Table of Contents
Cure Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)
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DISCLAIMER
Our readers offer information and opinions on Earth Clinic, not as a substitute for professional medical prevention, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult with your physician, pharmacist, or health care provider before taking any home remedies or supplements or following any treatment suggested by anyone on this site. Only your health care provider, personal physician, or pharmacist can provide you with advice on what is safe and effective for your unique needs or diagnose your particular medical history.
3 YEA
[YEA] 02/13/2009: shannon from Oakland, california, usa writes: "I notice that whenever I have rough sex where he sort of slips into the back door and then back into the front, accidentally, the infections shows its ugly little head a few days later. I would usually go to Planned Parenthood and get checked and treated with METRONIDAZOLE. It can be taken orally, which is the more invasive way. You have to take it twice a day for a seven days with plenty of water and food and you should avoid alcohol. You can also take it vaginally. There's the METRONIDAZOLE GEL that is inserted into the vagina with an applicator before bed for five days. Lastly, the cream one time insert that stays in place and treats over the course of seven days. I like the gel the best because one tube is actually enough to treat yourself twice in case it returns, however, most meds have an expiration date so be sure it isnt expired before using it. I also feel very embarrassed and ashamed because it feels as if Planned Parenthood is my second home. I am actually experiencing an episode now and decided to treat with ACIDOPHILUS. I notice some women are experiencing some problems with it not disolving. I use a small dropper and I open one pill and disolve it fully in warm water and then insert the solution slowly inside and let it flush out on its own. I have tried this in the past and I must say it worked. I do, however, began ito experience some mild itching which is characteristic of a yeast infection but there are tons of over the counter remedies to help with that. Although I have been able to clear it up with the solution, I still feel better about seeing a GYN and getting a prescription for the METRONIDAZOLE. I guess some of us are just more sensitive than others and we have to pay attention to what SHE can handle and what SHE cant. Plenty of water makes a differnce where all health is concerned and urinating before and after sex makes a difference as well. WHEW!!! I feel a lot better knowing that I am not the only one. Thanks for reading and for sharing
shann"
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[YEA] 09/11/2008: Shannon from Eighty-Four, PA writes: "so i first got bv several years ago when i had a desk job. i figured it was cause i sat all day and no air got "down there" i got flagyl and it cured it. i hadn't had it for awhile. i again got another sit down job and although i'm not there any more i feel liek bv is haunting me ever since. i got on flagyl and i cured it however i got the odor back a week later. i called the gyno and let her know my best friend has the metro gel, and could i try that. after the 1st day of using it, the odor was almost gone i was so excited, same as of day 2 but when day 3 came i noticed the dischage was clumpy. there was the clear gel of the metro gel, but with white clumps in it. has anyone else experienced this?? i have found a lot of info on this site and am so excited to try it all and see if i can get rid of this horrible bv once and for all. i got vitamin b complex i read someone tried, but now from reading more, it seems that the 400mcg of folic acid that is in the vitamin b may not be enough. i'm going to eat more yogurt, and drink more orange juice for the folic acid. i'm also trying the baking soda and apple cider vinegar in the bath tub. i really hope this works cause for the first time i've noticed that i feel so inflamed down there and i actually feel like my fallopian tubes hurt! last time i had sex not when i was i guess just getting bv back it hurt so bad, and my boyfriend is feeling like we will never have sex again. but it seems like hes not alone either. thank you earth clinic for having this site every other site i found basically said there is no actual know cause for bv. i was really beginning to feel hopeless until now. i will give all the new tips i have heard of on here a try and i will definitely respond back to advise if anything worked or not."
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[YEA] 08/01/2008: Gina from Atlanta, Georgia writes: "Ok about bacteria vagilosis..I've had it forever..and now..it's gone..no i don't take pills or eat yogurt..I took clindamic HCL because my dentist gave it to me as an antibiotic..and guess what..in the process it got rid of my BV forever!!"
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7 YEA
2 BETTER BUT NOT CURED
1 WORKED TEMPORARILY
[YEA] 10/16/2009: This Worked For Me from Washington, Dc writes: "I suffered from Vulvodynia, BV and Yeast infections for about 4 or 5 years. Flagyl/Metrogel/Metronidazole to treat the BV would subsequently kill the good bacteria in the vagina (and intestines) and cause yeast infections. Then the antifungals for the yeast infections would further irritate the mucus membranes. This vicious cycle, along with diet, brought about the vulvodynia. Here's what worked for me:
1) For the BV --- I was given two weeks of flagyl. I told myself that that would be the last time I'd use flagyl. During and after that treatment I went to wholefoods and bought probiotics with atleast one billion live and active cultures per serving. I used ___ and ___ everyday (___ is often used for those with chronic yeast infections like HIV patients. Very powerful. After two weeks it was clear. It's been about 4 years and I have not had BV or a yeast infection since then. PROBIOTICS ARE AN ABSOLUTE MUST FOR A HEALTHY VAGINA AND INTESTINES.THERE IS NO WAY AROUND IT. CONSUMER REPORTS HAS A LIST OF REPUTABLE PROBIOTICS BECAUSE MANY ARE GIMMICKS OR INFEFFECTIVE.
