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Cure Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)
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.
BV TIPS
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03/01/2010: No Bf No Bv from La, Ca writes: "BV STORY, 5 yrs ago I got a new boyfriend. The first time we "got naked" HE smelled, "down there" a bit nasty and slightly fishy. It was hot weather so I thought, just sweaty and didn't want to ruin the moment by telling him to wash up. This went on and I started dropping hints "it's hot, do I smell sweaty?", him: "I like hot sweaty sex", me: "yeah, you do smell a bit sweaty, maybe we should do it in the shower" I did not think that I could "catch" a "smell" I HAD NEVER IN 30 YEARS OF HAVING SEX HAD ANY INFECTIONS or bad smell.
About two months into this relationship, I started to smell just like him. I remembered reading about "trich" a fishy smelling STD (my mother taught sex ed). Looked it up and found BV as well. I told the BF that "we" should get checked. Both of us were positive for BV.
Now this is very important!
I asked my BF if his ex girlfriend (before me) had smelled, he said yes AND that he could smell this in his own urine when he peed! He was unaware (as men are, tuna jokes) that it was an infection or that it was abnormal for women to smell fishy. Clearly he had this before I got it from HIM!
I did some deep research on this. Men can and do get this, the bacteria lodges in the epithelial (skin cells) in the urethra (inside penis) also can be under foreskin. This is how you CAN get this from men. Found a dozen med studies that confirm Gardnerella in MEN, and sexual transmission to/from women.
Normally we have a balance of "good" and "bad" bacteria. The good ones Lactobacillus (acidolphillus etc.) produce, guess what?- HYDROGEN PEROXIDE! so they can usually kill off enough bad bacteria to keep 'em in check or if a few more come in. BUT if your BF drops an extra load of BAD (Gardnerella etc.) in you, THESE bad bacterias produce enzymes that split into amines that cause the stinky discharge AND they raise the pH level too high so they can live in there and the good bacteria die off because the pH is too high for them. (BV study-Baylor College of Medicine Houston TX) So you have a situation where you have been invaded by a big "army" of BAD bacteria that your normal little vag defense league can not defeat, the "bad" bacteria takes over- BV nightmare!
SO, Initially we both did the Metro pills, smell went away so we though it was gone (low level infection may not smell detectably), but no! Both of ours came back, did the Metro again. I WENT BACK FOR A RECHECK TO MAKE SURE IT WAS GONE, it was gone. MY BF didn't want the swab up his P again so he didn't go. I stupidly trusted that the second round of antibiotics had worked for him too, but NO, HE was getting smelly again, I even smell checked his pre-ejaculate and semen, fishyyyy! We went back for more metro. The stuff makes me very sick and we both (men get yeast too) got yeast infections after the 3rd round. I refused sex for 2-3 months several times and I did not get BV. It came back as soon as we did it again.
So I finally tried the HP about 2-3 ozs used a little pop top travel size squirt bottle, laying down, hips up. 1-3 minutes for 1-7 days depending on how bad you have it. THEN mix multi live probiotics (acidolphillus and ruteri etc.), break open 2 caps mix into 2-3 ozs PLAIN organic or natural yogurt without sugar or additives! in a small cup. Suck this up into empty tube part of clean plunger (from the Metrogel or whatever useless gunck you tried), don't get air in it. Then stick plunger in bottom end of tube, use a usual. Did that for 5-6 days before bed so it stays in or put ORGANIC, cotton, unscented tampon in after as "plug" for day time. Continued taking the capsules orally for a few months, and did not eat sugar! or anything with sugar in the ingredients list, avoided restaurants as you don't know what's in the food. You need to "eat" probiotics anyway because antibiotics destroy them in your gut as well as your vagina. THIS WORKED. USED CONDOMS ALWAYS at this point for nine months, and made him wash first in case it was ON him, to avoid him getting it ON the condom while putting it on! (I was not convinced that he was actually taking the antibiotics or that they would work on him) so NO BV. Then BF takes more Metro and gets checked, SAYS he's clear so no condom:
THEN I got it again and found out that BF was cheating, dropped him! NO BF for 6 months, NO BV!!!
You can get this for other reasons, I suppose, BUT YOU CAN give and GET IT FROM MEN!!!, HAVE YOUR GUY CHECKED!!!! THIS MAY BE WHY YOU KEEP GETTING IT, BACK AND FORTH OR FROM ANOTHER WOMAN VIA HIM."
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[YEA] 04/29/2009: Holly from Pensacola, FL writes: "FORGEIGN OBJECTS!!
The culprit of my BV was a dislodged little tampon that had been fermenting in my holiest of holies near my cervix for about 3 weeks. Don't ask me how it got lost, I am a totally clean, fanatic obsessive freak about my va-jay. I NEVER dry my vagina with a towel, I always wash up after sex, I don't use drugs, I am engaged so I have 1 sexual partner, I never used scented tampons, and I eat lots of yogurt and take prenatal vitamins every night because they contain a lot of folic acid. I have never douched in my life, and I never over clean the area to disturb my pH balance. Still, the funk was peeling paint off the walls. I think the odor could have killed a small child. It was like fish + egg farts.
