[princesspoppy]

Thanks for sharing, princesspoppy.

Has your niece been taking any probiotics? A lot of ladies in here have gotten relief from Fem-dophilus. It might help, and couldn't hurt - it should be safe to use, even for children. (Of course, that should be confirmed with her doctor first.)

In any case, best of luck to your niece. You're a very nice aunt to keep track of her health like that!

She hasn't been taking any probiotics inserted vaginally, due to the fact that her mom doesn't want to insert anything up there since she's only 10. But I will tell her to check with her dr. about the Fem-doph. She does take oral probiotics, but I know that's not the same type. We found out that with the duplicated system, it can cause constant dribbling of urine, which makes sense that the bacteria would just continue to grow. She is going in for a urinary ultrasound next week and then the urologist said he will want to do exploratory surgery with the option of surgical correction if he determines that one of the extra tubes is leaking. So, hopefully once he repairs it, her problems with BV and Strep A will go away. We can only hope, otherwise she is going to have a long miserable life with these problems, as many of you have had. I was looking duplicated systems on the net and found a case study of a 45 year old woman, who just all of a sudden developed problems with it. So any of you suffering from BV/Strep/or both should talk to your dr. about it, because it is possible that you could have this problem which may be contributing to your BV. They will probably poopoo the idea but don't let them nix it. Demand an appt. with a urologist and have an IVP done to find out for sure. It couldn't hurt. If they find nothing then atleast you'll know for sure. If they do find that you have a duplicated system, maybe they can surgically correct it which might help with your BV. I know I myself have had BV before, most of the time it went away on its own, maybe once or twice I had to get medication for it. I think with my niece, her vaginal flora is so messed up from the constant urine dribbling that the immune system of her vagina is just unable to do it's job and fight off the bacteria. It makes sense to me anyway!!! I'm just really hoping that this will resolve her problems. She is the only girl of triplets that took my brother and sis-in-law 16 years to have, so she's just a little special to us!!!! Not that any child would be less special!! My only other niece died at the age of 11 due to congenital heart disease back in 1989, so that makes her even more special to me having lost my only other niece. (that was back when they just started doing heart transplants and the survival rate wasn't as good as it is today) Anyway, kinda got off topic there, but thanks for listening. I pray for all of you that you will find your answers and finally get the help you so need. My heart goes out to you all, hang in there and don't give up. There has got to be an answer for you!!

[lori]

Apparently, whatever is going on with her urinary system is causing the bacteria to constantly grow, over and over again. I just felt so bad for all of you after reading your stories, that I just had to write and tell you's about this, just in case you might have the same problem as my niece. It's worth talking to your dr. about and don't let them tell you that you would have noticed it a long time ago.

Thanks for sharing, princesspoppy.

Has your niece been taking any probiotics? A lot of ladies in here have gotten relief from Fem-dophilus. It might help, and couldn't hurt - it should be safe to use, even for children. (Of course, that should be confirmed with her doctor first.)

In any case, best of luck to your niece. You're a very nice aunt to keep track of her health like that!

[princesspoppy]

I've been reading your posts as I am looking for help for my 10 year old niece who has been suffering with BV for 2 years now. Yes, 10 year old!! She also was just recently diagnosed with Vaginal Strep A (not strep She has been suffering terribly for 2 years now, having been treated with Bactrim and Keflex for the strep. Well, just today, the doctor called with the results of an IVP, where they checked her anatomy for a duplicated system. Which is urological, like bladder, kidney, ureter, etc. She has duplicated kidneys and a duplicated collecting system and swollen kidneys. So, I was just thinking that it would probably be rare, but maybe some of you ladies that are having trouble with the BV also have a duplicated system?? The urologist said that even tho you are born with it, it may not cause problems ever, or may show up causing problems later in life. Also, my niece complained of being constantly wet down there, calling it "bubbles". She also has the usual BV discharge, horrible discharge. She has been miserable, but hopefully now if they can fix the duplicated system, maybe she'll stop having the BV and Strep A. Being as that she is only 10, they haven't given her any type of treatment that is inserted vaginally, as her hymen is still intact and they HAVE ruled out sexual abuse so, it's not being caused from sex, multiple partners or smoking to answer some of your questions. Apparently, whatever is going on with her urinary system is causing the bacteria to constantly grow, over and over again. I just felt so bad for all of you after reading your stories, that I just had to write and tell you's about this, just in case you might have the same problem as my niece. It's worth talking to your dr. about and don't let them tell you that you would have noticed it a long time ago. My niece didn't have any problems until she was 8. Some drs think that it would show up as a baby but hers didn't. Good luck to all of you, I will check in from time to time to see if this has helped any of you. I don't wish that any of you have a duplicated system, but atleast if that's what's causing your BV, you will finally have some kind of an answer. Take care and God Bless!!!