2) For the Yeast--- I eliminated cheese, yeast, breads, cured meats and did a a mostly pescatarian diet, seafood with fruits and veggies, brown rice. I also cut out alcohol for at least a month. I have not had a yeast infection in 3 or 4years. Now I pretty much eat what I want, but I am mindful. Moderation is key.
As for HPV --- the jury is still out. I had a pap in June 07 and June 08 and both times I tested positive for HPV (hpv sensitive test) but my paps have been normal. My next pap and hpv test is next week. For the past year I've taken 800 to 1200 milligrams of folic acid everyday, a prenatal, vitamin A (spinach, mixed leafy greens, carrot juice). I'm anxious to see if it has helped. I will report back regarding the hpv. As for the bv and yeast --- it hasn't returned in 4 years:-) Probitics that include reuteri, acidophilus, bifodus etc are key."
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[BETTER BUT NOT CURED] 09/18/2009: Lori from Yuba City, Ca writes: "Bacterial Vaginosis: I have been visiting this site for a few months now, and I'm relieved to see that I'm not alone! I'm hoping to answer some questions as to how much acidophilus to take ,how it's taken, etc. In MY experience, I like to take 1 acidophilus every day, as many CFU's as you can get. Mine has 35 billion and 14 different strains of bacteria and it seems to be enough IF it's taken regularly. Some ladies have asked why BV comes back if they skip 2-3 days in a row, and I personally think it's because your bacterial balance is always changing-from having sex, what you're eating, douching (which is bad, no matter what). So I think you need to maintain the balance every day. I'm more than willing to take a few extra pills a day if it means not getting BV! Why not?! As far as inserting the acidophilus directly into the vaj, I take one capsule and cut it open and mix the powder with alittle KY jelly, put it in an applicator that's used for inserting yeast infection meds, and insert it that way. It's tedious, but it absolutely works! I've thought about just inserting the whole capsule inside, but I'm not convinced that it will dissolve in there! Does anyone have input on that-any tips? Sometimes it only took one dose, sometimes it took a few capsules more. I also take about 800mcg of folic acid every day too, just for added benefits. So I hope this info helps others,and thank you to all who have posted their experiences for me to learn from!"
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[WORKED TEMPORARILY] 09/10/2009: Lady Macbeth from Toronto, On, Canada writes: "Hi all,
So I haven't been diagnosed with BV, but have been to 3 doctors in the 6 months that I've been having problems. The problem began with a thin, milky, profuse discharge for the first month and a bad smell that never got overwhelming, but was always present. All 3 BV tests I had came back negative, but I'm certain that's what I've got since I've ruled out all other problems (got STI tests done at the same time and am in a monogamous relationship with my partner).
So the smell has ebbed and flowed. The discharge went away after the first month. I've been taking" _____ Multi-Probiotic", which was the most complete probiotic I could find. The smell goes away when I take this capsule consistently, but if I miss a day or two, the smell is right back, like it never went away.
I'm confused about this boric acid vs apple cider vinegar debate. As I understand, vaginas are naturally on the acidic side of the pH scale. A fluctuation in vaginal pH usually means things are getting alkaline, and that's what's causing problems. So why douche with boric acid and make things even more alkaline? I thought that sperm was sometimes problematic for vaginas because it's alkaline and vaginas are acidic? (I don't sleep with men, so I don't know about that personally.) I don't understand how boric acid can help, but all of these doctors are prescribing it to the people in this forum! I also don't want to start messing around with drinking vinegar because I've had candida problems as well as acid reflux in the past and vinegar/acidic foods don't do well in my body.
Does anyone have any good, scientific links to supply more information on either boric acid or ACV beyond just "it worked for me"? I'd like to know WHY it's supposed to work.
Also, folic acid. Why is it supposed to work? Beyond just the supposition that it's a "woman's vitamin" because it's a (very good) prenatal supplement for neural tube defects in fetuses. Please be careful about taking too much folic acid- I've seen some posters here detailing the amounts of folic acid they are taking- and it's a lot! Too much folic acid can mask symptoms of other B vitamin problems so be careful.
So. Other than my questions, I can say that I:
- Eat an extremely healthy diet, rich in leafy greens, colourful veggies, whole grains, very little dairy, no processed foods whatsoever, and no meat, other than fish maybe once every two months.
