Symptomatic Group B Strep Vaginitis HELP!! - Page 3

[Ninjacat]

Hi All, I'm new here and have been dealing with recurrent vaginal infections for much of my adult life.  I had a 3 year chronic, recurrent Bacterial Vaginosis infection which I finally cured with boric acid suppositories (back when Yeast Arrest had higher doses of boric acid---now they only have homeopathic doses, but you can get boric acid and capsules from the pharmacist) plus Natren's Acidophilis used orally and vaginally.   Then, a few months later I had vaginitis and was positive for Group B Strep.  Since I'm allergic to penicillin, my doc prescribed an infection of Ceftriaxone (after clindamycin vaginally didn't work).   This worked and I was fine for several years, most of the time taking probiotics.  Then a few years ago I started getting GBS vaginitis again.  I had a few recurrent bouts after Ceftriaxone injections and then finally got rid of it with this garlic protocol that a midwife passed on to me:

http://www.gentlebirth.org/archives/gbsCohain.html

Well, a few months ago I got a UTI and the doc prescribed me with Ciproflaxin which is a broad-spectrum antibiotic.  Cleared up my UTI but shortly afterwards I got GBS vaginitis again.  So, I think it was caused by my vaginal balance being thrown off by the antibiotics---I think that all my good bacteria was killed off.  So I've been taking probiotics including Femdophilis (by Jarrow) and also Jarrow's EPS and again was treated with Ceftiaxone.   Felt good for a few weeks, then, a few weeks later had symptoms again, started using garlic which didn't help, and then  they cultured it and it was Gardeneralla (i.e. B.V.) !   So, I took flagyl and tons of Femdophilis and then used Yeast Arrest as a preventive.  Now, about 5 weeks later, with symptoms again, they cultured it and it is Group B Strep again.  UGH!   It is so bad this time that I started bleeding early (I see from another woman's post here that she often gets bleeding from GBS also--I wonder if it is b/c our cervix is irritated .  Is it cervicitis?).  I'm also crampy.  So, the doc I saw on Monday for the culture said that once the culture came back she would have it tested for sensitivity to various antibiotics to make sure we were using the right antibiotic and it wasn't resistant.  So, I left a gazillion messages for her this week to remind her (as she told me to do) and the stupid lab THREW AWAY the culture before she could order the sensitivity test.   So now tomorrow I have to go back in for another culture so they can order both tests.  And the speculum is so painful right now.   I am not convinced that the  GBS is antibiotic resistant, and think instead that what is happening is that the antibiotics are just killing off the good bacteria that throws off our healthy balance, resulting in an overgrowth of GBS.   Anyway, I'm sorry for this long message, but I am so frustrated with the whole thing and   just had to vent.   I'm also just really scared.  

My point for the other newcomers here is that it's VERY important to determine which type of vaginitis you have because the treatments (traditional and alternative) are different for each one.   So, make sure your doctor does a thorough exam and culture.  However, the one common thread that seems helpful for many of these infections seems to be probiotics which is probably preventing us from getting out of balance and preventing overgrowth of Gardneralla (BV), Group B Strep, and yeast.    I am very interested to read that some of you have found that reducing gluten and eating more vegetables has helped you to some degree.  I may try that also.     

To add to my frustration, my husband and I are about to do donor-IVF so I really need to get this resolved soon---I am concerned about having an invasive procedure while having GBS -- worried it will enter my uterus when they implant the embryo in my womb.  Not to mention the risk of miscarriage of GBS.   So, I am really hoping to resolve this soon.   Since I am feeling so bad, with cramps and bleeding, I think I will take the prescribed antibiotic and also use FemDophilis orally and vaginally and perhaps even do the garlic cure as a preventive in another 15 days after I am healed.   

Sorry for the long post and I hope everyone here finds a resolution soon.   I do recommend the garlic cure in the link I posted as one good possibility--but be sure to use probiotics too! 

