Bacterial Vaginosis
Natural Remedies

Hydrogen Peroxide for Bacterial Vaginosis

| Modified on Mar 09, 2024

We all know, or at least have heard, of the miracle cure hydrogen peroxide. But, when it comes to treating sensitive issues like bacterial vaginosis, we're likely all a little skeptical. However, we've discovered that hydrogen peroxide is such a safe, effective remedy it is often passed down through families. So, you can safely count bacterial vaginosis as another win for the hydrogen peroxide hero of health and try it for yourself.

What Is the Issue?

While many of us don't like to talk about vaginal health issues, the truth is they exist and they are relatively common. Bacterial vaginosis, like a number of other vaginal issues, is often caused by common sexual practices, such as douching. The condition is caused by an imbalance of bacteria in the vagina that results in inflammation and often a foul odor.

How Can I Naturally Treat Bacterial Vaginosis?

When it comes to treating sensitive parts of our bodies, we are even more concerned about treating them naturally and effectively. BV can very easily be treated utilizing a variety of methods, but one of the most effective is hydrogen peroxide.

How Does It Work?

Hydrogen peroxide is a natural disinfecting agent. The treatment functions to eliminate the bad bacteria in the body, which, in turn, allows the body to restore the natural levels of good bacteria. Hydrogen peroxide also helps eliminate inflammation-causing irritants and other common issues associated with bacterial vaginosis.

How Do I Use Hydrogen Peroxide for BV?

You can use hydrogen peroxide in a couple of different ways to treat BV. First, remember that you always want to use 3% hydrogen peroxide mixed with equal parts water to avoid a concentration of the treatment that could cause additional drying and irritation to the vagina. (You are actually creating a solution that is 1.5% hydrogen peroxide because you cannot buy 1.5% hydrogen peroxide.)

After you've created the appropriate solution, you can use it as a douche or apply it to a tampon to be inserted directly. If using this option, do not leave the tampon inserted for longer than 30 minutes. These treatments should be followed until the odor subsides, indicating that the issue has been resolved.

In addition to treating BV with hydrogen peroxide, you may consider taking a regular probiotic or eating probiotic foods to avoid further issues with bacterial infection.

Continue reading below for feedback from more 100 women who have used H202 to successfully cure BV. Tried H202 for your condition? Please share your feedback with us!

Related Links:

Apple Cider Vinegar: Uses, Health Benefits and FAQ
Bill Thompson's Candida Diet Protocol
Coconut Oil Benefits, Side Effects and Reviews
Effective Natural UTI Remedies for Quick Relief
Natural Yeast Infection Remedies: Herbal Solutions & Lifestyle Tips
Top 8 Natural Candida Remedies for Effective Relief
Top Natural Bacterial Vaginosis Remedies




232 User Reviews

5 star (177) 
  76%
4 star (24) 
  10%
3 star (18) 
  8%
1 star (5) 
  2%
(8) 
  3%

Posted by Erika (Vancouver, BC) on 02/02/2023
★★★★☆

So far so good! On day 2 of using a 50/50 HP/distilled water solution in a douch (laying in bath with hips up). Feeling much better and no smell! How many days in a row should I do this? I really want to have babies in the future - are there any concerns with this method and becoming pregnant?


Hydrogen Peroxide
Posted by Kay (West Coast) on 08/14/2018
★★★★★

Had I found this remedy sooner, I'd have saved myself a lot of heartache and not spent so many years feeling insecure. Antibiotics do not work. Don't stick anything in your vagina cause it still has to come out causing more discharge than BV.

CHANGE YOUR DIET!!!

Eat yogurt daily or drink buttermilk or drink kefir. Take vitamins and/or eat fruit daily.

Kill BV with a mixture of 70% of 3% hydrogen peroxide/30% bottled water douche, twice daily (every twelve hours), for five to seven days (which is the same duration of any medication you would be prescribed).

Douche using the same mixture once after unprotected sex and again in twelve hours for peace of mind.

I suffered from BV for at least two decades, trust me. You will not be sorry. You will feel like a new woman! God bless.