[mg86]

just a little rant/vent session here:

Well like I said in my last post I had been treated with Flagyl orally twice a day for 10 days, and also Clindesse. I had a very weird discharge coming out, and at my follow up appointment my doc said it was still the Clindesse coming out. A week past and I thought there is NO way there is still that much cream in my body. It was completely different from BV with very intense itching. I was pretty certain it was a yeast infection. I was in the middle of a move and couldn't make it to the doctor, so I tried to get him to call in a prescription for Diflucan. THe nurse said she would talk to him, but it was never called in.

Once I moved to my new apartment (a week ago) I went out and bought Monistat day or night for yeast infection. This seemed to clear up the itching. A day or two later, I started my period. It was heavy for a day or two and now it is on the verge of ending. I don't know how your guys' periods are, but I always bleed heavy for a day or two, sort of light/regular for another day, and then I will go a day or two with nothing. Then out of nowhere comes a little more bleeding before it finally finishes.

I am SO nervous for my period to end. I had been taking FemD, but I accidentally left it behind during my move (ugh!). Right now since I am not actively bleeding I am obsessively checking and smelling. There is a little discharge and I think it might have a smell but I'm not sure. I am just SO frustrated because I really thought it was gone for good.

I wish you all luck!!! If it does come back I am making sure my new ob gyn knows what the hell they are talking about!!!!!!!!!!

[dirtyprettything]

1) sometimes itching
2) pain/ burning off and on in the vagina (somewhat like a yeast infection)
3) lots of clear, yellow, or white discharge (the white discharge was thick like people describe BV to be like)
4) sometimes no symptoms at all.

Those are my exact symptoms. Hrm. I will definitely have to look into this.

[JJ27]

Wow, thank you so much for your post!!!! I posted a long time ago that I never had the smell everyone was talking about but all other symptoms they mentioned. Last week I treated myself thinking it was a yeast infection because of the burning/itchy feeling (which I've never had before) and now this week I have BV symptoms. So I think... My symptoms are burning inside, itchy outside, a slight soupy white discharge, bloatedness, and when I go to the bathroom air comes out of my VAJJ (I call them p*ssy farts LOL). What do you guys think? I made an appt w/the Gyno for Monday and will tell him about this GPS. Thanks!

Group B Strep

Hi ladies
so I went to a new OBGYN
because I was frustrated with my old one.

My cultures- all of them came back in
I DON'T HAVE Bacterial Vaginosis. I never did!
she even specifically cultured me for it this time, and did 3 other cultures for yeast, GBS, a bacterial swab, etc;
and tested my pH

My pH was NORMAL

so got my results, it turns out I have Group B Strep over growth.

which is a normal bacteria found in many (about 40%) of healthy womens vagina's
I have dealt with GBS over growth on and off since 2002, so Im very aware of this.

PLEASE make sure to get cultured

especially if you have A) NO FISHY SMELL and NORMAL pH RANGE
because usually with GBS you don't have those

Im never again going back to the old NP- she mis diagnosed me with "BV"
when I never had unbalanced pH and no fishy smell..
just "clue cells"

you ladies need to know "clue cells" are white blood cells. Which when there are too many WBC's
it indicates an "infection"
it does not always mean "BV"

so if you do not have a "fishy smell"
request several cultures

they now offer a culture for "Bacterial Vaginosis"
which I had done this time with the new OBGYN

my symtpoms of GBS vaginitis;

1) sometimes itching
2) pain/ burning off and on in the vagina (somewhat like a yeast infection)
3) lots of clear, yellow, or white discharge (the white discharge was thick like people describe BV to be like)
4) sometimes no symptoms at all.