One thing I thought might be helpful is if we each describe a few things about ourselves and our diets and see if there are any commonalities that may point to the problem.

For example, I have low serum cholesterol (150) and LDL cholesterol (85) (as does someone who previously posted here),  I eat mostly vegetarian (which is probably why the low cholesterol) and probably too much wheat (but as of the past few days am really trying to reduce processed foods and move to whole foods, especially vegetables).    I am 5'7" and 136 lbs and am in my mid 40s.  

Best to all.

-Ninja Cat. ;)  

[pe4rl]

Wow. Just read the whole thread carefully. I was finally diagnosed with GBS recently. I've had a constant watery discharge with an unpleasant odor for about 1 1/2 years. Began with a UTI (unpleasant odor and color but resolved on its own) However, I have never had any accompanying vaginal pain, itching burning or discomfort so I'm lucky in that regard. It seems to be low-grade.

I have always eaten a high-protein low-carb diet. Red meat, fish, chicken and lots of veggies. Almost no fruit because I don't like it. I am overweight because I have portion control issues and I sometimes go on extended chocolate jags which can't be good. I think you are all on to something with the diet factor.

While inserting creams, probiotics, antibiotics, garlic, chinese tinctures and other things directly into the vagina may give temporary relief, I agree it can only be a short-term fix because it's an imbalance throughout the body of alkaline/acid ph. Similarly anything "medicinal" by mouth or IV will also be just a temporary fix. We have to ask ourselves why the vaginal environment seems to be permanently out of whack. Please go onto some of the alkaline/acid diet web sites and tell me what you think. Acidity is the cause of so many diseases in the body including autoimmune diseases such as Hashi, arthritis etc. Also people with cancer have a highly acidic ph (can be measured by saliva or urine with ph test strips. I actually tested my vaginal discharge and it came out acidic on the strip. The strips can be bought online.).

Sugar and white carbs are a huge factor which causes systemic acidity. Surely an acidic (typical American) diet will lead to an acidic vagina which is the perfect breeding ground for harmful bacteria. Fermented dairy products (although not regular milk products which are acidic) such as yogurt tend to be alkaline so maybe that's why they help in addition to the probiotics. Almost all veggies are alkaline. Red meat is acidic.

I am going to take a course of penicillin to hopefully "jump start" a cure but I am also definitely going to stop the chocolate and red meat (acidic) jags and eat more foods from the alkaline lists which are easy to find online. I think the only way to vaginal health is for the whole body ph to get back in balance......not just the vagina.......that's just my opinion and I'll let you know how it goes. If any of you convert to a more alkaline diet and it helps, kindly post so we can all benefit. I'm so glad to have found such an intelligent thread regarding this topic. Thank you all very much.

[JU11]

Take Oregano Oil, I got mine from my chriopractor.

[Elph68]

Hi Ladies,

I can tell you definitively from a males perspective that if you have diagnosed Group B Strep and it is symptomatic, your partner (the male) has it to. 

The bug get's caught up in the prostate and lives quite happily in the mucous, also lives under the foreskin. For me, this caused a condition called prostatitis, or a prostate inflammation and foreskin inflammation or balanitis. My prostate inflammation was originally diagnosed as non-bacterial by my urologist as 'there was nothing there'!. After 2 years of arguing, negative tests and 9 different doctors, an infectious disease specialist found it by growing out the samples and having a 'hard look', first in my throat, then in other areas. GBS infects the pharanx, the anus and the genital tract. Can also cause diabetic ulcers, arthritis and skin infections. If you have a tickly cough or sore lymph nodes in your throat/neck, you probably have it there too as it is transferred through oral sex.

During that time I gave it back to my wife 6 times (Zithromax and Avelox cleared it 4 of these times). Our doctors weren't smart enough to find it in her, they even did a cervical cauterization 'to solve the problem'. It took 6 weeks of augmentin for me 10 days for my wife and now we believe it is now gone. 