Replied by Kim
(NC)
03/09/2024

Hi. I'm trying the hydrogen peroxide 3% for BV and wondering after I douche if I then rinse with vinegar & water after the 3 minutes, or leave it as it is. Some websites say 3% is not enough and you need 6% strength. You are saying to dilute even the 3% down to half and half! I'm a bit confused. And also -like I mentioned -do I douche and leave alone-- or rinse out after 3 minutes with vinegar and water?? Just not sure at the end what I do...leave it or rinse


Hydrogen Peroxide
Posted by Mandi (Houston, Tx) on 08/03/2018
★★★★★

This is a link to the research behind BV and Hydrogen Peroxide. I wouldn't do anything different than the procedures used in the research due to safety precautions.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/m/pubmed/14676737/


Hydrogen Peroxide
Posted by Nancy (Redlands, Ca) on 06/09/2018

So about a month ago I thought it would be a good idea to use liquid fabric softener in my wash—-BAD IDEA. Within two days, I had a burning itch on the top area of my labia. Went to the doc, and she immediately recognized that my problem was caused by an irritant and took a sample. Because of my bright idea, I got bv. Had one round of antibiotics. Thought things were cleared up, but NO!! Just started another round of antibiotics, but my doc also recommended hydrogen peroxide. Since my problem is on the outside, has anyone just washed the area w hp or used a spray and, if so, how many days and how often. 😏


Hydrogen Peroxide
Posted by Laurie (Raleigh, Nc) on 01/17/2018 3 posts
★★★★★

This may sound too good to be true, but it's definitely true. Save your money and time, stress, embarrassment, and vaginal health! Regular hydrogen peroxide you buy from any drugstore works like a charm for BV or any vaginal infection issue. If you want instant relief, just douche with a solution of half water and and half hydrogen peroxide.

P.S. After so many agonizing years of suffering with BV, I discovered eating shrimp was the culprit. I still eat shrimp :(

Replied by Ann
(Omaha, Ne)
03/23/2018

I've had bv for a week now and don't want to take the flagyl I was prescribed because it upsets my stomach. I tried the hydrogen peroxide mixed half with water douche and it seems to be helping so far, but others on here were saying to do it 2x/day for a week. Did you reuse your douche or do you have to buy enough for a week's worth?


Hydrogen Peroxide
Posted by Amanda (New Kent) on 12/20/2017
★★★★☆

I had been diagnosed with BV in October by my gyno, she gave me antibiotics and it went away for about 1.5 months. I was tested for all STDs which all came back negative, which was expected but good to know. Almost two months later, It came back but worse. My only symptoms were the terrible odor and slightly more discharge. Honestly the only change in my life was moving and I switched laundry detergent/dryer sheets. I've never had a problem before. I've been with my bf over three years, so it had to be that small change that caused it. I was trying to avoid going to the dr again at all costs so I googled away. I found this site and decided to try it. I'm still not done with the process, but here's what I've tried so far:

Day 1: 1/2 a cup 3% hydrogen peroxide mixed with 1/2 a cup of bottled water placed in a clean cup. I put a tampon still in the applicator in the cup to soak up the solution. Left that in the cup for maybe 10-15 minutes to soak it up. I found this sort of hard to insert, I had to push it half way out of the applicator first, then insert it that way. I left the tampon in for half an hour. When I took it out there was a small amount of yellow on the tampon, but I felt dryer. The smell went away until the next day, it came back but less strong. I had slight itching afterwards I'm guessing due to it being dried out. That went away shortly after.

Day 2: I tried the same exact method. Similar results, the smell went away, but it came back the next day not as strong, so it seems to be working.

