★★★★★
I have 2 say what works for one person may not work for another, but u just have 2 keep looking for what works for u. I have been diagnosed with bv about 3 months ago & was givin antibiotics for the bv it whent but then came back about a month and a half after the treatment. I said I wasn't going 2 continue 2 use the antibiotics cause that also destroys the good bacteria in the vagina. So I googled & found many natural remedies for bv & the one that caught my eye was the probiotics & the organic plain yogurt & I started using the probiotics capsules 2 times a day & eating the yogurt I cup a day & inserting the yogurt vaginally once a day & I gotta say about a week in 2 the home treatment, NOTHING!!!! The fishy smell & the vaginal discharge was Gone!!! I knew that it was helping & I got rid of it with probiotics & organic plain yougurt Thank God & the home remedies. You just have 2 b patient when using home remedies, remember that it dosn't work the same way for everyone. For some it worked in just 3 days but for me it took a week in 2 b gone but hey it beats using anitiotics witch just helps for a while but dosn't treat it from the root. So try it & c what works for u. I just keep eating the yougurt daily & keep drinking the probiotics just 2 keep it from coming back. Good luck 2 you hope it works keep the faith :0)
I stumbled across this site while researching BV. I have had this in the past, but it was easily cured with a common antibiotic gel that everyone seems to have been prescribed here. I have a long history with yeast infections, however, and while I have not had one in several years, I did have one following my last menstrual cycle. I am tolerant to the OTC meds, so was prescribed another well known yeast cream, only available by prescription; unfortunately, by day 5, I was in terrible pelvic pain and saw my ob/gyn at a major research university. It was determined that I had both bacterial vaginosis and yeast internally, as well as an extensive external yeast infection. I have never had such a thing before. The odd thing is that I do not have the odor that so many of these posts mention. I was concerned, however, after my consult with my doctor, about some of the natural remedies that are being done out of desperation here and wanted to share what I was told, in the hope that it helps someone.
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!!!
Apple Cider Vinegar Variations
★★★★☆
Hi ya'll, this site has been a godsend! I have been a sufferer for about 3 years, I think my Mirena has been the source of my problems... Comtemplating taking it out altogether. But anyways. I bought 5 billion count lactobacillus from Target for about $10 and have been on it for about 5 days taking one orally but just a couple of days ago, I upped it to one in the a.m. and one just before bed. I tried inserting vaginally but it didn't dissolve. I also just simply because I refused to start douching, I poured a generous amount of apple cider vinegar in the bath and I think it helped as well. I am also going to go get folic and or boric acid too in order to keep the symptoms away for as long as I can... Good Luck ya"ll
Supplements
I think it was the vitamin D that worked for her, Dr. OZ was talking about bacterial vaginosis and he said to take vitamin D, I bought some yesterday, I do not smell as bad, too early to tell, but I will let you guys know, also I bought those gelcaps natures made multi for her, I will post on Friday to let you know how Im doing, so far I smell nothing, keeping my fingers crosses.
Dietary Changes
Ladies... I did a 13 day detox program, which basically meant no solid foods. Only water, teas, homade soups with organic veggies. The first week was a struggle but what I noticed was no smelly bowel movements, a very pink tongue, bright skin, no vaginal discharge. I lost 12 lbs. Here was the conclusion I made. Its the food we eat that is causing all of the problems in our body. Acidophilus works when you take 4 -8 caps a day. Lysine helps too. There is a product at Walgreens that is great. Comes in a gel and on a tampon. Kills the odor while balancing your PH in your vagina. Drinking TONS of water keeps the smell in check. Stop drinking pop, juice and SUGAR is the biggest culprit. If you don't beleive me. Do a 7 day detox and watch the symptoms go away...
Probiotics Plus
★★★★★
WHY did it take me this long to learn about this???
Get yourself a vaginal ph test to test the acidity of your vagina. It should be slightly acidic (3.8 to 4.5). If it is higher than 4.5 this means your issues are most likely caused by bacteria (aka, BV), if it is in the normal range it is probably yeast. For a year I have been misdiagnosing myself as having a yeast infection! Even the doctor and pharmacists let me diagnose myself without doing any tests or asking more questions. The symptoms can be very similar. Although, it is possible to have both issues at the same time.
Then the next question is, how do I get my vagina back to being acidic again?
