Top Natural Bacterial Vaginosis Remedies

I got BV for the first time when I got into a new relationship, we are very faithful to each other so that doesn't worry me. I noticed it by the fishy smell, the next day I was put onto those nasty pills Flagyl which eliminated the smell after two days, but before even finishing the pills, because I had unprotected sex, the smell came back. I was then put on the gels, metro works temporarily and I use it as a one time thing when I'm really desperate.

I decided to try EVERYTHING; coconut oil, apple cider vinegar, inserting acidophilus, inserting vitamin c, the only thing that got rid of the smell was apple cider vinegar but it hurt too much to have sex because of it and vitamin c worked temporarily. I luckily, knock on wood, am not experiencing severe itching, burning and pain, so maybe my case isn't as severe but if I... tmi... swab my v, there is a fishy odor. I went out and bought all the pills all the vitamins and heres what I am doing.

in the morning

-2 acidophilus pills

-3 vitamin d 1000 iu

-1 folic acid 800 mcg

-1 vitamin c rosehips 500 mg

pm

-1 acidophilus

-3 vitamin d 1000 iu

-1 folic acid 800 mg

-1 vitamin c rosehips 500

Its only been 2 and a half days, im praying, hoping, everything this works. Its hard to tell because most people experienced the relief of itching and burning but I dont have that. I'm hoping this knocks out the smell. I'll let ya know, pray for me!

Ok so I NEVER write on these things but this is something important I truly feel every woman battling with BV should read. This is gunna be long but just bear with me. I was diagnosed with BV for the first time in December 2010 when I was 18. The Dr. prescribed me the mertronidozal gel for 5 nights, did it all 5 nights and it was completely cleared..all up until this passed December 2015. I was with my now boyfriend who I was already with for 5 months at the time, we were having sex just like we usually do and afterwards I smelt that same horrible smell I smelt back in 2010 and knew I had to call my gyno. So I went got swabbed and of course it was BV..once again took metro gel for 5 nights and everything was fine..but what do ya know a few months later in March it happened again after sex, got the metro gel and it was fine..after that dose I ended up getting my period and the day my period was finished I had that same smell..at this point I'm freaking out and went to the dr got the metro and asked if she suggested I take anything to help prevent this..she told me acidophilus. So I went home with the metro gel and bought acidophilus 1 billion and started taking three a day along with doing the course of metro gel. the metro gel worked but right after my next period was over and after sex I would get the smell..it was literally ruining my sex life especially because I was trying to hide it from my bf. I was doing so much research on how to get rid of it and I found a multi-strain probiotic for women so I started taking those once a day along with acidophilus..i thought it was working but everytime after sex and after my period the horrible smell would come right back..so now it's September 2016, still have the same issue but I finally came upon this website..i saw so much about folic acid and acidophilus mixed together..

so I went out and bought folic acid 400 mg, vitamin C with rose hips 1000 mg, and some organic ACV..

Thursday I took my normal 3 acidophilus a day, one multi-strain probiotic, three folic acid, one vitamin C pill..I then added 1 tbsp of ACV to my water bottle drank the entire thing and soaked a tampon in half ACV half water and put it in for an hour..

I repeated this for three days..

it is now Saturday there is no smell and to make things even more exciting I had sex with my boyfriend this afternoon and there was no smell just normal..idk if it's the folic acid or all these things combined but it really worked..I'm gunna keep doing the pills everyday along with ACV in my water bottle and try to lay off on the ACV soaked tampon until my period comes back, I will then do the soaked tampon a few days after it ends to make sure things are all in tact down there..keep trying to find what works best for you ladies this bv crap is no joke!

I'm writing this to share the info I've found. I'm 28, with one child, and I've suffered with BV on and off for years now. Let me tell what helps aside from metro gel which is costly, requires a script, and docs visit each time.

