Hello Amperz,
I?m sorry you are suffering with a vaginal infection! Without
knowing for sure you have Beta strep or quite possibly another form of
vaginitis, it is difficult to provide possible recommendations. Often
when a woman is treated with antibiotics for an infection, a secondary
infection, usually yeast, may ensue.
Generally speaking, Beta strep is not even treated in non-pregnant
women, as it usually causes no symptoms or harm.
There is a certain amount of normal bacteria (normal flora) that lives
in the human vagina, whose function is maintain health. Organisms such
as lactobacillus sp. And Gardnerella species. Lactobacillus maintains
a healthy vaginal pH of around 4.0, and produces lactic acid to
prevent overgrowth of other organisms, such as yeasts and other
bacteria. Taking antibiotics can destroy this healthy bacteria,
allowing a yeast overgrowth.
The itching you describe sounds like a subsequent yeast infection, or
some other form of vaginitis. I am posting some information on other
vaginal disorders, as well as conventional treatment and alternate
therapies. Its important to discuss these with your doctor, along with
an accurate diagnosis.
Its very important to finish any course of therapy. Often, a patient
will take prescribed medication, feel better half way through, and
discontinue the medication. This can result is further infections that
may be drug resistant.
?What can I do to prevent initial infections or recurrences?
=============================================================
In order to minimize the risk of developing vaginitis, here are some
general suggestions for good vaginal health:
·Practice good hygiene by keeping the vaginal area clean using a mild
soap and dry area well.
·Avoid douching and irritating agents such as harsh soaps and feminine
hygiene sprays. Douches can disrupt the normal balance of vaginal
organisms and should be avoided.
·Avoid spreading bacteria from the rectum to the vagina by wiping
front to back after going to the bathroom.
·Avoid tight jeans, panty hose without a cotton crotch and other
clothing that can trap moisture.
·Practice safe sex and avoid multiple partners. Latex condoms, when
used consistently and correctly, can reduce the risk of transmission
of STDs.
·Avoid stress, which studies have shown to be a contributing factor for vaginitis.
http://www.idph.state.il.us/public/hb/hbvaginitis.htm
?GBS (group B Strep) is in your vagina all the time as it in your
throat all the time. Even though it is in your throat all the time,
you don't always have a strep throat. Similarly, it's presence in your
vagina doesn't always mean a vaginal infection.
Treating GBS is relatively futile in many women, because since it is a
normal component of vaginal flora, it reoccurs very frequently whether
treated or not. Recurrent antibiotic therapy can also cause #1
resistant strains and #2 other infections.?
http://forums.obgyn.net/womens-health/WHF.0001/0799.html
?Increased isolation of strains of group B Streptococcus resistant to
erythromycin (9%) or intermediate susceptible clindamycin (9.5%) and
cefoxitin (15.3%) have been reported. Nineteen percent exhibited a
multiple antibiotic resistance pattern. Penicillinase production and
resistance to ampicillin were not encountered in the particular
series. Susceptibility testing may be useful in selecting alternate
antibiotic regimens.?
http://www.labcorp.com/datasets/labcorp/html/chapter/mono/se032800.htm
?A variety of bacteria, yeasts and other micro-organisms occur
naturally in the vagina's mildly acidic environment. Certain bacteria
called Lactobacilli or Doderlein's bacilli normally maintain natural
acidity in the vagina which keeps other bacteria under control.
Maintaining a healthy vagina
Keep the genitals dry and well aired by:
· wearing only cotton underwear and changing daily
· changing out of damp swimming costumes or sportswear as soon as possible
· changing pads and tampons regularly (at least every 8 hours)
· avoiding tight-fitting clothes and synthetic materials next to the skin
· avoiding long exposure to hot, sweaty or chafing conditions, eg sauna, aerobics.?
http://www.fpwa-health.org.au/vaginalhealth.htm
There are some interesting questions from patients and answers from a
forum doctor here:
??in adult women it usually is just colonizing the vagina, without ill
effect. It is likely that your symptoms are due to something else, but
GBS was picked up by coincidence. Most experts would not have even
tested you for GBS, and we don't do it in my STD clinic. All that
said, GBS may sometimes cause symptomatic vaginal infections; this
area is a bit controversial.?
?Chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomonas, and bacterial vaginosis or, in a
worst-case scenario, pelvic inflammatory disease--with or without the
yeast infection you suspect. None of those is best treated with
erythromycin; it usually would work against chlamydia, sometimes
against gonorrhea, variable against PID (depending on the exact cause
of the PID), and not at all against trich or BV. You should definitely
be tested for all those--but you are right that negative results for
gonorrhea and chlamydia won't mean much, because of the erythromycin.
(Your doctor should not have started the antibiotic without first
testing for them. Maybe he did; you should check if not sure.) Your
partner should be examined, and tested for gonorrhea and chlamydia.?
?And one final possibility--which I don't intend to alarm you at this
point--is herpes. That STD can present with pretty painful lower
genital symptoms, but without recognized open sores. It's the severity
of your urinary symptoms and pelvic "pressure" that grabbed my
attention on this. If your boyfriend tests positive for gonorrhea or
chlamydia, you can assume that's the answer. If not, it might not be a
bad idea for you both to be tested for HSV infection, or at least be
on the alert for mild recurrent symptoms and be tested then.?
?I am certainly no doctor but I've been dealing with a Beta Hemolytic
Strep UTI for over 1 year. I had sharp pains in my uretha and bladder.
My uretha pains are from dryness and have been prescribed Estrace
Cream. You don't say your age so I don't know if this applies to you
or not but thought I'd put the info out there to be considered.
Another thing to be sure to do is - after using the bathroom, wipe
from front to back. This is VERY IMPORTANT. I finally realized that I
was probably reinfecting myself because I was wiping from back to
front as most women do. The Estrace Cream has helped a lot with the
burning sensation; however, I was just cultured again and after taking
more than 30 days worth of 250 mg Augmentin 3/day, I still have 10,000
- 25,000 colonies. I am at a loss to understand why the Beta Strep
won't die. I am not having any sex, wipe from front to back, take
great care in cleanliness and still have colonies.?
http://www.medhelp.org/forums/STD/messages/547.html
===============================
It could be a yeast infection!
===============================
?Yeast gets into the vagina mainly from the neighboring intestines by
way of the anal area. How does this happen? Not just from wiping
yourself in the wrong direction, as women have traditionally been
taught. It's just that the anus is very close to the vagina. The yeast
can sprint independently from one organ to the other, or be passed
along by a menstrual pad as it's worn, or be transferred during
receptive oral sex, meaning that the partner's mouth contains yeast
and comes into contact with the vulva, vestibule, or vagina. So you
can't always actively prevent it.?
Yeast infections also often develop after a woman has taken a dose of
antibiotics, and from wearing pantyhose providing a warm moist
environment which yeast love).
?Yeast infections are almost always (85 to 90 percent of the time)
caused by Candida albicans, but there are more than two hundred
different strains of candida. Sometimes when drugs have been used to
wipe out the Candida albicans, different yeasts called non-albicans
yeasts can increase and cause infection. The best known of these are
Candida glabrata and Candida tropicalis. The yeast that makes bread
rise, Saccharomycetes cerevisiae, can also cause vaginitis. (Though
uncommon, there have been reports of tiny fragments of uncooked dough
on the hands and under the nails of bakers being transferred during
sexual activity.) The non-albicans yeasts are harder to treat because
they require higher and longer dosing of the standard medicines used
for yeast, or they do not respond at all. We don't have many
alternative medications to treat non-albicans yeast.?
http://www.thevbook.com/chapter10.html
?There are a number of factors that encourage yeast overgrowth:
·Antibiotics Broad-spectrum antibiotics kill gut bacteria--good and
bad. A proper balance of good bacteria is necessary to control yeast
population--otherwise the yeast multiplies.
·Certain Disorders and Hormonal Imbalances Corticosteroid therapy,
pregnancy, oral contraceptives, chronic stress and diabetes mellitus
can promote rapid yeast growth.