I was self-examining myself this morning after trying every single possible remedy known to man, including antibiotics. You name it, I shoved it inside my hole. I began to get the discharge after having the inner-odor for about 4 whole days. My poor vagina probably hates me or wonders what the hell kind of weird fetish porn I've taken up. The smell was more horrid the further into my vagina I'd go. I thought I had a septic cyst! I switched soaps, tried RepHresh three times in one day. Dude, I was hopeless and beyond desperate. This morning is the second time I noticed the "frilly thing" inside of me. I thought I could have had cervical cancer. I can't believe the puss and mucous that had accumulated around the tampon I inched out of me with 1 finger. The tampon was barely recognizable anymore. I had an appointment with a gynocologist a few hours after pulling the lost tampon out, and let me tell you, he wasn't able to detect ANY sign of any infection or any odor whatsoever. That's how fast my insides healed.
I read online about women losing tampons and the exact same symptoms occurring. I just thank god I was digging around in there, otherwise the infection could have gotten a lot worse, triggering infertility and all that bad stuff. NEVER AGAIN WILL I USE TAMPONS!!! They're evil, or after 13 years, I just can't be trusted to properly use them anymore. It's not Alzheimer's and I am not a pot smoker, so my memory is presumably in tip=top shape. And now my vagina is too. NO MORE SMELL! NO MORE DISCHARGE! I AM GOING TO BE ABLE TO LOVE MY FIANCE AGAIN WITH CONFIDENCE!!!! So to all of you ladies who can't identify the source of your funk, ask yourself what you could possibly have stuck inside your you-know-where. Even clean freaks can have an accident like this."
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04/15/2009: Jane from Oakland, CA writes: "It's been over five months and I'm happy and healthy and having lots of un-smelly sex!
For over 2 and a half years I was having my own battle with BV. Starting out as an occasional after intercourse whiff it became a constant embarrassing odor that I felt that I and everyone else could smell All-The-Time. I didn't want to have sex or be intimate at all. Eight months ago I began a relationship with the man I'm going to marry this summer and I felt so unattractive I almost called the whole thing off - I felt my health was never going to come back and I was going to be stuck with this problem forever.
I tried everything that Planned Parenthood had to offer. Metro Gel, Metronidazole antibiotics and the Clindamycin cream. I relapsed after each course, sometimes to a much worse state than before the medication. In between trials of prescription medications I tried many natural cures - also with no results that made the effort worth the mess and acrobatics.
Like the time it took nearly 20 minutes to retrieve a clove of garlic which had slipped out of its cheesecloth and dentalfloss net! Or navigating the obstacle course of housemates and house pets in a mad dash to the WC as the yoghurt covered tampon decided to exit my veeg because I had been laughing so hard!
I have learned a few things during all my self experiments and apologetic conversations with the gynecologist who's got her fingers all up in there - 'sorry about the smell, nice lady, I've honestly tried everything'
First - no matter how bad it gets - Never Douche!
If you really can't help your self and feel the need to clean out the holiest of holies try this instead - hop into the shower, wash everything, especially the outside of your veeg and your hands. rinse off your fingers really well and slip one or two up there, off to one side, move them to the other side and crook them a little on the way out, rinse really really well and repeat a few times.
I did spend a bit of money on pro-biotics and I know they have worked wonders for many other ladies, but not for me. I was even popping 2 or 3 up the veeg a day to try to change the balance of my 'situation'
I Swear! I put more things up my veeg that weren't supposed to be there than ever before!
Nothing was working! I thought I was dirty - that I was unable to keep myself clean and that's why it was coming back over and over again. I thought I had some horrible disease that might have BV as a symptom and began to feel like a hypochondriac. I thought I was 'allergic' to men - or just that one man part - Nooooooo! I thought everyone else could smell me the way I could - so I started to hide out and avoid sexy situations like the plague!
I thought I was going crazy!
So I began to do some serious research into diet and Ph and acidity/alkaline balances. I was desperate! Here I was starting a relationship with a man I had been flirting with for 2 years and I hated having sex! It was awful! Yes - it was so awful it drove me to Do Research.
So - here's the Second important thing I've learned - Know Your Body. I knew I was somewhat anemic and that my diet is closely linked to my communal living situation. But I never thought that it would have such an effect on the flora of my nether land.
It was becoming obvious that adding yoghurt and pro-biotics to my diet and my inner sanctum was not the answer for me. I needed to go in another direction - so in the spirit of being a self-made lab rat I decided to take lots of drugs.
OK - it was just Folic Acid.
It worked the first day.
I purchased a generic over the counter bottle of 500 tiny little folic acid tabs for just less than 6 dollars and took 3 along with half a multi-vitiman and that did it. I take 2 or 3 nearly every day with my half vitamin - and IT has not returned.
I do notice that the smell tries to make a comeback when I have my period - blood actually changes the Ph of the veeg - but I just take a few more in the evening and it's all better.