• Drink LOTS OF WATER
• drink water with tons of lemon in it-- it makes your body more alkaline which helps you get back to normal
• drink cranberry juice
• drink Kefir I buy strawberry flavor from Publix
• drink danactive probiotic EVERY DAY; they are yummy so no biggy
• take acidophillus pills
• take a daily vitamin
• take vitamin C
• EAT HEALTHY, STAY AWAY FROM SODA, SUGARS ECT., eat veggies, try to cut carbs
• ALWAYS WASH AND PEE AFTER SEX
• HAVE YOUR PARTNER START EATING BETTER TOO, LIKE HAVING ONE DANACTIVE SHOT IN THE MORNING. He will become less acidic.
• I also clean my vagina out with hydrogen peroxide which gets rid of smell and infection temporarily. Really hydrogen peroxide gets rid of ALL bacteria, but we still need the good bacteria in there so the trick, is to clean yourself out and then start eating and drinking right to get the good bacteria back in there. BV is basically a side effect of a weak immunity. If you don't take care of your body properly, it doesn't stand a chance against infections. BV is no fun, and staying healthy isnt always easy. If you are looking for an immediate cure, you're just not going to find one. Hydrogen peroxide is the closest thing to that but it's temporary. For me, I try to get my body in order the healthy way first, if it doesn't work, last case scenario I'll go to the doc for metro gel.

Hi! First of all, sorry this is a lot to read, but I wanted to include EVERYTHING specific to my case. I find that many of the longer posts on this topic are more informative, which I personally appreciate. Short posts are usually useless. No offense to short posters out there. I tried to organize the info as best I could, for ease of reading…

My Intro:

I've been dealing with this "BV" for about 6 months now. I didn't even know what "BV" was until I stumbled across a blog by MaskCara, about 6 months ago, discussing the topic and the "cure" that she outlined as a simple hydrogen peroxide douche. After reading her post on BV, I started realizing that this might be a diagnosis for the very minor "issue" I was having, and barely noticed. The only symptom I was having at that time was very slight odor during/after sex. I guess I shouldn't say "only, " since in my opinion, this is the WORST part of it. So anyway, after reading her post, I did a ton of research online, as I always do when I'm curious about something, and the more I read, the more I was convinced that I had either BV or a simple yeast infection. So, I went to the OBGYN, (Planned Parenthood since I am currently without coverage), and they diagnosed me right away with BV. Of course, they gave me antibiotics, the Metra or Metro-whatever pills. But I didn't take them, since pretty much EVERYTHING I read on the topic says they do not work, and I don't want to put my body through that for nothing. (However, the longer I put up with this crap, the more I think I should just give it a try. We'll see. I'm getting desperate, but I'm really trying to do this the natural way).

My Symptoms:

1. ODOR - this is the most annoying symptom I have. Everything else is not so noticeable. The odor for me is mostly noticeable after sex and exercise. It's not totally "fishy" though, as I read so much about. For me, it seems more sour - which makes me wonder about a yeast infection. However, I do get the "fishy" smell when I wash with Dial soap, as I'm washing, I'll notice it. I actually just read today that I should be using a more mild soap, so I'll switch to Dove, or possibly Johnson & Johnson Baby Soap, but my point is, the fishy smell comes up with Dial.

2. Discharge - white, thick, gross. Mostly noticeable after exercise.

3. Discomfort - mostly just a slight itch, not constant, but pretty consistent and annoying.

My Medical History:

I'm 30 years old. I've always been very healthy. I don't get sick, and have always had a very strong immune system. I have never had any serious illness besides the flu, once in my life. No chicken pox, no measles, no nothing. I can't understand WHAT is causing this. My diet has pretty much always been the same. The only difference is that I've actually been eating more healthy foods as I get older.

I keep thinking back to when this started, and I try to think of the things that could have caused this.

1. I ran a half marathon in June, (6 months ago), and had only been running for 6 months. Never ran before that. Sometimes, I think, maybe this could be the reason for my pH imbalance. The extreme training, out of nowhere. Maybe?

2. I never had this issue before having sex with my boyfriend. NEVER. I've had one yeast infection in my whole life, and that was maybe 14 years ago. My boyfriend and I started dating a year ago, and 6 months later, maybe sooner - I don't know, I come down with BV. I know this isn't supposed to be a sexually transmitted disease, but I can't help but wonder how that's possible. If you have sex, I would imagine that bacteria could go from penis to vagina and back again. This leaves me wondering if A) My boyfriend gave it to me, and continues to do so. Or B) It is simply his pH messing with mine, as I've also read. Side note: We have engaged in anal sex. I'm not a fan of this, so it's only happened a small handful of times, but it did happen. Maybe this somehow caused the infection? There was no cross over, though. Who knows. I just wanted to throw it out there just in case there's a connection.