·DietRefined foods high in sugar and simple carbohydrates feed the yeast.
·Environmental Toxins Exposure to toxins in the environment and in
food may lower immunity and promote susceptibility to Candidiasis.
·Physical Contact Yeast infections can be spread through sexual
intercourse and through some medical procedures.?
http://www.stonyfield.com/Wellness/MooslettersDisplay.cfm?moos_id=29
?Frequent recurrences of yeast are a fairly common problem - and a
very exasperating one. Contributing factors may be:
· Partial treatment Women who do not use the medicine for the
necessary number of days put themselves at risk for recurrence.
· Frequent douching Women increase their risk of yeast infections if
they douche more than once a month. [Women should not douche at all
unless a doctor prescribes it.]
· Use of irritating chemicals in the vagina Scented toilet paper,
soaps, tampons, and vaginal sprays can ?set up? yeast infections by
irritating the genital area. [The only things that should come in
contact with a woman?s vulva and vagina are clean water and air.]
· Clothing Tight jeans, wet bathing suits, nylon underwear, and panty
hose can contribute to yeast infections. [Ideally, women should only
wear dresses or skirts and no underwear so excess moisture does not
collect, clothing does not irritate the delicate vulvar tissues, and
the ambient temperature does not increase.]
· Excess weight Yeast likes to grow in damp skin folds. Weight loss may help.
· Antibiotic use Antibiotics often eliminate some of the normal
bacteria of the vagina, allowing yeast to overgrow. Women taking
long-term antibiotics for any reason may therefore suffer chronic
yeast infections. [If your body will likely eliminate an infection on
its own given the time, you may want to consider discussing with your
doctor the idea of not using an antibiotic.]
· Depressed immunity Recurrent yeast may be the result of a major
systemic illness such as AIDS (sometimes the yeast infections can lead
to the AIDS diagnosis). Most women with recurrent yeast and decreased
immunity, however, do not have AIDS. They may have a minor defect in
their immune system that predisposes them to yeast.
· Reinfection from a sexual partner A man with oral or genital yeast
can reinfect his partner after she?s been treated. [Female couples may
infect or reinfect one another as well.]
· Infection with a resistant strain of Candida As mention, drug
resistance is more common with certain species of Candida. A longer
treatment course or use of a different antifungal may be needed.
Cultures of the yeast may be helpful in deciding the best treatment in
these unusual cases. [You may need to ensure that your doctor does not
presume you have a common type of Candida infection by requesting a
copy of your lab report (You paid for the lab tests so they belong to
you, not the doctor.)]
· Diabetes Women with diabetes are more likely to have recurrences.
http://www.the-clitoris.com/f_html/vaginitis.htm
===============================
It could be vulvodynia!
===============================
?Vulvodynia, also known as vulvar dysesthesia, literally means pain,
or an unpleasant altered sensation, in the vulva. It is characterized
by itching, burning, stinging or stabbing in the area around the
opening of the vagina. Pain can be unprovoked, varying from constant
to intermittent, or occur only on provocation such as attempted
vaginal penetration with sexual intercourse, a condition also known as
vestibulodynia, previously known as vulvar vestibulitis syndrome.?
http://www.vulvodynia.com/
??chronic vulvar discomfort or pain, characterized by burning,
stinging, irritation or rawness of the female genitalia. The cause of
vulvodynia remains unknown. It may be the result of multiple factors.
Physicians speculate that it may be caused by the following: an injury
or irritation of the nerves that supply and receive input from the
vulva; a localized hypersensitivity to yeast; an allergic response to
environmental irritants; high levels of oxalate crystals in the urine;
and spasm and/or irritation of the pelvic floor muscles. There is no
evidence that vulvodynia is caused by infection or that it is a
sexually transmitted disease.?
?Burning sensations are most common, however, the type and severity of
symptoms experienced are highly individualized. Some women describe
their pain as stinging, irritation or rawness. Vulvodynia may be
constant or intermittent, localized or diffuse. The two major subsets
of the condition, Dysesthetic Vulvodynia and Vulvar Vestibulitis
Syndrome (VVS), are quite different.