If things aren't working for you - Start by taking a close look at your own diet - check the Ph of your veeg and find out which way you need to go to get it back to center. Check in with your diet - are you getting enough leafy greens - are you getting enough iron? - don't forget that fruit has a lot of sugar! maybe that's an issue - cut out the junk food - or yeasty processed foods - experiment on yourself! - one experiment at a time so you can keep track of what's up and remember - Don't Ever Douche!
but most important -
Get to know your own body!
Good Luck out there Ladies!
~~~~J "
11/23/2009: Merryanne from Orange City, Florida, USA replies: "To Jane in Oakland, CA,,,Thank you for explaining in a very funny way,,I think I laughed to much or I drank to much tea,,but everything turned out OK,,,but thank you for real,,and let us know how you are. Merryanne in FL"
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CHECK FOR STUCK TAMPON!
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07/30/2011: Aimee from Newport News, Virginia writes: "Ladies! I have just found the cause if what ive thought for weeks was bv. I did all the things on here, spent a couple hundred dollars on vitamins, hours researching, the horrible odor had gone away but came back. I started douching with a vengeance(peroxide) then brown almost tan tissue like stuff started ciming out when I douched! Scary. Started reading that maybe it was the bad bacteria coming out. Then watched a video on how to check yourself for a LOST TAMPON! I thought there was no way I could check myself with my short fingers but if u can!!! It was a little tricky but felt around and thats what it was!! Once I touched it and pulled on it I was certain it had to be it. It was sideways and no string. It took a little bit to tug it out and this may be gross but what finally worked for me was to stick my nail into it and pull. Mine was not black from blood but I realized that was prob bc all the crazy douching I had been doing! Nonetheless it was the source of the problem!
I never post on things like this but as horrible as that odor and discharge etc experience was, I felt I had to share! And im telling u, u really dont have to go to doc, unless maybe to make sure it hasnt caused tss. If u sit on the toilet, first slowly insert CLEAN finger as far as u can, feel around, then bear down like u are pushing out a baby or whatever and continue feeling around. You may have to use a sweeping motion or like I did and claw finger it. Its almost unmistakeable because it wont feel like part of your body. If u havent douched it will probanly be dark n smell rank im guessing. I was very skeptical bc had already had sex several times since any tampon could have gotten stuck n thought if there us one up there theres no way I'll get it out but as we all know this stuff is so awful we'll try nearly anything and I couldnt believe how easy it was."
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[SIDE EFFECTS] 01/13/2010: Lost Tampon from Wellington, Fl writes: "I recently had symptoms of BV and especially a foul smell. I tried the tampon soaked in hydrogen peroxide and took a daily dose of acidophilus pill 1 billion c.f.u. and I took 800 mg folic acid. The peroxide helped to control the smell and the pills helped reduce the discharge. However like most of the posts on this sight the symptoms kept coming back. I finally gave in and went to my Gyno.
To my surprise the problem was lost tampon syndrome. Once the tampon was removed the smell went away and after a day the discharge stopped completely. My doctor recommended a new anti-biotic on the market to treat any BV symptoms. The good news is that all is fine now. The lesson here is that you should ask your doctor to check you for a lost tampon, especially if the symptoms keep coming back. Please make sure you have yourself checked for other serious conditions before you try a self cure that might mask the symptoms and aggravate the root of the problem."
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[SIDE EFFECTS] 11/20/2009: Jo from London, Uk writes: "Bacterial Vaginosis- or so I thought!
Hello ladies, I thought I would share my experience with you. I was convinced I had BV, foul odour, smelly brown discharge and stomach cramps so depressing and embarrassing. I think this website is brilliant and wanted to try a natural remedy. I tried folic acid/ acidophilus tablets and also hydrogen peroxide douche, but with no luck. Finally decided this morning I HAD to go to the doctors for antibiotics. Then I went to the toilet for a poo, I had a bad stomach cramp and suddenly felt something solid coming out of my vagina. I thought I was having a miscarriage or something, when I looked in the toilet it was an (very) old tampon! it must have been there 5 weeks or more. I had forgotten to take it out at the end of my period. I'm so pleased I now know the source of my problem and would encourage anyone who thinks they might have BV to check they do not have a tampon stuck inside them. I am 32 years old and this has never happened to me before. I went to the doctors and got some antibiotics but the smell/discharge has gone already and I feel so much better, so I probably won't need them. HOpe this helps somone else."
