Helicobacter Forums

I am a 25 y/o female and I recently found out that I have H pylori in the stomach, confirmed from a breath test and bloodwork. I was prescribed the 14 day course of antibiotics, however I have not taken the treatment yet because I know how rough the process is, and I am afraid of the havoc that antibiotics can wreak on my gut down the line.

The symptoms I have are:
- low iron
- constipation
- burping when eating or drinking
- unpleasant breath smell that doesn't go away after brushing my teeth (I only noticed this very recently, in the past couple of months)
- pain in abdomen after eating (I always felt that this was gas that couldn't be released, and I honestly don't get this pain as often anymore as I used to)

The reason for my skepticism is that I'm not convinced that my GI problems are actually caused by the H pylori. My doctor believes I need to treat the h pylori is the iron deficiency, however I feel that this is common among women my age and not necessarily related to the h pylori. Other than that, I feel that my symptoms are quite mild and common, and also may not be related to the h pylori.

I have seen over and over again that H pylori is extremely common and that most people do not ever experience symptoms, which makes me wonder if it's actually the cause of my symptoms, or just happens to be there. I'm wondering what those with experience would recommend. Should I take the antibiotics just to be sure the H pylori is gone? Or should I get a second doctor's opinion and try to find out if the antibiotics are needed?

You are most likely right that your symptoms may not be because of H. pylori.

But it's not a good bacteria and damage in your stomach is accumulating. You may be asymptomatic when you are young, because you are healthy and fit. But as the damage accumulate and your repair mechanism slows down as you aged, then you can become symptomatic in older age.

Many doctors like to treat H. pylori also because there is an actual target to kill. The antibiotics used can also kill off other pathogen not diagnosed. It's like a big reset button to your guts microbes. After the antibiotics, you can take some probiotics and hopefully able to suppress the bad bacteria from over growing.

Hello ,

I'm now 33 years old and female.

I've read your story, and I suggest you be treated.

I was diagnosed 10 years ago, antibiotic treatment was too hard for me, I gave up at the end of the first day.

I told my doctor the problems but hp were insignificant for my doctor.

But the heavy drug was only one of them (Levofloxacin). If she had prescribed another antibiotic instead of the drug, I would be able to complete the treatment.

Anyway, after 10 years, I met metaplasia, responsible for this situation only helicobacter pylori.

I started treatment last month. I didn't feel any side effects in my treatment and I really regret it for everything.

Besides, not everyone has the same results. Maybe you're gonna get through very comfortably.

Please be treated, you have a chance.

Helico_expert wrote: Mon Jan 07, 2019 1:39 pm You are most likely right that your symptoms may not be because of H. pylori.

But it's not a good bacteria and damage in your stomach is accumulating. You may be asymptomatic when you are young, because you are healthy and fit. But as the damage accumulate and your repair mechanism slows down as you aged, then you can become symptomatic in older age.

Many doctors like to treat H. pylori also because there is an actual target to kill. The antibiotics used can also kill off other pathogen not diagnosed. It's like a big reset button to your guts microbes. After the antibiotics, you can take some probiotics and hopefully able to suppress the bad bacteria from over growing.

Thanks for your advice. I was leaning towards taking the antibiotics, just needed some confirmation that it is the smart thing to do.
Regarding probiotics, is there a specific strain that you recommend? I should mention that I have had persistent issues with vaginal health, which I worry is a result of taking antibiotics twice for UTI symptoms (hence my reluctance to take the antibiotics again this time). It seems that my pH levels and bacteria are all out of whack, and this is what I'm most worried about worsening. I just ordered some women's health probiotics with lactobacillus, is this a good probiotic to take while treating the h pylori?

@Zizem

Thank you for sharing. I'm so sorry to hear of your diagnosis, and wish you the best. I will take the prescribed antibiotics and hopefully can avoid any future complications by taking probiotics. I needed some convincing that the pros outweighed the cons.

unfortunately I cannot have any recommendation for probiotics. You'll just have to trial whatever you have in your region. I am sure you'll be able to find one that suits you.