Dysesthetic vulvodynia is characterized by pain that is diffuse
throughout the vulvar region. It can be present in the labia majora
and/or labia minora. Sometimes it affects the clitoris, perineum, mons
pubis and/or inner thighs. The pain may be constant or intermittent
and is not necessarily initiated by touch or pressure to the vulva.
The vulvar tissue may appear inflamed, but in most cases there are no
visible findings.?
http://womenshealth.about.com/cs/vulvodynia/a/vulvodyniaqapt1.htm
======================================
It could be another form of vaginitis
======================================
?Why have so many names been used for this vaginal infection? Because
bacterial vaginosis is polymicrobial: it is caused by many different
species of bacteria.?
http://www.the-clitoris.com/f_html/vaginitis.htm
?Vaginitis is an inflammation of the mucous membranes lining the
vagina. It occurs when alien germs, yeast, or fungus organisms take
control of the vagina environment. A painful, messy condition,
vaginitis is characterized by a yellowish, thick discharge with
itching, burning, and sometimes light bleeding. Any number of
situations can promote vaginitis: radiation therapy, hormonal changes
characteristic of pregnancy and menopause, Vitamin B deficiency,
excessive douching, or poor hygiene in the vaginal area. Even
intestinal worms, oral contraceptives, or deodorant sprays can cause
vaginitis. Atrophic vaginitis is found in postmenopausal women and
develops due to hormonal drops in estrogen in the vaginal canal.
Antibiotic usage is the ?usual suspect? when vaginitis is the
diagnosis in non-pregnant women under 45. When colonies of friendly
bacteria are present in sufficient numbers within the vaginal lining,
conditions are normal and balanced. There is no siege because yeast
organisms can not overgrow and create excessive inflammation. However,
when antibiotics deplete beneficial bacteria, yeast organisms (which
are not effected by antibiotic drugs) have the opportunity to overgrow
and produce inflammation.?
http://www.natren.com/pages/vaginitis.asp
Types of Vaginitis
oCandidiasis is a fungal infection common in women of childbearing age
that results in pruritus, with a thick, white vaginal discharge.
Patients often have a history of recurrent yeast infections or recent
antibiotic treatment. Symptoms of candidiasis often begin just before
menses. Precipitating factors include immunosuppression, diabetes
mellitus, pregnancy, and hormone replacement therapy. Candidiasis is
usually not contracted from a sexual partner. Seventy-five percent of
all women have one episode of candidiasis in their lifetime. Recurrent
episodes may indicate underlying immunodeficiency or diabetes.
oTrichomoniasis is associated with risk factors for other sexually
transmitted diseases (STDs); elicit a history of multiple sexual
partners. The discharge is usually copious and frothy, resulting in
local pain and irritation. Pruritus might be present. Symptoms often
peak just after menses. Trichomonas vaginalis is the most common
nonviral STD in the world. Infection during pregnancy has been
associated with preterm deliveries and low birth weight infants.
oBacterial vaginosis is asymptomatic in up to 50% of women. If a
discharge is present, it is typically a homogeneous grayish white or
yellowish white. Bacterial vaginosis is common in pregnant women and
is associated with preterm birth. Treating pregnant women that have a
history of preterm birth with symptomatic bacterial vaginosis early in
pregnancy has been shown to decrease the incidence of preterm birth.
oIn women with chronic vaginitis, atrophic vaginitis and
hypoestrogenism must be considered. Elicit an accurate menstrual
history.
There are numerous drugs used to treat vaginitis on this page. In
order to select the best treatment, your doctor must determine the
organism that is causing you problems.
http://www.emedicine.com/emerg/topic631.htm
?The cause of vaginitis may not always be determined adequately
solely on the basis of symptoms or a physical examination. For a
correct diagnosis, a doctor should perform laboratory tests including
microscopic evaluation of vaginal fluid. A variety of effective drugs
are available for treating vaginitis.
Vaginitis often is caused by infections, which cause distress and
discomfort. Some infections are associated with more serious diseases.
