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Re: vaginal strep
From: AnnMarie (anonymous@obgyn.net)
Mon, 27 Oct 1997 15:12:58 +0000
> Date: Mon, 27 Oct 1997 12:02:20 -0600
> Reply-to: womens-health@obgyn.net
> From: dahmd@gate.net (D. Ashley Hill, M.D.)
> To: Multiple recipients of list <womens-health@talk.obgyn.net>
> Subject: Re: vaginal strep
> At Mon, 27 Oct 1997, Erica wrote:
> >
> >I just found out that I have vaginal strep.
>
> Erica-
>
> I assume you are speaking of vaginal group-B beta strep, abbreviated
> GBS. This is a common bacteria that occurs in about 20-30% of women and
> is asymptomatic. All women (and men) have various bacteria in our
> bodies, no matter how often we take showers, etc. One of your "brands"
> of bacteria happens to be GBS. Although it does not cause a discharge
> or other symptoms it can, in about 1% of cases, cause a serious and even
> deadly infection in a newborn baby. So, many doctors and midwives are
> doing cultures for this bacteria between 35-37 weeks gestational age and
> treating with intravenous antibiotics during labor. A c/section is not
> indicated, and there is certainly nothing you could have done to have
> GBS, since it's not a veneral disease and is a natural bacteria found in
> many people.
>
> Although I don't necessarily disagree with treating it with oral
> antibiotics, no medical studies show this is useful, as GBS usually
> recurs. It's just hard to get rid of, so we always treat patients who
> carry this bacteria with IV antibiotics.
>
> I cannot think of any reason why your husband would get a lesion on his
> penis from GBS. The more likely culprit is friction or from a vaginal
> yeast infection, which is common in pregnancy and even more common in
> women taking amoxicillin or ampicillin!
>
> Good luck with your pregnancy. Please consider the finding of GBS as
> preventative medicine, as you will undoubtedly receive antibiotics in
> labor to treat this, which carries about an 86% treatment rate for GBS.
>
> --
> Ashley Hill
> D. Ashley Hill, M.D.
> Associate Director
> Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology
> Florida Hospital Family Practice Residency
> Orlando, FL
> I apologize, but I am unable to answer personal e-mail
> due to time constraints.
>
Hi Erica!
I was first diagnosed with GBS in February '97. I wasn't even
pregnant. With me, I have frequent itching and flare-ups requiring
an atibiotic plus extra cream on the side to prevent yeast infection.
I think that I'm ready for yet another course now, in fact. Like
the good doctor said, it's hard to get rid of. It's good that you
know about the strep. If you would like more information, I have a
list of GBS-related websites that I don't mind sharing with you!
~~~
AnnMarie Walsh
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