Day 3: I bought yogurt and had a small amount, but I couldn't stand it so I bought 1 billion probiotic cultures, meant for vaginal health. This one is formulated so it's not refrigerated and is made so it doesn't have to be inserted vaginally, the capsules survive the stomach acid and get the good bacteria where it needs to go. I take one a day starting today. It says it takes about 7 days for it to populate your vagina so take these as early as possible. I decided to skip the tampon method because it seemed to be a temporary fix or I was just impatient idk. I decided to take a water bottle because I was too embarrassed or too lazy to buy a douche at the store, put the same mixture in the water bottle and use it as a douche in the shower. I have never in my life douched so it was a learning experience. It was hard to do it this way, so I might have to suck it up and buy a douche for easiness. I layed down, tilted my hips up, and inserted the bottle slightly inside and let it flow into me, I didn't squeeze the bottle. I let it stay in there for like 30 seconds and pushed it out. You could tell easily whatever came out smelled really bad, so the tampon wasn't getting it all. I repeated this until the mixture was gone. The douche washes it out unlike the tampon. My area was itchy for a little while, but all traces of the smell were gone even the next day. I smelled perfectly normal. Hallelujah.

Day 4: I didn't want to try anything this day vaginally because I was worried I was going to irritate my vagina too much and the smell was still gone at the end of the day, so I skipped treatment. I did have sex with my bf which might have been a mistake because it made me bleed. This has happened to me before during sex due to too much dryness, so I don't know if it was because of the HP making me too dry or if it's because my period is supposed to start in less than a week. Idk. My bf did mention that I didn't smell and I was back to normal, so that's awesome. He's been a lending ear for all of this and knows how much it bothers me, even though he doesn't mind either way.

Day 5: I'm having leftover bloody discharge but not much. I've honestly never had a good sense of smell so I can't tell if my discharge smells like blood or if the odor is back. It doesn't smell fishy, but it does have an off smell. So I'm going to douche again tonight and see where I'm at tomorrow. I'm just nervous that I'm irritating my vagina.

SO im not completely done but I can definitely tell this is helping. If I didn't have sex last night I would know if the smell came back today or not, so try to avoid sex at all costs, it could reinfect you and it interferes with your healing process. It pretty much made me unsure if it worked so I have to wait even longer to know.

I recommend the douching method honestly, the tampon works, but I think it would take longer. Douching gets all areas inside instead of what's touching the tampon. Just don't be like me and be too embarrassed to buy a douche in the store, because that ish was hard. I'm gunna head out and buy one today.

Also, I bought a multivitamin because I've read so many comments that talk about vitamin D3 and folic acid for fighting infections. Anything is better than nothing if you're unsure what to buy. So try to start these right off the bat too. Also eat probiotic yogurt every day if you like, but I've read to avoid flavored ones because sugar will make it worse. I honestly haven't changed my diet at all, but some people might need to.

Like I said I'm not done with my treatment completely but overall I'm happy, I've found something that is seeming to get rid of it. Idk if it's the HP alone, but I've read the combo of HP, vitamins, and probiotics is way more successful. They help you get the good stuff back in there to fight off the bad stuff and prevent the bad stuff from coming back. I'll try to remember to check back in. I'm very glad I tried this!


Hydrogen Peroxide
Posted by Celine (New York) on 12/16/2017
★★★★★

First off, I must say.. that I am crying. Tears of joy for sure! I've had bv for the first time last year & was prescribed flagyl. Earlier this year I got it again & was prescribed metro gel which worked temporarily as well. When I tell you that I have tried everything, I mean it. I have tried every natural remedy as well as damn near every medication. To be quite honest I have already tried hydrogen peroxide..

BUT there is a right way to do it and there's a wrong way! I became so fed up and emotional.. even felt so much less than a woman that I actually just gave up I gave up trying anything else & told myself I'd just have this forever so deal with it. One sad night, I came back on the site and I started to read in details and the one thing I was forgetting to do was putting my hips up in the air while I'd douche with peroxide/water.. All along I would be laying flat and everything would just come right out.

When your hips are in the air it allows the peroxide to sit inside of you and kill all of the bad bacteria! I would do this for at least three minutes. Wallah!!! That is the key! I've been free of bv for 2 months now! I am thankful everyday! This site means so much to me! I have never posted on any site but it would truly be selfish of me when the only reason I'm bv free is because of the experience you ladies have shared. Truly hope this helps someone! I'm here for you!!

Side note: My diet has changed dramatically! No more junk! No more soda/juice! Lots of yogurt, acidophilus, vit C, ACV & alkaline WATER! Also, shower before and after sex & moisturize with coconut oil.

