Symptomatic Group B Strep Vaginitis HELP!! - Page 2

[notamom39]

In search of answers as well ...

Yeah, I feel your pain. I too get GBS flare ups. The first time it happened it was really bad and I did the whole antibiotic thing which did help get the worst of it under control but ended up causing yeast infections and a whole host of digestive problems including C-dif (which I wouldn't wish on anyone) and developing allergies to the antibiotics themselves. It took me over a year to recover from it all. If you are looking for solutions, I'd be wary of the antibiotic route. I tried probiotics as well but my digestive system wasn't too fond of them at the time.

One OB-GYN after another has said the same thing, nothing to be done about it and flare ups can be expected. They obviously don't suffer themselves and have no idea how bad it can be. They don't even bother to try to consider what may cause a flare up.

My latest flare up started after buying new underwear that weren't 100% cotton and I am getting some relief by not wearing underwear or at least loose-fitting boxer styles when I'm at home.

I see that flour has been mentioned in this thread earlier but suspect that not just flour, but all gluten products may be involved in throwing my own system out of balance. Sugar, yeah, also a likely candidate since sugar and gluten products often go together in our diets. But I'm going to have to look at "bad" carbohydrates as well since they are basically sugars.

Though I haven't been tested for a gluten allergy or celiac disease, I have my suspicions that this may be an underlying factor for me. If I have it, it would explain a lot. Celiac can also cause abdominal pain/bloating and cause infertility, both problems mentioned by women earlier in this thread.

But I do know that I have a mild case of hyperthyroidism, not bad enough to have to take any medication, but I suspect this hormone imbalance could be a reason I'm one of those women who does suffer from GBS instead of being one of the lucky ones who doesn't even know they are carriers.

And I've also had extremely low cholesterol in the past which can cause problems since your body needs cholesterol to produce some hormones. (Yes, it is possible to cholesterol levels that are too low.)

If you are in search of answers, I'd look into hormone imbalances. You can get your hormone levels tested next time you have your normal OB/GYN visit or a regular physical. If the results come back as being outside the normal range, your regular doctors may send you off to the endocrinologist to find out what may be the cause of your hormone imbalance or for treatment. Cholesterol should be one of the tests performed with any regular physical.

I also suggest doing your own research as to what "normal" hormone levels actually are. The old norm allowed for much higher numbers than what revised studies have indicated so if your doctor isn't keeping up with the times, he/she may tell you you're normal when you're not. And make sure to get a copy of all of your test results from your doctor. Empower yourself and avoid having doctors repeat tests that have already been done, possibly saving yourself time and money.

Gluten allergy and celiac testing I know less about since I haven't done them myself. But I'll be working harder at avoiding gluten and sugar to see if it can help with my most recent flare up.

Another thought I had was that perhaps too many alkaline or acidic foods could be to blame? Ph balance - could make sense.

Some other basic things to consider:

Make sure that your partner is clean before fooling around so that he doesn't throw your system out of balance with random bacteria. Even foreplay can cause problems if he doesn't wash his hands.

Drink a lot of water to keep your urinary tract clear.

And this one may seem a little crazy but could masturbating help produce more natural fluids to flush your system or help get the flora back in balance... as long as you don't introduce bad bacteria in the process? I don't know. I guess it would depend on why it is out of balance and it could just aggravate the symptoms by spreading things around. Could be a fun theory to test out though.

One thing I saw in previous comments that bothered me: the idea that using a tampon to "soak things up". All it would do is keep things trapped. It could give you temporary relief by keeping discharge away from the more sensitive outer areas, but long-term, is sure to make things worse by keeping bacteria trapped and stopping the natural process our bodies have for flushing things out.

I hope some of these ideas help others in their search for answers.

[samomoftwo]

Any updates? Successful remedies found yet?

Hi Ladies

I was wondering whether any of you have found anything that works yet?

I think I have had problems with vaginitis from GBS on and off for 6 years, when it was first discovered while I was pregnant with my second child. Anyway recently I had a flare up, which started out seeming like a yeast infection, with itching and burning. I treated it myself, to no avail. After 4 days of intense itching, burning and swelling of the vulva, I went to see my GP, who has finally come back to say its GBS, and that she wants me to take Amoxil for 7 days (3x500mg daily). Needless to say I am wary of taking such a huge dose of antibiotic, especially as it doesn't seem to help keep the strep at bay for a long time.