You only get it 2 ways, from your mother during birth, or from intimate sexual contact.... 

And ladies, I can taste it. The vaginal fluids are bitter and smell unusual, and the white discharge burns my tongue and causes ulcers. The reason I reacted so violently to it .... I am diabetic, otherwise I would never have known I picked it up and would have been an asymptomatic carrier like everybody else.

So, if you aren't treating your partner, it may never go away, and he needs 4 weeks minimum. I also found that using condoms for 6 months, along with 'clearing the pipes' 5 to 6 times a week, cleared my symptoms .... but came back again after taking the condom off. It may actually leave the male system over time, but that is only an observation.

I sincerely hope you don't find my post too blunt or rude, I am a male who has had the feeling of a cricket ball shoved up my bum for the past 2 years.

Good luck ladies, the only reason I finally got it resolved .... because I never gave up!

Edited by Elph68 - 5/3/12 at 10:39pm

[missy101]

HELLO EVERYONE I HAVE 4 KIDS AND 3 DIFFERENT FATHERS THAT HAD PREVIOUSLY SLEPT WITH A LOT OF WOMEN.  LET ME TELL YOU YOUR HUSBAND HAS TO BE TREATED WITH CLINDAMYACIN, OR IT WILL KEEP REOCCURING.  I SUFFERED FOR MONTHS TIL MY HUSBAND WAS TREATED AND HAVE NEVER HAD ONE AGAIN.  DOCTORS DO NOT KNOW WHAT THEY ARE TALKING ABOUT MEN NEVER GET CHECKED THEY SHOW NO SYMPTOMS BUT CARRY IT AND PASS IT TO US AND WE GET UTIS FISHY BACTERIAL VAGINOSIS GROUP B STREP DOES AFFECT NON PREGNANT WOMEN.  CLINDAMYCIN TREATS BACTERIAL VAGINOSIS AND GROUP B STREP IN MEN AND WOMEN. PLEASE PASS THIS ON WOMEN ARE SUFFERING AND DOCTORS ARE IGNORANT TO THE FACT THAT MEN ARE NOT CARRYING THIS STUFF AROUND!!

[sadface]

I have diabetes and similar symptoms.  If you do not have diabetes, you may try cutting soda out of your diet.  There is so much information I have found, but no solid facts.  

[camilled]

Hello eplh68,

I just had a few questions for you.  I was just treated with amoxicillin at 500mg 2x daily for 7 days and my partner with ampicillin at 500mg 2x daily for 7 days.  However it came right back a week later.  I thought that penicillins were the only effective antibiotic for strep b? I was also under the impression that its something you carry forever.  I just need some help in getting rid of this horrible thing that I've been dealing with for the better part of a year.  I think a birth control I was on threw me off initially but I've been off it now for 5 months and still having issues.  Any help would be greatly appreciated.
 

[Elph68]

Hi Camilled,

This was the same issue for us .... my doctor gave us short doses of fluroquinolines as he didn't know what it was. If you have had it for a while the bug goes deep into the uterus and is hard to get rid of. The length of course may need to be 2 to 4 weeks ..... using the guidelines for PID and prostatitis may help when discussing this with your GP. I was on Augmentin Duo Forte for 6 weeks. My wife needed another 10 days (20 days in total), PLUS the doc gave her a 3 day Zithromax. Group B strep also gets deep in the prostate and penicillin and other antibiotics don't get to it.

The question to ask is was it after contact or did it come back on it's own? When I passed it on 4 days to a week later the cervix would become tender and she had bladder pressure ..... about a week later the irritation, burning and discharge.

For men, a strong smell, a very slight irritation or redness if uncircumcised.  

I battled with the medical 'experts' for 2 years and it took an infectious disease specialist to find the answer.

We will see what happens now .... fingers crossed and best of luck to you in getting it resolved.

The 'experts' just don't know ..... 

