My vagina is broken

[kittykat818]

Hi, I have been getting thrush pretty constantly for 5 years ever since I lost my virginity to the same boyfriend I am with now. I used to think it was sex but I still get it if we abstain from sex for long periods and even if we use condoms. I have come off of hormonal contraception, been tested for diabetes/thyroid etc. I also use all non scented products and use no soap down there and have tried emollient. I get the symptoms a week before my period every month unless I take fluconazole, I have even done long 6 month courses of fluconazole but I don't want to be stuck on it forever as I am worried this may do longer term damage and that I am just putting a bandage over the problem. I have seen a specialist who said I show signs of cytolytic vaginosis but the suggested treatment has no effect and I am not convinced this is the issue as the fluconazole always works and my boyfriend has caught balanitis from me in the past (always treated). I was so desperate that I went on a strict no sugar, no carb, no fruit diet for about three/four months and this definitely helped but as soon as I tried to start reintroducing low sugar fruits, some dark choc and carbs here and there my problem has returned. I know I could stay on the diet forever but it made me miserable, I couldn't go out with friends and it started to create a lot guilt around food. I am totally at a loss and it has effected me in so many ways. I am 24 and have struggled since I was 19. I am so fed up and feel so lost.

@Dontaskdontget Yeah I think I have been tested for every STD under the sun at least a dozen times but different doctors and sexual health clinics! I have been with the same partner since loosing my virginity so its very annoying for us both!

Are you vegetarian or any other dietary restrictions?

how is your iron?

i used to get cyclical thrush exactly the same way.

it wasn’t until I gave blood a couple of times and was refused due to low Iron that I made the link between that and the onset of thrush.

i take a decent iron supplement now and have never had thrush since.

worth a try anyway :)

I had it at the same time of the month too. Which I believe means it’s linked to hormones, as that is the trigger. I had thrush every month apart from when I was on the pill, or pregnant. I have a mirena coil now and it’s great! (Copper coil didn’t help as it doesn’t regulate your hormones).
PS now my hormones are regulated I could use perfumed soap, wear tight jeans, eat anything and I still never get thrush!

@Notanotherusername4321 I was vegetarian for about 10 years but stopped a few months after thrush began as I wanted to see if a diet change would help as I was so desperate! I take iron most days and the doctor has confirmed I am at a healthy level - so so happy that you found something that worked for you! It's awful!

@BakedBeeeen I was on the combined pill when this all started but came off it to see if that would help. I am considering trying the progesterone only pill to see if stopping my periods would help, were you on the copper coil when your issues began! So happy you are doing better now.

Yes I do but I try not to think of it as a diet I'm terrible I rarely eat breakfast or lunch always get told off for that by my diabetic nurse but it works for me 🙈 I eat just my main meal but if I do something like a roast dinner I have all the carbs 🤣 it was hard when I first was diagnosed with gestational diabetes but I've got used to the not snacking now. I rarely have any bread or pasta but still eat potatoes and rice. I think for me processed carbs affect me more. I don't eat cake more than once or twice a year and I try not to have crisps or chocolate ever but do occasionally have a bit of chocolate or a few corn snacks if I'm at a party or around Christmas.

@fuckfuckfuck2021 Oh wow, cake twice a year! You have more restraint than me, I feel like food is a very social thing for me and I would probably really struggle having to be that restrictive long term.

Honestly you do get used to it I always feel like people don't understand though when you say no to treat foods x

@kittykat818 You sound like me 9 years ago and it was AWFUL. I went privately to see Austin Ugwumadu in London: thrushhelp.com but he does also do NHS.

It turned out I DID occasionally get thrush, but my MAIN problem was cytolytic vaginosis. All the treatments for thrush had made it worse. He prescribed bicarbonate of soda douches (is this what you’re doing?) and not having anything probiotic (Greek yoghurt, kefir, kombucha etc all bring it straight on). And I have to use Sanex or Simple shower gel only, or it comes on again (eg one day of using Original Source - I’m in agony the next day).

It sounds to me like you do have it because if your period makes it go away, that’s because it’s alkaline and CV is very acidic vagina. So it balances out.

I would HIGHLY recommend him.

however the main thing that completely changed my life was stopping wearing tights!! I used to wear tights every day to work and as soon as I stopped it got sooooo much better. I wear hold ups instead. And also stripping out of wet gym kit as soon as I have worn it.

if you haven’t seen Austin - try to get a referral if you could travel there. It may be worth it as it sounds like you’re suffering.