Replies[SIDE EFFECTS] 11/22/2009: Billie from London, Eng replies: "About a year ago I had a foul smell coming from my vagina and after 5 or 6 weeks of douching with tea tree oil & water I went to private gyny and she pulled out an old tampon - how embarrassing and smelly too, but apparantly quite a common occurance. Now months on, I have a musky smell and feeling of being damp, although my vagina is actually too dry. Doing all the right things.. folic acid, zinc, vit B, acidophillus, H202, etc (all thanks to wonderful EC). Ive just turned 50 and thinking I might need HRT/oestrogen cream down there so I dont get irritated during sex. I enjoy sex with my partner but am starting to spend more time worrying about my vag than 'luving him' during our imtimacy. Anyone know anything about ATROPHIC VAGINOSIS?? x"
11/23/2009: Sunsitara from San Juan, Puerto Rico - U.s.a replies: "Check for candida. Sometimes this could be a symptom. In the meantime,reduce your refined sugar intake and everything refined that converts into sugar like white flour. Candida flourish and grow nicely in a sweet "media" Try to be in a good PH level. Acid PH makes us prone to inflammation and disease. Mucus membranes are very susceptible to these changes in PH. Search for information about food that makes us acid or make us alkaline.The equilibrium is HEALTH."
[SIDE EFFECTS] 11/24/2009: Lyn from Huntsville, Oh replies: "Boy, I know how embarrasing that is. I have always been very , very particular about vaginal odor. I started to smell something one day in a store and I thought it was the lady beside me. As I walked through the store, I continued to smell it and when I got in the car, it was overpowering in that small space. I wernt home and douched immediately with a medicated douche. The next day and the next I had to miss work because of a fever of 103 degrees. I was douching 2-3 times a day, but the smell remained. Finally I felt like there was something inside of me and when I went to the toilet and strained, a tampon fell out of me. It was so disgusting. I immediately douched with the medicated douche twice, took some antibiotics and aspirin and felt like new the next morning. i thought later I may have had TSS and didn't know it."
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COCONUT OIL
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[YEA] 02/21/2010: Corinna from London, England writes: "Here is an easy and fast remedy for bacterial vaginosis, which is relatively harmless but very smelly 'down there'. Simply put some virgin coconut oil in and around the vagina. The smell will be gone within hours but keep it going for a few days to make sure the infection is gone."
Replies02/27/2010: Hopefultay from Hammond, La, Us replies: "Does this really work? I went to the Dr. for my regular check-up and I was told I had BV. Took some antibiotics and now I have thrush. I wish I would have found this site sooner!"
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COLLOIDAL SILVER
12/21/2008: Lisa from Miami, fl USA writes: "I've been reading alot of the posts and I didn't know a lot of the remedies would work for BV, I thought they would work for only yeast such as yogurt? Also, has anyone heard of using collodial silver or garlic for BV?"
Replies02/05/2009: Sheronketa from Atlanta, Georgia replies: "I read that it works on another website. Also there are women on earth's clinic that say they have used it. Garlic is going the have to be one of my very last options but if all else fails what the heck. I'd try if it works."
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CONDOM BRANDS
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[YEA] 10/27/2011: Cristal from Springfield, Ma writes: "When I was younger I used to get BV all the time. It took me about 3 years to figure out what was contributing to the problem. It was the condoms we were using. Started using trojan and never had another one for about 8 years. Recently a different brand was used and..... I now have it again! This may not help everyone but it dosent hurt to try."
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DETOX
10/18/2011: Vcd from Chicago, Il writes: "Ladies... I did a 13 day detox program, which basically meant no solid foods. Only water, teas, homade soups with organic veggies. The first week was a struggle but what I noticed was no smelly bowel movements, a very pink tongue, bright skin, no vaginal discharge. I lost 12 lbs. Here was the conclusion I made. Its the food we eat that is causing all of the problems in our body. Acidophilus works when you take 4 -8 caps a day. Lysine helps too. There is a product at Walgreens that is great. Comes in a gel and on a tampon. Kills the odor while balancing your PH in your vagina. Drinking TONS of water keeps the smell in check. Stop drinking pop, juice and SUGAR is the biggest culprit. If you don't beleive me. Do a 7 day detox and watch the symptoms go away..."
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DIAGNOSING BV
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[QUESTION] 11/30/2009: As1990 from Swink, Colorado, United States writes: "I have been suffering from what i think is BV for about a year now. However, the only symptom i have is the foul fishy smell :( I have no discharge, itching, or pain but the smell is enough to make me desperate. I'm not sexually active. I have also tried folic acid and acidophilus, but there was no change. Do i have a mild case of BV because there is no discharge,etc. or does anyone know of something else it could be?"
Replies11/14/2011: Nikkii from Bristol, Ri replies: "Hi Vcd from Chicago, Il.... You said you did a 13 day detox program and it cured you BV! Thats great do you think you could give us more information for how to do that detox program. I've have tried everything to get rid of BV and my reoccurent yeast infections and nothing has worked so I'll try anything now! Thanks!"
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DIETARY CHANGES
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02/06/2011: Lionaess from Healthier, Usa writes: "Any combination of these treatments can be quite beneficial in treating/battling bv. Once you find a combo that works for you, keep with it and maybe even alternate. However none it will be very effective in the long run if you dont change your diet-and fast! The candida diet is best to follow, HOWEVER, it is impossible (and very unhealthy) to avoid sugar altogether. Sugars to definitely avoid are refined sugars. Now this includes all the 'good' stuff we ladies love to indulge in. You really must do your research as refined sugars are are in more typical grocery store products than you probably think there are.