WELL, I ALSO found a product at the drug store that is nothing more than ascorbic acid inserts, that's right, Vitamin C! Now I'm not sure what kind of vit c you can insert up there but it might be best to get the specially made stuff with a slow release unless you won't to a bit more research on it. The stuff I got is called Vagicare in Australia.
When your ph is more alkaline (>4.5), the good bugs, Lactobacillus can't thrive, but the bad bugs can. This is why taking probiotics works for so many people. (note, I've also researched that L. Reuteri and L. Rhamnosus are the best Lactobacillus for down there). Make sure you get a good quality enteric coated acidophilus, so that it doesn't dissolve until it gets to your intestines. eg. Femdophillus or Nature's Way Reuteri Pearl.
And this is also why everyone goes on about not washing with soap or douching, because these products are more alkaline and create an environment more hospitable to bad bacteria.
I don't know why it took my SO long to learn this but I'm so glad I did! Tell everyone about ph tests and ascorbic acid inserts and L. Reuteri and Rhamnosus!
Probiotics Plus
★★★★★
To all the ladies that posted their solutions to relieve symptoms of BV!!!! THANK YOU SO MUCH!!! I've been suffering from bv for a couple of years thinking the only cure was antibiotics. I was tired of using clindamycin inserts. It would relieve the bv but turn into a yeast infection. Then I would have to take 2 diflucan to relieve yeast infection symptoms. It was getting to be a tiring cycle of antibiotics. I was at my wits with the odor and discharge. Once I read all of your postings I was soo happy to find some kind of solution. I went out and brought medicated douche, walgreens homeopathic bv treatment time release vaginal insert, went to whole foods store and brought pearls probiotics 1billion, kefir yogurt smoothie, and 1 plain Greek yogurt. I used the medicated douche, then rolled a tampon in the plain yogurt and inserted for 30 mins. Took 2 pearls by mouth that morning and at bedtime, drank 1 cup of yogurt smoothie and insert 1/2 of walgreens vaginal insert as instructed for 1st time users. Woke up this morning smell is gone discharge is not smell. I'm clean as a whistle. I will continue this regimen for a while.
Multiple Remedies
Thanks, everyone! After a series of yeast infections and BV, I was getting pretty frustrated. Traditional medical treatments seemed to cause either the BV or the yeast to exacerbate. Anyway, I tried the probiotics (got a brand with L. Reuteri and L. Rhamnosus from the refrigerated section of the health food store), sublingual B12 tablets, folic acid, and kefir (actually, I bought the non-dairy version which I probably can't name here, but it's a probiotic-packed drink from the health food store). I didn't do the H2O2 douche (because I was so raw!!! ), but did rinse with hydrogen peroxide for a few days to decrease the odor. I also did not put yogurt in my vagina, but it seems to work for many posters. My routine is to take the lactobacillus/probiotic capsules a.m. and p.m., B12 (1000mcg) a.m. and p.m., folic acid (800 mcg) a.m. and p.m. and drink the kefir or non-dairy alternative in the morning. I've done this for a week, but within 2 days, the odor, itch, and inflammation was gone. I had irritation-free sex 2 nights ago... Still no symptoms! Yay.
I hope that anyone suffering with BV will research the many posts on this site and give some of these remedies a try. I would also say that it was really helpful for me to make a list of what I wanted to try, then enlist someone knowledgeable at the health food/natural store to help me score the right products. Don't be shy... Tell them what you're trying to treat. The woman I spoke with was a treasure trove of knowledge. Along with all of the posters on this site, I found her advice really valuable.
Yogurt
Multiple Remedies
But I want to share how I cure myself, after all you have already said I had nevber heard of the Folic Acid though, by an advice from a pharmacist (sorry spelling)in France I inserted Nitrate de Fenticonazole ( 3 days) in the vagina there different names from countries and it worked for about 4 months then I did it again and waited 2 days and started Sarah Summer Boluses, won't give the recipe because u sign an agreement when u buy over internet.. And she deserve it because it'sa miracle.. I did it for the 3 weeks as she says and after that waited a week and started inserting one pill of Probiotic Acidophilus Natures Bounty every 2 nights and taking Candex Pure Essence Labs(2 pills before sleep)and that's it the Dr said I wasn't ever better or more clean than the last time I went there... Hope it helps.. I will start with the Folic Acid also to prevent and I also heard that is good for the memory too...