Exact plan:

60/40 Hp/Water solution
3 min 2x/day for the first 3 days!
1x/day for the next 4 days!
7 days to being a woman again :)
Apply coconut oil as you will be dry
& you are free to enjoy your femininity :))


Hydrogen Peroxide
Posted by Ginger (Greenwood, Mississippi) on 10/26/2017
★★★★★

Finally something that actually worked. I have been dealing with BV for about 5 years, many doctor visits, and antibiotics later I found this site.. I douched with a 50/50 hp & distilled water yesterday.. I immediately noticed the smell was gone, and I felt cleaner than I have in a long time.. I just douched with the 50/50 mixture again tonight, plan on doing this for at least 5-7 days. The only side effect I have noticed, I feel like I can taste the hp for some reason (kinda weird) .. But thank you for helping me.. I will update in a few days.

Replied by Joelle
(Rochester Mi)
11/12/2017

Would love update if worked


Hydrogen Peroxide
Posted by J (Georgia) on 10/04/2017
★★★★★

Peroxide for BV

OK ladies, if your going to try this make ABSOLUTELY sure you mix the peroxide with water! My husband heard of this method and convinced me to try it because we were desperate, but he thought we were supposed to use plain peroxide, big no no, after 45 minuets of agonizing pain, and multiple showers later, I realised it worked!!!! This works wonders, it was gone within a day or two!!!!


Hydrogen Peroxide
Posted by Latonya (Cleveland, Ohio ) on 10/03/2017
★★★★★

I'm so ecstatic that this is really the beginning of a new life. I have been dealing with this a few times a year now when I would use bath and body soap or have sex with my boyfriend if he switches soaps. It's embarrassing and so hard to deal with. I recently got an iud put in and got yet another bv infection that flagyl could not cure even after being on for 2 weeks and then 2 pills a week. I've use the half and half peroxide douche before and honesty it was helpful but didn't take it away. I was always to lazy to try the method where you just pour it in you while laying with your hips up. I was fed up and depressed and said oh well what could it hurt.

I filled a douche container with full on 3 % peroxide and lay there and held it in as long as I could. Let if flow out and continue to do it for about 3 minutes each time until my douche was empty. The next day. My odd spotting that I thought was from the iud all this time and cramping had lessoned. By the end of the day it was gone. The discharge and smell from bv was gone. I probably coulda stopped with just one treatment but I did it two more days the same process. And it's been a week later and I have no more bv discharge no bad smell. No burning. And my vagina is producing flora just like it did before I had bv the first time. My discharge if and when there is any is clear and had zero smell. It's been a week ladies. I feel stupid that I have wasted so much time at my obgyn office. I've spent so much money on products that don't work. And I have been depressed because of this.

Please try it. You have to leave the peroxide in there and let it work to break up the biofilm. Swish your fingers around to get it in every corner and let it sit and bubble. Do it more than once. Douching standing won't get it up there at the top of your vagina. The douche is designed to release downward so you have to lay down and raise your vag upward to keep it in. I think I'll do this once a month. I feel so clean and new lol. no more douching every day or feeling insecure. I hope it works for you all.

Replied by Tonya
(Cleveland, Ohio)
02/03/2018

I am reporting back. My last report in October that I was cured was amazing. I have been bv free since then. I had sex with a new partner this weekend and low and behold... bv is back. I plan on doin the same peroxide wash holding it in for 3 minutes until douche bottle is empty for 3 nights in a row. It has to do with sex. There's no other explanation for this.

M.
(San Francisco, Ca)
07/06/2018

Hi Tonya, how are you doing now? Have you stayed with that same partner? I have read information that men can also harbor BV biofilm/bacteria. I always seem to be re-infected after sex and wonder if sometimes it comes from my husband (initially from me). We have started using condoms but it is too soon to tell.

Replied by Baby-k's
(West Coast)
08/13/2018

Thanks for this post and the follow-up five months later. I'm sure you helped a lot of people. I'm nervous about using douche full of peroxide (uncut).


Hydrogen Peroxide
Posted by Rosemary R.,fnp (Jackson, Nc) on 08/17/2017

Since H2O2 kills normal tissue as well as diseased tissue, I question the use of H2O2 douches for bacterial vaginosis.