The candida diet advises to avoid fruit, sweet potatoes, etc. But after becoming emaciated I realized this was not correct either. Keeping a well balanced blood sugar level is extremely important. My strong advice is to eat as natural and organic as possible. Processed foods I.E. Canned, boxed, preserved are a no-no. Yes this means pastas, chocolates, ground meats, deli meats, sodas, moldy foods such as cheese, Alcohol, yes I said alcohol, YEAST IS A DEFINITE NO, yes this includes just about all bread. No cakes, cookies, sodas, sugary juices, if you can't pronounce the ingredients you probably shouldn't have it. I know, I know but I assure you not all hope is lost. Yes it is an adjustment and definite lifestyle shift. After much research I've learned there is a lot you can have AND ENJOY! I've learned how to make my own cakes and desserts, breads - all much much less difficult and time consuming than you might think.. And much much healthier. Elanaspantry.com has a wealth of dessert recipes that have truly saved my life (Love You Elana! ) Keep in mind, raw unpastuerized honey and agave I find are ok in moderation. I also use Earth Balance soy free butter when I must have it. Goats milk cheese (aged less than 3 months) when I must have cheese. So Delicious coconut milk ice cream (vanilla bean or vanilla mini bars) when I must have ice cream (you can also make your own) Ezekiel bread when I must have bread."
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01/04/2011: June from Kc, Ks writes: "Hi Earth Clinic family,
Just wanted to share my experience in the ongoing saga of bacterial vaginosis... And fibromyalgia. I've been working with a nutritionist for the past year and was told I needed to go on a very low-carb, gluten-free diet because my blood sugar was consistently too high. I was already eating very small amounts of carbohydrates, but did have the occasional cheat food, be it corn chips or fast-food. But now that I've eliminated pretty much every grain source and excess sugar source I've noticed some big differences.
First of all, my BV symptoms are greatly reduced. When I watch what I eat carefully I don't have near the itchy discharge I normally have. I've even had a few days where I felt "normal" again in the vag department, and I've been dealing with this problem for several years now. I have also noticed a huge reduction in body pain. Every morning my body was super stiff and sore. I quit doing my morning yoga because I hurt so much. This body pain has a lot to do with not digesting properly, according to my nutritionist, and poor digestion has everything to do with fibromyalgia, which I was diagnosed with 20 years ago. Anyway, the low-carb diet is not exactly fun but it is good to notice some things are better. I do recommend working with a nutritionist, though, someone specifically who works with a theory designed on the work of the man who created the MRI machine. Otherwise, you will get the herbal version of an MD and as we have established here the medical community seems to be at a loss for solving this problem. If you ask the nutritionist about the MRI theory and they don't have a clue what you are talking about, find someone else. Or email me if you want the name of mine. Dmd19tfd(at)yahoo(dot)com
Basically, carbs I am limiting myself to include white potatoes and white rice with meat and a low-carb veg like raw carrot. (My nutritionist said white rice is ok because with improper digestion you are eliminating the brown rice hulls which would stay in your intestinal tract and ferment. ) I drink a lot of orange juice, which is really important for your liver - it needs the glucose. I can also have a little 70% dark chocolate. I eat meat as clean as I can find it and probably consume about 90% organic foods. I eat lots of coconut oil and coconut milk. NO GMOs!!! No beans. :(
There is a lot involved in my program, but these are the basics of the diet in how it reflects on my BV and fibro symptoms. I hope it helps someone else. Incidentally, folic acid, which helps many of us with the itching, also regulates blood sugar. And I have since learned that the BV bugs (bad bacteria) are living in the small intestine and actually migrate to the vagina where they wreak so much havoc."
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11/29/2010: Cici from Orlando, Fl writes: "First off I want to say that I hope every woman is making sure what she has is BV before trying different things. I came to this site a year ago when I began to experience intense itching, swelling, yellow discharge with an odor, and burning. I did research on the computer thinking that I had a yeast infection, that wasn't it, then thinking I had BV, that wasn't it.
Finally I went to the gynecologist and found out I had Trichomonas the whole time. I was ashamed and embarassed but we make mistakes and I have definitely learned from them. A couple of things I tried from this site did help my symptoms but obviously didn't cure it. I was prescribed Tindamax back in July and was cured finally. I thought the nightmare was over. What brings me back today is I definitely think I have either BV or a yeast infection this time because I have had no sexual encounters after treatment and ever since my nightmare began last year. So basically I haven't had sex since October 2009. What I am experiencing right now is just itching that is annoying. I could be irritated from shaving recently and maybe the new body wash I'm using but I dont know.
Things I've tried in the past are acidophilus, folid acid, grapefruit seed extract, olive leaf extract, pau d arco tea, goldenseal/echinacea, vitamin c, vitamin A&D, no yeast diet. The questions I have today after reading more is how can I alkalize my body more? I realize I eat alot of carbs, meat, pretty much things that are probably making my body more acidic. I do eat spinach, carrots, lettuce salads, can vegetables. I probably haven't been eating enough vegetables though. What things have you all been eating? It's really hard for me to eliminate carbs but I really want to get my body back balanced. What type of acidophilus have you tried? I've been buying the CVS brand with 100millCFU. I don't think it's enough. If there's any suggestions you have can someone please email me. I'm determined to not have another vagina problem again if I can help it."