[Tropicalfever]

Hello,

I have been having Garnerella vaginalis for the pas 4 months or so, it was first diagnosed in March I was put under fasigyne and vaginal Metronidazole for 10 days my DPalso had fasigyne by the time I was over I waited another 10 days and tested agian, The gardnerella was still there and candida albicans had added its self. I took  , I took an appointmnet with the OB/GYN on saturday we had an echography and he realised (and showed me) that I have a swolen right fallopian tube whic is completely "glued" to the u times fasigyne, triflucan seven days clotri-denk cream. I tested again this month same thing I'm loosingf my mind. Now I'm taking clotri-denk vaginal tabl, fasigyne and after the vaginal tab will start Trophigil to rebuild my doderlin flora which is extinct.

Now my Ob/GYN discovered that I have my right fallopian tub which is about 3 times the size of my left tube and "glued" to my uterus. He says the gluing might have been caused by scars or by an infection. Three months ago I underwent a treatment a a cyst at the right ovary don't know if its linked but the cyst is gone. He went through my history this is generally caused by PID I've never had Clamydia or Gonhorea My personnal hygiene is perfect I dont have any pains  I've never had any problems before (well I guess). He asked me to do a lab test for my prolactin level it turned out I'm at 20 nanograms/ml so he precibed parlodel 2.5 , he also prescribed clomid and Utrogestan to be taken for the next cycle. Im at 22 DPO no AF took the test again at 17DPO it was BFN he says I should hold on till 30DPO  that I tested too early and by then if  I still get a BFN  themn I have a more serious condition. In summarry what does it all mean? Has any one suffered form any of these before of do I mobve my post elsewhere and where precisely? I think I'm gonna post this on a new thread. Thanks for reading.

[khkvd]

I am happy to have found this discussion - at last i don't feel so alone.

i have no major discharge, no smell, although the last time that i had this (about 6-8 months ago) i did have major watery leaking.

what i do have that is similar to last time is intense burning. my husband looked and said that the labia and skin around the anus are blotchy white, which is what they gyn said when she checked last time.That time she treated with an anti yeast infection drug, and then i did the garlic treatment a few times, it all went away.

i tried garlic twice this time - it helped a bit- maybe i should keep going?. the burning is insane. last time there was itching- this time very little.

another question...maybe this is allergy related?

for years i have had a problem with toilet paper. i use only organic or non bleached which helps a lot. when i use regular even once or twice i get really sore and itchy.

so now i have started swimming most days (for  periods of not more than 1/2 hour at a time).

also i have just recently (4 months ago) stopped getting my period (I am 54). maybe this is complicating things?

tomorrow i will see the gyn again- but i don't hold out much hope...

i am interested to know if anyone else has thought of the allergy thing (TP or pools)?

[khkvd]

by the way-

I also take a lot of vitamin B (against hair loss) and thyroid med (I have low) and calcium. that's it

[kimkay]

I found this site looking for answers. I found many women having some of the same problems I have. I will tell you that I am at the end of my rope. Reading other threads I will tell you, being a woman, isn't all it's cracked up to be. First, reading about alot of itching and burning, I was finally diagnosed after three obgyn doc's of having Lichens Sclerosis. I said it's a miracle, finally....From the lips of the vagina, to the anus you will dig till you bleed. Your skin opens up like razor cuts. Then when you pee, burn, burn, burn. I suffered for twenty years with this. Although there is no cure, there is steroid cream,ahhh relief. Use it when I feel the cuts. That's only a minor annoyance compared to having a foul oder that I have been dealing with for about two years. I'm thinking, are you kidding me, I'm 53, went through menopause, now this. I think the worst part is having it come back as soon as you go off meds. First it was Bacteria Vaginosis, came right back. Now they say GBS, OK give me the meds. I still have a very fishy oder. I am so upset about this. What is going on. Yes I know your PH is off, but I believe there is a root cause. Well, off I go to see my obgyn on Fri. Can't wait to see what they come up with this time...Just fed up.I am so gratful to have come across this site,cause I have felt like I must be the only person with this, and it will never be cured.Will have more to say after visit.      Kimkay.

