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.
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Yolanda (Stockton , Ca) on 02/21/2011
Hi there, I was diagnoised with BV in October 2010. It appears my Dr. Knows nothing about BV since she kept prescribing antibiotics which made matters worse! I was scared and depressed and in December 2010 I started to look for a remedy online. I came across this website and decided to treat myself. I started by dipping a tampon into plain yogurt then opening a capsule of acidophilus and sprinkling it over the yogurt before insertion. I left the tampon in for 3 hours then douched with 1/2 hydrogen peroxide and 1/2 vinegar and water. I also took one acidophilus capsule orally before bed. I continued this for FOUR nights. On the fifth day I had no symptoms at all! My only side affect was vaginal dryness for about 2 days. I havent had any reoccurrence since! I am thankful for all your information! I wouldnt have been able to get through this without your help!
Thank you so much. Yolanda
Supplements
Posted by Anjel03 (Akron, Ohio) on 02/18/2011
★★★★☆
I have been dealing with BV on and off every since my hysterectomy. Makes me believe it might be related to a hormonal imbalance. However, after researching this condition I found that taking a high potency B complex supplement that contains 400mg of folic acid helped my symptoms. I take two tablets daily. I hope this will help anyone else with this problem.
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Jade (Vancouver, Bc Canada) on 02/15/2011
Taking 2-3 ACIDOPHILUS a day works. Prior to this I was doing the peroxide treatments almost every day. It deffinetly kept the smell away but if I missed a couple of days, it would return. Soooo thanks to this site, I started 2-3 acidophilus capsules orally a day and a few days of peroxide douche treatment with a capsule inserted right after the douche and with in 5 days it has dissappeard. I am continueing with 2 acidophilus capsules a day and as of today I am taking a tsp. Of molkosan a day. Google molkosan benifits and you will understand why it is so good for you. Yes after battling this bv problem for a year and a half. I have it under control and I feel great.
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Elly90 (Woodbridge, Va) on 02/07/2011
How long should I do the oil and vinegar a week? a month> everyday?
Dietary Changes
Posted by Lionaess (Healthier, Usa) on 02/06/2011
Any combination of these treatments can be quite beneficial in treating/battling bv. Once you find a combo that works for you, keep with it and maybe even alternate. However none it will be very effective in the long run if you dont change your diet-and fast! The candida diet is best to follow, HOWEVER, it is impossible (and very unhealthy) to avoid sugar altogether. Sugars to definitely avoid are refined sugars. Now this includes all the 'good' stuff we ladies love to indulge in. You really must do your research as refined sugars are are in more typical grocery store products than you probably think there are.
The candida diet advises to avoid fruit, sweet potatoes, etc. But after becoming emaciated I realized this was not correct either. Keeping a well balanced blood sugar level is extremely important. My strong advice is to eat as natural and organic as possible. Processed foods I.E. Canned, boxed, preserved are a no-no. Yes this means pastas, chocolates, ground meats, deli meats, sodas, moldy foods such as cheese, Alcohol, yes I said alcohol, YEAST IS A DEFINITE NO, yes this includes just about all bread. No cakes, cookies, sodas, sugary juices, if you can't pronounce the ingredients you probably shouldn't have it. I know, I know but I assure you not all hope is lost. Yes it is an adjustment and definite lifestyle shift. After much research I've learned there is a lot you can have AND ENJOY! I've learned how to make my own cakes and desserts, breads - all much much less difficult and time consuming than you might think.. And much much healthier. Elanaspantry.com has a wealth of dessert recipes that have truly saved my life (Love You Elana! ) Keep in mind, raw unpastuerized honey and agave I find are ok in moderation. I also use Earth Balance soy free butter when I must have it. Goats milk cheese (aged less than 3 months) when I must have cheese. So Delicious coconut milk ice cream (vanilla bean or vanilla mini bars) when I must have ice cream (you can also make your own) Ezekiel bread when I must have bread.
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!!!