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[YEA] 12/16/2008: Di from Brooklyn , NY writes: "Hello ladies, ive been suffering from BV for some time myself. The reason for this bacteria occurrence is the pH imbalance in your vagina. I've noticed that a lot of you are recommending the hydrogen peroxide, it is a good way to get rid of the bacteria but dont over use it. It still is an acid and eventually could cause other complications because it strips away you vaginal walls. For starters what you all should do is try to change you diet. SUGAR IS A BIG NO!! sugar will prevent Lactobacillus species from growing. You should also try to eat more grain and less refined flour foods like white bread and pasta. If you have whole foods in your area or a Russian store you can get kefir, it is cultured milk and a natural probiotic. Try to incorporate kefir into your daily diet. Acidophilus will cure the infection but its up to you to keep it from coming back. Your diet is the key to keeping the pH balance in order. it took me about 2 months with just cutting out sugars and drinking cultured milk to get rid of the infection. I didnt use acidophilus or douches, just kept what i eat under control. Maybe itll help you too."
Replies12/17/2008: TLN from FL replies: "I was interested in what you said about the hydrogen peroxide striping away the vaginal walls. I used hydro perx for a yeast infection (at full strength) and now cannot have sex at all. It burns so bad, I can't stand it. It feels like a chemical burn and I'm wondering if it was the hyro peroxide. It's been long enough now that it should have healed. I'm worried it may be vulvodynia possibly. Anything you could think of that I could do to help or any thoughts/suggestions would be appreciated."
12/18/2008: TLN from Any, FL replies: "revising previous post: I googled to find out more and it's not vulvodynia, because this condition is on the outside of the vagina and somtimes near the opening NOT on the inside. My condition is on the inside ONLY. Anyone that has thoughts or suggestions, please respond. Thanks"
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DOUCHE, FOLIC ACID, ACIDOPHILUS
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[YEA] 10/31/2011: Mrs T. from Augusta, Ga writes: "I truly want to thank each and every lady that posted on this site about bacterial vaginosis. I truly though that I was an anomoly or something. I have been dealing with this problem for a little over 10 years and what this website have done for me in one day had me in tears. I felt like my womanhood had been snatched from my body. But THANK GOD for leading me to read the testimonies.
Box of Douche- $1.49
Acidolphilus- $7.00
Folic Acid- $5.39
Getting my womanhood back- PRICELESS
Thank You."
Replies11/01/2011: Timh from Louisville, Usa replies: "Mrs T., I have read where some N.D. 's recomend Povidone Iodine prior to the acidophilus, especially in persistent cases, as the iodine cleans house for the friendly bacteria to better make their home."
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E COLI CAUSED
02/10/2012: Laura from Central, Va writes: "I enjoy reading all the stuff about BV but when the metronidazole didn't work my doc grew out a vaginal culture and found that I not only had the regular BV, I had vaginal E coli causing mine. Keflex didn't work.
BV from E coli doesn't stink but I am such bad discomfort sometimes I have to soak in the tub or I cry and I swell up terrible and I can never wear pants or underware for that matter so I am stuck in a long skirt without panties and that isn't my style.
I am having the best luck with oil of oregano 4 times per day by mouth put it in a veggie cap and only buy the pure expensive stuff and goldenseal vaginal suppositories however it is a very slow road and it seems if I stop or slow down one or the other bam I am sore again. No sex for almost 2 months just hurts too much and I also am taking refrigerated probiotics twice a day on an empty stomach and lots of Vit C.
Is there anyone out that that has battled BV caused by Ecoli and how did they get rid of it?
Thanks sore, sad, and going insane in Va."
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ELIMINATE CAFFEINE
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[YEA] 02/06/2009: Kay from Sunny, CA writes: "I tried not eating any yeast made foods, no pasta, breads, etc and tried folic acid, b12, acv but nothing worked. The doctors I went to visually thought I had BV or an STD but the test results were always negative. I googled and found that coffee can cause BV, yeast infection, migraines, balance problems and dizziness, I had all those issues. I quit drinking coffee including decaf and caffeine products. No more BV! voila!"
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FLAGYL
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10/13/2009: Jlbnj from Millville, New Jersey writes: "Omg..I am so happy I found this site. I have been dealing with bv for a couple years now and it is the worst! I haven't tried the remedies yet because I just found this site. I went to the my dr once again with bv and once again she gave me flagyl. I'm going to take it and start the remedy tomorrow. After that I'm done with the antibotics. Well thanx for the advice ladies and wish me luck"
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[YEA] 11/12/2006: Chrissy from LA writes: "i have BV and i have been suffering with this for almost five years and i have tried everything their is to tried garlic, vinegar, and yogurt. i went to the doctor and he gave me flagyl 500mg for seven days and on the six day it finally started to work so i went back and got it for seven more days and now i feel great. But while taking these tablets, do not take a bath take a shower and use dove soap. i got three more days on the meds but the smell is gone and i am happy to share this to the world."
