★★★★★
You can use a Betadine douche twice daily for up to 14 days, (Ive done it myself and extensively researched on the internet the safety of this). Once in the morning for 1 to 2 weeks should be enough for most people though.
Also I make the solution pretty dark (like a dark red). I add quite a few drops in a little bit (maybe a half cup of water) and hold it in for a bit. Its wonderful. I read it stimulates the vagina to produce more lactobacilli, its very healing and very gentle. Ive nipped beginning yeast infections in the bud before.
Apple Cider Vinegar Variations
Garlic
★★★★★
Apple Cider Vinegar
★★★★★
Just three times a day I drank a cap full of ACV well shaken with mother and followed with a glass of distilled water after the second day the smell was completely gone its a must that you wear panty liners daily sweat, moist, hot and dark areas are a breeding ground for bacteria and once you get the smelly discharge on your panties you know it's going to be a stinky situation for the rest of the day ACV will balance your ph from the inside so there is no need irritating your irritated vagina any further but be sure its BV this is not a STD Cure so if symptoms dont subside you may need to see you gyn thanks hopes this work for you I use it everyday now for its wonderful health benefits....
Apple Cider Vinegar
★★★★★
I started a liquid fast yesterday to help detox my body due to some other health issues I'm having. The night before I started my fast I mixed 2 tablespoons of ACV, a little bit of ground cinnamon and about 3 tablespoons of distilled water into a shot glass and drank it. I use ACV with the mother in it. When I woke up yesterday morning I immediately drank another shot of the ACV mixture. Keep in mind I had no idea ACV would treat BV. I had zero odor when I woke up yesterday but I did have discharge still. I drank a total of 3 shots of that mixture yesterday and by the time I went to bed last night I had no odor and no discharge. I must say this is AMAZING. I only took this 3 times yesterday and it was all oral consumption. I didn't apply anything in or near my lady parts at all. I highly recommend drinking a "shot" of this miracle in a bottle 3 times a day. You will be so glad you did! I
Vitamin D
Art
Indian J Med Res. 2015 Jun;141(6):799-806. doi: 10.4103/0971-5916.160707.
Treatment of vitamin D deficiency is an effective method in the elimination of asymptomatic bacterial vaginosis: A placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial.
Taheri M, Baheiraei A, Foroushani AR, Nikmanesh B, Modarres M1.
Author information
Abstract
BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES:
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most prevalent vaginal infection in women of reproductive age group which has been found to be associated with vitamin D deficiency. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of the administration of 2000 IU/day edible vitamin D for 15 wk to eliminate asymptomatic BV among reproductive age women with vitamin D deficiency.
METHODS:
A total of 208 women with asymptomatic BV, who were found to be eligible after interviews and laboratory tests, were randomly assigned to a control group (n=106) or an intervention group (n=105). They used vitamin D drops daily for 105 days. Vaginal and blood samples were taken before and after the second intervention using identical methods (Nugent score for BV diagnosis, serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D forvitamin D determination).
RESULTS:
The cure rate of asymptomatic BV was 63.5 per cent in the intervention and 19.2 per cent in the control group (P <0.001). The results showed that being unmarried (P=0.02), being passive smoker (P<0.001), and being in the luteal phase of a menstrual cycle during sampling (P=0.01) were significantly associated with post-intervention BV positive results. After these elements were controlled, the odds of BV positive results in the control group was 10.8 times more than in the intervention group (P<0.001).
INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSIONS:
Among women in reproductive age group with vitamin D deficiency, the administration of 2000 IU/day edible vitamin D was effective in eliminating asymptomatic BV. This treatment could be useful in preventing the symptoms and side effects of BV.
Alkalize
Oregano Oil
★★★★★
I diluted the Oil of Oregano with 100% Avocado Oil, which I just use as face oil at night. Just a couple of drops with about 10 drops of the Avocado Oil. I rubbed it all around my pubic hair, the opening to my vagina, and it did sting just a little at first....but then after a few days, it stopped stinging! I noticed the odor had disappeared. I continued to use it as mentioned above for about 3 more weeks, wanting to make certain that all of the bacteria was gone...it has completely killed whatever that bacteria was, and my odor is gone. I just use it about once a week, to make certain that it never returns. I think that there must have been a bacteria that was resistant to all the drugs, and other treatments. I still don't know what it was exactly, and I think I picked it up in a hospital..... but I am thrilled that this 4 year problem is gone! Oil of Oregano is an excellent oil to keep in your medicine cabinet... make sure it is "ORGANIC". I bought several more bottles.
Garlic
★★★★★
This cycle went on for about a year until it dawned on me that I wasn't being proactive! I started taking organic garlic capsules every day an have been yeast free for years now :) I have a friend that says she doesn't think the garlic capsules work so she just eats a clove or two every day and it works for her too! Hope this helps someone.
