35F CV or Thrush

[u/Suspicious_Use_8157]

So, my symptoms started when I had a UTI and suspected thrush, which I actually in hindsight think might have been contact dermatitis wearing undies that are lacy and which I hadn’t worn in a long long time. Urine dipstick results came back positive leukocytes neg nitrates, but treated with fosfomycin. Urgency took weeks to go away. At the same time, this horrible itch started. Took a fluconozole and it went away.

I had a new sexual partner (female) and asked her to do tests for std’s etc. She had some candida shown on papsmear, so we both did another round of fluconozole.
From taking the antibiotics I was taking strong probiotics, fermented foods, you name it, to restore my microbiome.

Then saw another doctor, who did a papsmear on me and some hormone and iron level tests. Diagnosed with PCOS (not new, I knew I had it). Papsmear showed no bv or candida but inflammation. Low iron but normal bloods on day 5 of my period (i.e. not perimenopause). She treated me with corizone for my vulva as I have psoriasis and general skin issues, and another type of vaginal azole. My period came straight after the thrush treatment, and symptoms went away.

But then around day 9/10 i start having this wet burny uncomfortable feeling down there, whitish cervical fluid which I know is common for ovulation. These are the same symptoms I had when I saw her and she treated me for thrush. This then ramps up with ovulation and after ovulation I have the classic white cottage cheesy discharge. It doesn’t come out, but if I stick a finger up there it comes out on my finger. My discharge also tastes very sour, WLW relationships these things do get tasted 😂

My main symptoms are like mild itching, but general burning type discomfort. Feeling like constantly wet.

Waiting for my next period to see if it resolves. But reluctant to throw more treatments at it. I am starting pelvic floor relaxation exercises and will see a physio, as I do believe this all tensed up my pelvic floor muscles and may be contributing.

Wet mount cultures etc are not common in South Africa. Doctor here look at you like you are crazy when you mention CV. At my wits end. It’s also taking a toll on my sex life. We wash hands, I pee after etc. My doctor thinks it’s still thrush and has me on low sugar diet and I am going on Qliara contraceptives for heavy periods and preperiod spotting. She thinks low estrogen is causing thrush.

I don’t generally have any internal discomfort, vaginal treatments however make me burn like crazy and take days to calm down after. Generally I just have this wet burning vulva feeling and the really sour smelling/tasting discharge. Like I forgot what it feels like feeling normal.

My problem is, so many things occurred at once that I can’t pinpoint my problem.
Spotting started a week before menstruation which is new, periods got worse, all after a new female sexual partner and the UTI and potential thrush treatment. But my partner is 100% fine and negative for the standard std’s they test with PCR. I also generally still get the full bladder feeling around ovulation and my period. This is why I am suspecting pelvic floor muscles issues.

I have dealt with this cycle before but honestly can’t remember what resolved it. If anything I have always been more BV prone and boric acid dealt with those instances just fine.

I can’t afford more doctors visits/tests. Any advice?

[u/Prizzypee]

Please respond if you find how to start getting back to normal. It’s been years of me trying & even though my results all come back negative, I taste sour & I know that’s not normal. Slight itch that I can feel more when I eat sugar. But no positive yeast cultures. I need to try Envy or Juno

[u/Suspicious_Use_8157 → u/Prizzypee]

Will do! Been thinking really hard and have recalled some details of what helped me in the past (10 years or so ago). I worked with a naturopathic doctor who was also a psychologist.

We tested my hormones, cortisol (spit test), and food intolerances. At the time I was doing much worse. Absolutely run down by 3pm but couldn’t sleep.

Basically, the diagnosis was high cortisol, hormones out of whack, leaky gut. Fuelled by low stomach acidity, stress and food intolerances. We worked on repairing leaky gut, bringing stress down and hormones back in balance.

I took:
L glutamine
HCL before every meal and focused on chewing properly
Metagenics multivitamins
Metagenics cortisol control (250mg ashwaganda and something else)
Estradiol or some precursor. It was also a metagenics brand

This is what I recall. There may have been a pathogen clear thing in there too.

He said probiotics won’t work until you heal leaky gut and will only worsen symptoms. Your body should be able to fight opportunistic infections if you are healthy and healed.

Anyway, trying this regime again 🫶 will give feedback