Cure Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) Questions
*Ted, an independent contributor, offers 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 Ted or 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.
NEED HELP WITH BACTERIAL VAGINOSIS AND TINEA VERSICOLOR
07/21/2011: Shaune from Charlotte, North Carolina, Usa writes: "Hello Ted-
So, with that said I could use your advice on this chronic, life changing matter. I have been suffering from BV for at least five years. I have had it even when I was not sexually active, I am currently monogamous with the boyfriend and I continue to get BV. I have tried all the suggestions and they work very temporarily, peroxide, providone, boric acid, tea tree oil, garlic, colloidal silver etc... and I think if another doctor tells me to wear cotton panties, wipe from front to back, wash with unscented soap I might go postal.
I also have tinea versicolor which is a fungus, its on my back and face, I thought maybe I was full of fungus, candidia or something and maybe it contributes to the BV. Research says this affects a large number of Black American women between 18-45, I am 36 and fall in this category.
I know everyone says its not transmitted sexually but I can't comprehend that anymore. The most recent bit of information I have come across was talking about using Nifuratel to treat both men and women because of a bacteria/ microorganism, named Atopobium vaginae from this link http://www.sumobrain.com/patents/wipo/Use-nifuratel-to-treat-infections/WO2010121980.html
Basically I just wanted to know if you knew anything about this and if you had any suggestions to cure this problem or if you could point me in a new direction.
Thanks Ted"
07/21/2011: Shaune from Charlotte, North Carolina, Usa replies: "
Hi again, I just thought about it and I should also say that my docotor believes that I may have PCOS, I display many of the symptoms except the abnormal periods, they come like clock work. I have never had an abnormal pap and I feel like my displayed symtoms of PCOS, BV, Tinea Versicolor are all related and I dont know how they are related or how to link them together. I have lost about 15 pounds recently, I take probiotics, recently taking iron but from what I have read on here probably not enough and tried lots of things so I want to address the cause but I dont know the cause. There is an imbalance somewhere I just need help, thanks Ted."
08/11/2011: Muncha from Brooklyn, Ny replies: "I am really surprised that the peroxide folic acid and probiotics didn't work for you. I did it about a year ago for about a month and have been a whole year with no return of this awful monster. I did do something differently that I haven't seen much in the other posts. I took a tampon and dipped it into distilled water with the probiotics mixed in then inserted it into my vagina at night. I took the probiotics and folic acid religiously and probably took more than I should have but I swear to you I've never been better down there. There is no smell whatsoever, hardly any discharge (only hormonal discharge like right before my period or when ovulating). No more abdominal pain... I'm super happy after finding this website!"
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NO BACTERIAL VAGINOSIS REMEDIES WORKING
07/18/2010: Frustrated In Los Angeles from Los Angeles, Ca, Usa writes: "Hello Ted,
I have a vaginal problem that I have had for a year now and I've tried everything and nothing works. I have a cloudy discharge9694f6 and I smell of sex. The smell seems to be coming from deep within. Even when I have not had sex for weeks. I have gone to the doctor. I have no STD's and my pap came back normal. The doctor said it was a BV infection. The doctor gave me antibiotics three different times and nothing has worked. I have tried homeopathic pellets. The first one I tried was Sepia 6c then Kreosotum 6c then Hepar sulphuris calcareum 6c when that didn't work I tried the 30c of the Hepar. I also tried the Borax 9c pellets. Still nothing worked. I have tried yogurt. Yogurt will work for about a day or two. I came across Earth Clinic and saw the H202 douche 1/2 water, Acidophilus 2 vaginally 2 orally and Folic Acid 1 a day remedy. I started that three weeks ago. Again that worked for a couple of days and now the smell is back. I'm hoping you can help. I do not have insurance and cannot afford another doctor visit and more tests. In fact my doctor is frustrated with me and wants to refer me to a gynocologist."
01/18/2012: Liz from Rwg , Mn replies: "Oregano oil? I have not heard of this one before. I too am extremely frustrated and at my wits end with BV. I have also tried several of the remedies noted in the blogs. I am now using a VH essential douch with iodine 2 acidophis in morning - two folic acids in morning - 2 BV essentials capsules in the afternoon - two more folic acids in the afternoon and the douche. Really...? I know, it is ridiculous!!!!"
