The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
Hydrogen Peroxide Variations
Posted by 15yearstoolong (Hamilton, Ontario, Canada) on 03/09/2011
First of all I'd like to say a huge Thank you to all of the women on this site for writing about your home remedies and making suggestions, giving the rest of us sufferers some hope. I am 40 years old and have had 5 children. I have suffered with BV since I was 25 yrs old (15 years in total). I have always taken the medication that my doctor has prescribed for me (Flagyl), and it has always worked in getting rid of the BV, but only temporarily. I really felt like I was the only one suffering with this, and always felt "dirty".
Up until I had my 3rd child, I had never ever had a vaginal problem. No odours, no discharge, nothing. I was with the same man for over 19 years, so multiple partners was never an issue. The first time I got BV, my doctor had very little advice or anything at all to tell me on how to fight this vicious infection. I would get it at least 3 times a year every year following that. Here in Canada we do have medical insurance and are able to see the doctor as frequently as we need to and Flagyl is covered by my insurance. For 15 years this medication has done nothing but temporarily make it go away. I am now in a new relationship and have only been sexually active twice in the past month. First time was 1 day before I started my menstrual cycle and there was absolutely no smell, however discharge was thick. The second time was 2 weeks afterwards and I could smell the BV was back and heard that "noise" that happens when I urinate while infected. I had told my doctor about this "sound" and he looked at me like I had 2 heads. However after reading the posts on this site, I have come to learn I was not alone. Other women have heard it too, and can tell when an outbreak of BV will or is happening because of that alone. So after having read each and every single post on here, I decided to try some of the remedies. I have done alot of online research and found out some things that certainly helped me. The very first thing I did was went to the drug store and bought a bottle of Hydrogen Peroxide 3%. I also found a product by RePhresh called Pro-B caplets. Each caplet contains 2.5 billion Lactobacillus rhamnsous Gr-1, and 2.5 billion Lactobacillus reuteri RC-14. After very extensive research I came to learn that these 2 types of bacteria are the most important healthy bacteria that fight off the bad bacteria and is found naturally in the vagina. Each one has its own way of fighting, and are necessary to maintain a healthy vagina. So here is what I have done. I'm sure most of you already know that you need more of the healthy bacteria in your vagina than bad in order for you to get rid of the BV. I bought a douche from the drug store and emptied out its contents. I filled half of the bottle with the Hydrogen Peroxide and the other half with warm water. I douched with that and held it in for about 5 mins, then letting it all out and douched again but this time with only Hydrogen Peroxide and no water. Yes it burned a slight bit but barely noticeable. I then showered only using water to clean my womanly area. After the shower I used straight peroxide to clean the outer area. Make sure you dry the area soon afterwards. I took orally 1 of the capsules mentioned above. Just before bedtime I took a tampon and lowered it back down inside the tube to leave some room. I took one of the capsules, broke it open and poured the powdery content into the tampon applicator so that it would sit in a neat little pile on top of the tampon. I stood up to put the applicator in so it wouldn't pour out the powder before being inserted. Do not wet the tampon at all before insertion or it won't go in very easily. I left the tampon in for 2 hours. The second night, I only took 1 capsule orally and inserted one pill vaginally, same way as before.
Third day I took another pill orally, did the Peroxide douche and afterwards inserted another capsule. I will not douche every day, as I am afraid of washing away the "good" bacteria that I have inserted and also taking orally. You have to grow and maintain enough good bacteria down there, in order for it to be successful in overtaking the bad bacteria and combat BV. Also always wearing cotton undies, and keeping the area as dry & clean as possible is also an important factor. When you take the Flagyl or other anti-biotics, it kills the good bacteria along with the bad and upsets the acidity and PH levels in your vagina, therefore giving any bad bacteria that survives another chance of regrouping and re-infecting. I won't be doucing anymore and only taking the probiotics that I have bought..
