Bacterial Vaginosis
Natural Remedies

Bacterial Vaginosis - Editor's Choice

Over the years, Earth Clinic readers have sent us many reports about their treatments for Bacterial Vaginosis. The editors at Earth Clinic consider the below posts to be some of the most helpful and informative and have named them 'Editor's Choice'. We hope that you will find this useful.

Chlorophyll

Posted by Ezri (Florida) on 06/09/2018
★★★★★

I had been dealing with BV for 6 months. I did two rounds of Flagyl, which did nothing for the BV, and caused terrifying mental side effects (I thought I was crazy until I did some research - it can happen! Never again.). Peroxide douches didn't help for more than a few hours. The only thing that was working was boric acid suppositories, which I had to use at least every other night or else the BV came back with a vengeance.

Grasping at straws, I read about alkalizing. It made no sense to me, as I had understood that a TOO-alkaline vagina was the problem, and is common in menopause (my new phase of life). But I read about alkalizing working for some women, and thought what the heck, and tried liquid chlorophyll - as I'd read chlorophyll was alkalizing to the system.

I started taking two tablespoons in water in the morning, and one tablespoon at night. After the first day, I stopped the boric acid to see what would happen. That was three weeks ago, and the BV seems to have disappeared. As in - never saw it again after the first dose of chlorophyll! After 6 months of BV, it seems like it would be too much of a coincidence if it wasn't the chlorophyll that helped! I don't understand how it worked, but apparently, it did...


Alkalize

Posted by Stephanie (New Mexico) on 03/05/2018
★★★★★

In response to Lynn's post on 11/09/17:

"I know this is an old post but hoping someone sees this comment and has an answer. I don't understand how alkalizing the body works for BV. BV happens when your vaginal pH is more alkaline. Normal is 3.4 - 4.5 and once it goes over 4.5, then you start to see bacteria taking hold and developing BV. So if you alkalize yourself even more, how does that stop the BV? My pH is currently 6.5 and was told it's due to menopause (3.5 yrs post menopause now) which can lead to BV (which I seem to have right now based on symptoms). Menopause dryness can lead to a higher pH. Just wondering how this works."

BV occurs when the body becomes acidic and reduces the oxygen needed for the necessary concentrations of the good bacteria lactobacillus and facilitates the the growth and increase on concentrations of the anaerobic bacteria, that is responsible for causing BV. The increased intake of alkaline increases oxygen production, which in turn increases the growth the lactobacillus bacteria that keeps the vaginal ph balance in check. Therefore, the alkalized water works on the same premise as nutrients, antibiotics, medications, supplements, etc. The alkaline in the water enters one's blood stream, system, and tissues, like anything a person consumes will do, reduces its acidity which regulates the ph balance, returning it to normal.

I hope this helps you understand how it works. It is pretty simple really if you know the difference between acidity (acidosis) and alkalinity (alkalosis) and the role each plays in maintaining and/or damaging the health of the human body.


Vitamin D

Posted by Nomeat345 (Lakewood, Nj) on 04/15/2017
★★★★★

I know EXACTLY how I got BV, unlike some others. I took a double dose of monsitat for a yeast infection a year ago because like an idiot I though it would work faster. Wrong! I got BV forever. I did the doc and antibiotic thing and the probiotics and douche and everything known to man kind but the only thing that work was vit.D3! I mean I'm alllll cleared up! I still take folic acid, acidophilus, and chlorophyll (only in summer when I.sweat like a beast) but the vit d3 is the only thing that worked. I take 3 or 4 a day. I got the idea from this site. So happy!!


Garlic

Posted by Gina (Nebraska) on 03/29/2017
★★★★★

For BV, wrap a whole peeled clove of garlic in gauze, insert at bedtime, and remove in the morning. Depending on how bad my case is one night will usually do the trick. If it's bad I will put a slit in the garlic and repeat for several days til better.


Iron

Posted by Lady B (Chicago, Il) on 03/05/2017
★★★★★

Ladies, if you are like me you have tried everything under the sun to find a solution to this very uncomfortable problem that interferes with your life beyond sex and including sex. I was beyond annoyed. I have found the solution for ME, and I think it is something you may want to try as well because once I realized my problem I felt really, well....dumb. So my problem has been persistent for over 6 months. I tried probiotics (didn't notice any benefits) ate yogurt which I HATE (no change), cut out sugar, took yeast infection tablets (this did work, but it was only temporary....took away odor and discharge but you must be diligent AND the box tell you it's not a cure) did hydrogen peroxide douches (once again temporary solution, in combination with the yeast infection tablets, I did find relief about 3 to 4 days at a time). Just as I was about to try and eat some bentonite clay (I was losing my mind by this point) my cycle started. I decided to stop the tablets and take IRON pills. Yes ladies IRON!!!!

I'm anemic and have always been, but never followed doctors orders to take the supplements because the prescribed dosage always made me sick. It wasn't until several friends had blood transfusions that I got scared and got serious about taking care of my body. As a result, after my 5 day cycle I noticed that I didn't have any discharge, or smell. It has been 8 days and I'm still feeling like a lady. LOL.

Now before I realized that iron was MY solution, I did a ton of research online, went to the doctor and was never pointed in the direction that my anemia could be the cause of the discharge. However after I suspected the iron was the reason it went away, I searched anemia and vaginal discharge. Low and behold it's all over the place that this could be the cause. How ironic....I could have saved hundreds of dollars, months of discomfort, and a lot of time because while I was looking for a miracle drug, the whole time I had bottles of iron in my medicine cabinet.

I take one 45mg tablet per day and so far this has been working. Not only has it gotten rid of the problem, but I'm also gaining the other health benefits that I always needed. I would definitely look into this if you are anemic. I'm happy to report this news as I promised myself I would report if anything truly worked and if I run into any bumps in the road with the iron I will report back, but so far.....8 days has been the longest I've been pantyliner, discharge, and odor free in months.


