Recurrent thrush

[MGJ818]

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.

This may seem odd but I found certain sanitary products and loo rolls were the root of my recurring thrush and issues I have to have 100% unscented items. Since realising this I have had no issues at all!

@pinkoneblueone some people say coloured toilet paper affects them and will only use white. But l have never noticed this myself. The scented sanitary products definitely set me off.

Go back to the GUM clinic and ask for a referral, it may not be thrush. After being treated for thrush for years I was diagnosed first with psoriasis then eventually lichen planus but it took years, a lot of referrals and a lot of persistence.

I agree about a referral, I have genital psoriasis and I’m always really itchy around my thighs, bum and vulva. I sometimes use steroids when it’s very bad but it’s not recommended for long term use.
I also have psoriasis elsewhere on my body but my genitals are the worst affected area.

@MGJ818 I'm not on it right now, but summer was a flare up point for me (did a job with heavy uniform that was outside) so would ask the GP for it around June. Not had a problem getting it from them.

If you are using condoms now since July, perhaps try latex free? Latex allergy is surprisingly common and symptoms are very like thrush.

Yes ask to be referred. I was convinced I had thrush but all tests came back clear. Allergies, Lichen planus, lichen sclerosus, BV can all cause it. I would stop using any soap or gels as even the ones marketed as sensitive are not. The one you mentioned (Sanex) and any shampoo that accidentally gets there really stings me and makes it itchy and sore. In fact the dermatologist I saw told me to stop using Sanex as it still had soap in it and was rubbish ! I found that epimax also irritated me so was told to not use anything there. Just warm water. I even tried an apple cider vinegar bath (diluted). Fine at the time but then later I felt like I was on fire!! 😂 Oh and bit of a passion killer, but I bought some massive apple catcher cotton pants as it definitely improved with less contact /looser knickers. Make sure your partner treated properly too. He could be the culprit,and worth using condoms (latex /scent free) for a bit to see. Hope you get it sorted soon.

@bboa Hi my tests for thrush all come back positive and my boyfriend also shows symptoms so I am sure it is thrush. What ended up being your problem?

Op, it may not be either/or. Even healthy vaginas have yeasts and you can get thrush as a secondary infection if you have other issues, eg psoriasis, which compromise the vaginal environment. I'd still press for a referral.

I agree with pp that you should look at latex condoms (and any lube or spermacide on them), loo roll, shampoo etc as a possible source of irritation. Have you tried taking antihistamines to see if there's any improvement?

I found any sexual contact problematic tbh, oral and piv were both irritating, doubly so if I already had irritated skin, but even when I was feeling okay to start with, sex made my skin burn and feel like it was covered in tiny cuts.

Also found reusable cotton sanitary pads SO much more comfortable than anything else, really soothing in fact. I suspect plastic - or the absorbent gel in pads maybe - is very irritating for me.

Good luck, I hope you figure it out.

Have you tried canestan ? You can buy it in a Chemist's ?

Iron the gusset of your clean knickers with a steam iron.

Plus advice above.

@quickkimchi Yeah that makes sense, so the other problem triggering the thrush? Yeah, antihistamines do stop the itching for me but only temporarily. How did you manage to get around the problem of having sex if you don't mind me asking?

How did you manage to get around the problem of having sex if you don't mind me asking? I carried on as normal (well, eliminating as many irritants as I could identify) so I didn't really get around the problem so much as tolerate it, but I can't say I'd recommend it. It depends on how you're being affected by sex and how much you feel you need it iyswim. It seems sensible to take a break from anything causing you pain/discomfort or making the situation worse.

Something else that came to me: I was told to wash with emollient ointment early on, and use no other creams, soaps, scent etc in the area. I'd give that a go. If your problem is dryness (as with eczema and psoriasis) water alone can be drying and emollient ointment will help keep moisture in the skin.

Yubaba when I was first diagnosed my gp gave me a vitamin d ointment (calcipotriol I think), and after only minimal use I had no further problems for years (don't know if this was coincidental or if it was very effective). If you've only used steroids it might be worth trying one of the vitamin d options.

I would ensure you use organic tampons ONLY... if still having issues, i would totally avoid tampons for a least one cycle, and use organic towels or even cotton re usable pads.

IF still having constant thrush i sense, as already suggested by another member, ensure you are using condoms - i know can be a pain if you regular partner.. but can ensure not the issue.

ALL the obvious ones...

Avoid tight knickers, avoid tights , shower - instead of baths... even use feminine washing products GYNO safe ...
or even change clothes washing product, could be that simple.

good luck, as i do understand how it can be such a drag on normal life...

Ok it's back had it a few weeks now it's not the loo roll I am so fed up!