Is this thrush?

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Three nights ago I had sex and afterwards I left quite sore (externally) but that isn’t unusual for me and sometimes after sex I have to have something warm or cold between my legs to help with the discomfort.

Anyway, I went for a wee immediately afterwards and it stung that bad that I had tears in my eyes. It was awful. Weeing wasn’t comfortable for a good 24 hours afterwards.

What I’m really struggling with though is the constant itch sensation I’ve felt since it happened. It feels like the itching is around the entrance to my vagina and surrounding areas (all external). I feel like I’m constantly having to rub at myself through my clothes to ease the itching.

I have also been having thick white discharge.

Does this sound like thrush? I really don’t want to bother the GP unless I have to.

I would say so. Pop to the chemist for some over the counter medication.

yes it does

is get an STD test too

So I don’t need to go and see a GP or practice nurse to have it diagnosed?

Why?

thrush is likely

but what you describe are also very common symptoms for other STDs

Sounds like thrush and / or water infection. I'd say it would be far too early for an STI to show symptoms straight after.

Go to the supermarket and get the canestan pessery. It has a tube of cream with it. Shove the pessery up and use the cream for the external itching. It should clear up pretty fast.

No you don't need to see a doctor for thrush

The pain/burning with urination has completely stopped now, it’s just the itching.

I have other medical conditions and take other medications so I always feel anxious about taking things without seeing a nurse/GP first ☹️

It does sound like thrush. You can get Canestan cream or Canestan pessary + cream at the pharmacy. If you ask at the counter, you can get Canestan fluconazole tablet (taken orally, comes with the cream for the vulva.) No idea if that would be contraindicated with your meds, but the pharmacist should be able to tell you. I find I usually need the fluconazole to knock it on the head - cream alone is soothing, but doesn't clear it, even with a week's use for me. (I am on meds that make me more prone to thrush, though.)

Ideally, your partner will also take fluconazole, else there's a risk he'll reinfect you. He is less likely to get symptoms (a point my new partner is ignoring...) But it can be uncomfortable if he does get any (another male friend told me.)

You should also wash bedding, knickers and pyjamas on a hot wash to destroy any spores - you can iron the gusset of knickers as well for this reason. Natural fibres for knickers, no lacy nylon stuff for now. Avoid tight jeans and tights and similar during an outbreak, just loose, airy clothing. Also avoid sugary, carb-heavy food.

Also, if you haven't had thrush before - you probably should check with your GP in case your blood sugars are too high or there's something rlse is triggering it. It is almost definitely the new sex, but it's new for you, so worth checking, as it can be becauseof other things going on. I agree STIs probably take a little longer to incubate, but no harm in checking with a test.

Thanks everyone - I will head to the Chemist later.

And I should have said in my OP that the sex was with my husband so hopefully no STI 😂

It would be interesting to know what's triggered it, though, if it's not happened before.