[JJ27]

Hi!

I know it's been a long time. I hope everyone is doing well. I had to respond because I have been smoke free for one year and seven months and I started getting BV after I quit!!! Silly me went off the Femdophillus and guess what? It's baaaaaaaack. My opinion is it's all about your vaginal flora your PH and keeping it neutral. Be well!

I would really like to know how many of you smoke cigarettes. Please respond and let me know. Keep reading and I will tell you why I am asking.

I suffered with BV for atleast 6 years. Notice I said suffered and not suffers. Meaning I no longer have BV. There is hope!

I was first diagnosed with BV about 6 or 7 years ago during a routine pap smear. The nurse called me a week or so later saying she was calling in a script of antibiotics(Flagyl) and that I needed to take 2 times a day for 7 days because I had Bacterial Vaginosis. I said "baterial who". I just knew my husband at the time had given me some kind of STD. She went on to explain that it was a ph imbalance in my vagina and you ladies know the rest of the story blah blah blah. I took the round of antibiotics and never got it again until about a year or so later. Ever since I had it the second time I was unable to get rid of it. Everytime I had sex with my husband or had my period that awful fissy smell was there. I have tried every home remedy I could find. I have tried every prescription drug and OTC drug and none cured me. A lot of them gave me false hope. Some worked for a little while others did not work at all. Below is a list of the treatments I tried:
Acidophillus, folic acid, hydrogen peroxide douche, vitamin c, garlic in vagina, boric acid, apple cidar vinegar baths, rePhresh, Flagyl, Clindesse, Metrogel and believe me many more.

I quit smoking cigarettes and I have not had BV one time since!!! I quit smoking cold turkey because my new gyno said that smoking cigarettes was probably my reason for it not going away. I told her all the things I had tried and she said quit smoking and see what happens. Of course it is hard to quit smoking but believe me it is well worth it. I have my sex life back and everytime I think about smoking a cigarette, I think about that awful fishing smell reeking out of my vagina.

Please respond and let me know how many of you smoke and if any of you quit smoking and still have it.

[melis19750]

[quote name='melis19750' date='Jul 23 2008, 11:01 AM' post='205631']

Group B Strep

so i have been doing some more research
this may help for those whom have GBS vaginitis... but check with your health care provider first


http://www.birthwithlove.com/categories/it...L+SKIN+CLEANSER

[lori]

hey everyone...i was wondering if ANYONE could shed some light on exactly the symptoms they got. i have odor with my discharge and though the discharge is all white i know it isnt right. ive had sex with only my boyfriend for two years and no one before that. today i went for a yearly pap and she tested me for chlamydia. yikes! im just gunna be a nervous wreck till i get the results back...i hope hope hope itll be ok.

Hi ladyheart! Don't be nervous. It will be okay.

Chlamydia/gonorrhea tests are very routine. Everyone gets those tests. If the tests are positive, then ... you'll take some antibiotics. Just make sure to get treated, and ... have a chat with your boyfriend, who will need to be treated as well.

But don't worry. It's not the end of the world, either way. You'll be fine. Good for you for going in for an exam.

[ladyheart]

hey everyone...i was wondering if ANYONE could shed some light on exactly the symptoms they got. i have odor with my discharge and though the discharge is all white i know it isnt right. ive had sex with only my boyfriend for two years and no one before that. today i went for a yearly pap and she tested me for chlamydia. yikes! im just gunna be a nervous wreck till i get the results back...i hope hope hope itll be ok.

[melis19750]

Hey, Melis 19750...question. I too have been treated for BV, because there were clue cells in the office. I had the same symptoms you discuss, but no smell etc. All of the cultures come back negative for the usual BV culprits. I was told I had a mild issue with Group B strep in my urine, but that it wasn't of concern, was common. I was given some sort of antibiotic, I believe. How is your GYN treating you...as far as medications, advice, etc..?

I can almost bet you have GBS in your vagina. Ask for a vaginal culture!

