Recurrent thrush

[Poppet626]

Hi,

So I've been getting recurrent thrush ever since I've been with my current partner, more so recently than before.

When we first got together we were tested for STDs and we were both completely negative. I went to my GP a few months ago about it, and they advised we go again just to be on the safe side which we did and again, both negative.

I mean I can't officially say it's thrush, just very very itchy either around the vulva or vagina entrance.

This always happens after we have sex and lasts for a good few days, and it always comes back.

We both make sure we are clean before having sex, I always pee after etc

It's beginning to make me feel quite depressed because it happens mostly every time we have sex and it's beginning to make me not want to have sex at the fear of being in massive discomfort for days after. My partner is also beginning to feel guilty like he's doing something wrong and making me have these problems.

I use thrush cream when I get it and it calms it down but it just always ends up coming back. I'm also worried as we want to try for a baby later on this year and I'm worried there is something wrong with me.

When I went got the STD check I was told examined and she said everything looked perfectly healthy. She said to have more showers than bubble baths and I do but I never get this problem after a bubble bath, it's always after sex.

Has anyone else ever had this problem?

I wanted to add we have been together nearly two and a half years.

There are lots of women who think they have recurrent thrush but it's actually one of the many other problems that can cause those symptoms. Thrush cream is soothing, even if you don't have thrush. Is it possible you have a dryness problem that sex is causing irritation in the area? Lichen Sclerosus? Other dermatological problems?

Do you use condoms? If not, then the semen will change the pH temporarily, which can cause problems for some women. If you do, maybe the ingredients are irritating you?

Do you use coconut oil as a lubricant or massage oil? Toys? Apart from the act itself, what else happens? Don't tell here, just think about it.

Cream alone doesn’t work. You need something to treat the internal problem, either pessaries or fluconazole tablets. Google nice guidelines for recurrent thrush. I am currently on a 6 month fluconazole regimen for it. TBH your doctor should have suggested this when your swabs came back clear so I would book in with a different GP armed with the NICE info.

Are you also treating your partner?

This! So many women can't understand why they keep getting thrush- when often it's their partner that has it and keeps reinfecting them. How is his hygiene? Is he pulling back foreskin ( if he has any) and cleaning? This is often the source. Plus, you need to treat with an internal cream/pessary as well as external cream. The external cream is purely symptomatic relief- it's not strong enough to treat.

Try using condoms if youre not and see if the same thing happens. Plus lubricant

And if youre already using - maybe reaction to the latex, try another brand.

They can test for thrush at the gp, how come youre not sure its that? They do the swabs.
You can buy oral thrush treatment for your partner, you can use yourself aswell. But go have a swab aswell... if its not thrush its reaction to something..

@Poppet626 Did you ever find a solution to this, I have the same problem with my partner!

I also had this problem with a partner. The only thing that stopped it was breaking up, after we split I never had it again and it had never happened with anyone else.

I have read so many other women experiencing the same thing. A lot think it’s because they are having sex with other women but I don’t know how much truth is in it.

@RedVelvetIcing Yeah I've only ever slept with him so it could be that! But we have been together for 7 years and very happy so would rather us not break up haha. I think it can happen with cheating but dont think this is the case for me as it was happening when we were locked up just us two during the pandemic.

I get this issue when I’m with a new partner and we’re more “active” once things settle down so does the thrush. I still tend to get it on holiday when I’m sat around in a wet swimming costume by the pool.

Aswell as using OTC thrush treatments I recommend reducing sugar in your diet, using non-perfumed shower gel etc as that can irritate it, using breathable cotton underwear. Things like wearing gym leggings etc can get me sometimes so I have to be cautious (I’m more prone to it when it’s my TOTM). Natural yogurt (eating it) does make a difference to me, also not drinking alcohol. Don’t use tampons.

Its a really frustrating problem, I feel for you OP.

On a side - I find gel pessaries more effective than oral tablets.