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FOLIC ACID
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09/30/2011: Grace from Irvine, Ca, United States writes: "I had my first encounter with BV around May right after I got off of birth control. At first it just started with little to no odor and then each month it progressively got worse. I researched online and bought some brand name vaginal gel that only masked the condition. Took brand name probiotic pills, but they werent refrigerated or anything so that didnt work. I thought it was yeast infection so I stuck anti fungal creams but that did not help.
Then I went to the doctor and got diagnosed as BV and prescribed flagyl. That worked for two weeks and it came back. I tried the yogurt on a tampon method but that didnt really help. Not too long ago I had to get some blood tests done for work and found out I was anemic as I was always tired, no appetite, and weak (symptoms of anemia). I was researching anemia and it said to take folic acid pills for iron deficiency. I went and bought folic acid pills, took two 400 mcg pills and few hours later the smell is surely but slowly going away."
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[BETTER BUT NOT CURED] 03/31/2010: Nurse14 from Tallahassee, Florida writes: "Hi I was so desperate for help with BV. I have been a nurse for years and had seen doctors prescribe Flagyl for women only to have them return or call saying that they still had problem after taking the medicine. I had not had a problem with this until I started taking in alot of caffeine and sugary drinks to stay awake during late shifts at work. I was at my wits end and I found this site. I tried the peroxide douche, acidophillus, yogurt, and folic acid, and I have to be honest the only thing that has continued to work for me is taking 800mg of Folic Acid daily and thats it. The douche only worked for a day and I don't promote douching, and inserting yogurt vaginally was just to messy. As for the acidophillus I really didn't see where it was helping at all. As long as I take the folic acid I'm fine [knock on wood]. I am grateful for all the brave women who told their stories. So here's mine I hope it helps someone defeat this smelly monster."
Replies[NAY] 04/06/2010: Chany2198 from Syracuse, Ny replies: "I have been taking 800 mcg of folic acid, vit D 3, and my prenantal and it is not helping at all so I am confused as to why so many women are saying it is their cure. I think the odor as gotten much worse since. I tried inserting the folic acid vaginally and that is not helping either. I am so deseprate for a cure. I am so sick of turning down my husband because I dont want him to smell me."
04/06/2010: Rs from San Francisco, Ca replies: "NO, NO........You need to be taking an acidophilus probiotic, at least 50 billion strength along with at least 1600mcg of folic acid.................you DO NOT insert folic acid into your vagina!! You can insert the acidophilus probiotic into your vagina or do liquid acidophilus douches. What helped me from this site (and I just finished doing my regimen right now). I douche with 1/4 cup of 3% hydrogen peroxide mixed with 1/4 cup of distilled water. Then douche with 1/2 cup of distilled water to rinse your vagina. Then I douche with 1/4 cup of liquid acidophilus. Tonight I also inserted 2 acidophilus probiotic capsules (5 billion each) because Im having a flare up of my BV from having sex over the weekend. This is a regimen that you will have to do for the rest of your life or until there is a cure for BV. There is NO CURE for BV right now. This combination of things will certainly give you instant relief and the smell will be gone instantly after the hydrogen peroxide douche. You can do it nightly until you feel better, but dont stop totally because it will come back. It always comes back no matter what you do. This is not a cure, just relief and it is a miracle that saved my sex life and my life. You also want to take a B-12 vitamin because folic acid deprives your body of B-12. Its all worth the time and money for relief. Trust me.
Step 1- BEFORE BEDTIME- douche with 1/4 cup 3% hydrogen peroxide mixed with 1/4 cup of distilled water.
Step 2- douche with 1/4 cup of distilled water to rinse vagina.
Step 3- OPTIONAL BUT GIVES RELIEF- douche with 1/4 cup of liquid acidophilus
Step 4- OPTIONAL BUT A GOOD IDEA- insert 1-2 capsules of probiotic acidophilus (made especially for vaginal health) before bedtime.
Step 5- take a probiotic acidophilus capsule (at least 50 billion especially for vaginal health) along with at least 1600mcg of folic acid and a B-12 vitamin.
You will have relief in an hour or 1-2 days. Every woman is different. You have to find the right combination for you. I took me 7 months to get my combination down pat and I douche 3-4 nights a week and you MUST take the probiotic, folic acid and B-12 EVERY DAY. Do not stop or it will come back. DO NOT STOP."
05/03/2010: Chany2198 from Syracuse, Ny replies: "I am not sure that I can take Probiotic acidophilus since I am breastfeeding. I asked the pharmasist and she cannot say if it safe or not. I take pre-natals and I heard that taking folic acid for long term use is not good for you. I have been using betadine douches but it is so darn expensive but it does work."