Here in Canada the RePHresh pills I purchased were $35.00 for a 30 day supply, at one a day. However, I have been going through 2 a day as I am using them vaginally as well. It's been a while since I started this regimen and so far everything is working fantastic!!! I have never been drier down there in my life. Even after a very long hard day and no chance of a shower yet, I'm still completley dry down there.. There is absolutely no odour and no discharge. The real test will be after my menstrual cycle or sex... I will keep you updated on how things progress for me. This is trully one of the most horrible infections us women can get.. Not to mention embarrassing, degrading, and I'm tired of living the life of a nun just to keep from suffering the embarrassments. I ordinarily would never write on these kinds of forums especially about this kind of personal thing, however I'm hoping that I can help others out, the same way others on this site have certainly helped me! Good luck to all of you!
Dietary Changes
Posted by Jackie (Maryland) on 10/17/2018
Wow, I was thinking of increasing my water intake. I have never had so many recurring bv issues until this year. I have taken 4 antibotics and the symptoms come back months later. The doctor just prescribed another antibotic but I am tired of the antibotics. I feel tired and upset stomach. I started taking a probotic with the last antibotics. I think the more water idea sounds the best.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Miss (Pa, US) on 06/16/2014
The same thing happened to me! I kept reading about douching with Hydrogen Peroxide. It really helped with the scent but a week later it all came back 1,000 times worse! Douche again....it just happened over and over. I really diluted it a lot. The douches were maybe 20% Hydrogen peroxide. I would get so itchy and burn it was unbearable! To be honest, the Hydrogen Peroxide made it worse. Everyone is different. I take daily vitamins, I tried Apple Cider Vinegar, Coconut Oil, and acidophilus (twice daily) and so far they have helped with the symptoms but not cure. My diet is 80% fruits and veges. I eat little meat and exercise 5 days a week. I am a very healthy person. But this time, the natural cure route has not worked. I think I'm going to have to suck it up and use the antibiotic.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by D.r (Jersey City, New Jersey) on 06/29/2018
You are so right, you have to use organic apple cider with the word (Mother). It gets rid of the bad bacteria while applying good bacteria and putting your pH at range. People, you also have to use the vinegar once a day at the same time in a row at least 3-4 days depending on severity. It really, really works!!!! Put 1- 2 tablespoon in a douche bottle and that add warm water to fill to the top or nearly top of the water bottle, then shake the bottle to mix it up. Then use it!!
Low Carb Diet
Posted by Jennifer (Atlanta, Ga) on 04/08/2010
★★★★★
OK...this is crazy! I have been battling with BV for at least 6 months. I have tried absolutely everything that I've read from this site (and then some). Nothing seemed to completely work...only for a day or so. I was sick of taking things and shoving stuff up there! I had about given up, until I had an unexpected discovery. This is so weird and I'm curious to see if this has worked for anyone else out there. Last Sunday (so 5 days ago) my husband and I decided to hit the NO CARB diet hard...in trying to get swim suit ready. I kid you not, the next day, that horrible spell was almost absolutely GONE! I thought....no way! So it's been 5 days and NO itching, NO smell, NO discharge...i cannot believe it! And I feel like a new person. I really want to know if anyone else has experienced relief this way. Apparently, the SUGARs were doing my body wrong and giving the Bacteria a feeding frenzy. Now my body can fight back on it's own....no pills, no douche, no nothing!!
I love this new discovery....anyone else out there tried this. You should try it if nothing else has worked...I could tell something good was happening the very next day!
Good luck and I wish you all the BEST!
Tea Tree Oil
Posted by London (Sandusky, Ohio) on 06/29/2010
★★★★★
Tea tree oil works for BV. The douche however, (with 5 to 15 drops) did not work for me, made things worse. Douching upsets the vaginal flora TOO MUCH
Here's what I do: 4-5 drops tea tree oil in an empty 00 gel cap, and then fill to rim with Castor oil. Stick it in as deep as it will go. I usually only have to do this overnight
Hydrogen Peroxide Variations
Posted by Bmore76 (Baltimore, MD) on 07/26/2009
peroxide/water douche and 10ml of plain yogurt cured my frequent recurring bacterial vaginosis
Garlic
Posted by Kennedy (Broomeville, SC) on 07/06/2009
★★★★☆
Hi ladies I have to say thanks for all of your input. I thought I was the only one in the world struggling with this problem. I've also researched that if you have an IUD that may be the cause of the BV as well. I've been taking one garlic pill twice a day. One in the morning and one at night. I've also been drinking a probiotic drink that has lots of bacteria that's similar to yogurt. I consume one every morning. So far for about a month, I've noticed some changes. I have little to no odor after intercourse and after my cycle. The discharge has decreased significantly! Hardly any at all.