Multiple Remedies
I am 29 years old and have been suffering from BV for about 2 years now... It started when I went off BC pills... But I could always control it... Then I had a miscarriage and my hormones went all wacky and I think thats what messed up my PH balance really badly... now I have it all the freakin time....24/7. I just had the Mirena IUD placed in May and they put me on Clindamycin so I'm sure that didnt help AT ALL. I feel like its gotten even worse. (I have done all the Flagly pills, etc... With the same effect at everone else.... Helps for a while but then it comes back) This condition is really starting to have an effect on my sex life.... My boyfriend wants sex ALL THE TIME, and luckily he is supportive and doesnt seem to mind (or so he says) the potent smell.... Its not really fishy... Just a very strong smell.... Lots of discharge... I find that I have to wipe myself several times during the day.... GROSS. I am on the verge of tears. I have done hours and hours of research and came across Fem-adophilus... I have been taking it for about 2 weeks now with not much improvement yet but alot of women said it took about a month to see results. It has the two main stains of bacteria that are found in healthy vaginas... L. Reuteri and L. Ramonus (not sure if I spelled that right). LADIES IF YOU GET THIS PRODUCT, KEEP IT REFRIDGERATED, and if you have it shipped make sure it is shipped with ice packs. I also just ordered a product called Ultimate Flora Vaginal Support.. Should be here by tomorrow so I'm excited to try it. I just started taking Folic acid too... I've heard good things about it when combined with a probiotic. I dont think I am going to try the Peroxide douche.. I think any kind of douche is bad... Its just flushing everything out... However, this evening I am trying the tampon method... Mix hlaf water half peroxide and soak a tampon in it and then insert... Not sure how long I will leave it in... But It seems like a good idea since the good bacteria need a more acidic environment. Anyhow, I will keep everyone updated on how everything goes!! Fingers crossed!!!
P.S. The Fem-dophilus might not have worked as well as I have hoped probably because my BF has been ejaculating in me which messes up the PH... We have stopped doing that about a week ago so hopefully that helps too!!!!
I hate this damn Bv why dont the doctors know enough about this? I got this 8 years ago, a dumbass gave me a std and I douched so much not to feel dirty and I did not know, I was making my situation worst, this is my fault, I smell like fish, fish, ewww, I know ppl smell me I have to work and go to school, this is awful, I smell it a hour after leaving my house, sex? I have not have sex since last year, when I did I took a shower before, 4 years ago when I had sex with my then BF then whole room smelled like fish he left me:(this is so depressing, I tried eveything here, been to doctors they look at you like u are from space. I went to whole foods monday bought Keifer yogurt 10 differents strains Of L. Acidhilous and I bought Fem dophilis it was in cold section, this is just today, I smelled nothing
I do not want to get my hopes high, I have to post tomorrow night, But if for 1 day I smell like me and not a fish I will take it. PPl want to judge we r clean women it is just that our bodies are in whack and men need to shut up, they need to smell like a damn fish, they have it to easy. The Kefir smoothie with 10 million live cultures taste so good, Im willing to try anything, Boric acid? no, down there? all I need to do is burn my VJ off then I will be in trouble, they say it is safe, but it is to kill rodents, r there 2 different kinds? anyway just today I know bumble tuna was not with me GOOD:)) I will post tomorrow.
Multiple Remedies
Hi. I have also tried the tea tree oil remedy and swear by it. I have tried many other remedies but this one worked immediately. I took the tampon out of the applicator and soaked it with the oil but dropping oil on the tops and sides. I inserted it and left for around 4 hours. Do this for a few days and you will see a remedy. BV still will come back every few months but one afternoon of the oil soaked tampon does the trick. If you have never used tea tree oil beware - it has a strong antiseptic quality and a very strong odor. Be careful that the tampon only touches your insides. Tea Tree oil can be purchased online, at health food stores or someplace retail like Trader Joe's. Good luck in your battles.
Multiple Remedies
I forgot to mention that my fiance and I live together so I am sexually active:-). I also use Aveeno fragrance free soap to cleanse down there and I rinse everytime, be it oral or vaginal, I do a really quick wash.