Spring Water

Posted by Baby Girl's Mom (Seoul, South Korea) on 02/19/2017
★★★★★

Actually, I was looking for a natural cure for acid reflux that also happened to address issues with women's infections. I had suspected that chlorine in drinking water was the culprit and went online to find information to support my theory. It seemed I hit the jackpot when I found an article written by Robert Reiling, who's knowledge of chemistry and experience working in the water treatment industry led him to conclude that because it is difficult to extract gaseous chlorine (used in water treatment facilities), even filtered or purified water consumed over long periods can lead to certain health problems. Heeding his advice of drinking only SPRING water (not bottled drinking water or "purified" water) my problem with acid reflux seemed to vanish after just one month. Fast forward a year and I have a new health issue with infection. I tried many of the suggestions here but wanted to tackle the root problem. I realized that while traveling I was drinking filtered water and my troubles started about the same time.

So I went back to bottled SPRING water and after about 2 weeks I am happy to report the infection is gone. Sadly I don't live near a spring and I don't feel good about buying plastic bottles, so I make sure to recycle the bottles religiously. I am thrilled that I have found a cure dealing with the root problem and the cost is extremely low compared to the alternatives. One has nothing to lose by trying out bottled SPRING water for a good few months to see how many ailments can miraculously vanish :)


Apple Cider Vinegar Variations

Posted by Sj Bv Free (Cincinnati, Oh) on 10/22/2016

I have been battling BV for about a year and half. Spent hundreds of dollars in doctor visits and prescribed medications that only made matters worse. After reaching my ultimate low in losing confidence and making up excuses why I didn't want to have relations with my boyfriend and being thoroughly embarrassed to even stand next to someone in fear they would smell me, I finally turned to nature. Desperate to find a cure and very depressed over it. They say it's not an STD but boy does it make you feel like you have one. It equally destroys your femininity as much as if you would have infact had an STD. WELL LADIES...I found my cure. I know they say don't douche. But in my case, matters couldn't be any worse. I was bloated, achy, had drainage constantly, the smell...LORD the smell. It was bad. Well I tried the salt water treatment douching. Yes worked, temporary. Then tried Honey water douche, temporary (as in a day). Tea Tree oil...least favorite, bothersome, oozed out and temporary but VERY effective masking the smell.

AND FINALLY....Apple Cider Vinegar. BINGO!! We had a winner. 3 days later cured!

DAY ONE, I mixed equal portions of ACV and water, douched. Then flushed out with plain water, took acidophilus 2 a day and cleansed the outer labial portions with teatree oil and water (just to catch any potential smells).

DAY TWO, about a 3rd of ACV and water, flushed again with plain water, still taking acidophilus twice per day and tea tree oil for the outside. At this point, the symptoms were gone as far as bloat and ache, no smell. Still discharge, but no smell. DAY THREE, a teaspoon of ACV and water, flushed again with plain water, Acidophilus and tea tree oil rinse.

Done! No discharge, no symptoms, no smells...Just back to good ole me. I cried. Yes ladies, finally. I am a woman and whole again...bv free for a month now. Did it work...I'm going with yes. Are we all different, yes. I have not had to douche since and honestly I really won't unless absolutely necessary. I just watch my ph and make sure it stays balanced. I have maintained a healthy diet and I drink of plenty of water. I hope this helps you as much as it helped me. Oh and by the way...I found it funny that $.50 is all it would cost to cure me. Dear Lord help us all! Best of luck.


Hydrogen Peroxide Variations

Posted by Dr.sebibaby (Atlanta, Ga) on 09/18/2016
★★★★★

I kept having reoccurring episodes of bv. I wasn't having sex at the time, I only used mild, fragrance soap to wash my vaginal area and I used the same clothes detergent for years so why the reoccurance I have no idea. I did some research and figured that if it's an over growth of the bad bacteria why not add some of the good bacteria to balance it.

I bought a box of 2 vinegar and water douche bottles (I got the ones with the applicator that you can screw off and replace the top of the bottle with a cap), probiotics Acidophilus (capsules) and hydrogen peroxide. I emptied out one of the pre-filled douche bottles and rinsed it with warm water (I know I said vinegar and water like it mattered but I'd rather rinse out something natural then something that had artificial fragrance in it. And traces of vinegar wouldn't hurt much.)

I added maybe an inch to an inch and a half of hydrogen peroxide to the empty bottle; opened up a capsule of the probiotic Acidophilus and emptied the contents of that in the bottle and added warm water. Let the mixture dissolve before using. I would use it in the shower after I wash up, re-filling the bottle with just plain warm water and douching another 4-5 times.

I did this daily for about 5-7 nights a week and even noticed the signature bad smell was gone the very next morning. By the end of the second day the discharge had lessened and the odor remained gone. I would skip a few days and do it again for another 3-4 days. I re used my douche bottle for about a month before I discarded it. I'd replace the cap on top of the bottle and would clean the applicator with plain warm water and my clean hands, wrap it in a clean paper towel and place it in a clean zip lock gallon bag and sealed it. (I'm a nurse and this is the closest I could come up with as far as a clean technique goes)

I'm still on the quest to find out just why women keep suffering from this. Maybe it's our diet or side effects from my birth control days, I don't know. But I hope this remedy gives helps someone out.


Hydrogen Peroxide, Probiotics

Posted by Naturalcat (San Francisco, Ca) on 09/05/2016
★★★★★

Here are the things I tried for BV and for yeast infection, and what I think worked best for me for each:

boric acid, probiotics, coconut oil, apple cider vinegar.

I feel like the hydrogen peroxide (washing with and douching with) and probiotics (taken both orally and vaginally) work the best for BV, and now I have my natural (and I think actually quite nice) personal smell/taste back down there. I have to say it did take some time, it wasnt instant. I tried boric acid first and thought it would help more than it did, because I do think it along with ACV rinses works great for yeast, but I think boric acid and ACV wasn't so great for BV.

What I did was douche with 50/50 (approx) clean, filtered water and regular H2O2 (hydrogen peroxide) frequently at first (about 2-3xs per week) and opened an acidophilous capsule and scooped a tiny bit of that out with a clean cotton swab dipped in coconut oil and inserted it and swirled it around as far as I could go inside my vagina. I did this for about 2-3 weeks while also trying to alkalize my diet more, taking a multivitamin AND ingesting a lot of probiotics in different forms, for the sake of getting a variety of different beneficial bacteria populating into my gut and system. The probiotics I used were Good Belly beverage, Yakult beverage, expensive femme combo probiotic blend (Refrigerated type) and the cheap grocery store dry shelf acidophious capsules. I also took a few cranberry concentrate capsules orally for good measure because it contains properties which are purported to loosen and cleanse away the harmful bacteria that can adhere to the urinary tract. I made sure to take these many times a day at first and slowly ramped down as the symptoms receded.