Goldenseal
Posted by CleanNSexy (Los Angeles, California) on 04/22/2009
★★★★★
I got BV 4 yrs ago and the doctor prescribed an anti-biotic that cured it in a week but 10 months ago I had unprotected sex with my boyfriend, the next morning I had the symptoms and have been dealing with it ever since because I have no medical insurance. I went through the terrible ordor that came through my clothes, more discharge than normal(went through a lot of panty liners) and minor vaginal itch. I've tried taking Folic Acid and Acidophillus as well as douching with Peroxide and water but the smell, irritation and discharge would come back in a couple of days. About three weeks ago before I started my cycle I inserted a capsule of Golden Seal(an anti-biotic used to cure infections) into my vagina every night before I went to sleep and wore a panty liner to keep from getting discharge stains in my underwear from the Golden Seal leaking out. It has been 3 weeks and there's no odor, no irritation and my discharge went back to normal. It's almost time for my cycle to begin again and there's still no signs of BV. Golden Seal can be bought at any Health food store and I advice all women who are having problems with BV to try it!
Goldenseal
Posted by Elizabeth (Los Angeles, CA) on 03/11/2009
★★★★★
Golden seal cured BV for me.
I've been suffering from BV for 8 months and I've tried Folic Acid and Acidophellus (spell check) but neither worked, I douche with Peroxide and water which only lasted for 3 days but recently I tried finding boric acid and had no luck but I did have Golden Seal which cures most infections so I decided to insert it inside of the vaginal and the next morning I had no signs of BV so I did the same the next night and still no signs the next morning. The only thing is I have to wear a panty liner because it does leak out the next day.
Hydrogen Peroxide Variations
Posted by Tani (East Hartford, Connecticut) on 03/01/2009
★★★★★
I am totally happy to find this site, I've had BV for 2 years and was at the end of my rope with Metro Gel and Flagyl. I was beginning to think I was immune to these drugs because they never worked for me. I was sick of being in the doctor's office 3 times a month and decided to do my own research. After reading everyone's post and what worked for them, I began my own experiment that totally worked for me. For 7 days I douched with half water and half 30cc peroxide every night with a douche bottle (which burned a little)and inserted plain Organic yogurt from Country Farm. I thought it was important to use that type of yogurt as it had the lactobacillus which we need to put back directly in the vagina to help kill the bad bacteria causing BV. Its been 6 weeks and I am BV free.
Dietary Changes
Posted by Kay (Sunny, CA) on 02/06/2009
★★★★★
I tried not eating any yeast made foods, no pasta, breads, etc and tried folic acid, b12, acv but nothing worked. The doctors I went to visually thought I had BV or an STD but the test results were always negative. I googled and found that coffee can cause BV, yeast infection, migraines, balance problems and dizziness, I had all those issues. I quit drinking coffee including decaf and caffeine products. No more BV! voila!
Dietary Changes
Posted by Di (Brooklyn , NY) on 12/16/2008
★★★★★
Hello ladies, ive been suffering from BV for some time myself. The reason for this bacteria occurrence is the pH imbalance in your vagina. I've noticed that a lot of you are recommending the hydrogen peroxide, it is a good way to get rid of the bacteria but dont over use it. It still is an acid and eventually could cause other complications because it strips away you vaginal walls. For starters what you all should do is try to change you diet. SUGAR IS A BIG NO!! sugar will prevent Lactobacillus species from growing. You should also try to eat more grain and less refined flour foods like white bread and pasta. If you have whole foods in your area or a Russian store you can get kefir, it is cultured milk and a natural probiotic. Try to incorporate kefir into your daily diet. Acidophilus will cure the infection but its up to you to keep it from coming back. Your diet is the key to keeping the pH balance in order. it took me about 2 months with just cutting out sugars and drinking cultured milk to get rid of the infection. I didnt use acidophilus or douches, just kept what i eat under control. Maybe itll help you too.