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Angela (Newport News, Va, Usa) on 02/03/2011
★★★★★
I have suffered with some form of bv during my adulthood but mainly had more problems with yeast starting in my early teens it was very frustrating because I would get so sore and irritated down there. I always managed to go to the Drs to get the prescript meds that worked for the moment but at some point 2-3 months they were back again. Th bv epidemic did not start till my late 20's and could not figure out where this toxic aroma came from. Well I can tell you this if you ever get the bv and are still having sex with your partner all you are doing is having him to pass it back to you. I Have read so many stories on lines with women who have been long term avid sufferers as I had. Some DRs have told me that bv can not be transmitted to a man I strongly dont believe this because if this were this case and the woman takes the meds and clears up and she continues to have sex and it comes right back that should tell you that its been carried to your partner and he needs to be treated as well. I am married and had suffered with this nasty infection from time to time. I did some research online about natural remedies that have really helped alot of women and have decided to try some of these remedies.
I first heard about tea tree and how powerful this element is and let me tell your I brought the tea tree suppositories and they really do work for any kind of vaginal infection. The strong antiseptic aroma spells pure cleanliness to me. But you can use tea tree in any form does not have to be used as suppositories can be added to bath water 1-2 drops is all that is needed also can be used in a douche which I tried and it worked. It knocks the aroma out no smell down there just pure fresh.
Also the acidophillus tablets I have started taking daily and have noticed a difference. I also have stopped having my husband ejaculate in me when having sex noticed big difference. I only used unscented soaps that really keep me fresh down there no smell at all even after using the bathroom during the day. I drink several glasses of cranberry juice also since this really helps to keep bacteria under control.
I realize everyone is different and what works for one may not work for the next person. I guess you have to experiment to find out what works for you I willnever spend another penny on monistat or take a visit to my gyn for these annoying problems women what we have to go through. I hope this may be of help to some of you sufferers out there good luck to you.
Alkalize
Posted by Reuben (Nashville, Tn) on 02/02/2011
I was researching bacterial vaginosis to help my daughter. Whatever method you use to clear up the problem, it will return if you don't get your whole body into a slightly alkaline state. That means no colas, no sugar, plenty of alkaline water (not bottled water from the store) lots of fresh veggies and fruits. You have to take care of the whole person and not just the symptoms.
Reuben Clark
Probiotics Plus
Posted by London (Sandusky , Ohio) on 01/18/2011
NEEM OIL, inserted into the vagina via tampon, soaked in several drops of neem oil, or an empty gel cap, once a day for about 4 to 7 days. Also, a probiotic, (most effective Ive used so far) its called "Femdophilus"by Jarrow brand. The probiotics go directly to the vagina, rather than die in the gut. The most supperior brand probiotic, altho expensive, worth it. Take 2 caps a day
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Cbh (Pocatello, Idaho) on 01/11/2011
Try putting about 6 drops of tea tree on a tampon still in the applicator. Then add a few drops of water to dilute the tea tree oil just a bit. Push the tampon out of the applicator just a hair before you insert it into your vagina or you will have a difficult time inserting it because the tampon will swell. Wear the tampon for several hours for up to a week. You should get relief. I usually get relief after 1-2 days. This will also work for yeast infections.
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Rs (Sf, Ca) on 01/10/2011
I have dealt with BV for over 2 years and just now finally found something that is 100% relief for me. I did the H202 and distilled water douche, I did the acidopholus and vaginal probiotics with folic acid and B12. All of that worked for awhile and then it stopped working. Out of desperation I tried something totally crazy and it worked and has been working for a year now. BV is NOT going away. You simply have to find a method of relief and keep doing for life, or until there is a cure. I read on this site that a woman used boric acid capsules and inserted one vaginally at night before bed. Do this for 3-4 consecutive nights or as long as you have symptoms. All my symptoms were gone the first morning I woke up after using this for the first time. I make my own boric acid capsules. I bought the boric acid from Amazon.com and the empty capsules and a capsule maker (you dont need the capsule maker, its actually easier to NOT use it). When I feel the symptoms coming on, I immediately insert a boric acid capsule AND you must insert one right after sex because having sex usually brings it on very quickly. I have had NO odor, no discharge, no smell, nothing..... For over a year. This is a long term solution for now.