I slowly backed down the frequency of H2O2 douching, however I still cleanse externally with a 50/50 H2O2/filtered water blend frequently, because I like the idea that is kills bad bacteria but also is a by product of (and therefore not removing) the good bacteria.

One of the keys to my regimes' success that I should also share is that I was sure to keep my hands and everything else I used very, very clean before ever putting it near my vagina. and I washed all my panties and pants with borax to help kill the bacteria that could be living in my clothes. In total it took about 3-6 weeks to completely eliminate all traces of BV in my system, however I have noticed after periods I catch a hint of it in my smell so I did one undiluted H2O2 douche after my period, each period and it seems to keep it from returning. I think one of the important things to keep in mind with douching is to know when to do it, and when not to. I think it is really important to let the vagina balance out and that can be a delicate balance between taking actions (like douching, inserting coconut oil and/or acidophilous) and just gently cleaning the outside but letting it rest and re-balance itself (herself? :)


Hydrogen Peroxide

Posted by Christy (Florida) on 07/05/2016
★★★★★

I used the Hydrogen peroxide method and it cured my BV. I have waited over a week to post this in the fears that it may come back - I didn't want to post something like oh, it took away the symptoms immediately and it's been one day! Of course the symptoms will be gone that day. I wanted to make sure it wasn't coming back. I am about a week and a half out and it hasn't! At all! I'm going to tell you guys exactly what I did.

I've had BV one time before. I know exactly why I got it and it's embarrassing. Back then I tried some lightweight natural remedies and while it lessened the symptoms, it didn't go away until I went to the doctor and got metro gel. That took it away completely. This second incident is now about three years after the first. I don't know how I got it though I suspect my partner had something to do with it because of a random comment he made about having not showered. Come on people let's be hygienic! As for my symptoms, I wouldn't say they were "severe". But I did have that abnormal discharge and probably the WORST most humiliating part, that bad smell after sex. :( Feeling mortified (and my gyno appointment being a month away) I decided to give natural remedies my all. I was just determined to feel like I could beat this the natural way and not have to use gross inserts or take strong antibiotics. I am very health conscious and don't like to go to the doctor or use strong medicines unless absolutely necessary. So after researching like mad, this is what I did:

1. I bit the bullet and bought a douching apparatus (I have NEVER used one before, I felt embarrassed having to even buy this), and I used 50/50 hydrogen peroxide and water douche once a day for seven days. Every day I prepared this fresh, about 2 oz of each. The hydrogen peroxide is the regular kind you can buy at the supermarket, the one in the brown bottle. I would lay on my back and raise my hips and legs up in the air so that part of me was more or less upside down, then completely fill myself up with solution and hold it in and count to 60. Then let it out in the tub. Repeat until the solution is gone. The first time as someone else reported, I did feel a bit crampy afterwards. Probably because of the infected tissue being cleaned off. But each day this lessened and after 3 days or so it doesn't feel like anything. Just nice and clean.

2. This might be equally important - I ate raw cloves of garlic every day for seven days. I read about and actually found a study that said ingesting raw garlic this way was about as effective as oral metro. But you have to make sure you do it RIGHT - you have to eat ENOUGH garlic (2 or 3 regular sliced cloves per day), make sure it is SLICED or CRUSHED, and make sure it's fresh garlic. The garlic pills will not work. Cooked garlic in your food will not work. It must be raw, freshly sliced garlic. There is a special compound that garlic releases as soon as it is sliced or crushed and that is where the healing properties are. Let me tell you, I adore garlic, but this was hell. Make sure you eat a bit afterwards or it will give you a stomachache. I sliced it into thin slices and swallowed it like that like one might swallow pills. It was far too spicy to chew!

3. Probiotics. Since you're killing bacteria, repopulate your lady bits with the good probiotic bacteria that help keep it healthy. I bought and drank 8 oz of plain kefir (tastes like plain yogurt) every day for seven days. I actually plan to keep drinking it because it's just so good for you.

4. Alkalize. This by itself I believe is more of a preventative method, but I wanted to do anything that would help. And around the time I caught this, I had been going through a phase where I'd been eating really poorly. Loads of salty and sweet cravings, eating loads of chips and cheese puffs :/ I don't feel that is mere coincidence. And apparently, when you have BV, the PH in your vagina has shifted to more acidic, which helps the nasty bacteria thrive. Every morning I already drink water with lemon first thing, but I also started drinking one glass of water with a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar every afternoon. I bought bottles of alkalized water (find this at Whole Foods etc.) and drank that during the day. I did my best to avoid the worst of the acid forming foods: meat, packaged sugary foods, white rice, fruit juice and sodas etc. I dug up some of my favorite healthy recipes and started eating those. This experience has bolstered my discipline to eat better and more alkaline every day.

Oh, and during this time, I did not have sex. And that's it! Honestly I was so afraid to stop douching, but I knew I had to see if it would return. I was so, so happy when it didn't. And now I know exactly what to do if, heaven forbid, it ever comes back again. I'm so excited to share this. I was so embarrassed and upset that I literally cried, so I know how horrible it can feel. I would be so happy if this can help anyone beat this thing.


Dietary Changes

Posted by Forever Cured (Somewhere Far) on 06/18/2016
★★★★★

I have suffered from bv for over 10 years and tried everything from pills, vinegar/peroxide douche and countless other things. I fixed my bv issue by accident. I had a thyroid issue and started juicing veggies and fruit for breakfast and lunch and dinner I ate my normal meal. After a week or so I noticed I no longer had that smell from the bv. I gave it another two weeks because I was so used to it always coming right back but two months of this plant based diet change and still no bv.