Goldenseal
Posted by MJB (Boise, ID) on 12/15/2008
★★★★★
I tried everything. Peroxide douch, vitamens the whole works. Im 23 and have BV for about 2 years it was driving me nuts. I read some stuff about goldenseal and BV. I tried a wash and that worked for a few days, the smell came back. Finally I tried a douche with 1 capsule of goldenseal and water. It seems to have done the trick. No fishyness or itch in over a week which is one of the longest stretches I have gone on.
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Chevy (Bx, NY) on 12/14/2008
sorry you have been having all of these problems, however let me tell you and everyone else what works. listen up girls. what u have to do is first think about how often you move your bowels. this should be everyday at least twice, if not u need more fiber. the problem is or could be a candida inflammation or problems with digestion. what i did was got a colonic for one, maybe you dont have to, maybe it helped me im not sure. but i decided to write back becuz i see no one came back to these sites with any info saying things actually work for sure. all this to say, get natures way primodophilus l. reuteri from the health food store, it works like a charm. i have been taking it for a month and after the first week of taking them, i have never felt better. every now and a again i pop 2 folic acids and im good, actually im great.i take one in the morning and one at night. i have been having sex and i havent had a problem. im almost scared to stop taking them. trust me it has been working. ive tried every thing else and had no results as long as this., the smell is gone, the discharge is very minimal. i thank God everyday because this was really effecting my life, to the point that everytime i use the toilet, i was smelling the tissues i used to wipe with. in all seriousness get this stuff. i tried the h2o wash, the acidophilus, the garlic, the tea tree oil, oh gosh everything. you just have to find the right probiotic for you, and i think this one has the one that actually transfers to your intestines into the vaginal tract.holla if u need me girls. bye
Garlic
Posted by Mary (Houston, Texas, United States) on 02/18/2009
I was wondering, how do you take Garlic Orally? do you eat it alone or put in food?
Hydrogen Peroxide Variations
Posted by Pam (Central Florida) on 08/25/2008
★★★★★
I've been dealing with BV for almost a year. I found that using 3% HP Douche (no water) and holding it in my vagina for 2 - 3 minutes works really well (just squeeze then release when you are ready to let it drain out).
Also--a baking soda paste applied to the outside worked like a miracle for the burning and irritation. I simply dab some on when I first get into the shower and then wash it off when I'm ready to get out.
Yogurt
Posted by Shell (Savannah,, GA) on 06/10/2008
★★★★★
Hi I understand all too well the discomfort and embrassement of BV. I to am a victim of this terrible problem. I am now a 32 year old BV free woman. This didn't happen over night. I first had my battle with BV at the age of 18.I just recently discovered the powerful powers of YOGURT! I was so fed up with BV doctor trip after doctor trip. It would go away for a week or two then I would be sitting at work of somewhere and get a whiff of some funk coming on! Me and two of my friends refer to it boy saying " I feel a WOOP coming on. At least one of us always keep a readily supply of meds that we could borrow from each other. Anywho, I'm talking too much. I inserted a tube of yogurt every night just before bedtime for 30 nights.( I did'nt have a boyfriend at the time) After doing this for 30 days I have been completely cured of BV for 1 year now. The yogurt that I used was Activia. Try this I have passed it on to many of my friends and everyone says that this works. You have nothing to lose but smelliness!
Tea Tree Oil
Posted by Ladyk (Illinois) on 06/30/2016
Eliminate all sugars, both natural and processed. It feeds BV.
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Lauren (Ohio) on 08/16/2016
BV is not an STD. I asked my gyno and looked it up it isn't an STD even girls that aren't sexually active can get it.
Apple Cider Vinegar Variations
Posted by Elizabeth (Staten Island, NY) on 07/09/2007
★★★★★
I just tried the remedy of using plain yogurt and ACV. I've been suffering with a very pungent, sharp odor which is intense just before my menses start but I did not want to be forced to take the western medicine approach. Last night I mixed 1 teaspoon of plain yogurt and just ONE CAPFUL of raw, organic ACV and using a turkey baster, inserted the mixture before bed and wore a pad while I slept. Today the smell is gone. I will continue this approach over the next week and incorporate the Yogurt/ACV mixture into my regiment of continued health maintenance. Thank you Earthclinic!!!