[dcainedwr]

I am interested to hear more from Elph68.

My woman has just been diagnosed with this.

I want to learn much as I can about treatment for her and for me.

[Beachbabe372003]

This forum has been the ONLY descent information about how to treat Strep B. I am so glad to have found it!

Ive been having uncomfortable feelings for about three years. It started when I had the contraceptive rod put in my arm. I had so many problems with it that I had it out as soon as the 3 months were up. At that time I had severe itching and irritation and was given thrush creams over and over. When we tried for a baby we were unable to fall pregnant so after 8 months I saw a naturopath who advised me to stop eating wheat/sugar. I did this and within 3 months we were pregnant. However sex was so painful. When it was time to have the baby the hospital induced me becaue i was 10 days over and with that there was complications and I had to be rushed off for an emergency C section. While in hospital I broke out in sores that wouldnt heal (staph?) but I treated it with breastmilk and pawpaw cream and they cleared up. So 4 months later with still severe irritation I have finally been told I am positive for Strep B and have been given antibiotics. I really dont want to take them as I am breastfeeding and more poor baby has already copped antibiotics after the C section (they put it in my drip and I didnt even know) so she has low gut flora and had a really back time with reflux. I dont want to expose her to antibiotics again.

Finding this page has given me some hope.... but I have also seen how serious it is to get rid of it.

I do agree with an earlier post about the body's PH. I know that mine is very acidic. I was told that over 10 years ago (im only 21). I do think that diet is a very important factor in all of this. I am going to try some herbs from the naturopath and I am going to ask him about the garlic but I think I am going to give that a go anyway... It cant hurt?? I am also going to cut out the chocolate (sniff sniff) and try to go on an alkaline diet.

Thankyou so much for the honesty and input on this forum it has helped me so much.

Will update when I know how it all goes. 

[vvvv]

Hi all,
Just wondered if anyone has looked at Dr. Christiane Northrup's book, ' Women's Bodies, Women's Wisdom'?
In it she says that normal vaginal pH is normally acidic, but semen is alkaline- so it can change vaginal pH for hours- especially after repeated intercourse (anyone trying for a baby here?!!) so people with GBS colonisation may start to develop symptoms. She suggested one teaspoon mild vinegar in a cup of warm water as a douche, or just using your fingers. I tried this last week, and my symptoms cleared up within 24hours- WITHOUT needing antibiotics. (Last time I had a course of antibiotics and then developed terrible thrush!) maybe this will help others

[civy]

Hi ladies I started reading your posts because I  had suffered from BV for 3 yrs before i got it figured out.  So this is what did it for me; I started having problems with the BV and would go see my gyn, get the antibiotics or the gel, finish the treatment only for it to come back within weeks angrier than ever.  I tried the lactobacilus acidolphilus, garlic ( yes i put whole cloves in my vagina while i would sleep!),and yogurt has always been a part of my daily diet. My gyn told me that im getting older (i was 26 when I started all this, im 31 now) and my body is just changing but for 26 yrs my vagina never smelled awful like that and i'm not about to live the rest of it with a stinky vagina so i started researching foods with natural antibiotic properties.   I came across an article about iodine and i promise that since i've started my iodine supplement I have not had to go back to my gyn for the stinky vagina.  I also noticed that when my kids got strep throat last fall, I didnt!!  We are very close and its alway been when 1 gets strep in my house we all get it.  research iodine and how it works in the body and its history.  This is what they used for discinfection for surgeries 150 yrs ago..... iodine is the best natural antibiotic you'll come across.  The other thing i've noticed since being on iodine,  I dont get bladder infections anymore either!!! I'm one of those women that everytime i would have sex i'd get a uti too, but not anymore.  put it in your nettie pot when u have a sinus infection and it'll take care of that too!!!  about 2 yrs ago I was at my gyn's for my annual, told him that the BV was back and i needed more cream, so I went home and started that but within that week i found out about this iodine and by the next wk i started it as well.....I promise i havn't had it come since, been on iodoral for almost 2 yrs no BV when prior to this i couldnt get rid of it for about 3.  I get it at swansonvitamins.com   its called iodoral, perfect ratio if iodine and potassium iodide.  AND its only about $35 for a 6 month supply!!!!   I really hope this helps someone, I remember what it was like to walk around with a stinky vagina and i dont think any of us should have to.