EC: Inserting a whole clove with no nicks or cuts will make it less likely to burn, but will still yield the same result.
I was prescribed: 600 mg of Boric Acid Vaginal Suppositories, one inserted at bedtime for 7-14 days; a vaginal-only Lactobacillus capsule, to be taken orally for 30 days; an external antifungal and steroid combination ointment to be used twice a day for 14 days. I am vastly improved after one week.
This regimen was prescribed by my doctor based on the following:
The antibiotic, oral or vaginal will cause a yeast infection in most women, setting up a vicious cycle. The cure rate of the antibiotic is not 100%, therefore, what returns not a new infection, it's the same one, usually plus yeast.
This is generally caused by an overall imbalance in the ph of the vaginal vault. The only clinically proven, and studied way to correct that is via 600mg of boric acid administered once per day, vaginally for 7-14 days. Many women need to administer one capsule monthly as well just before or after their period ends. This creates the ideal acidic environment and serves as an antiseptic for the bacterial overgrowth. Initial treatment does not work in only three days, unfortunately, and must be continued for 7-14 days--and should be administered at night right before laying down or it will pop out! No more than one capsule is required. Overkill is bad. Douching with an acidic solution may "seem" like a good alternative, but it also washes out the fluids that are trying to regrow and ahere to the walls. Boric acid does not do that, but it does take a while. I admit that.
Because with both BV and yeast, the vagina is in an alkaline state and there is an undergrowth of Lactobacillus, the beneficial flora that migrates from the intestinal tract (yes, that is how it gets there) to the vagina. It is not just any Lactobacilli however--the majority of the supplements, yogurts, kefirs, etc. Are designed to adhere to the gut. Therefore they do not ever migrate to the vagina. Inserting capsules or yogurt directly into the vagina has been studied and shown no effect as the bacteria do not adhere to the vagina. Neither does soaking a tampon in yogurt, although the coolness of the yogurt may provide some temporary comfort. They are foreign bacteria to the vagina and will cause inflammation. In fact, there is actually another vaginosis caused by an overgrowth of Lactobacillus, which mimics many of the symptoms described here. I just wanted to point that out.
There are two strains that have been clinically isolated as naturally occuring in the vagina, and should be taken orally. Within 7 days, these strains will be present in your vagina and doing their job: Lactobacillus rhamnosus, GR-1 and Lactobacillus reuteri, RC-14. The are available under a brand name, mentioned in the BV forum quite frequently and are available internationally.
Douching: I occasionally douched with a mild vinegar and water douche (not scent of May or anything like that) and seriously got yelled at by my gyn. I am talking about 4 times a year at most. Anyway, I did my research on the hydrogen peroxide and the apple cider and the baking soda, etc. Since it was recommended here. What I found was that: baking soda neutralizes acid--think about it! You can drink it as an antiacid so imagine what it does if you are trying to build an acidic environment? It neutralizes it--it's actually used in the case of an overgrowth of Lactobacillus!!! Hydrogen Perioxide is a natural byproduct of Lactobacillus, so why tamper with that? I have seen a quite a bit on the Internet though that both it and Apple Cider Vinegar are successful--I personally don't plan to try them myself since the Boric Acid and vaginal-specific Lactobacillus worked, but if they are not harming you and work for you, I didn't see anything wrong with them, provided they aren't overused. I do know that too much Hydrogen Peroxide can be damaging to skin, and if you have bleeding or fissures in your vagina, I would skip that myself.
Feminine hygiene: I was lectured on this too! I use tampons during my mentrual period and was told that was preferred (I used a VERY common cotton brand). What I was told to immediately stop using was another VERY common brand of super absorbant pads and panty liners or any pad or panty liner that use anything such as dry-weave technology. Apparently those are breeding grounds for bacteria. Who knew? So I switched to an all natural brand, made with cotton, ph balanced, not as thin and comfy--but goodness, it was hard to find anything that was not scented, doused with baking soda, or made from some dry weave type fabric.
Washing: This was crazy. I have always used a special feminine wash, unscented, thinking that it was better than shower gel or soap. I don't shave (I wax) and I keep myself very clean. My doctor actually said to me, "It's you clean ones I have the most problems with. " I have now been instructed to wash my labia with only water and my clean fingertips in the shower. I've been doing that, but really, I don't feel clean. I'm so scared of this coming back though that I am following her instructions to the T.
Vitamins: I was not given any special diet rules. I eat healthy and am fit anyway. I do normally take folic acid, biotin, vitamin c, vitamin d, but added B12 based on what I read here. We'll see if that helps my immune system rebuild.
Anyway, thank you all so much for sharing your stories. It was so helpful to not feel alone in this, and I hope that some or any of what I shared is helpful to you. I feel so badly that so many are suffering, that I just wanted to put out some of what I found, was told, and researched. Best wishes for us all to have happy, healthy vaginas!!!
Dietary Changes
★★★★★
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!!!