Replied by Maggie
(Toronto, Ontario)
01/14/2018

Can you please give us a scientific study that demonstrates this? My understanding is that it is a recommended treatment for wound care/sterilization. And in my product pamphlet for the Hydrogen Peroxide, and my dentist's recommendation, is can be used, diluted, as a mouth wash. Where does your understanding of flesh killing come from? Thank you. Maggie


Hydrogen Peroxide
Posted by A (Philadelphia) on 06/10/2017
★★★★★

FINALLY! I just keep saying it! Finding this information has saved my womanhood! I'll share my story with you.

10 years ago I experienced BV once and I was automatically disgusted. I was freaked out and went to my GYNO and he said "No need to worry, this is actually common for some women." So now that that panic was over, he prescribed me a course of Flagyl and gave me the usual rules like "only cotton underwear" and "make sure to eat yogurt everyday". I was fine, and BV free for years. I have been dating my boyfriend for about 2 years now, and ladies this stud is perfect, but it is clear my bacteria does not like him. My BV came back full force and I feel like I experience it every single time we have sex, and now it is there after my period! It is so embarrassing and it takes away the fun of having an awesome sexual relationship. I am always pretending my period lasts longer than it does, or just pretend to be too tired to have sex. And I tried EVERYTHING: multiple doses of antibiotics, changing my diet to include no bread, attempting to eat yogurt everyday, drink plenty of water, using bv inserts, cleaning with vaginal wipes throughout the day. The antibiotics worked but then BV would make its comeback a month later. So I decided to finally do some research and used Hydrogen Peroxide with water. And IT WORKS!!!

I first tried a douche. My mom works in GYN and she taught me from an early age "NEVER DOUCHE! " but I was desperate. I emptied the douche contents and filled it with 1/2 3%HP and 1/2 distilled water. I got in the tub and found the most awkward position and held the HP/water solution in for about 2 mins. Only discomfort I experienced was the burning on the outside from it being so raw. About 5 hours after that, I used a soaked tampon and kept it in for a half an hour. And NO SMELL, NO DISCHARGE, NO DISCOMFORT. I felt cleaner than I ever had before. I even had sex that night and it was glorious! My womanhood is back and it feels great to feel sexy again!

So I plan on using these soaked tampons after sex and after my period. I have also started to drink a glass of Kefir everyday to maintain the healthy bacteria. Thanks to whoever made this page and I hope this helps other BV strugglers.

Replied by Dorothy
(Nashville, Tn)
08/01/2017

So you used a tampon soaked in only hp?

Replied by Emily
(Tennessee)
08/12/2017

Hey ladies! Just two friendly comments & advice.:

1. If you want to take folic acid, make SURE it is called Folate and NOT Folic Acid. My Obstetrician Specialist told me in my first appt. that a large enough percent of our population has a mutation which prevents the body from metabolizing/absorbing Folic Acid (which is the artificial form of Folate).

2. After reading your most recent reviews, I cannot wait to try the 50/50 Hydrogen Peroxide & water! I was diagnosed by my OB yesterday with a BI. My advice...speak up to your Dr. They do their best to help you, but you must be your own advocate. Most great Dr.'s will appreciate the partnership in helping them care for you. I had been struggling with what I thought was a yeast infection for MONTHS and had tried EVERYTHING under the sun! Both over the counter and holistically; the only immediate/sustained relief from symptoms was putting a completely peeled & sliced organic garlic clove up my hoo-haa. I confess that over time (and according to my sweet but honest husband) it made my whole body smell like a walking garlic knot ha! However because of the relief it brought, I would totally do it again.

Anyway....I had had 2 miscarriages and one D&C. At my post op follow up appt, and after doing lots of research, I told my OB the problem I was having and asked her..."Could my symptoms be caused by a bacterial infection?" She said yes it could since both being pregnant and also having the d&c are both possible causes. She looked at a swab under the microscope and said, wow, yes you poor thing, you definitely have a bi. She prescribed antibiotics & Diflucan...but when I groaned at her at the option of antibiotics, and asked if there is any other way, she whispered to me about this 50/50 peroxide treatment. She said she had seen a cure in a co-worker and also had read the studies on it but that some of the other Dr.'s in the practice thought she was crazy. I LOATHE antibiotics even though I understand they are sometimes necessary. Sooooo hats off to my Dr. for being open to a natural treatment with studies to back it up!!!!!

