Constant Thrush Maybe something else?

[MazzaMo12]

Ok some background....

Since I was a teenager I’ve occasionally suffered with thrush which was uncomfortable but I’d say not super frequent. It always went away with pessary treatment.

From age 17 - 23 I was with one person, and from age 24-32 I was with my husband. I’d say during my marriage I rarely suffered with thrush at all but we had a very dull and infrequent sex life!
Fast forward a bit. At 32 my marriage ended and I started going a bit crazy. I did have unprotected sex with 3 people (I know.. I can’t believe how stupid I was!) , one of whom I am still sleeping with exclusively (but unprotected as we are in an exclusive relationship).
I found out that I have HPV which could be from any of those 3 people... it’s caused some issues for me but no warts or anything, just more stress mentally more than anything else.
The real issue is that since around the time I started being with new people I’ve gotten thrush quite a few times. I struggled with UTIs too but have now learned to pee after sex which has completely solved that issue.
Anyway, about a year ago with suspected thrush I went to the doctor. I tested negative but they still gave me the pill dose to clear it and I think it did seem to clear.
However it’s made me go down the rabbit hole of Google, and now I am worried that it’s actually herpes.
I have no sores or anything, just intense itch and a bit of white discharge. I noticed that they frequently come about a week before my period and then whatever is lingering is knocked out when my period comes.
I also noticed the most recent one seemed to come after I took a bubble Bath - won’t be making that mistake ever again.
I don’t really know what I’m looking for.. maybe someone in a similar situation? Or someone who has been through something similar?

Part of me is worried about it being herpes while the realistic side of my brain thinks that i would probably have sores down there or something as that seems common. Another part of me is worried that I’ve overtreated myself for thrush and now my body is like... wtf!?!
Any help would be greatly appreciated!

For reference I’ve ordered a herpes test and have a doctors appt tomorrow!

Thrush or herpes?

This is what I found helpful.
Actigel after period and sex (sperm gave me thrush as it alters ph down there)
Tea tree oil in a shallow warm water bath daily. No bubble bath etc.
Acidophilus tablets and totally cut out sugar for few weeks.
Cant advise on whether herpes or thrush but could be worth trying these solutions as helped me kick what seemed to be recurring thrush for quite a while

What do you use for contraception ?
Years ago I was using a cap, kept getting what I thought was thrush. Turns out I was allergic to the gel.

I’m not using any contraception...

For me cutting sugar out of my diet was key to stopping recurring thrush.

Definitely cut down on sugar. If I eat sugary sweets, I will almost certainly get thrush!

Big difference between thrush and herpes, they are nothing like each other in symptoms, so it won't be a choice between those. Most similar option other than thrush could be BV. Have you had a full STI check and asked about BV check?
The other thing is that a week before period, secretions can get thicker and more white due to normal hormone changes, could you be mixing it up with that?
The itch could actually be a separate issue - irritated skin from friction during sex, make sure you wash any new underwear before using ( chemicals from manufacture of them can irritate skin), don't be tempted to use any perfumed products down there and wear cotton predominantly ( I know, it's not sexy).

I just got back from the doctor even though my issue has mostly gone now. I really just wanted some answers and for them to run some tests to help me identify what’s going on.
Firstly she said it was not herpes. Thankfully! She said everything on the outside looked good but that she could see a bit of discharge in the neck of the vagina, but I am due my period today so that might be why. She ran tests for chlamydia and a bunch of bacterial things - I’ve tested for chlamydia previously and come back negative so doubt it’s that as I don’t really have any other symptoms and neither does my partner.
For the time being I am

• cutting out baths
• taking a daily probiotic
• wearing looser trousers (I’m a sucker for leggings!)
• switched to fragrance free sensitive laundry detergent
• only wearing cotton knickers

I suspect it’s the Bath that sets me off as I had a look through my camera roll and the amount of pics I have of me in the Bath (it’s a roll top, I can’t help myself) is insane, and i always use bubble Bath 🙃
Thanks everyone!