Baking Soda Douche
★☆☆☆☆
Yogurt
★★★★★
I decided to try the yogurt without the tampon. I used the tube applicator I got with the metro gel and got plain greek yogurt. Filled the entire applicator and put it in. I feel like I wasted 8 yrs looking for a cure when it was right in front of me. No smell! Nothing! After sex I just put in the yogurt to keep the good bacteria thriving. I feel so free now, dont have to worry about turning down my bf and making up excuses. Please give this a try, it save my relationship and my sanity!
★★★★☆
On my last trip to the doctor (after taking acidophilus for a while), tests revealed that I didnt have BV. But the symptoms remained so I was stumped. After more research on the internet, I stumbled across info on balancing the pH balance of acid and alkaline in the body. Too much acid in the body is a disease state called "Acidosis". Acidosis creates a lot of problems in the body including weak immune system, excess mucus, cold hands and feet, irritability and FUNGAL INFECTIONS. This (so far) has turned out to be the culprit! This also explains why some women find apple cider vinegar douches to be a cure... because ACV is highly alkaline, and reduces acid. So, I made a few tweaks in my diet. Water, OJ and an occasional coffee were my only beverages. So I have completely replaced the extremely acidic OJ with green juice.
You can determine if this might be your problem by taking a litmus test. Health food stores or vitamin shops have litmus strips. Put your saliva on it and it displays your body's pH balance. I took one a few days after discovering this info on Acidosis and found that I had the 2nd highest acidity level! Since changing to an alkaline diet all the symptoms have disappeared except 1. The discharge is still present but not as much and its odorless! I don't even have to wear panty liners everyday nor change them twice a day. Eating salad or drinking green juice is a small price to pay for eliminating this horrible condition!!
Garlic
Multiple Remedies
★★★★★
i used two packs of bv treatment from pharmacy that always helped me before, and nothing! Oregano oil suppositories, folic acid, Apple Cider Vinegar on tampon, coconut oil sup, garlic, ginger, probiotics, nothing helped when used by itself.
but then I started putting one vit C tablet 1000mg inside my vag for a night, one probiotic in vag (focus on rhamnosus& reuteri VERY IMPORTANT acidophilus doesnt work that good) 30 billion cfu for a day.
I also changed my diet, drank almost 1 litre of kefir per day (it's muuuch more powerful probiotic than any pill) added cinnamon as it is antimicrobial, no coffee, if alcohol then only red wine as it is a prebiotic in small amounts, sugar only from natural sources, one tablespoon of baking soda in glass of water on empty stomach to alkalize my body, no junk food, lots of liquids( try green tea/peppermint with turmeric, ginger and pepper very very healthy) and in general my diet was full of probiotics, prebiotics& veggies, pills like vit D or omega3. that finally cured me. I know its very complex treatment, but I think that if you're dealing with bv for a long time and nothing seems to be working you need to drastically change your diet, most of the diseases start in gut.
I'm over 2 months bv free& had 2 periods:) I decided to share this because the last 3 weeks ive been eating junk food, lots of sugar and sweet alcohol and it still hasnt come back so I guess I truly am bv free. although tomorrow im getting back to healthy diet, dont wanna tempt the fate aha.
Good luck!
Hydrogen Peroxide, Tea Tree Oil
★★★★★
The struggle is real.
I finally found what works.
Was on a peroxide douche for two years.
Pure 3% peroxide about 10-15 cc / Per day douche . That controlled it but not totally cured.
This time, I added ten drops tea tree oil . That made a difference but still not totally cured.
Then I decided to use the organic tea tree essential oil and chose a good brand. Ten drops mixed in 15cc, 3% hydrogen peroxide.
That finally cured it! At first I seemed to develop a fungal infection, I got really thick, feta cheese like consistency. The smell is just gone, never came back. The thick diischarge
Was gone after a week. After that everything was back to normal.
I hope this helps helps someone!
★★★★★
★★★★★
For 3 years, It seemed like every month I was on boric acid, metro gel, flagyl oral, tried vinegar, vitamin C with rose hips-- it would go away and then come right back. Sometimes after sex, or my period, or too much stress...I could never pinpoint what was causing it. I'm not sure if I anyone recommend cutting out sugar or if I just immediately dismissed them because if you asked me beforehand I would have told you I don't eat that much sugar. After being in a study for women who suffer with chronic BV and getting to the end of the list of treatment options, my dr suggested I try cutting out sugar.
Through experimentation, I've found that anytime I start eating more than 30g of sugar/day, my ph starts to get off. And that terrible smell (like trash! ) starts to show up again. I use metrogel one of two nights and it's gone. Then I got back to my strict low/no sugar diet. I've tested it several times and my experiments result in the same conclusion- sugar causes my BV.
This was one of the blogs I went to to when I was looking for a cure, so I wanted to share my experience. I hope it helps someone out there.