So, I keep reading forum after forum after forum, searching for ANYTHING that might help me, or might clue me in on how to treat this more effectively. There's got to be some kind of connection. But it's all the same thing: contradicting information. "This works great! " "This didn't work at all! " I'm honestly hopeless, but I obviously can't give up.

My Personal Vent:

I don't like the way I look at sex anymore. Anytime I think of sex, or think about my sex life in any way, I'm embarrassed, ashamed, and I try to avoid it. It's not fair to my boyfriend. He's sexy. I am not. I feel gross, so I haven't even told him that I have BV. What is the use? I don't want him to look at me like the gross person I see myself as. I just tell him that I'm dealing with a pH imbalance, and I tell him about the things I'm trying to do to correct it, but I haven't actually said BV. It's embarrassing. I'm always worried about him wanting to have sex, and me being "unprepared."

In addition to the obvious symptoms, I'm also very irritable sometimes. I'm obsessed with finding a cure for this. I'm always reading up on it, then deleting browser history. It's embarrassing. My vagina straight grosses me out, and that right there makes me want to cry my eyes out. I'm a sexual person...I enjoy sex, and foreplay, and being passionate and intimate. Now I'm to a point where I just want to get it over with as quickly as possible so my boyfriend doesn't notice the smell. Most of the time, he doesn't seem to notice anything, meanwhile, I do. I literally CRIED during sex the other day, not because of pain, but because I was so embarrassed at the slightest whiff of that “odor” that came up. I wasn't facing him, he didn't notice, but I still felt so gross, and even worse for crying silently during sex. This is RUINING my sex life and the way I look at my body. It's a nightmare, and I PRAY to God every day that it will just...go away. I can't understand WHY this is such an epidemic. How is there no cure?

By the way, I find it somewhat annoying that some/most women post their "cures" as something they're just now trying, with a "Wish me luck! " at the end. And no follow up. I can't stand that. It's useless info. I feel that we should be trying what we think will work, without using the word "cure, " and reporting back. REPORTING BACK, people, please!

My Treatments:

Once "diagnosed" with BV, I immediately tried the hydrogen peroxide douche that MaskCara had written about, since she said it was her cure. And yes, it did/does help a LOT, but did not cure. It went away for about a week, or at least, was not noticeable, but sure enough, it came right back...and it seems worse.

It's all been kind of a whirlwind of things that I've tried, but here's my list...

1. Hydrogen Peroxide flush for 7-10 days. (I haven't actually done the HP Flush for that long, though. Maybe that's my problem. But MaskCara had written that she only did it for 3 days. So I did a 3-day treatment. Then I did it for 5 or 6 days, still nothing. Just temporary relief. I am currently on day 2 of a new 10 day HP treatment, because I figure I might as well try one last time, and go for broke. Note: If nothing else, this has been an EXCELLENT, and I mean EXCELLENT temporary cure. I find that I can at least get rid of the odor, discharge and feel FRESH for a day, if I do this. I can have sex without feeling completely disgusting. But it doesn't last, and I don't want this to be an ongoing thing. It's a pain in the ass.

2. Goldenseal – (2) 400mg capsules daily, orally. (I'm only on day 2 of this treatment)

3. Probiotics, 90 billion CPU – (1) daily, orally. (Honestly doesn't do anything, but I take them anyway, since I paid $40 for the suckers).

4. Cranberry & probiotic supplement– (2) daily, orally.

5. Acidophilus – (2) daily, orally. (Same with the probiotics above…no noticeable difference whatsoever).

6. Folic acid – (1) daily, orally.

7. Vitamin D – (2) daily, orally.

8. Epsom salt bath - I discovered this on my own, then confirmed the info online. I went on a vacation and found myself taking several baths because we had access to a jet tub, and I just felt like taking some baths. I used the bath salts provided in the bathroom, and soaked for 20-30 minutes, and didn't think anything of it. Looking back on that vacation, I realized I was BV-free for the entire time: 10 days.

