So I have had BV twice before... but it was years ago and I don't know what I did about it then.
I've been away for two months and now back at home. I noticed after sex (by the next day) this HORRIBLE smell and knew it was BV.
While at my primary doc appt on Friday I mentioned it and she gave me "Metro-gel" which I believe is Flagyl cream.
I read the insert and got all kinds of concerned that it says it caused cancer tumor in all 6 rat studies *geeeeze!* But it's only a 5 day course and it isn't oral and I want this infection GONE.
I did the cream like it said, just before bed...but then hubby wanted to watch a movie. I laid on the couch and watched the movie and then became very shaky and tremors (which I already have, started a couple weeks ago but this was worse). Does anyone think the vaginal gel can cause a Lyme herx? From what I understand, it does get in the blood stream, but not very much.
After my 5 day course I plan on getting probiotic suppositories to use.
Anyone else deal with BV? I've been off abx for over 4 months now I think.
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- First, nearly anything can cause a herx - if meaing mostly increased symptoms. Technically, only anti-spirochetal agents cause a true herx and "MetroGel" is flagyl gel so, yes, it can cause borrelia die-off.
A horrible smell can indicate a very serious infection.
� Be sure that they culture the sample. It's important to know EXACTLY what infection and what strain you are dealing with. your partner should also be assessed, even if they have no symptoms.
Remember, that this could be past infection coming back but, still, it should be cultured to assess any strain morphing. The same meds used before may no longer be effective.
I would see a gynecologist as some GPs just are not that well educated or experienced in these matters.
And it may be a protozoan infection, not bacterial. You need it to be cultured. If you are planning to have children, some kinds of infections can prevent that if left under-treated.
Also, as you've been away on a trip - if you swam anywhere - that needs to be taken into account.
I would not count at all on probiotics or vaginal creams alone for some of the serious vaginal infections that can bring a horrible smell. Systemic treatment may be required, especially if this is invovled: -------------
. . . In many cases men may hold the parasite for some years without any signs (dormant). . . .
. . . While trichomoniasis is usually passed sexually, it may be picked up from contact with damp or moist objects such as towels, wet clothing, or a toilet seat, if the genital area gets in contact with these damp or moist objects.
Unlike most STDs, the parasite can live for about an hour on damp towels, washcloths and bathing suits. If someone uses these towels or washcloths or puts on the bathing suit, the disease may be passed on that way. . . . .
. . . Genetic sequence - A draft sequence of the Trichomonas genome was published on January 12, 2007 in the journal Science confirming that the genome has at least 26,000 genes, a similar number to the human genome. [4] . . .
. . . Treatment for both pregnant and non-pregnant patients usually utilizes metronidazole[5] (Flagyl) 2000 mg by mouth at once. Sexual partners, even if asymptomatic, should be concurrently treated.[6] . . . . -
Posted by janice victorov (Member # 22937) on :
I have this last fall. The doctor gave me the same.
Took it with no problem for about a week or so.
Posted by IckyTicky (Member # 21466) on :
Thanks Keebler.
No, have not been swimming. I didn't know that the smell could indicate a worse infection..I thought it was just definitive for BV.
I didn't get a culture done... I told her I'd had it before and I really didn't WANT a culture done. But maybe I need to go back? Is it too late now that I've started the gel?
I've no plans to have children. We have three (all with Lyme) and I had to have a total hysterectomy when I was 29 (four years ago).
I plan to use the probiotics for after infection is treated to replace good vaginal bacteria.
Geeze...I hope it's not Trich... but I read (on the medicine insert) that Trich is the least common cause of BV with a very low percentage rate. Plus, it's an STD and we have been married for 12 years and no doubt in my mind he's been faithful.
Hubby does want to get tested to see if he is carrying something that is causing my BV (he does not believe he has an STD and I don't either)...but he has no idea what that..involves.
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- It is not necessarily an STD. I just added lots more to my post above about that - be sure to go back up and take a look and then research from there.