- I don't smoke, though I drink socially
- I take a multivitamin and a B 100 complex daily, as well a very strong probiotic, and a bowl of natural, organic yoghurt with breakfast (the B complex and multi are more than enough too cover my folic acid levels and I remain skeptical that folic acid does work until someone tells me why! :)
- I don't eat sugar, and have switched my caffeine source down from coffee, to black tea, to green tea. I've been drinking green tea now for a while, with no honey or sugar in it.
- I'm in a monogamous relationship with a person who I trust. And we're not even having regular sex due to this problem, so it's not getting re-aggravated by sexual activity.
- I use unscented bath products, don't overwash (once daily with natural, unscented soap), never use scented menstrual products (organic cotton tampons are all I use).
I'm living like a bloody saint! But the second I miss a dose of the probiotics, the stank is back!! If the probiotics work while I'm taking them, why don't they change the problem permanently? Is it only masking the problem? Is the problem wreaking havoc under that mask?
So why should I do the boric acid or the apple cider vinegar? If you've taken them, where did you get the directions/information to do so? I'm not sticking boric acid up my cooter without hard evidence that I'm not going to burn a hole into bowel-ville by doing so.
Likewise, the ACV. Drinking vinegar is not good for my body (candida) either.
The probiotics work, but only while I'm taking them! What to do people! What to do!
Good luck to you all!"
09/10/2009: Kathy from Dubois, Pa replies: "I've only had BV once, but I tried the "acidify the vagina" route on the supposition that it was simply a matter of too-alkaline condition, but to no availe. My case of BV didn't go away until I killed the the bacteria (whatever kind they were) with colloidal silver douches.
That said, is it possible that your diet is too alkaline, or too alkalizing? You seem to eat mostly veggies with very few protein sources of any kind. This is just a hunch, but maybe you need to put some meat and eggs and raw dairy back into your diet, just as an experiment to see what happens. Maybe you are one of the few people who need more acid-forming foods in their diet to get back into balance instead of the other way around.
I agree with you though that sticking boric acid up your "cooter" (that is going to be my newest favorite word for awhile) is very extreme. Have you tried putting pro-biotics "up there" instead of just taking them by mouth? When I get a yeast infection, which is rare for me, I shoot some active-culture yogurt up there with a turkey baster. In other words, maybe some probiotics right at the source of infection would help."
09/11/2009: Anne from New York, New York replies: "I just saw a post on here where someone stated to "acidify" the vagina to get rid of BV. NO NO NO! Ladies you want to have a balanced diet ofcourse, but you want a diet higher in ALKALINE forming foods -NOT- foods that are high in acid. You want to eat more green veggies and less sugars/dairy products. Lemon water is a good drink, as lemons are high alkaline-forming, etc. After years of doctors visits, numerous medications and tons of research I have completely stopped having BV. What got rid of this condition for me was eating foods higher in alkaline but the main thing is 800 Folic Acid daily along with the B-series Vitamins. Just try it ;)"
09/11/2009: Kathy from Dubois, Pa replies: "That was me, and you completely mis-read and misunderstood my post. BV causes, or can be caused by, an alkaline condition in the vagina. When I had BV was trying to re-establish the correct vaginal pH so that the correct vaginal flora could re-establish itself and crowd out the pathogenic bacteria, so that I wouldn't have to resort to stronger measures. When that didn't work, I used colloidal silver douches to kill the pathogenic bacteria and then repopulated myself with lactobacilli by douching with yogurt.The person I had replied to mentioned in her post that she eats mainly veggies, with very little protein from any source. That leads me to wonder if her diet isn't TOO ALKALINE for health, and that her unbalanced diet is showing itself in a too alkaline vagina, which is causing an overgrowth of pathogenic bacteria (some of which are always present in the vagina). Health is a balance of alkaline and acid, and too alkaline isn't any healthier than too acid. Any condition that causes the vagina to become too alkaline can result in a candida (yeast) infection and/or a BV infection (sometimes both are present together). She also said that when she takes probiotics faithfully, the problem is not manifest, but that as soon as she stops for even two days, the smell, etc returns. This also leads me to wonder if the problem isn't a too alkaline diet. Probiotics acidify the vagina, which leads to the growth of a proper vaginal flora of lactobacilli. My reasoning is that perhaps if she added acid foods (mainly protein) to her diet, her vagina would become acid again like it is supposed to be. She has nothing to lose by trying what I suggest, and much to gain if I am correct. It could be that I am entirely wrong, but sometimes the answer to a problem is counter-intuitive."