Yogurt
Posted by I Did It (Saint Cloud, Mn) on 05/17/2011
★★★★★
I love earth clinic!! I read about a lot of people doing many things at one time but all I did was the yogurt soaked tampon 3 times for 2 days and it is gone!! Woo Hoo! It's been 2 months and that nasty smell has NOT come back. If it ever does I won't hesitate to do it again.
Colloidal Silver
Posted by Reese (California) on 11/18/2023
★★★★★
This is my first and hopefully last encounter with BV and it's been just awful. It took me a while to be certain things were off and it progressed to a nightmarish state really quickly. Everything was so swollen and raw and irritated down there. Even my urethra was so swollen and irritated I could barely urinate and it burned like crazy when I did. I tried the top remedies, and hydrogen peroxide definitely helped ease the symptoms, but after 10 days it wasn't getting better and I did the whole process of douche with hips up to let it simmer a bit. Eventually this became too painful as I was too swollen to even insert the nozzle. Boric acid just made the burn unbearable and I quit after 2 tries. I don't know if I was just too acidic or how it works, but I know boric acid shouldn't burn but it DID, a lot. Diluted ACV also burned, of course, but it did bring relief after the burn subsided. Not for very long, unfortunately. I only somewhat had faith in colloidal silver but I had it (homemade) so I figured I might as well try it. I drank about a tablespoon every 4 hours and after just a few hours things felt better, and after one day my symptoms nearly vanished. Finally day 12, day 2 of colloidal silver, my symptoms are completely gone and everything is back to normal. I'm so mad I didn't try this first! I let all the stuff online about it being useless get to my head. It works!
Garlic
Posted by Nic (OS, Ms) on 01/13/2024
I'm back, I've been meaning to come back and update. It seemed to have work.. but it doesn't. Back to the drawing board
Garlic
Posted by Lisa (FL) on 01/14/2024
Have you tried boric acid capsules? In my desperation for relief, I had my husband get the bottle out of the garage (yes, cockroach poison, don't take internally) and filled the caps and inserted one vaginally each night. I had some sort of infection and/or candida, maybe both, but it was miserable. I had gone to the doc and gotten a prescription which was a vaginal antibiotic gel; did nothing but give me severe diarrhea. It has been years, but I think I took it for a week.
I would also take raw garlic, oregano oil, and/or colloidal silver to help your body rid the infection.
Garlic
Posted by NicNicole (Biloxi, Ms) on 06/26/2024
Came back to say, it worked for a week then it stopped…. The ONLY thing that has been working for me for the last 2 months is ALKALINE WATER. That's it. I don't take probiotics or prebiotics anymore either. Hope this helps.
Dietary Changes
Posted by Twin mom (USA) on 01/26/2019
★★★★★
I literally have been coming to this website for over 10 years because I have been suffering from BV for that long. I've been prescribed antibiotics and have tried all sorts of remedies from this website. I've done extensive research online as well regarding this condition. It's unfortunate that more research isn't done regarding BV because so many women suffer from it. I mean, just look at the amount of “remedies” on this site. It's obvious that more focus needs to be placed on this condition. BV is embarrassing, depressing, and makes women very self conscious. It's just disheartening that a solution/cure hasn't been developed. But I honestly feel that my BV has been cured since eliminating dairy from my diet. After I gave birth, I became very focused on my diet and eating a lot of fruits and vegetables and limiting the amount of meat I eat. It has literally stopped BV in its tracks. Dairy is so bad for you. People should really try to eliminate dairy in their diets and you'll see a big difference.
Dietary Changes
Posted by Twin mom (USA ) on 05/14/2019
★★★★★
As an update. It's been almost a year and I haven't had BV yet all because I eliminated dairy from my diet. All these years of suffering and all I had to do was quit dairy. I've actually eliminated the cow from my diet. I don't eat beef or any of the cows products. I actually still enjoy sugar in my diet and it hasn't affected me at all. Good luck to you all.
Garlic
Posted by Joi (Chicago, I'll) on 08/28/2018
It actually does work.. I mean I don't think doctors know everything. In all honesty, if you think about how did we cure ourselves as humans with any types of infections when medication was not a source. I really believe in Natural Remedies.