Im being treated with ampicillin 500 mg 4 times a day for 7 days.
the bad thing about gbs, it always comes back because its a NORMAL bacteria.
the trick is to get it under control so it does not over grow.

There is some research garlic cloves in the vagina, 1 a night every other night for a month may reduce GBS in the vagina.
I would say, please go back to your OBGYN and request a vaginal culture, specifically testing for GBS!!!

If it comes back moderate, or heavy growth... than thats probably your culprit causing vaginitis...

[damselindistress]

Group B Strep

Hi ladies
so I went to a new OBGYN
because I was frustrated with my old one.

My cultures- all of them came back in
I DON'T HAVE Bacterial Vaginosis. I never did!
she even specifically cultured me for it this time, and did 3 other cultures for yeast, GBS, a bacterial swab, etc;
and tested my pH

My pH was NORMAL

so got my results, it turns out I have Group B Strep over growth.

which is a normal bacteria found in many (about 40%) of healthy womens vagina's
I have dealt with GBS over growth on and off since 2002, so Im very aware of this.

PLEASE make sure to get cultured

especially if you have A) NO FISHY SMELL and NORMAL pH RANGE
because usually with GBS you don't have those

Im never again going back to the old NP- she mis diagnosed me with "BV"
when I never had unbalanced pH and no fishy smell..
just "clue cells"

you ladies need to know "clue cells" are white blood cells. Which when there are too many WBC's
it indicates an "infection"
it does not always mean "BV"

so if you do not have a "fishy smell"
request several cultures

they now offer a culture for "Bacterial Vaginosis"
which I had done this time with the new OBGYN

my symtpoms of GBS vaginitis;

1) sometimes itching
2) pain/ burning off and on in the vagina (somewhat like a yeast infection)
3) lots of clear, yellow, or white discharge (the white discharge was thick like people describe BV to be like)
4) sometimes no symptoms at all.

Hey, Melis 19750...question. I too have been treated for BV, because there were clue cells in the office. I had the same symptoms you discuss, but no smell etc. All of the cultures come back negative for the usual BV culprits. I was told I had a mild issue with Group B strep in my urine, but that it wasn't of concern, was common. I was given some sort of antibiotic, I believe. How is your GYN treating you...as far as medications, advice, etc..?

[p_176]

<delurks> from what little i know, smoking affects the body in lots of way and impedes the immune system from what it is supposed to do. so, stopping smoking may have allowed your body to heal itself better, even though there may be no direct connection to smoking and BV.
<relurks>

[LauraLynn]

I would really like to know how many of you smoke cigarettes. Please respond and let me know. Keep reading and I will tell you why I am asking.

<snipped for brevity>

Please respond and let me know how many of you smoke and if any of you quit smoking and still have it.

Sorry.....no correlation between smoking and BV here. I've never smoked, and in general try my best to avoid being around second-hand smoke as much as possible.

I'm wondering if my diet plays a role. I've been thinking about just when I first started having issues with BV, and it definitely came around (and stayed) once I gained quite a bit of weight. Anyone have any thoughts about that?

[cmolaison]

I would really like to know how many of you smoke cigarettes. Please respond and let me know. Keep reading and I will tell you why I am asking.

I suffered with BV for atleast 6 years. Notice I said suffered and not suffers. Meaning I no longer have BV. There is hope!

I was first diagnosed with BV about 6 or 7 years ago during a routine pap smear. The nurse called me a week or so later saying she was calling in a script of antibiotics(Flagyl) and that I needed to take 2 times a day for 7 days because I had Bacterial Vaginosis. I said "baterial who". I just knew my husband at the time had given me some kind of STD. She went on to explain that it was a ph imbalance in my vagina and you ladies know the rest of the story blah blah blah. I took the round of antibiotics and never got it again until about a year or so later. Ever since I had it the second time I was unable to get rid of it. Everytime I had sex with my husband or had my period that awful fissy smell was there. I have tried every home remedy I could find. I have tried every prescription drug and OTC drug and none cured me. A lot of them gave me false hope. Some worked for a little while others did not work at all. Below is a list of the treatments I tried:
Acidophillus, folic acid, hydrogen peroxide douche, vitamin c, garlic in vagina, boric acid, apple cidar vinegar baths, rePhresh, Flagyl, Clindesse, Metrogel and believe me many more.