09/12/2009: Kathy from Dubois, Pa replies: "So, where in the world did you get the idea that semen is "highly acidic"??? And what makes you believe that all the acid foods are bad foods??? I agree that all "bad" foods are acidifying, but it does not follow that all acidifying foods are bad! Are organic, free-range eggs bad? Is organic, grass-feed meat bad? Is wild-caught salmon bad? And who recommended that she eat a "high-acid" diet??? Certainly not me!! I said that it might benefit her to add SOME protein (acid) foods to her diet, NOT that she start consuming a "high-acid" diet!! So, I do not know where you got the idea that semen is "highly acid", but you are 100 percent wrong, and display a serious misunderstanding of human physiology to boot. If semen irritates the vaginal canal, it does so because it is alkaline, NOT...I repeat...NOT because it is "highly acid"."
09/12/2009: Kathy from Dubois, Pa replies: "p.s. In other words, her diet is ALREADY HIGHLY ALKALINE...PERHAPS TOO MUCH SO, which might be causing her vagina to be alkaline, resulting in an overgrowth of pathogenic bacteria, some of which are always present in the vagina, but over-grow and cause a problem when the vagina becomes alkaline. If you had read her post carefully, you would have seen that she describes a diet that is already highly alkaline. If she tries to make her diet even more alkaline than it already is, it just might make things worse, not better."
09/12/2009: Anne from New York, New York replies: "Kathy, I didn't want you to take offense to my post. The woman with the highly alkaline body could have something entirely different. Yes I agree with you that too much of anything is NOT good. However, I didn't want other female readers to think that they needed more acid in the body/vagina when it is quite opposite of what they need. Just for an example, sperm is highly acidic and can irritate things down there. I have read many studies and all I am simply saying is that most woman with BV do not want to be on a high acid diet. Most foods high in acid are the "bad foods" which are not good for BV. A good, balanced diet is best in my opinion. Everything in moderation! However, I personally believe that lowering the acid in your body will help with this condition, at least it has for me. Like I said, overall I feel my body was lacking Folic Acid (the birth control pill can deplete FA from your diet). Since I started taking the Folic Acid/Vitamin B series every day at the same time I have not had BV."
09/12/2009: Kathy from Dubois, Pa replies: "It is your misunderstanding of the science involved that bothers me. In point of fact, normal semen is alkaline, NOT acidic, with a pH of between 7.2 and 8.0, while a normal vagina is acidic, NOT alkaline, with a pH of between 3.8 and 4.5. These facts are available by typing "seminal ph" and "vaginal ph" into a search engine."
[YEA] 11/04/2009: Kitty from Fremont, Ca replies: "LADIES PROBIOTICS WORKS!!! MAKE SURE ITS THE KIND THAT HAS TO BE REFRIGERATED. i HAVENT HAD A YEAST OR BV FOR 6 MONTHS AND I used to get either or every month before or after my mentrual cycle!
No more stress and sleepless nights over vaginal issues!"
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06/27/2009: RCL from Avon Lake, Ohio writes: "The use of probiotcs for various ailments is not a "one size fits all" deal. The lactobacillus strains that help with gastrointestinal problems are not the same ones that help with vaginal problems such as bacterial vaginosis (BV). Several published studies have shown that 2 specific strains of lactobacillus are effective in treating BV: Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1 and Lactobacillus reuteri RC-14. Cut and paste the above phrase into a search engine and you will find several articles, and summaries of published studies from reliable, unbiased sources. There is also a product available (that I cannot mention) that contains these 2 specific strains of lactobacillus. I have recommended this remedey to several women that I know, who have had wonderful results."
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12/27/2008: Jamie from New York, New York writes: "Hello all, I just wanted to comment about the use of probiotics for BV. I am in my mid twenties and have been suffering with BV since a teenager! I developed BV before even having sex. I have researched it for many years. So far what I have found that has helped (and I've tried many things)...is using all sensitive skin products (free of perfumes and dyes). Not using soap (down there). Ironing underwear (been told the steam helps to kill any left over bacteria). I also try to use white cotton underwear (which isn't always sexy lol). I eat yogurt regularly, I try to cut back on my sugar intake and I don't drink anything with caffeine. After sex with my boyfriend I always make sure to get up and use the bathroom and also clean up down there with just a warm washcloth. I have taken Acidophilus tablets, Folic Acid, Vitamin B Series and none seemed to provide relief. This ofcourse, is after many years of taking all the doctor-prescribed antibiotics which NEVER worked for long. So, now I have gone to the health food store and bought Primodophilus Intensive by Natures Way. My health food store only had it in a powder form. It's was $25 for 10 packets. I mixed it with water (the taste isn't bad) and I downed it. It's only been a couple hours but I so far feel fresh and I believe this is going to help and maybe even cure me! I will report back in a day or two with feedback! I'm also praying these changes will rid me (and all of us women) of this nasty condition."