I believe the increase of alkaline veggies and fruit intake is the cause of this change. My ph is now balanced after so many years of being out of whack. All the years of have to do so much prep just to comfortably have sex with my husband are now gone. Bv is something that can make you feel less than a woman due to that horrid smell. I am and always have been a very clean person and still have no idea how the bv started but I'm now a raw foods lover for life.

Did I mention I also lost weight without trying. I was embarrassed to even write this hoping no one I know will be able to find out its me writing this. But after years of researching to try to find a cure I feel it would be an injustice if I didn't share my success story. The medicine is not a cure we have to fix the balance from the inside and it's all about incorporating the proper food that balances our insides.

Also I no longer have the pain staking irritable bowel syndrome, ulcer, and bloating that I was suffering from for years.


Boric Acid

Posted by Nat (Torrance, California) on 05/17/2016
★★★★★

Ladies, PLEASE try boric acid suppositories. I NEVER post about these things but I want to share this cure with you.

I had BV for over a year (2013 - 2014). I went on 3 rounds of different antibiotics which gave me vaginal thrush on top of my bv infection. I decided enough was enough and started to look at natural cures.

My mom works in a hospital and talked to an OBGYN about my chronic bv. The gyno recommended BORIC ACID SUPPOSITORIES and said she used to use this method when she was living in India and didn't have access to good health care. I then asked my doctor and she said she has heard of this cure. That was enough validation to try this method.

I bought the capsules and boric acid powder online (pick the larger capsules) and filled them myself with the powder. I did not measure them I just stuffed as much powder as I could into the capsules. You must wear gloves for this procedure do not use bare hands.

I then inserted them twice a day (morning and before bed) using coconut oil as a lubricant. Please wear a panty liner because the capsule will dissolve and discharge will come out. This discharge has the bad bacteria in it.

I did this regimen for 2 weeks religiously and I was CURED. I can have sex and go swimming without fear that I will get BV again. When I feel an itch I just stick one capsule up there and it is gone within an hour.

Do not be afraid to stick boric acid up there...it will level out the vaginal ph! Please give it a try I wish I would have known sooner.

Best of luck!


Hydrogen Peroxide

Posted by Finallycured (Houston, Tx) on 04/06/2016
★★★★★

HYDROGEN PEROXIDE CURED MY BV! I AM TELLING YOU THIS FROM PERSON EXPERIENCE. NOTHING THAT I HEARD.

I don't care what you heard or who you are this works rather it's a yeast infection or bacterial vaginosis/vaginitis.

First let me explain something. Antibiotics like flagyl and all that only work temporarily because it is "anti" body. It kills both "Good" and bad bacteria. Peroxide does the same thing except you avoid the expensive visits and wasted time, not to mention, peroxide works faster. You have to replace the good bacteria as soon as you are done with the treatment. When I douched with peroxide, the smell went away instantly. Everyone's body is different but I haven't heard of anyone having to use this for more than 3 days. Most are cured after 2. I was fine after 1 day. Peroxide DOES NOT dry you out because it's "Hydrogen and Oxygen, " so it hydrates and bacteria cannot live in "Oxygen."

HOW DO I USE THIS?

SUPPLIES NEEDED: douche bottle, distilled water, 3% food grade hydrogen peroxide. Later: Apple Cider Vinegar

WHERE TO GET SUPPLIES: I bought the regular summer's eve douche bottle from HEB, peroxide from whole foods. Distilled water can be bought from any grocery store or you can just boil some water and let it cool off to distill it on your own. ACV was bought from Whole Foods.

1. Completely empty and rinse out your purchased douche bottle of choice

2. Fill douche bottle with 1/2 distilled water and 1/2 3% food grade hydrogen peroxide.

3. Drink 1 full tablespoon of organic Apple Cider Vinegar mixed in 1 bottle of water 2-3 times a day to help restore normal vaginal flora and PH balance. Whole Foods also offers a number of potent vitamins to restore good bacteria in vagina. Any of them are great.

Some even soak a tampon in the vinegar mixed with half water and insert for restoration of vaginal flora (I never tried this one because I don't want nothing else up there since bv is gone lol) Internal use of ACV has Maaaany benefits including great vaginal benefits.

If you do not have food grade peroxide, the brown bottle peroxide works exactly as good. I have used both.) But I have been told the brown bottle is not safe all though it worked GREAT. I will also say FOR ME it was completely SAFE TO NOT DILUTE in case you want to make it stronger. It did sting a tad without diluting but hey, it stings if you pour peroxide over a cut full of bacteria as well. I have used this method without mixing and with. The stinging means the peroxide is working and is well worth it.

The important thing to know is that Candida/Yeast CANNOT LIVE IN OXYGEN. The peroxide kills it instantly.


Boric Acid

Posted by Missjoie (Glendale, Az) on 04/01/2016
★★★★★

I am just randomly addressing everything I can in no particular order here so it may sound totally unorganized (which it is)....Re: Yeast Infections and BV.: Caprylic Acid supplements can be taken to help get rid of yeast infections. But, they merely scrub the intestines which then take the very thing out you are trying to keep in your intestines being: good gut flora and the new probiotic flora you spent so much money buying to take to keep in your gut in the first place.

Caprylic Acid supplements together along with fiber (orally, which is fine-look up to see how to take this properly re: dosages) should only be taken maybe 1 time a year or once every half a year because again, they scrub the inside of the intestines clean of the yeast but also of the good gut flora too. I cannot tell you the relief I felt, when I used this method to get rid of a yeast infection. Do not forget, you are dealing with an ACID like boric ACID so no matter what anyone says, these acids can wear down the areas in varying ways as you use them to resolve your issues. Lastly, there are no studies on how long to take boric acid for anyone (internally) for bacterial vaginitis and or 2 of the harder to get rid of kinds of yeast infections. NO ONE knows All of the long term effects and no one knows what "long term" means either in terms of taking it time wise.

If you do take boric acid pills (you can make your own) internally-NEVER ORALLY, you have to absolutely make sure you do not have ANY sores, scrapes or cuts of any kind in and around the vaginal areas (both outside and inside). If you do take them, do not breathe in the boric acid while filling up the pills, if you do allow the boric acid to touch your skin, not too worry, simply wash off with COLD water NOT HOT (less chance of absorption anywhere if cold water used to wash off) and lastly you can use an insert tool that is used for miconizole or other related products along with a little of the product itself inside the tool used to slide the pills into the vaginal area. Now, you can use raw garlic cloves AFTER or BEFORE you use the boric acid pills in the vagina NEVER AT THE SAME TIME!