Other things that I was doing while on this vacation:

A. Not drinking AS much, but still drinking alcohol daily. Not so much wine, as I usually do, but I was drinking scotch whiskey. Also, it might be helpful to note that I normally drink Gallo wine…which is basically crap, but I'm on a budget. On vacation, we were drinking GOOD wine, and not as much of it. Maybe this helped?

B. Salt baths

C. COLD and DRY weather - maybe this helped?

D. No smoking whatsoever, (I am a marijuana smoker - not cigarettes, what can I say), but I didn't smoke ANYTHING for 10 days.

E. Very limited sugar. I ate a lot of carbs and dairy, though. But not nearly the amount of sugar I normally eat. Not NEARLY.

Back to the Epsom salt bath: I find this works just as good as the HP Flush, above, only it seems more conventional which makes me feel more normal. I just mix some Epsom salt in a warm bath and soak, allowing the salt water access to the affected area. It really seems to bring some relief, and it's just like taking a relaxing bath. I don't feel like a grosser having to douche all the time, so I like this best. Sometimes, I even put a little Epsom salt IN my panties, (cotton, of course! Blah blah blah), to alleviate the itch. It works for me, but is in no way a cure. Last night, I actually did the HP Flush and then soaked in a salt bath and I came out feeling amazing. This morning, though, I'm back slightly noticeable BV.

Moving right along with the treatments I've tried...

9. Cotton panties, of course.

10. Loose clothing

11. No undies to bed

12. Drink lemon water

Things I will be trying, going forward:

1. Cut sugar

2. Alkaline diet – this sounds like crap. I'm supposed to stop drinking coffee? Eew. Sure!!! No problem! WHAT! NO! I will most likely continue to drink coffee, because after all, I was drinking a TON of it while on that vacation, mentioned above. But, I will make an effort to watch my diet.

3. Drink alkaline water – I heard good things about this.

4. ACV bath

5. ACV orally

6. Monistat 3 – because maybe this will help, who knows. I hear things from all over the spectrum.

7. Antibiotics – I will take these in a month, if nothing else works.

Bacterial Vaginosis:

The treatment course that I have found works best for me, without having to go to the GYN & taking meds that have side effects is:

First: do not have sex-if you suspect BV and or while treating, it will only take longer to get it cleared up and you could be passing it to your partner-which means, he's just giving it back to you! Watch what you eat! Sugar is terrible for bringing this on, as well as breads & cheeses. Drink plenty of water, take vitamins, like acidodipilus, multi emzymines, vitamins A, B-100/150, C, D, E, COq10, eat yogurt with live cultures(greek) and get the proper amount of rest.

At first onset of the symptoms-ie> the dryish goo/brownish paste, possible no smell, very little smell or slight stinch to foul smell, for some a fish(especially after sex) or bready smell (mine comes after my period, so it seems like a continued period but its not) start the course of inserting "BORIC ACID" immediatly (yes thats "roach away" powder-can be purchased very cheap & goes along way-plus can be used in the household for pest) capsules (get the gelatin capsules from a vitamin store or a medical supply store or possibly from a pharmacy), do this twice a day for at least 5 to 7 days (if really bad up to 10 days). You will want to wear a pad and it is normal to wipe & it be gritty/thats the crystals in the boric coming out, thats what is breaking down the bateria & getting it out of there!

Optional: not neccessary everytime but I've also used the "medicated douche" once in that course (use it at the end of the course of treatment to flush out the rest of the bacteria) but don't over douche-can make things worse.

If you find itching included, you can also add in the course of treatment, insert a capsule of tea tree oil/vitamin E oil (note: put the tea tree oil in the small portion of the capsule & the vitamin E oil in the bigger part) you will want to insert it as far as you can & recline or lay flat for about 15 mins at least, so it don't just run out right away, it will relieve the itching, for some, it might burn/sting for a second, if you've been scratching and have broken the skin but for the most part it is a cooling/methol relieving sesation and both have skin healing properties and are antispetics, which help heal the skin irratations & kill bateria.

