Top Natural Bacterial Vaginosis Remedies

The following abstract describes a simple treatment for BV that is readily available, cheap, effective and that is likely to have other healthful benefits for women instead of unhealthful side effects. The link to the full study is at the bottom below the abstract.

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.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4525405/

This works well for me! Thxs for sharing!

Also, semen changes the pH of your vagina...that could contribute/cause the BV!!

After searching the internet I decided that whole organic garlic cloves was the answer for BV and boy was I right! Of course I discovered the cure right in the middle of a raging yeast infection so I took drastic measures....insertion! I took a clove of organic garlic (the fresher the better you want it to be firm not rubbery) cut it in half and inserted it vaginally . Within minutes I noticed a strong garlic taste in my mouth but expected that from what I had read. Within hours I was noticing relief, the itching wasn't nearly as bad...but it did burn a little. Then when I went pee, I noticed a lot of white stuff floating in the water, like the yeast was draining out of me. I did this for two days and was completely cured...for a few months.

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.

No, don't duche at all, ever all you'll do is make it worse by off balancing the bacteria in your vagina. if you want to get rid of BV without antibiotics use plain nonfat yogurt, eat that every day with no added sugar or toppings and or put it in/on your vagina, if you put it in the best way is to dip a tampon in some yogurt and leave the tampon in for a couple hours. NO DOUCHING, it messes up your vagina and makes the infection worse.

I have suffered with bv for 8yrs on and off. The past 3 years have been horrible. Every single time I have been intimate with my bf I get the horrible odor the day after. It has affected my relationship and my whole life. I have been so depressed. The first few years I would go to the metro gel but of course it would always come back. I decided to try the acidophilus, folic acid, and peroxide douche but everytime I had sex it would still come back even with a condom. I tried the tampon in yogurt a few times but it didnt do much. I just cant keep enuff good bacteria "down there". The acidophilus might not be living thru my digestive track.

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!

I SUFFERED! From BV symptoms for years!!!! - Super smelly white discharge, itchy-nes, dryness... It was never ending. Several doctors gave me several different answers to what it was. I've heard BV, Vaginosis, Trich, stress induced infection, etc. Well, I tried all of the remedies. Antibiotics, yogurt dipped tampons, acidophilus, douching, etc. The most effective was the acidophilus. But even that didn't work everyday. While reading these posts, I ran acriss a woman who said she changed her diet, started exercising and started drinking teas. I thought "That is way too much" but I found that she was almost spot on.

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!!

I have been dealing with BV for 3 years now. I've tried everything. Gels, creams, pills, pills and more pills. I was looking online after my last "outbreak" happened and the dr prescribed yet another antibiotic. I found this site. The acidolphilus worked when I could remember to take it. I wouldn't try the douche. It seems everytime I douche it only makes the BV worse. But I did mix 1/3 part peroxide with 2/3 part water and wash myself with it. And then opened an acidolphilus capsule and inserted it. It helped. For a few days that is. So I asked a friend of mine that is an herbal expert what I could take that might help this "curse" I have. She suggested trying oregano pills. So I took two a day for three days. And while it tasted like I'd just eaten a huge slice of pizza everytime I belched. The BV is now gone. I know this isn't going to be a permenant solution. My dr says there's nothing that will cure BV, but possibly he's wrong. Maybe together us "cursed" ladies will find a cure. Thank you so much for all of you that have had the guts to post about this. I know first hand that it's a very embarrassing topic. So thank you! Good luck to everyone!!

Cutting sugar out of my diet was the cure for my chronic 3 yr on-and-off BV. I've been BV free for 6 months now.

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.

I have been suffering with BV for the past 6.5 years. I've tried so many home remedies and prescriptions but it would get better for a day or 2 and then come back.

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

I have tried antibiotics, tea tree oil, probiotics, vitamins coconut oil (refined), acv, yogurt and nothing helped my BV. I logged on this site and saw people talking about virgin coconut oil. This stuff has changed my life. I take about 1 1/2 teaspoons out, put it in a cup and microwave it for about 9 secs. I then use a medicine syringe to get it out and stick the syringe inside of me after my nightly shower, place a pad on and go to sleep. First time I tried this i woke up with no smell! I also take probiotics with prebiotics & cranberry and drink plenty of water.

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

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

Hi Sj. I'm glad you are getting some relief from your BV. I went round and round with this for what seemed forever. It is not only the physical but mental as you think it will never go away. I found that sex aggravated the symptoms. I'm married, one partner. My concern for you is all the douching. I fear that changes the ph and set things off. What finally worked for me is grapefruit seed extract. 10 drops in water once a day, everyday, though I do miss now and then. I have honestly been cured of this miserable thing. Seriously. I was miserable. It has been a long, long time since I've had any symptoms. I have started taking vitamin e as it is good for skin. I've found it to work wonders along with the GSE and it does help with my sex drive and ease for a woman in her sixties. I'm not knocking what works for you, I'm glad you are feeling better. This is just what worked for me. Take care.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hi Ladies,

A bit of history into my condition: I've been having weird discharges only after drinking beer. Discharge is brownish and smells like vinegar. This started occurring after I had been vaccinated with gardasil and also having unprotected sex for the first time with my boyfriend. Been to the gyno. They say nothing is wrong with me and I have no infection, STD or otherwise. Everything is fine with me, no problems with my vagina, ovaries. However, still have weird discharge. Been on vaginal metronizole several times which got rid of the discharge. However, would come back if I started drinking beer.