Please note the you need to wear a panty liner the next day because as the capsule melts in your vagina, you will get a gush of liquid coming out after about 8 hours so you need to be prepared with your panty liners. I make about 50 capsules at a time and keep them stored in a tupperware container to keep them dry and put them in my cupboard in my kitchen. I insert one almost every night since I am in a sexual relationship with my boyfriend and the sex has never been better since the nasty smell and discharge is gone. Boric acid is used to kill rats and roaches. I was terrified to use it at first but there is no smell, no side effects except the "gush" from your vagina the next morning as it has melted. It really is a miracle and its totally safe to insert vaginally. I ready that boric acid suffocates the bacteria and kills it, just as it does to rats and roaches. Very odd, but it works and I will never stop using it unless it stops working. Then I dont know what I will do. Please try this and dont be afraid. I was afraid but Im very happy that I had the courage to try it. Good luck..........RS
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Brooke (Montgomery, Tx, Usa) on 01/10/2011
You can try Glycothymoline soaked in a tampon and leave that in for an hour to overnight. It alkalizes your vaginal area. Also douches with Glycothymoline and a quart of water or a quart of water and Atomic Iodine. I would not put the Atomic Iodine on the tampon though - just the Glycothymoline.
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Cocoa_0725 (Indianapolis, In, U.s) on 01/10/2011
★☆☆☆☆
I've been having a issue with this Bacterial Infection... I get a foul smell and I'm so sick of it. I've tried ACV, which I use that in my bathwater and it seem like it will work right after that but then the smell comes back later that night or when I wake up that following morning. I've also tried dipping the tampon into the plain yogurt still no help. I also put hydrogen peroxide in my bathwater still no help.. As well as taking those probiotic acidophiles by mouth and one inserted into my area down there.. Still no help! Can someone please tell what are some other options that I can do. I am so tried of going thru this.
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Jessie (Wilmington, Nc) on 01/09/2011
I've been suffering from bv for a few months now. Didn't really think anything of it because the symptoms were hit or miss. Attributed the itch to shaving every day. Then came the smell. So, did a google search. Found this website. THANK YOU to everyone who has posted. Read quite a few pages. I hate taking Tylenol let alone anything else, so I was very glad to see some natural remedies. After reading what worked best for everyone else, I came up with my own regimen. So hope this helps someone else.
Went to wallyworld and bought the following: Acidophilus- 2 billion active cultures Odorless garlic-1000mg 100% pure Australian tea tree oil I've been taking 1 acidophilus and 1 garlic 2x a day. I was really hesitant to douche because I've heard it's so bad. But for three days in a row, I made a mixture of 3/4 hot water, 1/2 an acidophilus pill, waited til the pill "dissolved" ( I say this in parenthesis because it never completely dissolved, just broke down), waited til it was broken down as much as possible, then filled the rest with hydrogen peroxide. Last I added a few drips of tea tree oil. Shook well and then used it. Kept the mix in there, released it, repeated til the mix was gone. The oil was very soothing and I was very pleased to find that this is a natural antiseptic. The smell is gone, my normal consistancy is back. I'm going to keep up with the pills 2x a day as it's making me feel good. I'll send another update in a week. Hope this helps y'all out there!!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Cmelo (Boston, Ma, Usa) on 01/02/2011
★☆☆☆☆WARNING!
PLEASE BE CAREFUL WITH THIS CURE. I got my first yeast infection about 4 days into a 7 day regimen of intense antibiotics. I have had bacterial vaginosis several times, so I figured I could cure it with yogurt as usual. When new year's eve came and I still had my infection, I got desperate and logged on here to see what I could find. I wasn't sure if it was BV or yeast at this point but I saw the raves for ACV and went ahead and tried it. I began with straight ACV on a cotton ball--It burned SO BAD. I can't even describe how bad it hurt--I was hyperventaliting. I decided to dilute it to about 50/50 but even that was awful. Awful. The burning didn't last too long but the infection went on to get worse quickly... I began getting tons of discharge and itching and pain. If you try this DILUTE ALOT. If it works then work your way up but it did not work for me at all!! I ended up taking fluconaze and now it is 90% cleared up.. I am afraid to put anything down there as even yogurt seems to irritate it. I'm glad if this works for people but be careful!!
Apple Cider Vinegar Variations
Posted by Lily (Bishopville, South Carolina) on 01/01/2011
★★★★★
After reading several posts, I stumbled across Apple cider vinegar for bacterial vaginosis. I've had it for about one year now. Flagyl worked at first. But it returned. So, I chewed a tablet of acidophilus (2 billion CFU) and put it into my vagina. Then I diluted the ACV with water, drank a full cup. That had to be nastiest thing I've ever drank in my life. I then poured non-diluted ACV some onto a cloth and a wiped my va jay jay. It's been about 72hrs. It's gone. No smell, no discharge, no nothing.