05/08/2011: Ikatcure from Hamden, Ct, Uas replies: "I tired hydrogen peroxide along with the probiotics and foilc acid to no avail. I was just completely dried out and the symptoms came back with a vengence even after 3 weeks of treatment. I used oregano oil orally and topically(although it says on the bottle not to use it vaginally).After 2 weeks of a couple of drops a day orally a few times a day and 1 drop vaginally twice a day for 7 days then once a day for another 7 days I'm bv free for the first time in 3 years. I know it's probably inadvisable to use this oil vagininally because it does sting a lot! It was the only thing that worked for me. I used plain yogurt vaginally to help reestablish the lactobacillis in the area although I read online that oregano oil does not kill the lactobacialls but I don't know if this is true.
You can buy this at healthfood stores or online if you want to try. Good luck
"
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HYDROGEN PEROXIDE
06/14/2009: Keylime from New York, NY writes: "Urinary Tract Infections (UTI) are caused by bacteria that are normally found around the anus...douching can DEFINITELY cause UTIs because sometimes those bad bacteria get pushed into the vagina during the douching process. UTIs are not caused by hydrogen peroxide."
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IS HAVING A HYSTERECTOMY RELATED TO RECURRING BV?
01/16/2009: Angela from Fayetteville, NC writes: "I just wanted to pose a simple question, have any of the women here ever had a Hysterectomy, because I have and I just wanted to know if it is somehow related to the bv coming back?"
03/06/2010: Enit4u from Fayetteville, Nc replies: "Just wanted you to know coincidentally I am here in Fayetteville too. I also had a hysterectomy and have the same problem. I am in constant search for answers. I was just put on a vicious regimen of Metrogel for 6 months(eww) combined with 10 days of Flagyl to begin with. We'll see, but gosh this is getting annoying."
12/20/2011: Taymay from Cedar Hill, Texas replies: "I have had BV since my mid 20's and I'm 45 now. I also still had it after my hysterectomy. I've tried every prescription you can think of. Now, I have opted for more natural cures because I'm tired of wasting my money. The natural cures are working for me too."
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CAN BACTERIAL VAGINOSIS CAUSE AN ABNORMAL PAP?
09/19/2008: Shell from Taluride, CO writes: "Hi ladies -
Does anyone know if BV causes an abnormal pap? I don't want to go back for another pap as long as I have this BV. I'm going to try your suggestion of Folic Acid today. Thank you."
09/21/2008: Joyce from Joelton, Tn replies: "Answer to question on BV causing an abnormal pap: Any kind of inflammation or infection will cause an abnormal pap. The report will probably return with inflammation of cervix diagnosis. For any of you who get one of these, altogether too often the doctor will suggest having a D & C for it. Please tell them that you prefer to treat the inflammation instead. There is more money involved when a D & C is done than with treatment of inflammation and medicine is going for what pays him the most money."
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HOW LONG SHOULD YOU TAKE BV REMEDIES FOR?
09/16/2008: Pat from Linden, MI writes: "Bacterial Vaginosis: Can you please tell me if you just use the Hydrogen peroxide, folic acid. acidopilis pills and probiotics just until symptoms disappear, or do you take them forever?"
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BACTERIAL VAGINOSIS QUESTIONS
07/09/2008: JStep from Darien, Ct writes: "Please post this question on the site
I only have a question that I hope the family can help with regarding BV. I have suffered with BV for several long in sufferable years. Besides the smell and discharge what an interference and inconvenience in a married couple's life. Anyway tried telling my doctor that the constant antibotic this past year have stopped working and perhaps I need to build the healthy environment in my vaginal area he looked quizzical at me. Fast forward today - I too stumbled across this site. What a God send. Helpful but before I try these remedies I have several questions (hopeful not stupid questions):
If you use hydrogen perioxde how much should be used?
How long to soak?
If you use yogurt inserts how do you insert it?
Should my husband be treated? If so, should he see a doctor? Can he use any of these natural remedies.
If using ACV how much to use? Someone posted that they rinse but are they inserting it internally via the vagina or some other way? Finally I guess no intercourse during the rehabiliation stage. If so, how long to abstain? Sorry for the dumb questions but I am so excited to have found help."