Now you might think, why don't I give up beer? However, I really like organic beer, and I'm not an alcoholic, but beer is a nice way for me to release stress and plus it makes it happy.

Then I was reading earthclinic and someone recommended making coconut oil vaginal suppositories by shaping it into a bullet via clingfilm and then putting it into the freezer.

I did just once, and now the odd vinegar smelling discharge is gone and I do not smell like anything at all (I smell my panties everyday to check) I used to have a slightly stinky smell (my boyfriend told me I didn't smell like anything however) and my gyno told me I smelled normal, but now, I have ZERO smell after the coconut oil suppositories and ZERO discharge, even after drinking beer. For safety measures, I've been doing it for the last two days.

In addition, I had been suffering from low sex drive for the last two years. My vagina would literally clamp close if I thought about having sex with anyone and had problems with tampon insertion. However, now my sex drive has suddenly returned and I feel horny all the time LOL.

I still have no idea what I was suffering from, but thanks to the contributor who suggested coconut oil suppositories. Not only did my sex drive return, but I do not have that weird vinegar smelling discharge problem after drinking beer.

V.

I thought I had BV, so I went to my OB/GYN for some meds. After several tests and at least 5 more doctors over a 4 year period and 3 different cities, each one said I had something different, and treated me for each issue they thought it was. One doctor tested it as E. Coli and said I must be "colonized" and it will always return no mater what I do. One physician said. "I think this odor problem is just the way you smell." Embarrassing! Gosh! I am, and always have been extremely careful about my hygiene...two showers every day, use antibacterial soap, etc..etc..but no one could cure this awful odor I was experiencing shortly after showering. I was so frustrated, and embarrassed that someone might smell this odor coming from me! I started wondering.... Was it coming from my vagina? My bladder? My glands? Four years, and no cure. I used all the prescribed medications to no avail. I douched with Hydrogen Peroxide. Still returned. Lots of external and internal good bacteria....nothing helped. I got to the point that I decided I was going to have to live with this problem for the rest of my life. I tried tea tree oil down near the opening of my vagina. After about a month, it caused a serious imbalance of my hormones, and my hair started falling out, by the handfuls! I stopped that immediately! So, I start researching essential oils, mainly for my tooth that has been bothering me. I find Oil of Oregano, which is supposed to be a very strong anti-bacterial oil, better than prescribed antibiotics.

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.

BORIC ACID!!!! Not borax. I make and use boric acid capsules once a week for the maintenance of BV. There is no cure for BV and every woman is different when it comes to keeping this under control......and that is all you can do. Diet and keeping your body alkaline is a key factor. NO sugar, no caffeine, no dairy.......I however cant be that strict with my diet and I rely on boric acid capsules and they are a LIFE SAVER. You can by boric acid on Amazon.....it is a pesticide and roach killer, but not harmful to humans when inserted into the vagina, only if consumed orally. It basically suffocates the bacteria in your vagina and kills it. I would be at the end of my proverbial rope by now if it were not for this miracle. ALSO, a little known fact is that your doctor can give you a prescription for this to take to your pharmacy....yep....true story. It is a prescription medication for BV but no one wants anyone to know about it because then the pharmaceutical companies would lose money. I have worked in the medical field my entire life and know a thing or two about pharmaceutical companies. Anyway, there is no cure so you have to manage the symptoms until it subsides and then maintain a regimen.

Borax...20 mule team...is a wonderful help for bv... diluted in water and inserted via douche.it is the only thing that has helped me....and I researched it highly....and also take it internally....

I've been trying to beat my BV for the past nine months. I recently started 'juicing' and I always include a 1/2 lemon. I've only been doing it for a week now, but after my period the BV discharge has not returned. My juice is 50% veggies and 50% fruits. I drink my juice instead of lunch and the micro-nutrients are doing wonders. I've had zero side-effects. Go buy a juicer! I love juicing 6 kale leaves, 1/2 cucumber, zucchini, 15 baby carrots, 55 green grapes, 2 green apples, 1/2 lemon, ginger, a dash of coconut water and a dash of pomagranite juice. It's delicious! I've also lost 5 lbs. Let's get healthy!

I found my cure for recurring BV!!!!!! I'm sure we all know that bv means our ph balance is more acidic. I read a posting and this person mentioned our bodies need to be on an alkaline diet. Well I went to a health food store and bought a gallon of alkaline water and within two days my symptoms cleared and its now been a month and my symptoms are completely gone!!! Drink alkaline water.

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!!!