Raw garlic cloves (cut off both ends to make ends soft for insertion into the vaginal area w/a bit of non-scented lotion) can kill all yeast infections if used properly. when inserting raw garlic cloves into the vagina, make sure you prepare the raw clove without the hard sharp ends and take the shell off for maximum exposure to the clove. Do NOT push the clove far up into the vagina. Put it just inside and past the lips of the vagina so you can push it out if need be or "pee" it out when ready. you can leave it in there for a half hour or 45 minutes if you wish. leave it as long as you feel comfortable with it but never more than 45 minutes at a time and you can do this 3 times a day but do not over use this method. it is considered "heat" (chinese medicine philosophy) and can make it harder on your liver and intestines if over exposed to raw cloves repeatedly all day for weeks, months, years. just use them sparingly (figure out your usage, its different for everyone) and know its all about DOSAGE. Everything has to do with the amount of what you take! Doesn't matter what it is, even food you eat. if you over eat, you can hurt your body. if you drop too much hot water for too long on your skin, you'll get burned-you get the idea. so it is the same with boric acid and raw garlic cloves. because you will be in the vaginal area so much and repeatedly for an unknown amount of time due to B.V. and yeast issues; it only behooves a girl to be as careful and delicate as possible when making contact with the vaginal area. this is so it (your vagina) can take the medicines you give it without getting toxic doses of whatever it is you are taking.

Stop using: scented pads, scented lotions, scented soaps. just use water (yes that's what I said) to clean the vaginal area. The anus area use non scented soaps. Stop using perfume around the abdomen area. Stop using scents of any kind and also actually consider stopping sex for as long as you feel you are able to --to allow your body the ph balance and healing it needs to get better. your body is your temple, stop your temporary needs for once so you can permanently get better.

DO NOT: wipe the boric acid coming out of your vaginal area all day into the anus area! If you read up on the anus area, you will see it can absorb very well and it is unknown what the effects are if the anus area is wiped over with left over boric acid from the vaginal area. so, as the boric acid comes out from the vaginal area whether it be through urinating or into a pad, just ensure when you do clean yourself up from the boric, you wipe the vagina and the anus separately.

Here are some other things to look up to help with super chronic B.V. issues: homeopathic remedies, folic acid supplement, ph water to drink, paul pitchfords book Healing w/whole foods re: an astringent diet vs. dealing with dampness in the body which will eternally allow B.V. to take place in the body no matter what you take medicine wise including probiotics. Dampness (chinese medicine term) keeps B.V. living in the body so try out as an astringent a diet as possible through research on the web and pitchford's book which is only like 20 bucks to change your life for the better permanently.

Also, you must drink lots of fluids (not soda! ) WITH electrolytes, or you'll flush electrolytes right out of your system and cause much worse issues than you can possibly imagine. How do you know if you are drinking just enough fluids? If your urine has a super light yellow tint to it. Look up how much water you should be drinking according to your body weight and add Himalayan pink salt along with a bit of concentrated non-sugared cranberry juice (add stevia) to avoid bladder infections while dealing with B.V. and Y.I.'s. You can get all of these items (pink salt, concentrated cranberry juice and liquid stevia) at vitacost btw. Whatever you do, do not ever eat or drink caffeine related items or be prepared to deal with B.V. and Y.I. for the rest of your life. Now, if you have had caffeine while doing boric acid treatments and got rid of it, than the only reason you did is because you did not have the worst case scenario of B.V. It means you had a stronger immune system, more gut flora and probably a lot stronger system all around than all of us dealing with chronic B.V.

Re: homeopathic remedies; if you do find out what items to buy do buy them online because if you just walk into any store to buy a homeopathic remedy chances are, you are buying the lowest doses offered on the market. if you go online to buy these remedies, you will find the highest doses possible for the lower prices and you will be able to do research on just how much to take. because w/homeopathic remedies, it is all about dosage, diet and avoiding certain things while taking these curative items.

If you REALLY want to get rid of the B.V. and all the different types of yeast infections follow an astringent diet, do as much research as possible on everything I mentioned here including stuff you find out on your own and share it all with us because we want to know too! I purposely wrote everything I could possibly think of here so folks could read what they want, and have "too much info" to go do research to better their lives to get rid of B.V. once and for all.

If anyone has any questions, I will do my best to answer them in as timely a manner as possible.

Slessings, ~ Miss Joie


Hydrogen Peroxide

Posted by Abbey (Allentown, Pa) on 03/29/2016
★★★★★

HYDROGEN PEROXIDE CURED MY BV!!! I went through four rounds of antibiotics with no avail! I was depressed and thought it was hopeless until I found earthclinic and hydrogen peroxide!! I douched with H202 2-3 times per day and applied tea tree oil topically to control the itch. Within a few days I had another gyno appt and they tested me AND IT WAS GONE!!! Thank you to Earth Clinic and all of the ladies who have posted before me!! You are all life savers!!!


Hydrogen Peroxide
Posted by Toya (Ga) on 02/29/2016
★★★★★

First let me start off by saying I NEVER do any reviews or feedback for anything online but I HAD to come back to this site to share my story. I struggled with BV for a very long time... Maybe 5 years(yeah 5! ) it would come and go. I have seen different doctors and they would prescribe me antibiotics (flagyl) that would last periodically but not permanently. So one day I decided to type in BV cure and I saw the peroxide cure ... OMG this really works! I cannot explain how grateful I am that I came across this. The first time I tried it, it lasted up until I was sexually active then came back so I tried it again but added about a tablespoon of Apple Cider Vinegar and its been about 4 weeks and I'm STILL good, even after sex! I cannot believe this worked I have struggled with odor and different embarrassments because of this on and off for so long so to come across something so simple that I've had at home all these years, is amazing. I am so grateful for this I cannot stress enough if you have this problem just at least try it... If it helped ME it'll most likely help any one.