As a matter of interest I had been to see the doc about 6 weeks ago with a vaginal infection - lots of discharge, pain during intercourse but no itching / burning otherwise. She said she thought it was BV and gave me clindamycin pessaries. I have now found an article which claims that vaginally administered clindamycin is no longer used for BV as it has been shown to cause Strep vaginosis (http://www.wdxcyber.com/npapvg11.htm), so I wonder if that is what has kicked off this episode for me?

My doc had also suggested I try douching with Betadine. I have done this a couple of times, but am not sure if it helps or not. Anyone else tried this and had any success?

So fellow sufferers...are there any wonder cures out there that you can share?

Many thanks

[mama1803]

Maybe TMI--

Do any of you ladies have an unpleasant odor down there?

Something has been going on with me for a few years now. I tested positive for GBS during my second pregnancy almost three years ago and was given IV antibiotics right before delivery. Since then intercourse has been very painful, almost like my vaginal opening cannot stretch open and a feeling of extreme dryness during sex, even if using massive amounts of lubricant. At a regular GYN (not the same doc who diagnosed the GBS and delivered my babies) checkup about a year after giving birth, the doc said that my vagina appeared shrunken and prescribed estrogen cream which I didn't use because of some nasty side effects. She said that my vagina would return to normal even without the estrogen cream when I stopped breastfeeding.

A year and a half after that appointment I'm still not feeling normal. I don't have the itching or burning that one associates with a yeast infection, just a general soreness in my vulva. Some bath soaps really cause burning down there, so I have been using a natural olive oil soap with no fragrance to alleviate that problem. I've also tried using different laundry detergents, thinking I might be sensitive to a particular fragrance or chemical but that has not helped. My biggest complaint though, aside from the painful intercourse, is the odor. Really pungent and strong and I cannot ever wash it away. No thick discharge, but a constant wetness in my underwear that is uncomfortable. I'm getting paranoid about the odor--I'm washing my undies and pants two and three times to get rid of the smell. Not only is intercourse physically uncomfortable but I am so self conscience about the odor--my dh can smell it as soon as my undies come off. I feel gross!

I had a GYN appointment about about three weeks ago--pap came back normal, no bacterial infection or yeast present in the cultures taken. I was tested for herpes (which I knew I didn't have) and that was negative as expected. The exam was torture, lots of pain upon insertion of the speculum. My GYN thinks it is pre diabetes as I had gestational diabetes with both of my pregnancies and have diabetes on both sides of my family. Yet a two hour glucose test came back with perfect numbers.

Help!! My husband has been very patient. I am losing patience however. I want to be normal, have a normal sex life, and not have to worry if people who pass me on the street can smell me.


I am 37 years old, about 20 pounds overweight and suspect I have a sluggish thyroid if that means anything.

[hopefulmommy]

really worried about GBS vaginitis

i am so very grateful to have found this forum. i have actually been crying today and could use a chat with other ladies who know how awful this can be. my symptoms started right after my OB had sent me to the ER for what she suspected was appendicitis. (It turned out to be much simpler - just strained muscles due to a disc herniation in my low spine.) I was in the hospital for 2 days, which included a pelvic intravaginal ultrasound and a lack of great hygiene as I was not allowed to bathe for the first 36 hours i was there. sigh.

on the morning of discharge, i started to feel like i was coming down with a UTI so i had my husband drive me straight to my OB's office to drop off a urine sample. Sure enough, it was positive for leukocytes so they started me on Keflex. Two days later i had a followup appointment and my OB told me that they cultured the urine and it turned out to be full of GBS. so, they put me on amoxicillin 500mg 4x a day for 10 days.

by day 5 i was turning a bit yellow. the OB took me off the amoxicillin to test my liver function. (it turned out to be fine.) i asked if i needed to continue the regimen and they said no, it should be fine.

ever since i have been dealing with this really strong burning sensation, very little discharge - if anything very dry down there - and pain. there wasn't initially any smell but more recently after trying to treat it first for yeast and later for BV, there is now a smell with the irritation. sometimes it is so uncomfortable i have to sit on a bag of iced peas to relieve the discomfort.