Multiple Remedies
hmmmm.... But not using the condoms will pass it back and forth to your partner and the condition will continue ;-( Sex with my husband was sparse when I was nursing the kids and I NEVER had discharge at all or even a yeast infection, now that we are back to as much as I can get (LOL) it seems EVERY time I have sex with him, I end up with an infection!!! Arghhh I've got both of us on GSE, oil of oregano and parasite herbs right now because I'm tired of this shit... I take really good care of myself, eat well, fast, zap, I've done Rife Therapy, ozone therapy, high dose vitamin c, fulvic/humic acid, had my amalgams removed blah blah and he now he is working on the road all the time, he eats like crap, gained weight, is cranky and has athletes foot and is probabably full of candida and who knows what else... I'm thinking condoms are the way to go LOL
Multiple Remedies
★★★★★
I suffered from BV on and off for 6 years. I got it after a miscarriage which led to me bleeding and spotting for a period of 3 months. I also went on birth control at that time which increased the bleeding. My hormones were out of whack and taking Flagyl only worked for a short period of time. Every doctor I went to didn't know how to stop me from bleeding and this resulted in me smelling like fish 24/7. I cried every day! I knew people could smell me and I hated myself. I looked at other women and for some reason envied their vagina.. lol (stupid but valid at the time).
After years of trying Flagyl, acidophilus, douches, potions, and spells.. I tried Gy-Na-Tren( You can get it at Whole Foods, GNC, or the Vitamin Shoppe if you're in NYC). It took away the smell right away, however, I still had discharge and violent itching when it was finished ( I think it might have been thrush). I decided to try Gy-Na-Tren again and also take 1 Acidopilus (PR8 brand), 1 Rainbow Light Candida Cleanse (Also at the same places I found the Gy-Na-Tren), 1 Multivitamin, and Sublingual b12 which contains folic acid. I take these every morning. I have been BV free for a long time with no discharge or smell!
Rick, maybe you could try making one of these: rejuvelac, sauerkraut, kefir or kombucha. They all contain probiotics including acidophilus. Although each batch will differ in the amounts of acidophilus that they contain, these foods were being used sucessfully long before there were capsules of probiotics. Rejuvalac can be made from brown rice. All the best.
Yogurt
yogurts are available in our country but my wife wants to try acidophilus for her bv are there any substitute for acidophilus since it is not available here.thanks!!!
Probiotics Plus
★★★★★
Hi there! I've been a chronic BV (and yeast infection) sufferer for years. I've tried antibiotics, antifungals, oral probiotics, and folic acid to no avail! So I conducted an extensive research on the matter (I have access to scholarly research databases) and cured myself. Here's what I've done:
1. Vitamin D (2000 IU/day). Recent research show a direct correlation between Vit D deficiency and increased risk for BV. Vitamin D also promotes the regeneration of squamous epithelials that consists the mucousal lining of the vagina.
2. Femina Flora (1 capsule/night for 10 nights). This is a vaginal probiotic capsule with 10Billion CFU's of Lactobacilli species including Lactobacillus Rhamnosus which has shown ability to adhere to and colonize the vaginal walls. It also contains lactose (to feed the Lactobacilli) and Vitamin C (to assist in lowering the vaginal pH).
3. Oral probiotics. I suggest using FemDophilus or Ultimate Flora Vaginal Support. FemDophilus contains Lactobacillus Reuteri and Rhamnosus while Ultimate Flora contains Rhamnosus and other Lactobacilli species. Both aforementioned species are excellent in adhering to and thriving in the vaginal environment.
Note: These remedies don't have to be permanent. For example, if you live near the equator 15-20 mins in the sun without suscreen will provide you with 10, 000 IU of Vitamin D. Otherwise, you can supplement with 1000 IU once you're symptoms alleviate. Also, you can wean yourself off or lower your probiotics dosage after your symptoms are gone -- you can take 1 capsule every other day, then 2 capsules/week, then 1cap/week.
Good luck! ;)
Multiple Remedies
★★★★★
Hello my name is Rose,
I have been battling "BV" for a few years now. In the beginning I would say that I was ignorant about the infection itself. I went to the doctors not knowing what this terrrible odor could be. I began getting BV after I became sexually active. I am not proned to getting yeast infections and do not know what it feels like to have one, but for some strange reason my body is inclined to getting Bacterial Vaginosis.