All stigma aside, it can lie dormant - and be transferred in ways other than sexually.
BV can be any number of infections but, if not cultured, there is no way to know for sure that it is bacterial.
Whether Trich, or something else, I do think it is important for your husband to be assessed and for you to see a gyn. for a full consideration. It may not be serious but it could be and treatment need not be too much, too long but if the exact treatment for what is going on is not used, it could become a more serious problem for both of you.
Really, though, forget the stigma. We learn more everyday and this is just another matter of health.
Looking at the genome information - it seems that this could very well morph and if you've been treating this (or whatever this is) before, you would likely need a different approach. If this can be so complex, so could any other kind of infection.
Note that 2,000 mg of oral flagyl is the dose mentioned in the last link above. Still, a culture can guide the most specific diagnosis treatment.
I would not count on a GP to do this. You and your husband need someone who is current with the latest research in this area for men and for women.
I'd also ask your LLMD as it could be whatever you are dealing with could be a stealth pathogen. LLMDs know more about stealth pathogens than most "regular" doctors who just are not trained to consider that.
I'm pretty much in my "make no assumptions" mode today. I also know that something seemingly unrelated to the rest of the body might just be the ticket to more complete health if the puzzle can be figured out.
Even if a garden variety "BV" (usually Gardnerella Vaginalis but not necessarily) - I'd want to know exactly which bacteria and see a photo of the culture (which is rarely provided to patients, though you could look it up).
I'd want to know if that bacteria would have biofilm and, if so, would the Rx be effective. For all the questions we have learned to ask about borrelia and other TBD, stealth infections, we also need to ask about "garden variety" infections. I like to know the specifics.
When I could still drive, I would ask the same of all car inspections and repairs. I wanted to see underneath or inside the motor of the car to best understand what constituted the vehicle to which I entrusted the safety of my body, my future.
I expect at least that kind of exam and learning experience for my body.
Regarding vaginal infections - even candida infections are not all caused by the same strain and treatment for one strain often does nothing at all for another. -
[ 12-12-2010, 04:09 PM: Message edited by: Keebler ]
Posted by IckyTicky (Member # 21466) on :
Wow... Thanks Keebler. I'll go more in depth on the info you gave me when my brain is working better in the morning.
Very insightful, the way you explained it. Glad to have you around here! Posted by beths (Member # 18864) on :
Uping your B vitamins can also help with BV. Do you take an acid blocker? The deplete B12, which can lead to BV.
I started taking a good B complex...no more BV!
Posted by coley77 (Member # 28924) on :
I had the symptoms you do and they assumed it was BV, BUT when they did the culture it came back that I had a Strep Infection which is treated with the same medication, but it's good to know what your REALLY dealing with anyways. Strep infections are alot harded to treat then regular BV and can lead to UTI's/Bladder Infections and other things. Lyme and Strep together equal trouble so if it is a Strep Infection your doc may be a lot more aggressive with the anti-biotics. I was given oral and local Metro-gel to fight the infection.
Posted by kitty9309 (Member # 19945) on :
Keebler said:
"Even if a garden variety "BV" (usually Gardnerella Vaginalis but not necessarily) - I'd want to know exactly which bacteria and see a photo of the culture (which is rarely provided to patients, though you could look it up). "
I work in the micro lab. We do NOT take pics of anything. The culture is read, reported in the computer and results sent to the doctor.
Posted by elizzza811 (Member # 24713) on :
I think they should test your husband. BV isn't normal. I had BV a couple of times, and it only seemed to happen when I was dating this one guy...never with a boyfriend before or after him. If it's not an STD, maybe it's the ph of his semen throwing off your flora? I don't know...
Posted by TS96 (Member # 14048) on :
My Dr. said you can treat BV with a medicated douch that you can purchase at any drug store. It contains povidone iodine and you need to do it everyday for a week or so.
This would be the natural alt. to getting some Flagyl.
BV is not an STD. Little girls can get it too it's just not smelly. It's the semen that makes it smell.
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