Group B strep (GBS) can be carried by individuals who are not pregnant. This is also known as being colonized. Pregnant and non-pregnant people, men and women, young and old can all be carriers of GBS. Carrying GBS does not mean you have an infection or are sick. If you are not pregnant, simply carrying GBS does not require treatment.
GBS is not considered a sexually transmitted disease or infection as it can occur on its own even in someone with no prior sexual experience. However, like other germs, it can be passed between sexual partners, including through oral contact.
GBS is naturally found in the digestive and lower reproductive tracts. Most people who carry GBS do not have any symptoms so getting tested outside of pregnancy is not typically necessary. However, GBS can pose a risk to babies due to their underdeveloped immune systems so it is now the standard of care in many countries to test pregnant individuals for GBS during their 36th to 37th week of pregnancy. Testing is done by taking a vaginal and rectal swab.
If you are thinking of becoming pregnant, talk to your healthcare provider about possible ways to reduce risk factors for being colonized. Probiotics are known to have gut health benefits, but their impact on GBS colonization is still being studied. Ask your healthcare provider before taking any home remedies. Know that "alternative medicine" treatments such as garlic or tea tree oil have not been proven to prevent a baby from becoming infected. Some treatments may be unsafe.
GBS may also cause urinary tract infections (UTIs) which should be treated with oral antibiotics. If you are experiencing UTI symptoms, please contact your healthcare provider. GBS can also cause vaginal burning, vaginal irritation and/or unusual discharge which may be mistaken for a yeast infection and treated incorrectly. See your healthcare provider for any vaginitis symptoms.
According to the CDC, most cases of GBS disease in adults are among those who have other medical conditions. Other medical conditions that puts adults at increased risk include:
Risk for group B strep disease also increases as people get older. Adults 65 years and older are at increased risk compared to adults under 65 years old.
GBS is not considered a sexually transmitted disease or infection as it can occur on its own even in someone with no prior sexual experience. However, like other germs, it can be passed between sexual partners, including through oral contact.
GBS is naturally found in the digestive and lower reproductive tracts. Most people who carry GBS do not have any symptoms so getting tested outside of pregnancy is not typically necessary. However, GBS can pose a risk to babies due to their underdeveloped immune systems so it is now the standard of care in many countries to test pregnant individuals for GBS during their 36th to 37th week of pregnancy. Testing is done by taking a vaginal and rectal swab.
If you are thinking of becoming pregnant, talk to your healthcare provider about possible ways to reduce risk factors for being colonized. Probiotics are known to have gut health benefits, but their impact on GBS colonization is still being studied. Ask your healthcare provider before taking any home remedies. Know that "alternative medicine" treatments such as garlic or tea tree oil have not been proven to prevent a baby from becoming infected. Some treatments may be unsafe.
GBS may also cause urinary tract infections (UTIs) which should be treated with oral antibiotics. If you are experiencing UTI symptoms, please contact your healthcare provider. GBS can also cause vaginal burning, vaginal irritation and/or unusual discharge which may be mistaken for a yeast infection and treated incorrectly. See your healthcare provider for any vaginitis symptoms.
According to the CDC, most cases of GBS disease in adults are among those who have other medical conditions. Other medical conditions that puts adults at increased risk include:
- Diabetes
- Heart disease
- Congestive heart failure
- Cancer or history of cancer
- Obesity
Risk for group B strep disease also increases as people get older. Adults 65 years and older are at increased risk compared to adults under 65 years old.
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