Hydrogen Peroxide
Posted by Angie (Virginia) on 01/16/2016
★★★★★

I, like mostly everyone who has posted, am so happy to report that the hydrogen peroxide with water solution totally works. I have been having complications from BV for the past 2 years. I have taken antibiotic after antibiotic. The last round of antibiotics I broke out in this horrific rash (hives, itching, the whole bit). I stumbled across this website after searching for other ways to treat this condition and decided to give it a shot. What the hell!

One evening, I mixed together 30 ml of hydrogen peroxide (the bottle I have in my house, not the food grade kind) along with 30 ml of water and douched with it. The next evening, and the evening after, I soaked a tampon with the solution and used that. But the first evening I immediately felt a difference. My vag even looked different. It was no longer dry looking, there was no more odor... I had been experiencing some brownish discharge. That has returned to normal. My vag is functioning the way that it was functioning before I developed BV. I'm just relieved. If I ever have problems in the future, the hydrogen peroxide solution will be my go to method of treatment.


Hydrogen Peroxide
Posted by Tiffany (Durham, Nc) on 01/05/2016
★★★★★

I am so excited to have found a way to cure my recurrent BV without having to go back to the doctor for more antibiotics! I've struggled with recurrent BV for about 3 years. It took me a while to connect the dots (way too long, actually) but I'm sure my BV is caused by unprotected sex. In hindsight I realized it always occurred a few days afterward. It hadn't always happened, it started when I got a new partner.

The first few times I went to the gyno, got the antibiotics and went on about my way. I didn't really think of it as a problem until I didn't have insurance and couldn't afford to go to the doctor.

Fast forward to a month ago when I got my most recent case, I promised myself that I wouldn't take anymore antibiotics and that I would find a way to cure it myself. I did have some leftover medicine that I could have taken but I really wanted to be able to fix it naturally, so I resisted. I tried everything from boric acid suppositories (which I had tried once before), lactobacillus suppositories, feminine probiotics suppositories, and probably some other remedies that I'm forgetting. They all work as long as you use them, but once you stop the symptoms are right back.

Hydrogen peroxide was my last ditch effort before I was going to quit and take the antibiotics.

I tried the soaked tampon (in combination with lactobacillus suppositories after removing the tampon), and that didn't work at all. I tried douching with a half and half mixture of peroxide (3%) and water (I used an empty Summer's Eve Douche bottle) for 5-6 nights and I did see some improvement, but the BV returned a couple day after my last douche.

I decided to try douching again but this time I did MUCH LESS diluting. Truthfully, it was almost no dilution at all. Probably a 95/5 mix.

Also, instead of doing a straight douche, I would lay on my back and fill my vagina with the mixture, hold it in for a few minutes, release it, do this a couple more times, and then finish off with a douche over the toilet.

After 3-4 nights of this, I'M CURED! Usually by this point, if something wasn't going to work, my symptoms would be back but I feel great. It's been six days since my last treatment, and NOTHING. No, it doesn't hurt or burn, you will feel some of the bubbling but it is completely painless! I don't normally post to blogs or write reviews but I know the BV struggle is a horrible one and I want to help whoever I can!


Garlic

Posted by Mir (California, United States) on 08/04/2015
★★★★★

This may be TMI, but I've had a very touchy vaginal ph since I started puberty. Anything could give me BV and yeast infections. Wearing tight clothes, using laundry soap, bubble bath, my diet, any kind of soap, body wash, sexual lubricant, semen, and even condoms. I also always had a yeast infection without fail right before my period. Life (especially in a relationship) was miserable! I went to a few gynos who said there was nothing explicitly wrong at all, and reccomended I cut out sugar most of the way. I did. No changes for a year. I went back to my gyno and was basically told to just 'deal with it' and keep up my usual proper hygiene.

Then my boyfriend's mom told me to cut garlic into small pieces and swallow it with water before bed. Within a few weeks, my vagina was completely tamed, per se. No more BV or yeast infections at the drop of a hat. Life is so much easier now, and more pleasant. Garlic all the way.


Boric Acid

Posted by Bron (Brisbane, Australia) on 04/26/2015
★★★★★

It has now been a year since my first post and I have been BV free this entire time! I wanted to check back in and lay out as clearly as possible what has worked for me.

This is what I recommend to those of you struggling with this hideous condition..

Preparation:

  • 1. Order 100% boric acid or medical grade boric acid (it's the same thing but called different things in different places) AND 00 Veg capsules. In Australia, simply order both of these on Ebay. I believe in the US, you can ask your pharmacy to order them for you or try Amazon.
  • 2. With clean hands, simply fill the larger side of the capsule with the boric acid and then use the smaller side as the lid. Make up as many as you like - they last for months and months. Store them in a glass jar in your pantry and keep capsules and all ingredients out of reach of the little ones.
  • 3. Buy pads - do NOT wear tampons during this treatment.

The Regimen

  • Start your treatment on your next period.
  • On the first night of your period, (and with clean hands) insert 2 capsules just before you go to bed.
  • For the next 5 nights, insert one capsule just before you go to bed.
  • Do this treatment for the next 3 periods (4 periods in total).
  • You may notice increased wetness as the capsules make their way out - completely normal. You may even find bits of the capsule - also normal.

Ongoing treatment:

  • After completing your 4 month treatment, you can cut back to inserting one capsule, usually on the last night of your period. As before, wear a pad that night and during the next day, but tampons on the other days should be fine. I believe wearing tampons overnight is not a good idea, but up to you.
  • Supplements and diet are completely up to you - I don't know what exacerbates BV, but it can't hurt to eat healthier.

Tips:

  • Always insert the capsule just before you go to bed. You want it to stay in for as long as possible.
  • Just before inserting the capsule, I like to hold the capsule under running water for about 20 seconds to soften the 'skin'.
  • Insert the capsule as far as you can. I don't think applicators are necessary, it's a personal preference.

Best of luck to you!

