|
Re: vaginal strep
From: anonymous@obgyn.net
Fri, 29 May 1998 09:58:47 -0500 (CDT)
At Mon, 27 Oct 1997, D. Ashley Hill, M.D. wrote:
>
>At Mon, 27 Oct 1997, Erica wrote:
>>
>>I just found out that I have vaginal strep.
>
>Erica-
>
>My doctor scheduled this test for me in a couple weeks. After talking to some of my friends that are pregnant or recently had children, they did not have this test or ever hear of it. I have not had vaginal infections in the past or complained of any problems. Is there a reason my doctor would schedule this? Are some women more at risk than others? Any information on the test would be appreciated. Thanks! Margaret
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.
>
|
|
![[ Women's Health Forum ]](http://www.obgyn.net/images_women/wh-forum.gif)