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[YEA] 12/25/2008: KG from KC, MO writes: "Ive have done alot of research on BV and have tried everything that Ive read, others have told me that works and I was so angry that I had this problem, upset that a doctor knew nothing on how to fix it and not to mention embarassed to be around others much less have relations with my boyfriend. I wondered into Wild Oats and found FEMDOPHILUS. It cost about $24.00 (dont buy off the internet because it has to be kept refrigerated at all time). I took it and nothing much the first day...but on the second day I was feeling SO SO much beter and by the third day...no discharge, itching, foul smell. Im amazed...and i threw away all the BS in my cabinet. I stopped taking it after two weeks and was fine for about a week and then WHAMMY...it was back. I started up on it yesterday and today its like nothing happened. I take ONE pill ONCE a day, no douching, no 6-7 pills a day of folic acid and acidophilus. The pills that you buy over the counter dont work...it has to be refrigerated to keep the bacteria alive! I hope that this helps people!!"
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[YEA] 12/07/2008: Angie from Athens, Ohio writes: "Regular Acidophilus didn't work for me. If any of you ladies out there are like me, use the super probiotics. Buy the probiotics with as many different bacteria as possible. They are more expensive, but well worth it. Health food stores are the place to look for them. Good luck."
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[BETTER BUT NOT CURED] 05/20/2008: Elise from Hephzibah, GA writes: "Bacterial Vaginosis: I have reading all of the suggestions on what other people have tried and OMG..this is why i refuse to pay a doctor a thing. because really they have no clue all they can do is guess and really dont care!
So anyways again I went out and bought Natures Bounty Extra strength acidophillus pills which has 1 billion per pill.... didnt have much of a selection. Ive been take 2 every day for the past 3 days. and my smell is far more less then it was before taking.
I have started having smelling and discharge issues since i got off BC back in 2003, then got preggo and it got worse, doctor could have cared less cuz i was medicaid patient. so i was never prescribed or tested for anything other then the normal pap's, all were ok except i was positive for beta strep whatever. so anyways gave birth , still had it , off medicaid, no doctor, so i just dealt with it, got preggo again and still had it and no doctor did anything. they said it was normal. ok so then i finally snagged one of my lil sisters scripts for metronidale or whatever... my issues cleared up the next day and i was clear of anything for about 4 months then i got it again . and its just like before no nothing , just smelly and white stuff coating my insides. so here i am , completely fed up , and ready for this crap to go away and really i dont care what i gotta do.
funny thing i have had 20+ sex partners in my life and no one problem from 14-18, then i met my current man for the past almost 8 years and now i got someone forever that we got struggle with this crap !
DOCTORS, THIS NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED IMEDIATELY BEFORE YOU HAVE BIG OVERWHELMING MESS OF SMELLY WOMEN COMING FOR YOU! THIS IS REALLY RIDICULLOUS AND REALLY UNFAIR THAT WE HAVE TO UNDERGO ALL THIS JUST SO WE SAY THAT YEA WE ARE CLEAN AND PEOPLE BELIEVE US! I MEAN COME ON!"
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[YEA] 03/20/2008: Bunny from Clinton, Maryland writes: "I came across this site approximately 2 weeks ago to the day. I've been dealing with BV and yeast infections for the past 2yrs. My doctor on several occasions stated that BV is caused by having multiple partners and/or from unprotected oral/vaginal sex. I would have sex with my partner and then a few days later I was suffering from fishy odor, discharge and irritation. I Would go back to the dr. each time complaining of the aforementioned symptons. He once again prescribed metro gel or metro tablets. I found the gel to be a waste, but the tables did work until the next round of intercourse. Which unfortnately, wasn't on a regular basis. I happen to read one of the posts regarding Probiotics-L. Acidophilus, Rhamnosus and B. Longum. I decided i have nothing to lose but the nasty infection, etc. I went to The Vitamin Shoppe and purchased PEARLS IC Probiotics 1 billion CFU and a bottle of Ultimate 10 Probiotic-13 billion live organism. I take 2 of the pearls ,one of the Ultimate, multi vitamin and one 400mg folic acid tablet in the morning w/ breakfast. And then one or two of the Pearls at bedtime. I'm happy to type that feel soo much fresher and dryer!! Amazing!! I noticed I'm less constipated as well. Just want to say THANK YOU THANK YOU!! I feel like a FREE WOMAN NOW!!"
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[YEA] 03/01/2008: germanygirl from hamburg, germany writes: "i suffered from BV for almost six months after taking just one round of powerful antibiotics! the smell was awful, and my self esteem really began to suffer. i just went to work and came straight home! i knew i had to restore my good flora, and it does take time, so i had to be patient. i kept going to my gynecologist, and thankfully, she encouraged my attempts to find a natural cure, and respected my desire to refrain from taking any more antibiotics. after finding out about probiotics, i started with just regular acidophilus, which did nothing! then, i found out that they need to contain more than acidophilus, specifically L. Rahmnosus and bifidobacterium longum. This combination worked magic!! it is sold in the United States...i was living in Atlanta at the time, and found it easily at co-ops and health food stores. also widely available online. just make sure those two are in there along with the acidophilus. i should also mention that i was suffering from IBS at the time, which also cleared up. i still take probiotics (one a day) to maintain intestinal health, and they are great. (this was three years ago.) generally only get sick once a year, and a bad cold doesn't turn into bronchitis anymore. good luck!"
