recurrent e coli infection??

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-06-2003
recurrent e coli infection??
1
Tue, 12-28-2004 - 12:15am
I keep getting a vaginal e coli infection. This has been going on for over a year and both the doctor and myself are not sure why. I am meticulous where hygeine is concerned, always wipe from front to back after using the restroom, wash with antibacterial soap before sex, etc. And I still keep getting this infection. Each time they treat me with ten days worth of Bactrim, but within a few months the infection is back. I'm starting to have symptoms again and this makes about the fourth or fifth time in about 15 months. Has anyone else ever had this problem? If so, what did you do to get rid of it?
iVillage Member
Registered: 12-30-2003
Tue, 12-28-2004 - 12:13pm

Hi texasteacher1974, welcome!

Have you had a very thorough pelvic exam to determine the condition of the back wall of your vagina? That wall and the front wall of the colon are right against one another and if a small opening developed between the two (which is very rare) that could be the cause.

Another way an e coli infection can be gotten is from anal intercourse if one isn't very careful to use a condom and wash thoroughly afterward and before vaginal intercourse.

More likely I think, since you are fastidious in your personal hygiene, is that you are being infected by your partner. Does he wear a condom? If not you might try using a female condom (if he won't wear one) or adding washing him well as part of foreplay and see if that eliminates your repeated infections. If you aren't already, you might try keeping a log to see what happened several days before each infection occurred and see if there is any pattern of events. Let us know how you're doing, ok?

Good luck,

      Jill