11/05/2010: Jessicab from Lee, Florida, Usa replies: "Hi I was wondering if you had any answers to your own questions. They are the same as mine. It would be vary helpful for a first time BV patient. Thanks jess"
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SIDE EFFECTS FROM HYDROGEN PEROXIDE FOR BV
06/28/2008: Sarah from New Orleans, LA writes: "I have a question? I'm doing 1600mcg of folic acid in the morning and 8oomcg at night and probiotic (50 billion) 1 in the morning and one at night for BV. I also tried the 50/50 peroxide/water solution for 2 days and straight peroxide for one.I think it's working. my question is regardless of how I use the peroxide I feel dry and kind of sticky shortly after using it, how do I stop that from happening?"
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QUESTION ABOUT THE YOGURT METHOD FOR BV
06/24/2008: Kandace from Washington, District of Columbia writes: "I've suffered from BV for years. Atleast 6 years. Ive mainly tried the medications that the doctor prescribed for me and it works for the moment but comes right back. My doctor told me to eat lots of yogurts with the live cultures in it and to also inject plain yogurt into my vaginal area. My problem is how much plain yogurt do I inject and how often. I havent really tried this but it seems to be working for other people. I think I would like to give it a try. I had no clue that there were so many people out there like me. Thank you all"
03/08/2010: Kelly from South Boston, Virginia replies: "To answer your question about the yogurt you dont have to insert it. Take a tampon soak it with yogurt and lay down for 3 hours or so every night then take it out!! Do this for about a week....also you can take a tampon applicator and fill it up meaning lay down and pour the yogurt in to applicator and let it drain into your VaJayJay!!! Hope that helps"
03/12/2011: Aab from Gm, Nb, Canada replies: "How long does it take the yogurt to drain out again?? I did apple-cider vinegar, peroxide, acidophilus capsule, & yogurt, for 4 nights. I got really excited because it seemed to make a difference right away. However, a couple of days after stopping, I have discharge again. How long can I convince myself it's just the yogurt finding its way out?
Unfortunately, this great remedy appears to have NOT WORKED. I am very disappointed."
03/12/2011: Diamond from Salisbury, Mass. replies: "I don't think any thing is an over night remedy, it needs regular work and possibly more foot work(search) to see what else might work for you. There are so very many options and in my own opinion it's better than conventional meds. Which made my conditions worse. Keep trying & searching and good luck"
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FOLIC ACID AND PEROXIDE DOUCHE
03/24/2008: Ace from El Paso, TX writes: "I have been suffering from BV for five years now. Every time I go to the doc they give me Metronidizole and it goes away for a few weeks or until I have sex again. It is so frustrating and I find it comforting to find other women who are going through the same thing. I am now just recently married and am rather embarrassed that I have to tell my husband about all this. He doesn't seem to understand or sympathize with it. And it is taking a told on our sex life. I had started taking Nature's way Primadophalis optima 35 billon CFUs the last time I got bv. I took the meds the doc gave me and then started on the probiotic. It was working well and I thought finally it was gone forever. Well I stopped taking the probiotic and sure enough about two months later here came bv walking in the door again. So as I said I went to the doc again and got the meds. I'm going to use the meds start my probiotic again and try the whole folic acid and peroxide douch thing. MY ONLY ? IS HOW MANY TIMES DO I USE THE DOUCHE???????? I'm a little apprehensive about it as the doctor always strongly urges not to do any douching of any kind because is disrupts the natural bacteria in there. Well hopefully someone will answer that. In the mean time I'm going to get the folic acid and start that. I will let everyone know what happens. Thank you so much ladies for all your input and testimonial."
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B VITAMINS
10/27/2007: Sandy from Tampa, FL writes: "I've been dealing with bacterial vaginosis for a while and was put on flagyl twice within a two month span. I tried the folic acid and acidophilus cure (3 folic acid pills a day and two acidophilus pills a day). I am currently taking a Stress B Complex vitamin to maintain BV free and also to help with hives as I read that B complex vitamins help with that. My Question is if you take a B-Complex can you still take a multivitamin at the same time or could that lead to overdose? So far when I've taken the B-complex I have not taken my multi-vitamin, so I just took the B complex for five days and then switched to only Multi-vitamin and will continue to do that unless the BV comes back. Basically wondering all of the women that tried the folic acid cure and/or B complex, did you also take your multivitamin at the same time?"
