any problems with inter-vaginal yogurt or garlic prior to GBS test

[mango*mama]

I have been reading about inserting yogurt and garlic vaginally to kill bacteria including GBS.

I am curious about the results this might have at the GBS test, in terms of unusual milky discharge or strong odors, and if OBs/midwives who have not specifically suggested one of these protocols would be alarmed by either of them, or if it wouldn't actually be a problem.

Could those who have tried either of both of those procedures please comment?

Thank you.

[llwr]

My GBS was pos for DD1. About a month or so before GBS test for DD2 I ate yogurt or kefir everyday. GBS for DD2 was negative. I don't know if it made any difference. I may not have had it to start with, but it surely didn't hurt.

[berrymama]

I was postive with my first. This time I have been drinking kefir and taking an oral probiotic. I just found out I am negative

I would be cautious about sticking anything directly in the vagina. It seems like you would be more likely to push any bad bacteria further up in there. Sorry, that doesn't help your original question...

If you want to try the yogurt or garlic in the vagina, I would think not doing it on the day of the actual test would be enough time to let the vagina flush itself out naturally so you wouldn't be 'leaking' when the swab is done. That is, if it is your intent to actually see if you are a GBS carrier. I wouldn't do vaginal yogurt/garlic to try to 'trick' the test. In that case I would just refuse the test altogether.

[mango*mama]

Thank you for your responses! I am not interested in "tricking" the test; I want to kill the bacteria and strengthen my system.

I did read about Japanese study on yogurt, but perhaps some people use yogurt on a tampon, so it's not so....liquidy!

[Lauren31]

I have eaten plain yogurt everyday this pregnancy. Mmmmm it's so tangy! Plus I eat A TON of raw garlic to keep away flu/colds. I just tested negative. I think eating the two things are very beneficial!

[Mawood]

Here is what I did: I inserted yogurt in an applicator and then directly into my vagina while laying down in bed at night. I also did the garlic a couple of times 'cause I was suspecting a yeast infection which wasn't confirmed in the end. I was very skeptic about the garlic but really felt like that was doing the trick on my discomforts. I was tested for GBS twice (once at the family practitioner and two weeks later from my OB) and tested negative both times. Both times I did the garlic one or two nights before and just washed my vagina with cold water while showering. The odor was long gone and none of the doctors said anything. I even mentioned it to my family practitioner. The garlic clove I would scrape with a needle and wrap in white gaze tied with a string at the end to pull it out more easily. It seemed to weird to me to just put it in there.

I would recommend both technics plus eating lots of good foods (e.g. red radish, sauerkraut,...) and there are very common in Germany before you do any generic medications.

[llwr]

Forgot to mention, and I wish I could remember this better... I think that the GBS is primarily in the intestines and is transferred from there to the vagina. So even if you get it out of the vagina, it can come right back if you don't get it cleaned out of the intestines as well. Anybody else remember this? I think that also has something to do with why you're tested late in pregnancy. Even if you took antibiotics, it could come right back.

[mango*mama]

Ah. I have read this yes. I did read something suggesting washing after a bowel movement, and also a tea tree oil / cotton swab suppository. Thanks for the reminder.

[Mawood]

Yes, that is true and that 's why I think antibiotics are a bad idea as they will mess up what ever is left of the intestine's flora. For vaginal births it is important that your vagina doesn't show them or else they could just take a stool sample and check that as well. Of course a good diet with little sugar and flours is always good
It is interesting how other countries handle GBS. They have certain risk factors that they check for and it is more of a multi-factor diagnostic before they put Moms on antibiotics. The US is always very fast with interventions and weak in weighing the risk-benefit-side. Mostly they just do screenings (cause they are cheap) and than treat.