they had me try monistat 7, then i also tried acidophilus both orally and vaginally, and then RePhresh 3 times. my OB said if that didn't work they would send me to a vulva clinic. which sounded expensive, and alarmist - so instead i called my GP.

my GP's office cultured me for everything!!! everything!!! a whole STI panel including herpes, my thyroid, you name it. it came back negative for all except that i am again (or still) colonized with very high levels of GBS.

my real downfall is the internet. even though my GP has assured me that i should not be losing sleep over the GBS, i am freaking out. i have read that people with symptomatic GBS are more likely to get kidney infections and also really scary studies about sepsis caused by GBS in older adults or people with immunodeficiencies. while i do have Hashimoto's thyroiditis, it is controlled with medication and other than that i have always considered myself to be a fairly healthy person. i don't eat gluten or sugar, and i eat a lot of protein and vegetables and rice.

i am really scared. they prescribed a new round of penicillin 500mg 10 days (this time to take the whole regimen) but i had a reaction to the penicillin and so now i need to go see my allergist to make sure that i am not allergic to penicillin.

how long can a woman live with GBS without it causing really bad disease?
am i freaking out unnecessarily?
will i ever be able to have sex with my husband again without worrying that it is just making things worse?
i feel so alone right now. everyone tells me not to worry but they are not the ones in my body feeling this much irritation and pain.

thanks for any thoughts you may have, or advice about what has worked for you.

[BooskiBoo]

Suffering like you!!!

Ladies, Like I have so many days recently, I desperately googled for any info I could possibly find on this life-changing topic; and luckily I somehow stumbled across your thread. I cannot begin to express how grateful I am that I found it- for you all have provided me with more info than nearly a dozen doctors, a personal background in healthcare AND 8 months worth of intensive research on this horrible problem!!!
I have been suffering like you for 8 months (seems like a dozen years!) and am so utterly exhausted, confused, upset, hurting and ready to scream! I have had it with drs who won't admit when they don't know what to do so they just keep prescribing more antibiotics and creams THAT DONT WORK!!! My bathroom looks like a pharmacy and I have spent enough money on over the counter lotions, creams, ointments, sprays, douches, suppositories, etc that I could probably stock a pharmacy!!!
So finding you has definately been bittersweet. Although I wish this on NO ONE- it is a comfort to know that I am not the only one! I think I am going to try some of your suggestions in regards to diet changes. Can someone please explain exactly how you use the garlic, as well? I want to make sure to do it correctly. And is there anything else anyone has found that soothes topically?

One last question, has anyone ever heard of someone who has beaten this horrible thing? Do IV antibiotics work? FYI... I too have hashimotos thyroiditis. Do you think that has somehow contributed to this? Its like an immune system double whammy!

Thanks again for all the info ladies! Good luck to you all (and myself), and may God Bless Us!!!

[dogsinsweaters]

No more Sugar!

Girl friends, stay away from SUGAR! I know beyond a shadow of a doubt, that the strep B gets "cleared up" with an antibiotic, then all is well. But last week I failed to notice the sugar content of an item (and I drank it for 2 days!) So it was back to the doctor, and I'm trying to get cleared up again. I think my dr. is becoming convinced or at least opened minded about this. Sugar must "feed" the strep. (I guess like sugar feeds yeast?!) Please, please drastically cut back your sugar intake! I think you will be thrilled but first go on an anti-biotic and get cleared up, then extremely mimimal sugar. Use a substitute and question what people serve you!

[dogsinsweaters]

http://www.midwiferytoday.com/articles/garlic.asp


Check this out. I friend sent it to me and it is exactly how I got it.

[sapphire_chan]

Definitely have a ton of probiotics. I'd also put yogurt inside. And have your dp wear a condom with yogurt inside for a few nights. Alternate with garlic.

My guess is that fighting the strep makes room for yeast and then you fight yeast and make room for strep and on and on.

[JaneS]

I've heard from many mamas with this condition and know some personally so I've researched this issue a lot. The key is probiotics BUT the right kind. It's specific strains of lactobacillus that adhere to the mucus lining of the vagina and produce hydrogen peroxide to keep the area clean, at the proper ph, free of strep and other bacteria that don't belong, and odor free.