The most common vaginal infections are bacterial vaginosis,
trichomoniasis, and vaginal yeast infection or candidiasis. Some
vaginal infections are transmitted through sexual contact, but others
such as yeast infections probably are not, depending on the cause.?
?Although most vaginal infections in women are due to bacterial
vaginosis, trichomoniasis, or yeast, there may be other causes as
well. These causes may include allergic and irritative factors or
other STDs. Noninfectious allergic symptoms can be caused by
spermicides, vaginal hygiene products, detergents, and fabric
softeners. Cervical inflammation from these products often is
associated with abnormal vaginal discharge, but can be distinguished
from true vaginal infections by appropriate diagnostic tests.?
http://www.niaid.nih.gov/factsheets/stdvag.htm
?Treatment of routine bacterial vaginosis is usually simple. The best
antibiotics to suppress the overgrown populations of bacteria are
metronidazole or clindamycin. Metronidazole is widely more used; it is
given twice a day for seven days, and has a 95% cure rate. A single
(larger) oral dose is almost as effective (85%) and may be the best
choice for some patients. A metronidazole vaginal gel is also
available; it should be used twice a day for five days. Patients
taking metronidazole cannot drink any alcohol. This antibiotic is
related to disulfiram, a medicine taken by alcoholics to remain sober;
any ingestion of alcohol causes severe nausea and vomiting.
Metronidazole is other wise a very safe drug.
Clindamycin is taken twice a day orally for seven days, with a cure
rate of greater than 90% A two-percent clindamycin cream is just as
effective when used once daily in the vagina for seven days.
As with other types of vaginitis, gynecologists recommend "pelvic
rest" translation: no intercourse) until the infection has resolved.?
http://www.the-clitoris.com/f_html/vaginitis.htm
?What is the difference between the three types of vaginitis?
Bacterial - infection is caused when healthy vaginal organisms are
replaced by harmful bacteria. It is referred to as bacterial vaginosis
and is the most common type of vaginitis.
Yeast - infection is called candidiasis. It is caused by a fungus and
is the second most common type of vaginitis.
Protozoan - infection is called trichomoniasis and it is considered a
sexually transmitted disease (STD). It is the least common and
comprises 3 percent to 5 percent of all vaginitis infections.?
?How is vaginitis treated?
There are several ways to treat vaginitis, depending on the cause of
the infection: bacterial vaginosis can be treated orally or
intra-vaginally with a prescription for medication; a yeast infection
can be treated orally or intra-vaginally with either prescription or
over-the-counter antifungal medications; and a trichomonas infection
is usually treated with an oral antibiotic prescription drug.?
http://www.idph.state.il.us/public/hb/hbvaginitis.htm
?How Are Recurrent Episodes of Bacterial Vaginosis Treated?
Recurrent infections of bacterial vaginosis are common. The following
steps may help reduce the frequency of repeat episodes:
· repeating the antibiotic treatment, either with the same drug or
with another antibiotic that the bacteria are more sensitive to;
· using careful personal hygiene: wiping from "front to back" after
using the toilet keeps bacteria fro being dragged from the rectum into
the vagina;
· treatment of sexual partners: some physicians will treat partners of
women with recurrent infections even if they have no symptoms;
· use of diluted hydrogen peroxide douche to decrease odor; [Only on
the advise of your doctor]
· use of condoms if semen seems to aggravate her condition; [I would
advise against having intercourse if a woman has an infection]
· povidone-iodine vaginal pessaries: when used for two weeks, these
may be helpful. [Again, only on the advise of your doctor]
http://www.the-clitoris.com/f_html/vaginitis.htm
?What are the symptoms of vaginitis? Hormone-related vaginitis is
marked by dryness, irritation, thinning of the vaginal mucous
membranes and painful intercourse. Irritant vaginitis is characterized
by itching and soreness. Infectious vaginitis also itches and
typically includes vaginal discharge that varies in color,
consistency, and odor, depending upon the infectious organism.
Discharge may range from scant to thick and white and may or may not
be accompanied by a strong odor. Symptoms are often worse immediately
after intercourse or the menstrual period.