Bron


Dietary Changes

Posted by Dot (Central Texas, US) on 01/11/2015
★★★★★

OH YA"LL! I suffered with it for years! I think it's related to having a candida override in your body. I itched and went to several top rated gynecologist in The Dallas area who all found NOTHING wrong.Top rated Dermatologist found nothing wrong. Even tho I had had std's and BV! I found the Bacteria thing in a magazine, which made my obgyn angry, but I insisted he test me and sure enough, I was positive. YOU would think he could have smelled it, right? The test was just a scrape and scratch & sniff. FRUSTRATing, our medical profession in the USA!!!

Use tampons and buy cottonelle wipes! Keeping the blood away will help. Also I keep the hair region very short. Just keep scissors for this purpose, and clean them with alcohol wipes every time.

NEVER re-use your towels!! I actually feel better when I dry off with the hair dryer anyway.

Take vitamins. Mostly time release C. The brand doesn't matter. You do need the sustained (or time) release, tho and I thought with rose hips helped.

I take the cheap garlic supplements in gel capsules from wally world, but I take 3 or 4 instead of one and twice a day!

I take turmeric twice a day (wally world) and neem seed also. I had to get the neem capsules at Family nutrition, but I think they might be good.

Stop eating cheese and dairy for a while ( I mean a few months), and when you do start back, keep it to just a small amount and NOT every day. Avoid sugar! And for sure, no artificial sweeteners! Stop consuming alcohol (that's a sugar) except I think red wine is not so bad, there's a balance somehow in that.

Omygosh NO BEER. Believe me I know this from experience.

And NO BREAD!!! This is pretty hard, cuz it means no subway unless you get a salad. And NO pizza, till you get better. Then only once a month.

I am 60 now, and it's over. Mainly because of no sex and no menstral cycle. Been over about 10 years now. Maybe only 5 yrs idk, Just soooo relieved.

I wore a panty liner daily. I feel the wicking away thing helps greatly. I still wear a panty liner daily!

Take pro biotics! I had a whitish tongue for years.

it's almost pink now, but I have to take the probiotic every day. I also had to do a diet yeast cleanse. Lost 15 lbs, because the first few days are clear liquids only. Then only one green veggie. Later I made myself stir fry with a lot of fresh ginger, garlic, and onions. No coffee (thats a bummer, but caffeine WILL help any yeasts bond to your system.) Get rid of any dark colored fillings. I had them replaced as they needed it, but if you can afford, get them out! And do not eat tuna or salmon At least for a while. Mercury is a bonding agent for Yeast!

Wash off all fruits and veggies and I even wash the "pre washed" bagged salad. Do not put anything in your mouth that you think might not be washed off.

Avoid antibiotics, unless you just cannot get well.

If you are on antibiotics. Take probiotics in-between the drugs. Like a few hours after your meds. To put back the Good bacteria that gets destroyed! Drs will tell you this now, but they told me it was hogwash in the 70's and 80's. I did it anyway (most the time), glad I did!

If your tummy is rumbly or you have gas, you better get on my program!

Then take the probiotics (lactobicillious, acidophiulus, or both) They should come in a dark glass bottle. Best if you can find a health store that keeps the LIVE cultures in the fridge. Keep yours in the fridge, even if you buy some that was on the shelf. Lately I take Probiotic 10 which I found at vitamin world. It was not refrigerated, but I store it in my frige.

Work out!!!! I love Zumba (mainly becuz I have the best trainer on the planet, She is highly motivated and it's contagious) while you are dancing there will be little or no symptoms, Or at least that's a great mind trick. You have got to sweat! So get moving!!!

Avoid chocolate, I know! But at least for a while.

Treat this as a body invasion! It is! Do a cleanse of some type. Starve the thing to death!

Cilantro is a natural cleansing herb and if you can eat some every day, it'll sure help your body regain it's immunities. It will also keep arthritis away!

If you can afford it, get a vitamix. Or at least a nutribullet.Even if all you use it for is green grapes with a little fresh parsley and some ice, you will be getting amazing cleansing.

If you have a sinus/allergy problem, do use a saline rinse, but I have been able to quit that, by using an alcohol wipe in each nose cavity twice a day, then a swab with a qtip of tea tree oil in each side. Amazing, no drip or odors. But I have to do that every day. I guess we breathe in all kinds of stuff. TTO is a natural antiseptic! You can get that at wally world, too. Get the pharmaceudical grade.

I had to stop eating corn. Wait till you read the labels of all the stuff you eat. Most of it has corn oil. I guess that is a cheap filler. I developed an allergy to corn, so no pop corn or cornbread (this tough here in the south). I stopped eating catsup and bottled pasta sauce, and bottled salad dressing. Instead, increase your olive oil and coconut oils.

I try to only drink bottled spring water. All kinds of parasites live in your faucet.

Keep the faith!


Aloe in Unsweetened Cranberry Juice

Posted by Jhlife (Atlanta, Ga) on 12/14/2014
★★★★★

I just wanted to add in regard to BV, I had it a couple of years ago and it was recurrent no matter what my Dr. gave me. Finally, I ask a friend of mines who is well versed with natural cures what I should do and she simply said, "2tbsp of natural aloe vera to 8oz of unsweetened cranberry juice. Not only does it get rid of the BV, I have also found that it works well with balder infections. Pray this helps someone as it did me.

Hotep (peace)


Kefir, Oregano Oil

Posted by Cnn (Philadelphia, Pa) on 03/08/2013
★★★★★

Cure BV with Kefir. Plain Kefir has more probiotics than anything you can buy in a pill. Drink it in the morning before your meal and at night before you go to bed. Make suppositories with Kefir and a drop of oil of oregano at night for 7 days to kill the bacteria and restore the friendly bacteria all at once. (mix the oil of oregano with the keifer and store it in the freezer). Break off a piece at night and insert it. (only use a drop of oil or it may be too irritating) Buy sulfate free, and a propylene glycol free body products. Follow a ph balanced diet, and avoid sugar when you can. Add peroxide to your final rinse with your laundry to kill bacteria that may still linger in these items. Avoid tampons. Make kefir a part of your every day drink and it will not return.