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[YEA] 02/22/2008: Jerr from Chicago, IL writes: "BV, I was just diagnosed with BV. I was smelling myself and the doctor said no one else could. I did not believe that. I ran to the heath Food store because I could not see myself taking antibotics all the time. I found Nature's Way Primadophilus Intensive $30 in a matter of 2 hours the odor was gone. I took it for 5 day. The package recommends to take it for 10. The symptoms were gone for 4 weeks I'm taking it again, now and I'm happy I do not smell anything."
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1 BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS
[BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS] 10/10/2009: Saywhat from Chandler, Az writes: "I have read pages and pages of posts on this site. A week ago I was checked, as a last resort, for a yeast infection (I was sick but nobody could figure out from what so the vag check was a last resort). I had no itching, burning, oder, discomfort, or discharge but the Dr. said I had a small amount of discharge but it was "up there". He swabbed me anyway and sent it off to the lab but gave me a Diflucan in the meantime-which I took immediately. Two days later his office called and said the labs came back and showed BV and they had already called in a Rx for Flagyl (which I filled but never took--WAY too many side effects and I was already sick). It has now been 8 days since I took the Diflucan and I never felt like I had a yeast infection in the first place. I've been taking 5 billion CFU, multi-strain, probiotics w/ nutraflora (200mg) 2xday, 1000 mg vitamin C, and 1000 mg garlic daily for a few days now. I check everytime I go to the bathroom and there has never been the tale-tale smell of BV. Today though, I started feeling achy in my abdomen and my sunshine started to itch on the outside. Doesn't hurt to pee but it's uncomfortable feeling on the surrounding area. So, now what? Is this yeast, BV, or a mystery? The only thing I haven't done is take the folic acid and insert a capsule. Garlic will treat bacterial and viral infections but I don't think I'm up for shoving one up there, ya know? I can buy plain yogurt and folic acid tomorrow if anyone thinks that might do it. Thoughts, opinions, suggestions definitely welcome! Fortunately, I am not used to getting these infections but my PH (and everything else) has been off lately due to a serious illness. Thanks for everything!!!! LOVE this site!!!!"
10/12/2009: Dd from Miami, Florida replies: "Saywhat from Chandler. Sounds like a BV to me, I was in the same boat as you they thought it was a yeast infection. The Diflucan will giving abdominal cramping, especially if you take more than one does, plus it can give you a headache. I only have the slight discharge and burning from the BV. I do the hydrogen perioxide mix and a small syringe (no needle on it) and insert it slightly up in the va-ja area, then I also squirt a little around the outside area. I have been doing this for about 3 weeks now and am now only doing it about 4 times a week. Plus I take a folic acid and an acidophylius in the a.m. in the pill form with the rest of my vitamins.Good luck with your BV and your other serious illness :)"
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1 BETTER BUT NOT CURED
[BETTER BUT NOT CURED] 09/06/2008: June from KC, KS writes: "Hi EarthClinic! I have been fighting BV off and on for the past 10 months. I believe I first developed it after drinking acv & baking soda. I believe it changed my ph levels. Ever since then I have been combatting this problem.
Today, however, in a natural rememdy book at the healthfood store where I went to buy folic acid I read that many women suffer from BV due to lack of progesterone. It seems that during a woman's normal cycle when progesterone is produced the uterus also produces h2o2 which cleans the uterus naturally. Therefore, no progesterone = no natural h2o2. This might explain why BV develops and why h2o2 inserted into the vagina helps so much with keeping the itching and burning at bay. The book said BV is a common occurrance at menopause. And anyone battling pcos or estrogen dominance knows they are not properly ovulating.
I've been using h2o2 quite regularly and while it helps it is not a cure, at least not for me. So, I'm trying folic acid again but this time at the 1600 mg dose recommended here by others. I sure hope it helps.
BTW, I DO NOT recommend h2o2 at the full 3% dosage suggested by others. It is too strong for the delicate skin of your nether regions! The best mix seems to be half h2o2 and half water (I use distilled). I use the bottle caps to measure portions. Two-four caps each in a container with a lid will last me several nights and mornings in a row. I use a longish eye dropper to disperse the liquid along with a washcloth to catch leakage. I clean the dropper after usage. It helps symptoms a great deal without damaging delicate skin.
I am also considering taking vitex (chaste berry) again as it is a form of progesterone.
Good luck ladies."