Conventional treatment options: Conventional treatments vary with the
cause of the vaginitis. Hormone-related vaginitis is commonly treated
with estrogen replacement therapy, including conjugated estrogens
(Premarin®) and ethinyl estradiol. Irritant vaginitis can be treated
either by removal of the offending irritant or with an antihistamine
agent, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl®). Bacterial vaginosis and
trichomoniasis are each commonly treated with metronidazole
(Flagyl®).?
http://healthychristianliving.com/vaginitis.htm
===============================
Non-medicinal remedies
===============================
Before attempting ANY treatment, you should check with your doctor to
be sure you really have beta strep, and not a
yeast/STD/Trichomonas/viral infection.
Alternatives to Antibiotics
===============================
?Many women are interested in alternatives to antibiotics that may
help get rid of GBS prior to labor. Unfortunately, no scientific
studies of alternative treatments have been published. Several
researchers have suggested that studies are needed to determine
whether alternative approaches to eradicating GBS in pregnant women
would be effective. Alternate approaches that have been suggested
include vaginal washing and immunotherapy.47 At this point, however,
these alternatives remain to be studied, and I am aware of no
healthcare providers that use either method. Some practitioners of
natural medicine have suggested supplements for the mother in an
effort to eradicate GBS prior to delivery. One suggestion is that,
when a woman tests positive for GBS, she should take a course of
garlic, vitamin C, echinacea, and/or bee propolis, and then be
re-tested to determine if she is still carrying GBS. Any supplements
that a pregnant woman considers taking should first be discussed with
a homeopathic or naturopathic physician or other knowledgeable
practitioner of natural medicine.?
?GBS is a problem only when it is present in the genital area of a
pregnant woman during labor and delivery. When this happens, there is
a small risk that the bacterium will be passed on to the newborn
infant, and that she or he will become sick as a result. Approximately
0.5 percent of women found to have GBS bacteria in their genital areas
at 35 to 37 weeks into their pregnancies will go on to deliver a baby
who becomes ill from GBS. This is 0.5 percent of women who receive no
antibiotics during labor and delivery.?
http://www.mothering.com/articles/pregnancy_birth/birth_preparation/group-b.html
?Lifestyle changes that may be helpful: For irritant vaginitis,
minimizing friction and reducing exposure to perfumes, chemicals,
irritating lubricants, and spermicides can be beneficial.
Nutritional supplements that may be helpful: Lactobacillus acidophilus
is a strain of friendly bacteria that is an integral part of normal
vaginal flora. Lactobacilli help maintain the vaginal microflora by
preventing overgrowth of unfriendly bacteria and Candida. Lactobacilli
produce lactic acid, which acts like a natural antibiotic.
These friendly bacteria also compete with other organisms for the
utilization of glucose. The production of lactic acid and hydrogen
peroxide by lactobacilli also helps to maintain the acidic pH needed
for healthy vaginal flora to thrive. Most of the research has used
yogurt containing live cultures of Lactobacillus acidophilus or the
topical application of such yogurt or Lactobacillus acidophilus into
the vagina. The effective amount of acidophilus depends on the strain
used, as well as on the concentration of viable organisms.?
http://healthychristianliving.com/vaginitis.htm
Vaginal Wash
============
?As a midwife, I've become very enthusiastic about vaginal washes with
hydrogen peroxide for yeast or anything pathogenic going on in the
vagina, particularly because it's much safer even than the
over-the-counter pharmaceuticals during pregnancy. The hydrogen
peroxide (H2O2) is very safe, breaking down into water (H2O) very
quickly; as it does so, an oxygen atom is liberated, which oxidizes
organic matter it comes in contact with on the surface of the vaginal
mucous lining. It literally washes out and kills pathogenic
organisms, including yeast, group B strep, and a variety of other
vaginal pathogens. Hydrogen peroxide is normally produced as a
byproduct of acidophilus metabolism, which is why acidophilus is a
"friendly" vaginal bacteria - it provides a continual bath of hydrogen
peroxide to keep those yeasty beasties and other pathogens from
developing an overgrowth.
