reoccurring thrush on dienogest

[Livylou1112]

Hello everyone, just thought I’d ask for some advice as I’m struggling with reoccurring thrush at the moment and although that doesn’t sound awful, on top of all the other pain it’s the last thing I want.

Little bit of back story, I was diagnosed with endo last year. Had a laparoscopy and ablation to remove cysts from my left ovary and to unstick it from my uterus.

Since then I have been on dienogest which has been easing some of the symptoms and I now don’t bleed at all which is a big win as it’s one less thing to deal with. However I’ve noticed I’ve been getting thrush very frequently and I think this is a side effect of the dienogest as it only started since I’ve been taking it. I’ve taken fluconazole twice now and tried the pessary but it keeps coming back.

I just wondered if anyone else has linked this to dienogest and if there is any cure/solution/lifestyle change. Also I should mention I take probiotics daily and other supplements as well as trying to consume as much Greek yogurt as possible! Any advice would be much appreciated!

Thank you x

[fed_up_of_endo]

Hi Livylou,

If you speak to your GP they may be able to prescribe a course of oral fluconazole tablets to help with the recurring thrush. Personally always found the tablets more effective than the pessary for some reason.

Also, strangest tip I have ever had from a doctor for recurring thrush was to microwave your knickers.... yes, seriously! A GP once told me that sometimes the wash doesn't kill all the bacteria, but a microwave will (check there is metal on your underwear first of course)

Bonus being, it's harmless and at worst, you end up with warm knickers.

Another approach could be using natural yoghurt directly to the area for more immediate symptom relief. (may want to google application methods). It's another odd one, but it helps!

[Livylou1112 in reply to fed_up_of_endo]

Thank you so much for the tips! I have a follow up appointment with my gynae so I’ll ask her about a course of fluconazole. Never heard of microwaving but it makes sense I guess! I’ll definitely be giving that a go.

[Endofitall]

I had terrible thrush with hormonal treatment that stopped my periods too - win for pain and endo but awful in another way 🤦🏻‍♀️. I got put on a long term course of fluconazole tablets- you take a course over 9 days to load up (dose every 72 hours) and then a tablet weekly on repeat prescription. I also did all the other things like probiotics, cotton underwear and bottoms, sleeping with nothing bottom half and cotton sheets, fragrance free everything inc laundry detergent and fabric conditioner etc etc, still didn’t help until did fluconazole! I had 12 months plus of it I think as came back after initial 6 months.

[Livylou1112 in reply to Endofitall]

I feel your pain, not having periods is amazing as there’s so much less pain but the thrush is so annoying! I will definitely get in touch with my gp to ask about a course of fluconazole. Thank you so much! X

[Thecraftyadder]

I have previously had issues with this on various pills but I've only had one episode on dienogest. I think the advice on a longer course of fluconazole is good. That's what my current GP has done, to make sure it properly clears up. I use Nelson's tea tree cream for itching as I've found it more effective that prescribed anti fungal creams. The other thing that I think has really helped me this time is using a herbal tablet called candaway from Natures Best UK (they are online). It deals with candida in your gut. I took one a day for quite a few months and now just take it a few times a week (but that's because I have psoriasis which can have a fungal element so it controls that). I can't tell you the difference. I've had a year long thrust infection before so for me to be able to take a hormone continuously is something of a miracle and I credit this tablet.

[Livylou1112 in reply to Thecraftyadder]

Yes definitely sounds worth giving a go! I can’t imagine having a year long infection, my last one was about 2 months and that was horrendous! Thank you for the advice, I really appreciate it x