09/07/2008: June from KC, KS replies: "Just reporting back...after one day of taking folic acid my BV symptoms have greatly improved. No itching. No burning. Little to no discharge. (Odor has not been a problem.) I am taking two 800 mcg capsules, one at night and one in the morning-with food as directed on the bottle. I also take B50 which contains 400 mcg of folic acid, so total is 1200 mcg. I did not have this kind of positive reaction last time I took folic acid, so I'm guessing I was not taking enough. I am also using a different brand than last time. And I have quit eating sugar...again. I'm sure that helps, too. Thanks, ladies, for the suggestions!"
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07/05/2009: Lus from Amherst, MA writes: "I'm curious if anyone has recurring BV while with IUD? I've had an IUD for about 2 months, and since then had BV 3 times."
07/15/2009: Vera from AZ, USA replies: "I just wanted to reply to Lus: Did you get the copper IUD or the plastic IUD with hormone? About a year ago I had a copper IUD removed that I had for over 6 years. I didnt have any problems with bacterial vaginosis though. There is a time limit to how long a woman can have an IUD so I got mine removed. I talked to my mother in law and she said she had the copper IUD and never had any problems so I went that route. I didnt want to try anything with hormones. I hope this helps"
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6 WARNINGS!
[WARNING!] 01/20/2008: Lisa from Chicago writes: "For the past year and a half I've had reoccuring bouts of bv and never knew where it came from or how to get rid of it, neither did my doctor. I had been taking acv for weight loss and lost 35 lbs and I started taking it again and read this web site and now I finally see the cause of the bv and through all the meds Tindamax has worked the best for me"
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[WARNING!] 12/28/2007: Ana from atlanta, ga writes: "re: BV -- WARNING!!!! Metrogel causes neuropathy. Please do not take this dangerous drug. It is labeled as a possible side effect. Try Enzara."
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[WARNING!] 12/27/2007: EB from Cleveland, OH writes: "I have a friend who is a nurse who is very knowledgeable about modern medicine. I currently have BV and was prescribed flagyl. I'm on day four of the medication and have been experiencing minor side effects. I asked my friend if she would take flagyl if she had BV. She said, "Absolutely not. Because flagyl kills ALL bacteria in the vagina it is very harsh on the body." Flagyl as a remedy to BV doesn't make sense. To get rid of BV, you shouldn't have to kill all of the bacteria in the vagina. This leaves us more susceptible to infections, which require more medication, which increases profit for pharmaceutical companies. Unfortunately, modern medicine is in the business of making money. I'm convinced that anything driven by profit can not be authentically concerned with healing and saving bodies. Rather developing more holistic medicine that preserves balance in the body, drug companies often develop drugs that temporarily assuage a problem, but don't cure it. In this way, they reinforce drug dependence driving up their profits in the process. I started taking folic acid (800mg) today and i'm hoping that it works for me as well. I'll start taking the acidophilus after I finish the flagyl, as i'm not sure its a good idea to mix antibiotics (flagyl) with probiotics (acidophilus). I really hope that it works for me because I don't want to have to depend on medication prescribed by my GYN in the future. And given my sensitive body, I'm sure i'm very suscepticle to recurring BV infections. I'll write back in a month or so my experience with folic acide and acidophilus. To your Health ladies, EB from Cleveland"
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[WARNING!] 12/04/2007: Tracie from Pittsburgh, PA writes: "I came across this site looking to cure what I thought was BV. Kept getting it over & over this past year, and Flagyl helped until I had sex again (same person). I tried the peroxide douche and thought it helped, (smell went away, itchiness stopped) but it was temporary. Turns out, I found out today it is Trichomoniasis, and I keep getting reinfected from partner with no symptoms. My point is, if you've been to a doctor and know what you have, by all means try these cures on here. But DO NOT self diagnose, as I did, based on symptoms. They are almost identical, and I never dreamed I had Trich (and I'm not real happy about it either). But it's easily curable, they say, so we'll see. Good luck to all here, and though I'm glad I don't have a penis, sometimes a VaJayJay is a bigger pain!"
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[WARNING!] 09/21/2007: Sandhi writes: "I want to point something about the Baking Soda remedy for increasing the alkalinity of body. Unfortunately, this remedy worked for me in the beginning, as I noticed improved digestion, but then I noticed I came down with a chronic case of Bacterial Vaginosis. A fishy odor coming from the vagina. I have heard, women who are on Birth Control Pill get BV. But I have never used BCPs. Further reading, I found out that Baking Soda, and for that matter most anta-acids can lead to the depletion of B-vitamins in the body. ( including Folic Acid & B12). And no wonder Folic Acid is recommended as a cure for BV
I am taking Folic Acid ( 1 mg) and B-complex now, but the fishy odor is not gone completely! I am really stuck with this odor which I NEVER had before. So could it be, my folic acid levels are depleted and I am unable to get them to a healthy level. As of now, I am suspecting Baking Soda has done this to me. And I am abstaining from using it anymore. I would be interested to hear what other female users have to say about this."