I have done extensive research on this bacterial infection and I have tryed every cure in the book, well almost. Very clean people can get BV, and I'm assuming that of course people with poor hygiene can get it as well. After being treated with anti-biotics, I came to the realization that the root of this problem was deeper than I thought. The anti-biotics would only cure me for about 7 months and then I'd be back to the clinic for more. Pity. I got depresed and I've even cryed a few times but I wouldn't give up on a natural cure.
Unfortunately, BV will most-likely continue to come back because I took anti-biotics for this infection at least 5 times. I think that the bacteria develop an immunity to the anti-biotics or a sort of resistance. My theory is that if we continue to cure our infections using natural remedies, not only will we kill the BV, but we'll also make our bodies stronger keeping BV away for longer periods of time and then eventually getting rid of this disgusting infection for good. Also, we must try to keep BV away on our own. My BV comes when I am on my menstrual cycle (sometimes) and when I have sex (if I don't use a condom). Both sperm and blood create alkaline envirornments. This is very harmful for our vaginas because our vaginas are meant to stay acidic. An Acidic envirornment is what kills harmful bacteria in the vagina. My tips for keeping the vagina acidic and aiding the vagina in keeping out alkaline fluids are:
- After sex, (if not using a condom) sit on the toilet and allow all sperm to flow out
- Shower after sex being cautious not get soap into the vagina
- Using a soap that is either acidic (cranberry or lemon) (can purchase at whole foods) or that is non scented
- Keeping non scented wipes to use while on menstrual cycle for frequent wiping
- Changing pads or tampons regularly (every 3 1/2 to 4 hours)
- Purchasing a syringe to rinse out the vagina
Tea Tree Oil
In response to "All you have to do is drink 2 liters of lemon water (1 lemon a liter) a day and your ph levels will go back to where they are supposed to be."
Unfortunately this is not always the cure-all case. Citrus fruits such as lemons seem acidic but they are actually alkaline forming, and candida, for instance, thrives on them. So depending on the individual problem, drinking lots of lemon juice can actually exacerbate the problem.
I love drinking a whole lemon in water every morning but had to give it up because it was contributing to an overgrowth of yeast in my vagina.
Multiple Remedies
★★★★★
Hi,
I've been dealing with a lot of minor health issues over the past couple of years. Most of the time, you just kind of deal with things as they come. However, my immunity (due to a great deal of environmental/life stress) was compromised. I'm 33, female, and consider myself healthy. Once I found this site, I was ADDICTED to it. I started doing the research and found what I think is a perfect solution for BV. I developed BV as (I think) as reaction to a recent diagnosis of HPV. Everything was out of whack and I thought my sex life had ended. After some experimentation, here's what I ended up with and has worked for me for 3 months now. No creeping smell, no discharge, no anything BV related. At first, I took care of things on an immediate level by doing the Hydrogen Peroxide douche. Literally just a tad bit with a great deal of warm water. Then, I did the acidphilus both orally and vaginally. Once you do this, the rest is kind of body maintenance. I do this on a daily basis:
ACV - read about it if you don't know anything about it. It just improves so much of your overall health - not to mention helps restore your pH.
Acidophilus - I started with "millions" and wound up with a refrigerated version of the "3 billion" capsules.
B-12 complex - just overall metabolism support. however, it can be harmful on your kidneys so don't use in excess.
Multivitamin - just because, well, duh.
Folic Acid - I figured it couldn't hurt and it helps overall immunity.
I also take lysine daily because I'm prone to fever blisters in the sun or under stress. This keeps it under control and when I do have a flare-up, it remedies it very quickly.
Just get to know your body. It's hard dealing with these things but I truly believe that starting in the root of the cause (e.g., the gut) is the best way to have a long lasting effect.
Multiple Remedies
★★★★★
hello I've been a sufferer of bv for a long time and tried everything from the conventional way to the wacky ways of finding a cure for this horrible thing. One word for you :kefir. Kefir is a probiotic smoothie and is found in most grocery stores. They are located near the dairy sections. I drink 2 glasses a day and found results in 3 weeks. no more flagyl, no more hydro perox, no more acidoph pills up the vag, no more nonsense. Try it and good luck. its also the cheapest way.
Yogurt
What kind of yogurt did you use? And how did u soak the tampon?
