybe worth another go.

@gamerchick haven't heard this before, in fact heard baths aren't ideal but willing to give anything a go at this point, do you use a particular brand.

Also, I do not have the Mirena coil and came off the contraceptive pill in July to see if it was a trigger for me.

OP posts:
Original poster
MGJ818 · 29/12/2019 21:47

@BitOfFun Just continue to prescribe me fluconazole however this has stopped working for me unless I take about 5 times the advised amount

OP posts:
Drabarni · 29/12/2019 21:57

Yes, you both have to take it as you'll keep reinfecting each other.
My gp told me this, even if no symptoms.
Mine hadn't got any when he took his tablet, but I was really suffering.
He obviously still had it but no symptoms.

I only tried it with cynicism as tried everything else.
It may work, no harm in trying.
Do take it seriously if you do though, do the questionnaire and read the info carefully. Thanks

Original poster
MGJ818 · 29/12/2019 22:12

@drabarni Hi, thank you, what do you mean by the questionnaire?

OP posts:
Sforsh49 · 29/12/2019 22:21

I've had to start using organic sanitary products, I buy a brand called TOTM (Time of the Month) and can only use the simple plain non bio washing capsules the ones with two liquids in cause me problems. Also just use Sanex shower gel and Canesten wash which is very soothing.

I was like you, every month without fail. Fluconazole can stop me getting it if I'm on the 6 month course but I need Nitrafuratonin (tablets from GP) to get rid of it once I've got it. Pessaries don't work but the Canesten 10% internal cream with the Nitrafuratonin does.

Since I changed to TOTM and washing capsules I'm so much better!!

Original poster
MGJ818 · 29/12/2019 23:53

@sforsh49 Hi, so are you on the 6months now or have you fixed the problem. I have done the 6 months before but comes back once I stop them. I have already switched to organic sanitary products but will have a look at TOTM!

OP posts:
9GreenBottles · 30/12/2019 00:13

If you use lubricant, check to see if it contains glycerin. There are brands that are glycerin and paraben free.

Also, I have moved away from tampons and only use cotton or reusable towels now.

Drabarni · 30/12/2019 00:37

It's strong stuff, and of course you should know of any side effects.
iirc it asks about other medication, family history.
The chemist went through it with me.

Original poster
MGJ818 · 30/12/2019 00:43

@drabarni Is the tablet your talking about fluconazole?

OP posts:
GirlInterrupted · 30/12/2019 00:46

Do you bath or shower? I used to get this problem quite often, then I stopped bathing and only take showers, not once since!

Original poster
MGJ818 · 30/12/2019 00:53

@GirlInterrupted I just shower!

OP posts:
EL8888 · 30/12/2019 01:02

I had this a lot around the time l lot my virginity and more regularly.

My tips are:
-regularly drink probiotic yoghurt drinks or similar
-cotton knickers
-drink lots of water
-cut down on alcohol
-unscented sanitary towels (can be hard to find but Sainsbury stock and sell them)

A doctor also suggested doing 1 internal Canestan vaginal pessary 3 nights in a row. It might be worth treating your boyfriend as well with the oral tablets