How I came about this treatment course: I have had BV off & on now since 2009, I was sexually assaulted and contracted this horrible afflection-I took the medications to only have it come back & it gets expensive having to see a GYN but with this method of treatment, it is getting better & less prominent each time I have it, its inexpensive & best of all-natural without side effects of harmful chemical drugs and the change in diet helps. I also have an unknown auto immune disorder, that makes me more subseptical to these type problems, make life changes & take natural approaches to allow your body to heal itself, take care & God Bless you all!

Hi Ladies, I too have suffered with chronic BV my entire life. I'm 47. Too many rounds of flagyl, metro that did not work and gave me yeast infections. so heres what I did.

In the morning I douched with half hydrogen peroxide half water. I take 14 billion acidophilus pills, a probiotic for womens health down there, B, 3000 IU of vitamin D3, 500 mg vitamin c and 800 mg folic acid.

At night, I douched with apple cider vinegar half and half, 14 billion more acidophilus( make sure they are the refrigerated kind) a multi vitamin with 2000 IU vitamin D3, 400 mg folic acid and another vitamin c. I also opened about 4 acidophilus capsules and added water to make a small ball and inserted in into my vajay. On day 4 I had unprotected sex with my boyfriend but he pulled out. Semen is the enemy! So far no symptoms and it has been a week. I plan on continuing the vitamins and probiotics. Ladies, google it vitamin D3 and folic acid deficient are linked to BV.

After years of fighting a battle against BV, and now thanks to some antibiotics, yeast too. I decided to tackle this from all angles.

Things you will need:

Probiotic plain yogurt, rubber exam gloves (powder free), a clove of garlic (peeled and with a string sewn through like a tampon), hydrogen peroxide (HP), 2 non-stick guaze pads (3"x3"), tea tree oil.

I've been itching and burning terribly to the point where it keeps me up at night. Today I took some plain yogurt with live cultures and filled the fingers of powder free disposable rubber exam gloves half way. I tied the fingers off and froze them. Once frozen, they resemble the Monistat "ovules" or eggs. Then I did the following:

Took non-stick guaze pads (the kind that are shiny) and soaked it in a solution of hydrogen peroxide. The mix depends on what you can stand, I did 1/3 HP and 2/3 water. I cleaned really well with this. Toss the guaze.

Next I took my frozen yogurt eggs I made and cut off the rubber. I stuck it up my vagina as far as it would go. I followed this with the clove of garlic. Depending on how severe your infection is you should pierce a few slits in the garlic with your finger nail. I just slice off the sides since the inside is what fights infection, it may burn some people to slice it but the cold yogurt will soothe it. Then I soaked another non-stick guaze with the HP solution and added about 5 drops of Tea Tree oil directly on the pad. I folded this pad within the folds of my skin directly over my crotch. Put on cotton panties.

The relief is INSTANT! The tea tree may sting a bit at first since your skin may be raw, I've never experienced this but some may. Anyway, this has worked for me before and seems to be working right now. Hope this helps.

P.S. You may be able to taste the garlic in your mouth. If this bothers you, then just keep the garlic for night time use. I repeat the treatment every 12 hours using the string to pull out the old clove.

I wanted to share my wonderful experience with earth clinic and all the great posts. I had been suffering for about 2 years. And intially the problem was not too bad so I ignored it. However, as time went on it progressed and got worse. That horribe smell and soaking through all my undergarments even at time my pants. So I finally made the trip to the GYN, she confirmed that there was no sexually transmitted disease (which I knew, because I wasnt active). All she could offer was to wear cotton panties and use hypo allergenic soaps and detergents. Yeah!! This was only part of the solution. I began a regimen of folic acid, acidophilus and washing with the hydrogen perixode. At first, I saw no results and was disappointed. But I came back to earth clinic and read more and more posts and learned to be patient and give it time. Also I worked on my diet, as I learned this was a factor as well in changing things. I began to eat more ruffage, yourgurt regularly and decreased my sugar intake. The information was so helpful and encouraged me not to give up. So I didnt, and it took about 3 months before I saw results. And I am so proud to say that I have it under control. The symptoms will reappear if I forgot to take the acidolphilus or dont eat the ruffage that my body so needs. So now, no more foul odor or wet undergarments. Why dont the doctors tell us about this ideas? Thank you so much to all the wonderful ladies of earth clinic for sharing your stories and information!!!!