[princess57tess]

Originally Posted by civy 

Hi ladies I started reading your posts because I  had suffered from BV for 3 yrs before i got it figured out.  So this is what did it for me; I started having problems with the BV and would go see my gyn, get the antibiotics or the gel, finish the treatment only for it to come back within weeks angrier than ever.  I tried the lactobacilus acidolphilus, garlic ( yes i put whole cloves in my vagina while i would sleep!),and yogurt has always been a part of my daily diet. My gyn told me that im getting older (i was 26 when I started all this, im 31 now) and my body is just changing but for 26 yrs my vagina never smelled awful like that and i'm not about to live the rest of it with a stinky vagina so i started researching foods with natural antibiotic properties.   I came across an article about iodine and i promise that since i've started my iodine supplement I have not had to go back to my gyn for the stinky vagina.  I also noticed that when my kids got strep throat last fall, I didnt!!  We are very close and its alway been when 1 gets strep in my house we all get it.  research iodine and how it works in the body and its history.  This is what they used for discinfection for surgeries 150 yrs ago..... iodine is the best natural antibiotic you'll come across.  The other thing i've noticed since being on iodine,  I dont get bladder infections anymore either!!! I'm one of those women that everytime i would have sex i'd get a uti too, but not anymore.  put it in your nettie pot when u have a sinus infection and it'll take care of that too!!!  about 2 yrs ago I was at my gyn's for my annual, told him that the BV was back and i needed more cream, so I went home and started that but within that week i found out about this iodine and by the next wk i started it as well.....I promise i havn't had it come since, been on iodoral for almost 2 yrs no BV when prior to this i couldnt get rid of it for about 3.  I get it at swansonvitamins.com   its called iodoral, perfect ratio if iodine and potassium iodide.  AND its only about $35 for a 6 month supply!!!!   I really hope this helps someone, I remember what it was like to walk around with a stinky vagina and i dont think any of us should have to.

I

[princess57tess]

I have been diagnosed with strep b and am on flagyl. I'm experiencing bad pelvic pain and wondered if this was a common symptom . Have any of you ladies had the same issue?

[answersplease]

I am so happy I found this site!  FINALLY!  Other people having the same issues, and there isn't someone telling me - you're crazy, it's all in your head...I wish there was a way physicians would LISTEN to what we say.  It just is so frustrating to have this problem over and over again.  I am 29 and ever since I had my children I have had a constant battle with Group B Strep.  I seem to go through bouts of it every few months and my obgyn just shakes his head and says "well most people aren't symptomatic so we'll just treat the symptoms as they come".  I don't want to treat them as they come, I want to PREVENT them from coming in the first place!  He suggests switching my maxi pads but that didn't do any good.  I take acidophilus every day to keep the balance but something always seems to throw something off and then this Group B Strep pops up and the symptoms are awful.  The itching is almost unbearable.  My Dr. has prescribed me the Nystatin cream which helps but who wants to walk around with cream in your purse all day.  Plus there is nothing more embarrassing than your 6 yr old pulling it out asking what it's for.  Oh the madness has got to end.  Thank you all for your wonderful insights and great ideas.  I'm calling my Dr. tomorrow, and hopefully he'll give me some answers.  Thank you to those who suggested having our partners checked.  I never thought to have my husband checked.  I didn't think this was something he could carry.  Thank you all!