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MEN WHO HAVE PARTNERS WITH BV
10/12/2007: Danielle from Cape Coral, FL writes: "I have recently been going through spurts of having BV off and on for the past 6 months.I have been to Doctor twice already, given antibotics, for it to only come back. I came across this site and I am very anxious to buy some of the products I see that have worked for other females. I want to treat my hubby as well. My question is, I have another Doctors appt coming up for my husband and myself for the same reason.. BV, ughh. Has anyone used any of the products on thier male partner, and had results?? Or any known over the counter remedy?If I can avoid the Doctor, by all means I will.. Thanks"
11/05/2010: Jessicab from Lee, Florida, Usa replies: "I was wondering if you had to treat your partner for BV as well, and if so how did you do it??? I just got diagnosed with BV and Now I worry if my fiance can give it back to me... Please help
thanks
-jess"
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GELATIN CAPSULE QUESTION
06/19/2007: Shelly from Memphis, Tennessee writes: "Can someone please help me. I have seen a lot of information about the Boric Acid suppositories (00 gelatin caps 600 mg Boric Acid), if you choose to purchase the empty gelatin caps and the Boric Acid powder to make your own suppositories how do you know how much Boric Acid to use? I hope I am not missing something and this is a stupid question. The bottle of Boric Acid I purchased came in a 12oz bottle and I purchased it via internet from a pharmacy. I hope it is the correct stuff I need. If anyone can help me I would greatly appreciate it. Thank you so very much!"
04/01/2009: J from Somewhere, USA replies: "I pulled this post from another forum for use by people here. I hope it helps.
"This plan will work, IF YOU WORK IT! You have to be serious about it and do it 100%. I even suggest taking a half day off work so that you can get everything you need to start over!
1. Throw away all underwear. The cute, the expensive, the frilly, the thongs. EVERYTHING. They are harboring bacteria from this ongoing infection and need to be tossed.
2. Throw away all douches, scented tampons, scented pads, scented panty-liners, scented wipes, scented foam, scented spray, anything scented!!! Throw away the soap you are using on your lady parts. Unless you are using an organic, glycerine, non scented soap you could be feeding this infection. Throw away loofahs, washcloths and even towels. Again, harboring bacteria. Start over.
3. Buy:
-New towels
-New washcloths (no more loofahs, they just hold the bacteria in them)
-Unscented, glycerine, organic soap. (natural food store, target, farm fresh carries it)
-Unscented tampons, panty liners (for the boric acid treatments), pads (if you wear them)
-Unscented laundry detergent and unscented fabric sheets
-Cotton underwear, no thongs. Make sure they are 100% cotton. Hanes are great.
-Yogurt (for eating)
-Bottled water (increase your intake!)
-Probiotic with atleast 10 billion bacteria (trader joe's has this) YOU MUST KEEP IT REFRIDGERATED
4. Wash your towels and underwear seperately from your other clothes and use the unscented laundry detergent and sheets. They are the only things that come in contact with that area and should be washed together and not with your other clothing.
5. Continue with the boric acid every night for 2 weeks. Up your dose of probiotics to twice a day until it stops and you can then just take one daily. You MUST continue to take the probiotic forever. Like a vitamin, they are something YOUR body needs daily to combat this infection.
6. Do your best to cut out sugar, bread and milk. They feed infection. Especially sugar.
7. Cutting meat from your diet is a no-brainer when it comes to infection. Meat is pumped full of anti-biotics and hormones which wreck havoc on our moods and bodies. Lose it or atleast, try to cut down.
8. If you own any sex toys--throw them away as they could be harboring the bacteria as well. If it is possible, put them in the dishwasher as it will sanitize them completly.
9. If you want, do the yogurt/probiotic treatment. One or two probiotic crushed and added to 2 tablespoons of un-sweeted, organic, no sugar added yogurt and insert into vagina twice daily. This was a mess for me and I couldn't really tell if it worked.
10. No more baths. Just asking for it. Haha.
11. Do not shave "down there". The hair is there for a reason, to keep out the bad. If you want to trim it, go for it. But shaving it can cause an infection and then no one will want to see it!!" -Unknown User"
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