I hope this reaches all of the women out there who seem to now be struggling with this "disease". I discovered I was having issues with "infections" after the birth of my first child. First of all, my OBGYN gave me a horrible episiotomy, which is what I believe really triggered all of this. I will never know what is the true cause of it. I believe that later doctors will find that this is happening more and more with women now. Until they really put forth their energy into paying attention to this "disease", will they ever really find a cure for it. After my horrible epesiotomy I began having cramping issues. My OBGYN gave me pain medicine. He said that it was nothing. I then proceeded to have horrible cramping for the next several months. I then had what felt like a horrible Urinary Tract infection. He gave me an antibiotic I was prescribed to take every day for the rest of my life. Shortly after this, I had what seemed to be the most horrible yeast infection. He gave me Terazol Cream. After this, I felt a little better, but I went through horrible days of cramping and in the mean time was having terrible discharge after intercourse with my husband. After countless trips and surgery, my doctor told me I had post partum adenomyosis. He said this was the cause of everything. Believing in my doctor and trusting him, I dealt with countless days of pain. Until, another symptom came along. I started having horrible dryness in the vaginal area. I felt terrible. I went to the doctor again and he said that I had no good bacteria and I needed estrogen. He gave me Estradiol inserts and Tindamax. I took the Tindamax but not the Estrogen. I was very skeptical of him at this time. Finally I went to another doctor and discovered that I indeed did not need any estrogen, my hormones were fine by the way, that I had Bacterial Veginosis. He was a very open and understanding doctor and immediately gave me Metrogel and Tindamax. This went on for months and months and now almost a year later, here I am still battling with this God aweful whatever. My doctor actually just took me off of the metrogel and started me on Boric Acid and Acidophulis inserts. The doctors where I live are not about using "non-traditional" medicine. However, I grew up eating healthy and organic, thank you mom. So, I have been researching and trying everything. I have changed my diet, no so sugar and no bread of any kind. I try to eat as organic as possible. I take garlic pills 6, 600 mg, vitamin c 1000 mg, folic acid 1600mg and a probiotic. I also drink Kefir everyday. I am currently trying the Boric acid twice a day for seven days with 2 to 3 acidopholis pills inserted vaginally. My doctor is willing to try anything and everything with me for this BV but carefully monitors what I do, which is very good. He said whatever I am doing seems to be working because every time he checks me, I have a little more Lactobacillus down there then before. I don't know what has caused this or why it doesn't seem to go away, but ladies, it is my advice to keep going. I know you are out there and you have to speak up to your doctors and let them know. If you just do what they tell you to do, you will never get better. I am never going to give up and someday will find a way to get rid of this once and for all. Don't give up! I just thought I would let you know you are not alone, because heaven knows I feel that way a lot. I used to cry constantly because it truly does affect whatever you do, especially if you are a woman. If anyone has any advice, I would be happy to accept it. Good luck everyone!