Yogurt
★★★★★
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.
Supplements
★★★★★
I was using Apple Cider Vinegar that I read about on this site for YI. I had both YI and BV. I was in terrible pain. I got so desperite I went on a no carb diet. I even fasted when I could to starve the yeast. Eventually the yeast was gone and the Apple Cider Vinegar was aggravating the BV. I went back up here and read about B6. I immediately went to the store and bought some. I took one pill and swallowed a tbsp of H2O2. I did feel a little sick at first but it wasn't long before I felt a soothing sensation in my well you know. Now only the outside itches and I have a feeling that with one more dose I will be good to go. Now here's some advise from my mistakes. When I used H2O2 vaginally it caused the YI. Take by mouth in low quantities only. Be carefull with the Apple Cider Vinegar as it can cause BV by screwing up your ph. Don't drink the Apple Cider Vinegar take it vaginally dilluted in distilled water. I was taking it by mouth and it was fermenting in my gut making it worse. Including doctor's perscriptions and otc drugs ( which I would not recommend to anyone) and starting looking for homeopathic remedies it has taken over 2 months and finally relief.
Low Carb Diet
★☆☆☆☆
I tried this for about 8 months. I think it's a great thing to do and it definitely helped me lose weight and I felt very healthy. Without the carbs in meals and snacks to make me feel full easily I worked harder at planning meals and eating more fruits and vegetables. There were plenty of good things that happened and my discharge and smell were greatly reduced. However, that kinda slimy "wet" look that my labia had while sick with bv never fully went away and I could just tell that I still had an active infection. This helped alleviate symptoms but when I started eating simple healthy carbs, not junk food, my symptoms came back with a vengence. This was a nay as a cure but a good thing for my general health.
Oregano Oil
★★★★★
I was diagnosed with bv 3 years ago and since then I have taken multiple oral and topical antibiotics, all while abstaining from sex, eliminating sugar and refined carbs and taking probiotics and folic acid but my symptoms always returned.
I tried all of the regimines listed on EC for bacterial vaginosis but they all only worked temporarily.
Finally I decided to try oregano oil. I bought it at the health food store. It's also available online. There is an essential oil which should not be used. I used the kind that is blended with olive oil and fit for consumption. I took it orally (3 drops 4 times daily for 14 days) and applied it vaginally (1 drop 2 times a day for 7 days then 1 drop once a day for 7 days). I know that generally it is unadviseable to use this oil vaginally but it was the only thing that worked for me and it was uncomfortable for about 5 minutes a day but completely worth it. It's been 3 weeks now and none of my symptoms have returned. I apply 1 drop internally after sex and take 2 drops daily by mouth. I don't know if it's necessary to continue this treatment but I think I will for the time being just to make sure it's gone for good.
I also inserted a tampon with plain organic yogurt 4 hours after my second oregano oil application and left it for 2 hours daily. (I tried this with the other treatments too so I know this in and of its self wasn't the cure)
This condition has been terrible to try and deal with. Between visits to the DR, prescriptions and various treatments I spent over a thousand dollars trying to treat this without any success. I hope that sharing this remedy will help someone else out there who is still looking for help.
Note! Do not use this cure if you are using condoms as your main mode of contreception - the oil may break down the latex.
Best wishes for good health to all the ladies out there who are suffering with this condition.
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Hey, ladies I want to report on my Olive leaf extract use. I am having tremendous success, I take two in the morning and 2 in the evening. The two in the evening I take with pure cranberry juice diluted with water and I add abt 12 drops of GSE, I dont know if the GSE helps but I figure it can not hurt. I use the brand that starts with a S and ends with a Y, super potency. I also have started taking a multi-vitamin and vitamin D3 when I remember. I am putting this in "better but not cured" because I have not stopped taking the Olive Leaf Extract and don't plan to for some time. I had been dealing with bv for years and I want to give my body time to recuperate from it. I realize we have to think more whollistically, before I would just try to use douches and such but if you are having constant problems with bv it maybe a more systematic problem, I know for me that was not hard to believe. After years of anti-biotics and what not, no telling what residue was left in my body that was throwing it off. Anyway I hope this helps :) p.s. Don't forget to take a probiotic abt 2 hours after the GSE, to help replenish the good bacteria!