[NOTE - This treatment is generally considered safe during pregnancy,
but you should check with your healthcare provider first, in case
there's something unusual about your situation. If your provider
doesn't know anything about this treatment, you can suggest they
educate themselves and let you know when they have the answer. If
they suggest that alternative remedies are worthless and you should
use a pharmaceutical agent instead, they are what I would call a word
that starts with an "F" and rhymes with "Cool", or else they just
really enjoyed the last conference sponsored by the pharmaceutical
companies, and they want to ensure continuing pharmaceutical profits
and conferences.]? Read the directions carefully!
http://www.gentlebirth.org/archives/vagInfections.html
Garlic
======
?Take a clove of fresh garlic and peel off the natural white paper
shell that covers it, leaving the clove intact. At bedtime, put the
clove into the vagina. In the morning, remove the garlic clove and
throw it in the toilet. The garlic often causes the vagina to have a
watery discharge. One night's treatment may be enough to kill the
infection, or it might have to be repeated the next night. Continue
one or two days until all itchiness is gone. The reason that the
treatment is done at bedtime is that there is a connection between the
mouth and the vagina. The moment the garlic is placed in the vagina,
the taste of the garlic travels up to the mouth. Most people will find
this strong flavor annoying during the day, so the treatment is
recommended for nighttime.?
http://www.midwiferytoday.com/articles/garlic.asp
Hibiclense
===========
?Hibiclense douche: This is the standard of care for GBS treatment in
many European countries (that have infant mortality rates better than
ours). At the beginning of labor, you douche with chlorhexidine
gluconate (brand name: Hibiclense). This product is available over the
counter at the drugstore.?
http://www.oregonlive.com/weblogs/print.ssf?/mtlogs/olive_askthemidwife/archives/print072073.html
Vaginal disinfection with chlorhexidine during childbirth.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=10461843&dopt=Abstract
Chlorhexidine vaginal flushings versus systemic ampicillin in the
prevention of vertical transmission of neonatal group B streptococcus
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=12375548&query_hl=3
Herbal Treatments
=================
?Herbal Treatments: These vary far and wide; I have heard great
success stories from using herbal vaginal suppositories, but have not
personally had great success with this treatment. It's not that I
believe they aren't working for others, I just don't think they are
all created equal, and I haven't found the right one. (If you have,
let me know!) I think the problem is that the vaginal suppositories
need to have boric acid in them to be effective - and boric acid
burns, so many don't include that ingredient anymore.
What I have seen is a reduction in the colony level (ie: bacteria
still there, but less of `um) from herbal treatments, which is a good
thing. If you want to try these herbal treatments you can do at home,
they likely won't completely rid you of GBS, but they will generally
improve your immunity and perhaps lower the number of bacteria. (Of
course, talk to your care provider first.)?
http://www.oregonlive.com/weblogs/print.ssf?/mtlogs/olive_askthemidwife/archives/print072073.html
Gentian Violet
==============
This is an old but effective remedy. Before all the modern remedies
for yeast infection, Gentian Violet was used, and can still be
obtained at some pharmacies. Warning ? it will turn your skin
(temporarily) and your underwear (permanently) purple!
??another possibly irritating, but effective treatment is the
application to the vaginal walls of gentian violet using a long cotton
swab once daily for 14 days.?
http://www.gentlebirth.org/archives/yeastSP.html
?I handle GBS by giving women information on it regarding the risks,
treatment, etc. and leave it up to them whether to culture or not. If
they choose to culture, I do it at about 35 weeks. If the culture is
positive, I give them the choice of herbal protocol and reculturing in
two weeks to make sure the herbs worked. Or they can take antibiotics
orally when labor starts.
The herbal protocol I recommend is as follows (it works for GBS,
trichamonas, or chlamydia):
Add 1/2 teaspoon goldenseal tincture to 2 cups body temperature spring
water. Add this to a douche bag and douche once a day for a week. Also
take 500 mg. golden seal (or 1/4 tsp. tincture) orally TID. Then, use
a lactobacillus implant daily for 2 weeks (a gelatin capsule of high
quality lactobacillus inserted vaginally once or twice a day works
well).