Hi everyone! I hope all of you are feeling better if you are currently suffering and great if you have found your solution. I have a history of BV in various forms (I have formed my own belief that they are all intertwined) - these include Trich, Vaginosis, Vaginitis, and Yeast. I feel there are just different names b/c of different symptoms and viral and bacterial characteristics. Plus, most docs will not admit that they do not know very much about any of them. I never had a Yeast infection until about 2 years ago. I have had 2 since that one. The 2nd one was violent and involved severe cramps (most docs will tell you that Yeast will not cause cramping - BS! Think about what Candida does to the gut), followed by a 3 day bout w/ extreme pain and one day of hemorrhaging following a failed PAP (the practitioner stated that my cervix was tilted). I took Diflucan and rested and it resolved. I have done gel and pill of Metro for BV before. I have not done those recently, thank goodness. The last Yeast brought on a case of BV. I used regular drugstore 3% hydrogen peroxide on a tampon for about 3 days. I found this remedy here. Worked like a charm! Then here we are about a month later, and I smelled that damn smell again. My partner and I are very sexually active, and we use toys. We are always very clean with them before and after. She knows about my issues (please note - I began suffering from BV when I was very active w/ men. However, there are also cases of BV in virgins-maybe points to diet and environment). So, I tried the tampon thing again. It worked, but then I became extremely irritated and decided to douche. I bought food grade hydrogen peroxide for the douche (please read directions and use caution as it is different than 3%. The 3% usually contains stabilizers which can be irritating and make it less effective. Got that info here! ) I use a child's medicine syringe and douche about half of it then use the rest on the outer parts. I do this morning, midday, night, and after sex (yes, I know you should abstain. I jumped the gun - pun?- when I thought I was better). Apple cider vinegar and baking soda in the bath provides brief comfort. I have not been consistent about ingesting it yet. We also went to Trader Joe's and are completely revamping our diet and health habits. This was not that hard as I went vegetarian 2 years ago (fell off the wagon and intend to go back soon) and know what to look for and where to find it. We are both taking their super charged Women's Multi and Goldenseal w/ Echinacea. I am taking their Acidophilus (2 billion active cultures), St Johns Wort (depression), Vitamin C, B12, and Aloe Vera juice. I have been double dosing on all of these for the past 4 days and will level off to the regular doses over the next 3. There is an odd odor at random times of day, but it is better, and I have been craving sugar and starch - which is not normal for me. So, we are eating the better forms of it that we bought and I am trying to drink lots of water with lemon and lime. I alternate between die-off symptoms and a sort of energy buzz. The BV is definitely being relieved. I am interested in the Estriol. I keep reading good things about it; I am not sure if I am premenopausal or not. I have Fibromyalgia, so sometimes menopausal type symptoms will manifest from that. If you know anything about Fibro, you know it is utterly unpredictable in its symptoms and bouts. Would an Estriol cream or oil help me, premenopausal or not? I do suffer minor itching and sometimes severe irritation when I have BV. When I am not infected, occasionally dryness is an issue. Sorry for the rant; wanted to share what seems to be working for me and get any feedback or stories. Also, simply being newly conscientious about our diet and habits is a great thing regardless!

Okay ladies so here is my update since my last post. I've been doing research for weeks about yeast infections and BV because I believe I have one or the other. I was already prescribed diflucan and used monistat cream for a yeast infection, but neither of those helped. I'm convinced that this is BV and not a yeast infection. I've had symptoms such as mild to severe itching, excessive yellowish discharge with a slight odor, burning sensation when urinating, and swelling of the vaginal area. In the beginning when I thought this was a yeast infection, I started taking the acidophilus and was doing the warm sitz baths with apple cider vinegar. Those helped with the itching temporarily and didn't really have complete relief. I then started doing more research and found that I had to change my eating habits, restore the good bacteria in my gut, and build my immune system. As of right now, the burning has gone away completely; the itching has subsided tremendously; I can sleep at night comfortably now. The only thing I still have is this nasty excessive yellowish discharge, but the odor is not as bad and I still have this off and on swelling. This is what I have been doing based on continuous weeks of research and reading posts from other women sufferers of this issue.

November 30, 2009 I started a change in my diet, reducing my sugar intake and carbs, making sure I don't eat anything with yeast in it, with high amounts of sugar, and gluten-free. I eat more veggies, lean meats and proteins, and 6-8oz of plain, non fat yogurt every morning. I have cut out breads, pastas, starches, rice unless it's whole grain pasta or brown rice. I don't eat much fruit as this contains sugar as well, but i drink the no sugar added cranberry juice.

December 10, 2009 I started incorporating Folic Acid, Vitamin C, Garlic, and Echinacea/Goldenseal Supplements supplements with my diet.

12/10 - 12/15 I took the following per day:

1 Folic Acid 800mcg
1 Vitamin C 500mg
4 Echinacea/Goldenseal Herb Supp. 1800mg
4 Garlic Softgels 4000mg

12/16 to present I took the following per day

2 Folic Acid 1600mcg
2 Vitamin C 1000mg
4 Echinacea/Goldenseal Herb Suppl 1800mg
4 Garlic Softgels 4000mg

I've been doing more research and I'm going to change up a few things. I am looking to incorporate Acidophilus/probiotic supplements, Vitamins A,D, and B12(to take with folic acid to prevent deficiency), and grapefruit seed extract supplements. I am also going to change from garlic softgels to ones with enteric coating because I read that enteric coating allows the capsules/tablets to break down where it is needed(in the gut) where as softgels break down in the stomach(because of our acid) not reaching the infected area. Garlic, Echinacea/Goldenseal, Grapefruit Seed Extract are natural herbs that act as natural antibitiocs with antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties.