From WebMD:

For decades, some women have used Lactobacillus acidophilus in yogurt or supplements to treat bacterial vaginosis. But researchers now know that dairy lactobacillus does not work for bacterial vaginosis. This is because dairy lactobacillus is not the kind of bacteria that normally lives in the vagina. Researchers have found two different types of lactobacillus-L. crispatus and L. jensenii-that are most commonly found in a healthy vaginal environment. Research is now focusing on using these types of lactobacilli in capsules.7

There are a couple hard to get lactobacillus strains which are studied for colonizing the vagina.... l. crispatus and l. rhamnosus.

http://jcm.asm.org/cgi/content/full/37/9/3062

The only 2 brands I know of are Jarrow's Femdophilus with l. rhamnosus and Pharmax Mindlinx with l. crispatus that are specifically studied to adhere to vaginal lining. Google crispatus to read more about that and bv.

Acidophilus, yogurt or kefir bacterial strains are not going to colonize that particular area of the body. Antibiotics are like a flash fire, you need to replace the friendly bacteria or else the strep will just regrow to take up the place and that is why antibx and certain probiotics just do not work.

Originally Posted by gilamama

I also recomend taking a strong probiotic - on an emptly stomach.

some probiotics do mention this... but others do not like the stomach acid, and it's better to take with a meal to help them survive with a higher ph.

Originally Posted by BooskiBoo

FYI... I too have hashimotos thyroiditis. Do you think that has somehow contributed to this? Its like an immune system double whammy!

Definitely. As my holistic registered dietician explained it, beneficial bacteria have a harder time implanting. Are you gluten free? That is reportedly the number one thing Hashi's patients need to do. The gluten protein is similar to the thyroid protein cells... the body continues fighting the thyroid if gluten is eaten.

[dogsinsweaters]

Thanks for the info. I've ordered the Jarrow's probiotics.
I'm in "bad shape" now and just like some said, the antibiotics don't clear it up any more. I'm also going to try the garlic. Now I understand why the probiotic that I took before, did not help.
Thanks so much and please continue with information as it becomes available.

[mamaof5boys]

Haven't had a chance to read through all of the replies, so sorry if this was already suggested... Have you tried essential oils? There are many that would be helpful, but I would start with medicinal quality tea tree oil soaked in a tampon. This won't kill the good bacteria- only the bad. If it's more systemic you can do oils internally- oregano oil will get rid of lots of stuff (I've used it before rather than an antibiotic).

I have had huge success with acidophilus vaginal suppositories. They help keep everything in balance. Good luck!!

[dogsinsweaters]

What about other websites, forums, etc. concerning GBS?

[dogsinsweaters]

Where in the world do you get acidophilus vaginal suppositories?

[lauren86846]

boric acid capsules, bio k plus poured into a capsule and inserted vaginally, and tea tree oil suppositories (health food store) got rid of my group B strep. I had it for like 14 months thinking I just had "interstitial cystitis" b/c it was causing bladder inflammation. no one thought to give me a swab!!

[nishy]

Originally Posted by dogsinsweaters 

Where in the world do you get acidophilus vaginal suppositories?

You can now get acidophilus vaginal pesseries from some pharmacies, they've only been out since the start of this year (well in Australia anyway)

I think the brand i looked at today was Elevet not 100% sure but they have them in Australia at 'National Pharmacies' they're the ones with a green n blue sign.

[keepsmilyn]

Hi All, Well I seem to have finally discovered the cause of my problems with little help from the specialist I was last seeing last year. As mentioned in one of my previous posts I was eliminating various foods from my diet and eventually noticed the problem slowly going away. I've also suffered from skin rashes / hives at random times too which I always suspected as being related to food but could never pinpoint a particular item causing the problem.

I have been avoiding most sugary foods, pastas and bread products and increased how much water I drink. I have also tried to increase my intake of fruit and vegetables, so replacing pasta and bread with more vegetables on my plate where possible. Keep in mind that I was never overweight, just average for my height. I was also recently checked for diabetes as I have a family history of it, but there is no sign of it. I still have sugary foods, pasta and bread occasionally, but alot less of it when I do. When cooking at home we choose gluten free pasta (which tastes just as good) and buy more grainy breads.

I haven't had any problems (with the hives or thrush) for over a year now and whenever I start to feel a slight tickle down there (knowing that it may be coming back) probably due to over-eating a mixture of food I should have avoided I will drink extra water that day to help keep it at bay. If I ever get a little more sore then I use a water based ointment which seems to help ease the discomfort as canestane cream would sometimes make it feel worse.