Yogurt
Posted by Margarita (Sacramento, California) on 12/29/2010
Can I use a tampon with yogurt during my menstual cycle and will it be affective at stopping the awful odor from bv?
Baking Soda Douche
Posted by Pure (New York, Ny) on 12/04/2010
★★★☆☆WORKED TEMPORARILY
So like many women I have also been suffering from BV! I tried lots of remedies and all but the medicine seem to work. The hydrogen peroxide was working well but as soon as I would miss a session all symptoms would return. So I went to my local natural food mart and received some of the best info ever. The man strongly recommended that I douche every other day with 1liter of distilled water and 1 tablespoon of baking soda. In addition to this I was to drink twice a day- 8oz of distilled water, with a 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda, 1tablespoon of lemon juice and a little honey.
From my experience this is the remedy that has worked best for me. I stuck with it for 2 months and then started to slow down because I was healed. The health food clerk did tell me consistency was most important but I should stop when my body felt normal. So here I am about 6months later and I feel like it's back slightly because I can't where my tights and feel comfortable but it's much more manageable. I started just douching every other day 2wks ago and back to feeling great. Please give this remedy a try I believe this is the most effective as well as least damaging to my body. All the best. Keep us posted if you try this remedy.
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Pee (Somewhere, Usa) on 12/04/2010
Check out Mini Beet Protocol on Remedies page! Havn't tried it, but will as soon as I get my juicer! Looks Promising!
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Traveler (Cary, Nc) on 12/04/2010
The frequent urination almost makes me wonder if you have a UTI as well. IF you have a UTI, getting D-Mannose (one of the more expensive health supplements at $36/bottle that should last you one or two UTIs) will give you relief within a couple of hours, and you continue taking it for a couple of days.
As far as the BV goes, I tried a whole bunch of stuff similar to you last spring when I had a lot of repeat BV. What finally worked, though I did have some limited success with hydrogen peroxide douching, is to take a 10 cc syringe without the needle, fill it maybe 70% with cold pressed virgin coconut oil, and fill the remaining 30% with tea tree oil. Play with the ratio. I can put 100% tea tree oil inside me without burning (it actually feels good both hot and cold and excellent for sexual lubrication and stimulation) but another woman could feel burning with anything stronger than a 10% solution. Anyway, insert syringe into vagina as far as you can go, lay back with your hips slightly elevated and positioned over a towel. Empty contents of syringe into vagina and keep syringe in there for a few minutes to help keep plugging the liquid in there. Read or just hang out for twenty-plus minutes like that and then void your vagina with kegels over your towel or waddle to the toilet. Do that once or twice a day for five days. Also, keep in mind-- if you are having sexual relations, your partner needs to have daily treatment as well by rubbing his penis with this stuff especially at the opening to his urethra. Luckily, the mix makes an awesome sexual lubricant, so as long as you are in a monogamous relationship and are already foregoing condoms, you can have sex after your application and that should also help kill the BV on his junk as well.
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Sarahbelle (Los Angeles, Ca, Usa) on 12/04/2010
★☆☆☆☆
I am having a bv issue, going on three months. I have never had any problems AT ALL prior to this. In September, had my first UTI and had to be treated with three different antibiotics until it went away. Then, had a yeast infection which was treated. Went back to the Dr. In October and had BV. I have been treated twice with Tindamax and once with Metrogel, only getting better for maybe four or five days before it returns. No smell, but itching and pain as well as frequent urination. I am taking Acidophilis, Flora, Garlic, B-12, Vitamin C, H202, Cranberry to keep UTI away, and have drastically changed my diet. Basically anything I can find, I have tried. I really cannot afford to keep going back to the doctor, and this is seriously affecting my life, relationship, and emotional well-being. Any advice would be greatly appreciated, I'm exhausted.
Yogurt
Posted by Suzan (Lansing, Michigan) on 11/29/2010
Mix 1/2 c of plain yogurt (no sugar or fruit) with 5 drops of oil of oregano P73(full strength). Make sure to mix it well. A medicine syringe will be needed. Fill the syringe with the mixture. Lay on your back and insert cream into the vagina. Use 2x per day and wear a maxi pad (change pad often). Oil of Oregano is an anti bacterial, anti fungal and anti parasitic, so it will work for Trich, BV, and Yeast(fungus). Also make sure to soak the syringe in very hot soapy water for 45 minutes. This concoction makes a few doses, so keep it in the refrigerator.