I quit smoking cigarettes and I have not had BV one time since!!! I quit smoking cold turkey because my new gyno said that smoking cigarettes was probably my reason for it not going away. I told her all the things I had tried and she said quit smoking and see what happens. Of course it is hard to quit smoking but believe me it is well worth it. I have my sex life back and everytime I think about smoking a cigarette, I think about that awful fishing smell reeking out of my vagina.

Please respond and let me know how many of you smoke and if any of you quit smoking and still have it.

[melis19750]

Group B Strep

Hi ladies
so I went to a new OBGYN
because I was frustrated with my old one.

My cultures- all of them came back in
I DON'T HAVE Bacterial Vaginosis. I never did!
she even specifically cultured me for it this time, and did 3 other cultures for yeast, GBS, a bacterial swab, etc;
and tested my pH

My pH was NORMAL

so got my results, it turns out I have Group B Strep over growth.

which is a normal bacteria found in many (about 40%) of healthy womens vagina's
I have dealt with GBS over growth on and off since 2002, so Im very aware of this.

PLEASE make sure to get cultured

especially if you have A) NO FISHY SMELL and NORMAL pH RANGE
because usually with GBS you don't have those

Im never again going back to the old NP- she mis diagnosed me with "BV"
when I never had unbalanced pH and no fishy smell..
just "clue cells"

you ladies need to know "clue cells" are white blood cells. Which when there are too many WBC's
it indicates an "infection"
it does not always mean "BV"

so if you do not have a "fishy smell"
request several cultures

they now offer a culture for "Bacterial Vaginosis"
which I had done this time with the new OBGYN

my symtpoms of GBS vaginitis;

1) sometimes itching
2) pain/ burning off and on in the vagina (somewhat like a yeast infection)
3) lots of clear, yellow, or white discharge (the white discharge was thick like people describe BV to be like)
4) sometimes no symptoms at all.

[werder1031]

so im new to all this... i just started not wearing underwear cuz i few of my girlfriends do... and i just noticed that im starting to smell and i never did before any ideas that this is what i have??

[lori]

I think the only reason that Clindesse and Metrogel have not been put on over the counter drugstore shelves, unlike Monistat, is because MEN run the FDA and they know BV is way more common than vaginal yeast infections. And there are still more male gynos than female ones, and I'd bet that a good majority of gyno visits are for BV. They would loose all that insurance billing. Either that, or the manufacturers of Monistat have better lobbyists to the FDA.

I don't think so. Antibiotics need to be regulated, because over-use and mis-use created "superbugs" like MRSA that regular antibiotics can't kill anymore.

In fact, antibiotics being over-prescribed is part of the problem with BV. Instead of coming up with a permanent cure, the doctors just keep pumping you with more antibiotics. Repeatedly using antibiotics simply sets the stage for new BV because it kills off all the good bacteria, too. So you go back to the doctor, and get another prescription ... lather, rinse, and repeat. In the meantime, your body reacts to all that medication - the pills stop working, and your intestines get wrecked.

[rubberdollz]

Have anyone tried using olive leaf, whether it be capsules, extract or tea? I have had a yeast problem in my intestines for years and found that olive leaf (which I get online in capsule form) actually helps kill yeast and bacterial infections. My sister called me about a week ago complaining of a yeast infection she couldn't get rid of for over a month. She saw her doctor who gave her the pill to ingest to kill the yeast... it didn't work. I recommended the olive leaf and she has already noticed a huge change.

Has anyone else tried this?

[suburbangirl]

I think the only reason that Clindesse and Metrogel have not been put on over the counter drugstore shelves, unlike Monistat, is because MEN run the FDA and they know BV is way more common than vaginal yeast infections. And there are still more male gynos than female ones, and I'd bet that a good majority of gyno visits are for BV. They would loose all that insurance billing. Either that, or the manufacturers of Monistat have better lobbyists to the FDA.