PROM bacterial vaginosis sexual intercourse

Posted by LCM on April 23, 1999 at 16:15:01
In the Fall I miscarried at 20 weeks.  The path report states that "an infection crossed the plancenta" further information shows that this could be associated with bacterial vaginosis and sexual intercourse (ie my husband's sperm could have had some cause in this).  We haven't been able to find much information on this...the drs are unsure as to what happened first, the infection, or the enfacing and PROM. We have one child and that pregancy was "uneventful and carried to 40 weeks"  It took us five years to concieve (conceive) the lost baby. We are trying again for another child. Any input or  information would be helpful.  Drs. do not consider me a high risk with possible next pregnancy.

Posted by hfhs.md.rcs on April 23, 1999 at 17:04:31
Dear LCM:
Infection is a well-recognized cause for pre-term labor. The list of candidate organisms is a growing list, and studies have now included the bacteria which cause bacterial vaginosis. Antibiotic therapy for patient with bacterial vaginosis, in some but not all reports, has decreased the occurrence of preterm labor.
Many bacteria can "piggy back" on sperm and thereby be carried into the cervix. Since the cervical mucus of pregnancy is thickened by progesterone, it is poorly penetrable by sperm.
One cannot avoid bacteria and other infectious organisms: they are a part of our environment and at any point in time 3% of women will have "potential pathogens" (bacteria capable of causing disease) in the vagina. One can look for pathogenic bacteria and, if found, treat them. One can use a condom during intercourse (exception is at the time of ovulation in a woman who desires to become pregnant) so that sperm are not available to act as bacterial carriers.
Keywords: bacterial vaginosis, pregnancy
This information is provided for education purposes and is not a medical consutlation. If you have specific questions, please speak with your healthcare provider.