Replied by Mal
(Milwaukee, Wi)
09/23/2017

If you do decide to go back to your doctor, request an extra course of Flagyl and have your boyfriend take it as you do.

Replied by Melissa
(Nc)
09/24/2017

You are correct. Some people do carry a gene called MTHFR that makes it so they cannot process folic acid. It is actually like a poison for people who have the gene. You can get tested at your dr for this gene and is a good idea. There are different levels and can heavily effect someone's life if they have it. I have a good friend who has 2 of the MTHFR genes and it has affected her health immensely. Because of her I was tested and I do not have it. It is something that is passed genetically so one or both parents would have to carry the gene. Since my friend has 2 of the genes it affects what she can eat as well as supplements and can heavily effect her moods including depression, anxiety and mood swings. Many drs don't know about this gene.


Hydrogen Peroxide
Posted by Mflowers (Florida) on 06/05/2017 3 posts
★★★★★

I has struggled with BV for many years, countless Dr. visits and prescriptions. Nothing worked. I used the 50/50 douche HP & distilled water every day for about a week. I also wore a tampon dipped in HP for about 30 minutes every other day. I highly recommend organic coconut oil, has natural antibodies and moisturizes - lightly applied externally. After my initial treatment, I now only use the coconut oil and apply HP externally as needed, usually right before or right after my period. Might be more in my head but I'd rather not take the chance. :) This might seem like a weird tip but grooming and ensuring you're dry after a shower and before dressing helps. Loose clothing & go panty free as often as you can.


Hydrogen Peroxide
Posted by Brenna (California) on 05/05/2017
★★★★★

I got BV from sex with a new boyfriend about 3-4 months ago, the only symptom I get noticeably is the fishy odor. Ive tried everything under the sun, hp was my last resort because it just sounded so scary to me. I tried 2 nights ago mixing 2 caps of hp and 2 caps of water it instantly got rid of the smell but came back. I tried the next day with 5:2 ratio of hp to water and it seemed to last longer I did it a few times during the day and this morning I woke to no smell, ive done it twice so far today and im hoping this will really cure it and work. FINGERS CROSSED. But yes if you are looking for an immediate relief HP does it, but I think you have to do it a good number of days to keep it away.

Replied by Laura
(Nebraska)
07/20/2017

Might be a very dumb question but need to know how to apply the hp and water do I bathe in it or...?

Replied by Mommapf4
(Maryland)
08/28/2017

You can either soak a tampon and place into the vagina for up to 30 mins or use a douche. The easiest way to use as a douche is to get a premade douche from the store and empty contents, then make solution of half HP and half distilled water.


Hydrogen Peroxide
Posted by Butterfly (Winter Haven) on 02/03/2017
★★★★★

Two Words: It worked! Douching with 3% peroxide and 1/3 water works. I love my vagina again. No smell. 'Im only on day two but the results are magnificent! Just one question. What type of probiotics should I take?

Replied by Omgoverwhelmed
(Birmingham)
03/13/2017
★★★★★

OMG! Finally a cure that works and inexpensive. I am 49 years old and recently had an D & C due to heavy menstrual bleeding. After one month, I was diagnosed with BV. I had a clear discharge, but odorless. And had to wear panty liners for months. My OB/GYNprescribed antibiotics, Metronidazole, which was awful. Didnt work, then my OB/GYN prescribed some kind of gel that I couldn't afford. Well long story, short I came across this wesite and was reading several females comments; and decided to give it a try. I was very spectical at first, but went all in. I did the 50/50 hp douche and Omg!!! Well ladies I must say results instantly!! Today is my 1st day and so far five hours in. I have not had any discharge. I was having a discharge every 10 to 15 minutes apart. So far so gd and I will repeat this process for two more days and keep you posted. Thank God for my results which are very positive. This remedy is a must try. I'm crying whoo hoo, full of joy rt now.



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