Dietary Changes

Posted by Naturalchic (Los Angeles, Ca, Usa) on 02/04/2011
★★★★★

I've tried all of these "cures" and none worked for me. I decided to research the internal cause and found it to be overgrowth of yeast/candida in the colon. The colon has been found to be the main source of alot of sickness and disease in the human body. I went on a yeast free diet (no dairy/sugar/fruits/fried foods/vinegar/wine/alcohol), you can look it up online. I only ate fresh veggies/salads without meat, as it can slow down the digestion process. Along with changing my diet, I started to cleanse my system of all the old food and toxins. The old food in your colon will cause you to store unwanted parasites and toxins in your body so no matter how many acidophilus you take, unless you rid your system of the old bacteria, it will be uneffective.

I went to a local health food store and bought Psyllium Husks, which is an absorbant powder that cleanses the body of toxins and pushes out build up from your colon. I drank 3 teaspoons of psyllium with 8oz of water immediately in the morning and at night right before bed. Drink psyllium on an empty stomach and wait an hour before eating, at night drink an hour or more after eating. Drink an additional glass of water after each psyllium mixture, also be sure to drink a minimum of half your body weight in ounces of water (weigh 150=drink 75oz) throughout the day(VERY IMPORTANT, psyllium will cause constipation and dehydration of you're not drinking enough water). It is also important to take daily probiotics after this cleanse to maintain the healthy flora.

Psyllium will swell in the digestive track absorbing all toxins and sweeping the walls of the DT, forcing it out of the body in bowel movements. This is similar to a colon cleanse but it is much more natural and less expensive. You will notice that when you go to the restroom it will be in the shape of your digestive track, long and bulk.

Within 4 days my bv was gone!! It is recommended to not drink psyllium for longer than a week at a time. But the best part is that, you probably wont need to, as it is not just a temp fix like many of these other recommendations. Please research colon cleanse and yeast for more info. Continue to keep up a yeast free diet and add in only a few foods slowly, to monitor the tolerance on your system. Also dont forget to take probiotics daily.

I'm not a physician, just someone that has been through years of torture. Hopefully this helps anyone that has tried everything, like me. This is the true cure!!!


Vitamin C

Posted by Monica (Los Angeles, CA) on 05/26/2009
★★★★★

First of all, my heart truly goes out to all BV sufferers. It is the worst thing I've had to deal with as a female. I've been dealing with it off and on for over ten years. When the antibiotics didn't work and only worsened things, I started looking to home remedies, which proved to be more effective. My first home remedy was a store-bought suppository for yeast infections that contained BORIC ACID. This really cured the BV infection prior to my most recent one. When I acquired my most recent infection, I went to purchase the product but learned that BORIC ACID was no longer an active ingredient as the FDA ordered the makers to pull it from the market. I tried the new formula, and it did nothing for me. So here are the steps I took to cure my latest infection.

Made my own BORIC ACID pills: I used the suppositories every night for one week. This remedy cause LOTS of discharge as well. This did not work for me this time around. I have no idea why, but it just didn't work. It does work for many women, but all women are not the same, and it failed me this last time.

HYDROGEN PERODIXE DOUCHE: I started out 50/50 water/hydrogen perodixe. This really helped with the symptoms and gave me some relief but did not stop the discharge. I then graduated to a full-strength hydrogen peroxide only douche. I do not recommend this for women who are experiencing buring or sensitivity as a result of BV. For me, it was OK and did not burn as I was not experiencing burning. This kept discharge and irritation under control, but it did not cure my infection.

FOLIC ACID: 800 mg in the AM and PM. Did nothing for me.

PROBIOTIC SUPPOSITORY: Did nothing for me.

TEA TREE OIL DOUCHE: I did this for one night after the hydrogen peroxide douche did not work. This was OK, but I did not see any improvement. In fact, I felt more irritated after douching.

TEA TREE OIL SUPPOSITORY: Smells awful, and it really did not work for me.

WHAT FINALLY WORKED: VITAMIN C SUPPOSITORY! After hours and hours of research looking for remedies, I came across an excerpt from a book titled the Women's Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine. In it were some home remedies for "vaginitis." One entry was on the use of VITAMIN C 250 mg as a suppository for 6 days straight. After reading the entry, I did some further research and found studies online citing some great results with VITAMIN C suppositories. The research stated tha the ascorbic acid in a 250 mg tablet of VITAMIN C helps to acidify the vagina, thus lowering the PH and making it a favorable environment for lactobaccili and NONfavorable environment for nonbeneficial bacterial. I figured, what the heck, I've tried everything else. Here's what I did. I went to a popular vitamin store and purchaesed a bottle of straight VITAMIN C 250 mg. Make sure that you are using straight VITAMIN C. There are many Vitamin C combo pills that are buffered, contain rose hips, calcium, etc. You do not want to use any Vitamin C that contains other minerals. (((NOTE: Many drug stores did not carry Vitamin C 250 mg. I couldn't even find it in a popular natural foods chain store, which is why I went to a vitamin store. They carry more varieties.)))

Once I purchased the pills, I went home and inserted one pill that night. The next morning, I had a lot of the typical white BV discharge but I continued. The second night, I did the same thing. The next morning. I did not notice any discharge except for the gritty discharge from the suppository PLUS no BV odor. I continued and did not notice ANYMORE white discharge or odor for the rest of the six days. You will notice the gritty discharge from the pill throughout treatment, but that's pretty much it. Also, the discharge is NOT even close to that when using boric acid suppositories. My theory was that the first night, the acid from the pill was causing my vagina to flush itself of the bad bacteria.

As for women who have used this remedy and reported serious irritation, I wonder if they used too high of a dosage. I couldn't find anything lower than 500 mg at my local drug store, which is TWICE the recommended dosage. So if you are doubling the dosage, that's twice the acid. This is probably why there's so much irritation. Make sure to get the 250 mg. My bottle cost $2.99.

Also noted in the exceprt I read was using supplementation as a means to maintain the vaginal mucosa. It said vitamin A was a good supplement to maintain vaginal mucosa as well as vitamin C.

I hope this works for you. Remember, we are all different. What works for one woman may not work for another. I tried just about every POPULAR home remedy from Earth Clinic and shoved whatever I thought would work into my vagina until I FINALLY found some relief. This will be my go to method when I start to feel that all-too-familiar feeling of BV creeping up on me.



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