01/21/2008: Tracy from Frederick, MD replies: "9/21/2007: Sandhi writes to Ted -- Just wanted to put in my .02cents. I was taking the ACV Baking Soda tonic three times a day. It's ironic now that I think about it, the way our bodies talk to us, the last few times I took the recipe, (and I'm very used to the taste of the ACV/BS tonic) my nose would turn up at the smell, it smelled furmented, almost like old wine. Then I got a yeast/BV infection...and after research and trial and error, I realized that what Sandhi mentioned was true, too much BS can reverse the body's alkaline and actually make it too acidic. So, after curing the Yeast infection with Hydrogen Peroxide, yogurt and water (monostat DID NOT WORK) and quitting the Baking soda, I feel much better. Every once in a while if I feel heartburny I'll add BS to my ACV, but I skip the BS most days and just take ACV and feel much better~!"
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[WARNING!] 09/21/2007: Sandhi writes: "I want to point something about the Baking Soda remedy for increasing the alkalinity of body. Unfortunately, this remedy worked for me in the beginning, as I noticed improved digestion, but then I noticed I came down with a chronic case of Bacterial Vaginosis. A fishy odor coming from the vagina. I have heard, women who are on Birth Control Pill get BV. But I have never used BCPs. Further reading, I found out that Baking Soda, and for that matter most anta-acids can lead to the depletion of B-vitamins in the body. ( including Folic Acid & B12). And no wonder Folic Acid is recommended as a cure for BV.
I am taking Folic Acid ( 1 mg) and B-complex now, but the fishy odor is not gone completely! I am really stuck with this odor which I NEVER had before. So could it be, my folic acid levels are depleted and I am unable to get them to a healthy level. As of now, I am suspecting Baking Soda has done this to me. And I am abstaining from using it anymore. I would be interested to hear what other female users have to say about this."
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4 NAY
[NAY] 11/11/2008: Desesperada from Mayaguez, PR writes: "I was searching like you all, because I'm desperate, I have this condition like 3 years and I go to 3 different doctors, (sorry if my english is not beter I'm not from United States and I not live there), and I am very happy to enter to this site because I feel alone in this world and I was thinking that I was the only one that have the problem that BV does not give away with the antibiotics. I will try all the remedies that you post it, because I tried a variety of different antibioticos (Flagyl, Metro-Gel, Cipro, Levaquin, Diflucan) and no one has long term results and I spend a lot of money because my medical insurance does not cover medicines. I am tired of this, this cause me depression, shame and ansiety disorder because I feel alone, now this site was like a support and give me hope, I read about some of you that has ten years with this condition uFFF! If some of this remedies work for me I will send you another message ok. I hope all can find something that gives away this nightmare."
12/14/2008: Chevy from Bx, NY replies: "sorry you have been having all of these problems, however let me tell you and everyone else what works. listen up girls. what u have to do is first think about how often you move your bowels. this should be everyday at least twice, if not u need more fiber. the problem is or could be a candida inflammation or problems with digestion. what i did was got a colonic for one, maybe you dont have to, maybe it helped me im not sure. but i decided to write back becuz i see no one came back to these sites with any info saying things actually work for sure. all this to say, get natures way primodophilus l. reuteri from the health food store, it works like a charm. i have been taking it for a month and after the first week of taking them, i have never felt better. every now and a again i pop 2 folic acids and im good, actually im great.i take one in the morning and one at night. i have been having sex and i havent had a problem. im almost scared to stop taking them. trust me it has been working. ive tried every thing else and had no results as long as this., the smell is gone, the discharge is very minimal. i thank God everyday because this was really effecting my life, to the point that everytime i use the toilet, i was smelling the tissues i used to wipe with. in all seriousness get this stuff. i tried the h2o wash, the acidophilus, the garlic, the tea tree oil, oh gosh everything. you just have to find the right probiotic for you, and i think this one has the one that actually transfers to your intestines into the vaginal tract.holla if u need me girls. bye"
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[NAY] 01/04/2008: Sissy from Fort Worth, US writes: "Try to get the Veggie capsules for the boric acid suppositories... the gelatin capsules do not melt as well. I have had BV for three years now and I have been on antibiotics about six diffrent times and nothing has worked...I have used garlic, acidophillus, yeast arrest, tea tree oil and nothing has worked. The boric acid helps with the smell but I still have a lot of discharge. I have read a lot about the folic acid so I am going to get some tomorrow and start trying that. I have literally spent over 1000 dollars on different medicines and doctor visits trying to cure this and nothing has worked. I will let you all know if the folic acid works for me. I have faith that one day I will get rid of this. I have also been depressed about it and have cried. Stay strong ladies."
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