I'm now on to my next battle with not ovulating regularly and just recently started taking clomid which has worked in producing an egg, so now here's hoping we have some baby news soon. ;-) Goodluck everyone, I hope you see the light soon.

[pantufla]

I had serious problems with GBS for years.  Years.  Like, 15.  Going gluten free has definitely made an improvement.  I never had anyone take me seriously, either.

[keepsmilyn]

The last specialist I was seeing still doesn't believe me that its food related. I feel sorry for her other patients who have no idea about the possible cause and that she won't consider suggesting to them that its food related.

It seems like the cause may be an allergy to yeast, which most sugary, pasta and bread products include. Too much yeast in my system causes the problems to occur.

Here are some links I just found about it below. I found some other similar articles a while ago about the same thing: 

http://www.yeastinfectiondiet.com/  (refer to section "Remove the foods that the yeast is feeding on")

http://www.pureliquidgold.com/candida-diet.htm

http://www.theyeastdiet.com/candida-infection.html (refer to 'Possible solutions' at the end of the page)

I would take all the information available online as a guide only and try eliminating most sugary and yeast containing foods from your diet and see how you go. Once you see major improvements you could try re-introducing those foods slowly again to see the effects on your system.

[lyonsden4]

Just checked in to see that my original post had been responded to, so many years ago.  I believe GBS is definitely related to immune system.  I got rid of my problem eventually, but it appeared a few years later, then went away.  Now it is back again.  I have other symptoms as well - all are immune system related (I believe) and also hormone related.  A few months ago I had a major life event that has caused stress to the point that I could not function, was very emotional.  I am feeling better emotionally now, but believe it is appearing in my physical health as GBS infection and now burning mouth syndrome.  Long story short - I am going to an acupuncturist who specializes in fertility (I have 2 amazing children and lucky to have them as I have severe endometriosis, 8 major surgeries for it and had a partial hysterectomy since having my children bc of pain) bc of thinking my hormones are unbalanced. She did a saliva test and results are that my hormones are out of balance (shock me).  I told her about GBS vaginitis, she told me about a Chinese tincture sold by doctors like her called Yin-Care.  It is an all natural Chinese herbal tincture that you mix with water and douche with and if really bad, dip a tampon in and use it overnight for a course (7 days).  You can do up to 3 courses.  I am on my 2nd course and it has really helped!  I don't know if it will get rid of it for good but at least it is helping the pain and discomfort.  I searched online and found great info about it.  You can buy it on Amazon.com.  It is excellent for all topical skin ailments and can be used vaginally.  It's uses are endless, yeast, bacterial, shingles, herpes, etc etc.  I also am taking Femdophilus by Jarrow which is just for women and using it orally and vaginally TMI sorry but when you are desperate for help there is no such thing as TMI!  As of right now, I'm still having GBS symptoms, but things seem to feel better.  Hoping after 3rd course of treatment with Yin-Care, acupuncture, and bio-identical hormones - I will be better!

here is a link:http://www.amazon.com/Arbor-International-Care-Herbal-Wash/dp/B0009Y2EVK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1312400025&sr=8-1

Here is a link to Yin-Care's site that has a list of pdf abstracts stating the studies that were done for specific types of health problems.  http://www.yincare.com/originalAbstracts.htm

I feel for all of you wonderful ladies who have had to deal with this.  Hugs to all of you (((MOTHERING LADIES)))!!!  :)  Try hard to view the health issue as separate from you.  We are not defined by a health issue, rather it is how we face and handle it.  Chins up ladies!  I have started meditating and try hard to be mindful.  This has helped tremendously with stress, which definitely affects one's immune system.  I will post an update in a few weeks (praying for long term relief).  Much love, Kirstie

[KHaralson12]

This is what has helped. Steroid pack, diflucan 200  for 4 days. Taking a bleach bath,,,,using max quater cup to 40 gallons. soaking in the tub 5-10 minutes.  Now Nystatin twice a day. The burning has improved alot.  Like not constantly thinking about it. I had read somewhere that strep b settles down once the yeast is under control.  I think I took way too many antibiotics a couple years ago. One Doctor said it was yeast nother said everything looked normal except for ALL the reddness.  I hope this helps someone.....Kelley