I am really determined to beat this just as you ladies are and hope we can continue to help and educate each other with this problem as the doctors seem to not really care of offer up natural approaches. We all know this is because of money of course. Like I said before my issue I am still having is the discharge and the swelling and I would like to know any recommendations you ladies have with that and what all have you been doing to get rid of BV. Any tips are helpful.

Thanks!

I have been suffering with BV on and off for about a year now. I am in my early twenties and newly married, so as you know this is very frustrating!

Antibiotics, both oral and gel, worked for me the first couple times, but now I am suffering constantly. There is a constant discharge and burning sensation when I urinate, almost like a UTI, but not quite. I have had cultures done for everything from a yeast infection to chlamydia with negative results to all of them. This means without a doubt that this "infection" I have had for the past FEW MONTHS has been BV.

I have been on this website almost everyday since I discovered it a couple weeks ago. I have tried a couple things with positive results to everything. I have been taking 2-6 400 mcg Folic Acid tablets a day in congunction with a popular wellness company's multivitamin (because you must take a vitamin b complex with the folic acid in order for it to work effectively) along with 28 million units of probiotics a day. All of this worked very well, but did not cure the BV completely.

I found that any time I ate something with added sugar the BV flared up. Also, not taking the above mentioned supplements regularly is useless-- it will just come right back. I have to say though, it DID help a lot. However, I want it GONE!

I just went to the local pharmacy and purchased Boric Acid and double zero gel capsules to try. I will let everyone know how it goes in a couple of days.

BV is seriously a curse and I don't wish it upon my worst enemies. I was about to give up and continue with the antibiotics but I searched the internet for hours looking for a natural remedy and I found this website. I am so grateful for this website and all of the people that have contributed their stories... especially the women being so open and honest about their vajayjays, that takes some guts! It is great to know I'm not alone.

I have been dealing with yeast and bacterial vaginosis every month for over 4 years. I am finally getting relief. I have tried soooo many different things from natural remedies to antibiotic pills, cremes, and gels.

I haven't tried the folic acid/B vitamin yet, but that is on the top of my shopping list. I wonder if Vitamin A would help, I've read that they recommend that for helping with genital warts...

Your immune system needs your help to fight this off! Weren't antibiotics just invented in the 20th century? How did they cure everything before then? Antibiotics just seem to keep the cycle going by killing off your good bacteria and fighter cells, leaving one infection just to start up another infection.

Medicinal Douching (with herbs) is recommended, but the influx of that much water just seems to make it worse for me, so I apply small amounts with a Q-tip.

Here are things that made drastic differences for me for both bacterial vaginosis and yeast infections:

BEST ONE SO FAR FOR YEAST: Candida Cleanse-type pills, taken first thing in the morning EVERY DAY to ensure best absorption on an empty stomach

***All of the following are diluted w/purified water and applied internally to the vagina with a Q-tip***

I keep the diluted mixes in the fridge in new/clean jars or glass bottles with lids.
-Apple cider vinegar (diluted)
and/or
-Tea Tree oil (one drop is strong enough when diluted w/water)
and/or
-Colloidal Silver Tinctures
- Hydrogen peroxide (diluted or full strength).

Hydrogen peroxide is naturally produced in the vagina as part of the cleaning process, and acidophilus is a naturally present health helper in the vagina, but overuse of peroxide is no fun for your vagina

-Acupuncture has helped a great deal in combination with the all of the above

I ALWAYS ALTERNATE THE ABOVE METHODS WITH Applying acidophillus powder mixed with water

Emotional stress makes my symptoms worse. Cut back on sugar, as this taxes the immune system and also feeds yeast cells. Bulk up your immune system on a regular basis with Vitamin C, Folic acid, and a good brand of Acidophilus

For my BV I have done a sitz bath for about 10 minutes, then i wash with a femeine wash called, after the wash i applied over the counter triple antibiotic ointment. Within 2-3days the itching stopped completly.