It is important to teach women how to douche properly. The bathtub
with a towel to lie on is a good place to do it. She can put some
pillows under her hips to elevate them. Make sure the tip of the
douche is NOT inserted into the cervix. Have her undo the douche clip
until the air is out of the line and reclip. As she slowly lets the
fluid out, she should hold her labia closed with the fingers of one
hand. This allows the vaginal tissues to expand and the fluid to wash
over all the mucosa. As she holds her labia closed, her vaginal mucosa
will balloon out. Some fluid will run out anyway, but keeping as much
in as possible for at least a few minutes is recommended.
Be sure to reculture after the two weeks are up to make sure the GBS
is gone. Then occasional douching, oral goldenseal tincture, and
vaginal acidophillus is recommended so she doesn't recolonize. I don't
have a definite routine on that.?
http://www.midwiferytoday.com/enews/enews0128.asp
Treatments for Vaginitis (Bacterial and yeast)
==============================================
?Over the counter drugs are available to treat vaginitis caused by
candida. They include clotrimazole (Gyne-Lotrimin®, Mycelex®),
miconazole (Monistat®), and butoconazole (Femstat®). Irritant
vaginitis can be treated either by removal of the offending irritant
or with an antihistamine agent, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl®).
Prescription drug therapy varies with the cause of the vaginitis.
Hormone-related vaginitis is commonly treated with estrogen
replacement therapy, including conjugated estrogens (Premarin®),
estradiol (Estrace®), and ethinylestradiol (Estinyl®). Bacterial
vaginosis and trichomoniasis are each commonly treated with
metronidazole (Flagyl®).
Lactobacillus acidophilus vaginal suppositories, the antifungal drug,
clotrimazole (e.g., Gyne-Lotrimin®), or placebo weekly for 21 months.4
Compared to those receiving placebo, women receiving Lactobacillus
acidophilus suppositories had only half the risk of experiencing an
episode of Candida vaginitis?a result almost as good as that achieved
with clotrimazole. In a preliminary trial, women with vaginal
Trichomonas infection received vaginal Lactobacillus acidophilus
suppositories for one year.5 Over 90% of them were reported to be
cured of their clinical symptoms in that time.?
http://www.vitacost.com/science/hn/Concern/Vaginitis.htm
?Food allergies are believed to be a contributory factor in some cases
of recurrent irritant vaginitis.
In a controlled trial, women with recurrent BV or vaginal candidiasis
ate 5 ounces (150 grams) of yogurt containing live Lactobacillus
acidophilus daily.1 They had more than a 50% reduction in recurrences,
while women who consumed pasteurized yogurt that did not contain the
bacteria had only a slight reduction.
In another study, women who ingested 45 grams of soy flour per day
showed an improvement in the estrogen effect on their vaginal tissue.2
That observation suggests that supplementing with soy may be helpful
for preventing or reversing atrophic vaginitis.?
http://www.vitacost.com/science/hn/Concern/Vaginitis.htm
?Finally it is most important that you avoid all cleansing products
that can cause vaginal disturbances. Only use a pH balanced soap or
body wash containing NO FRAGRANCE, PLANT ADDITIVES, and CHEMICAL
COLORS OR VITAMINS.
These ingredients are known to disturb the natural healthy pH in your
vagina, which actually protects you against vaginal problems. You may
wish to use a pH balanced soap or the Very Private pH balanced body
wash.?
http://www.veryprivate.com/advicepages/vagurine.html
Additional Information:
=======================
More on vaginitis
http://womenshealth.about.com/cs/vaginalhealth/a/vaginfectguide.htm
http://www.ucheepines.org/vaginal_infections.htm
Products
http://www.veryprivate.com/advicepages/vagmain.html
Test your vaginal Ph!
http://womenshealth.about.com/od/vaginalhealth/a/vaginalphtestin.htm
I hope this has helped you. If any part of my answer is unclear,
please do not rate without requesting an Answer Clarification first.
This will allow me to assist your further, on this question.
I wish you the best!
Sincerely, Crabcakes
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