05/03/2010: Bibi from Nashville, Tn Usa replies: "Go to the grocery store and buy some extra virgin coconut oil. I buy coconut oil at my local grocer. I put some in a separate jar at home to use on my body. I cleared up a yeast infection in record time with it (applying directly to the vagina). The itching stopped almost immediately and, within 48 hours, it was gone. Of course, I kept applying the coconut oil daily for a few months. Also, I knew somebody with your problem (BV) and recommended coconut oil to her, and it worked. Good luck. "
05/13/2010: Tis from Ny, Ny replies: "hello Ladies, my heart goes out to all of you who suffere from BV. I know what it is, what is does, because I suffered for two years untill I came to this web site.
1) Pls do not douche.
2) Take any probiotice with at least a million acidophilus and the folic acid daily. I'd recommend 2 folic and two acidophilus twice daily for one week and once daily after.
It works. Trust me, you will be free from this ailment and I recommend you keep taking both from time to time. Eat healthy as well, lots of broccoli and avocados.
My very best wishes Ladies."
05/14/2010: Mel from Sydney, Nsw Australia replies: "Hi Tis, I took your advice, didnt douche and I STILL take 2 x Acidophilis and 2 x F/Acid and I still have feral white discharge. No more smell though. I've had this problem since April (well I've had BV on and off since 2007) and I am sick of spending money at the Drs and getting useless antibiotics that cause MORE discharge!"
06/11/2010: Chany2198 from Syracuse, Ny replies: "Just because this worked for you does not mean it will work for everyone. Sounds like it did not work for the lady who did try it. Now where do you find the live one million acidophilus?"
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[SIDE EFFECTS] 08/04/2009: Mo from Colorado Springs, Co writes: "I started taking the folic acid first. Within the first day I got diarrhea and within five days I was sick to my stomach. Has anyone ever heard of side effects from folic acid?"
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[YEA] 08/02/2009: Stella from Atlanta, Ga writes: "i would like to give hope to my fellow ladies afflicted with this terrible terrible "thing". I'd reached rock bottom.literally. BV robs you of all yourself esteem, you feel unclean, unlovable, the whole business is just disgusting.
then i came across this site and from the information on natural remedies i tried folic acid supplements(800 mcg) and multivitamin B12 supplements as well to offset any deficiency.i take 1 tablet of the folic and 1 of the multivitamins per day.i have taken these for 7 days now though the BV subsided after the first dose.
i keep up with the folic to make sure this thing does not rear its head again and grind my life to a halt. i hope sharing my story helps someone out there. i do have a few questions though:my multivitamins also indicate that they have folic acid 400mcg.so my total intake is 1200 mcg per day.i think this might be a little too much especially considering that the monster aka BV is no more. is it okay to do away with the Folic supplements and stick to the multivits which have folic acid? will this be enough to keep BV at bay?
...Oh, incase i didnt make it clear.Folic acid cured that BV. i refuse to call it my BV.its not mine , i dnt own it , i sure as ** dont want it. all the best :)"
01/21/2011: Ladyb from Reston, Virgina replies: "You cannot overdose on folic acid, your body flushes out the excess. I currently take a vitamin with 400 mg, my BV is still on. I would stick to what your doing if it works. I'm going to try it myself. I hope this works b/c I'm sick of this condition."
10/13/2011: Thsh967 from Union City, Nj replies: "For me, BV gets worse after sex, so this past weekend, it was flaring really bad. Actually, it got to the point that my sister could smell it, and she told me because it smelled like really bad fish. So yesterday I went to the Pharmacy and got 800 mcg of Folic Acid, Probiotics, VH Essentials for BV. Once I took the Folic Acid and Rephresh Probs, the smell lessened. When I got home that evening, I did the VH Essentials and the smell went away completely. By this time yesterday, I could smell it through my clothes, now, I can't smell it at all. I just hope it stays that way for the whole day. I've been trying to resolve this issue with the Probs a month before, and it seemed to work, but always came back. So maybe with this combination, there's a better chance that it might stay away."
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[QUESTION] 06/18/2009: Julie from Los Angeles, CA, USA writes: "BV and Folic Acid - I have also been SUFFERING with BV for about a year, after a new relationship (still in the same relationship) and have had several treatments with Flagyl. Worked the first time, but not after that. I am also taking Probiotics in hopes that it will work but it hasn't. It did at first but once I had sex it came back! I have a doctor's appt tomorrow. I am going to buy some Folic Acid. Question: do we need any particular dosage or kind? Can we take antibiotics along with the folic acid and pro biotics? I AM DESPERATE. It's making me very depressed. Thanks"
Replies[YEA] 08/10/2009: Mel from Kobe, Hyogo, Japan replies: "In reply to Julie - I was in a very similar situation and tried multiple remedies. The only thing that worked was the folic acid - I recommend you start using it immediately if you haven't already!! It won't interfere with the probiotics and in my opinion the antibiotics are a waste of time!! I took about 1200mg the first couple of days with a vitamin b supplement and then decreased to 800mg. I've since stopped taking the folic acid, and haven't had it back again. Thank god!! BV is sooo nasty and embarrassing and I feel for anyone that is suffering with it."
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