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.
Folic Acid
Posted by Jeahgee (Houston, TX) on 06/30/2014
★★★★★
Wonderful Ladies, I HAD to write a post on this... it has actually worked. The Folic Acid has taken away all symptoms of BV in my body.
Would anyone believe that for over a decade, I didn't even know what BV was... or that I had it. It's so sad. I really wasn't educated about BV or its symptoms growing up, I just thought I was "different". I didn't really have an issue with 'strong smell' unless I was super stress, but I have ALWAYS had glumps of discharge... I just thought, well that's my body and how it has always done things.
I actually purchased some Folic Acid, not for BV (didn't know what BV was) but because it was on sale!!! How funny. Anyway, I wanted to see what it helped with and happened upon this website. I was shocked by the women's reviews. I then began taking the Folic Acid and within about 2-3 days, I noticed I didn't have an odor... it's been about a week and a few days now and it's like the BV never existed. No odor and can you believe no discharge. I have lived this way for most of my life and I am honestly adjusting to not having sticky underwear from discharge.
A few weeks ago... I was going through an EXTREMELY stressful situation and the BV caused me to smell. I was so embarrassed and didn't even know this condition had a name. To keep from smelling up the room for people around me... I actually placed spearmint tea bags in my underwear to mask the odor.
With Folic Acid, it's as if BV never was apart of my life. I took 1600mcg daily for the first few days, and now I'm weaning down to eventually 400mcg daily. I'm explaining what I did so that you all would know, but I'm sure that a lower dosage would have worked just as well. Folic Acid is water soluble, excess Folic Acid should wash away through your water intake.
Anyway, I'm BV free and super happy! ^_^ Take care!
Folic Acid
Posted by wse34685 (Seattle, WA) on 01/13/2022
★★★★★
I think it's important to clarify the difference between folate and folic acid. As in my case, I have the MTHFR gene, which makes it more difficult for the body to clear BV, trich, and certain STDs. People with the MTHFR gene need to be really careful to NOT take folic acid, only folate. Alot of times doctors won't test for MTHFR when you have a persistent case of BV. Folic acid is the synthesized version of folate, and people who have the MTHFR gene have a difficult time properly using folic acid.
Folic Acid
Posted by Stella (Atlanta, Ga) on 08/02/2009
★★★★★
i would like to give hope to my fellow ladies afflicted with this terrible terrible "thing". I'd reached rock bottom.literally. BV robs you of all yourself esteem, you feel unclean, unlovable, the whole business is just disgusting.
then i came across this site and from the information on natural remedies i tried folic acid supplements(800 mcg) and multivitamin B12 supplements as well to offset any deficiency.i take 1 tablet of the folic and 1 of the multivitamins per day.i have taken these for 7 days now though the BV subsided after the first dose.
i keep up with the folic to make sure this thing does not rear its head again and grind my life to a halt. i hope sharing my story helps someone out there. i do have a few questions though:my multivitamins also indicate that they have folic acid 400mcg.so my total intake is 1200 mcg per day.i think this might be a little too much especially considering that the monster aka BV is no more. is it okay to do away with the Folic supplements and stick to the multivits which have folic acid? will this be enough to keep BV at bay?
...Oh, incase i didnt make it clear.Folic acid cured that BV. i refuse to call it my BV.its not mine , i dnt own it , i sure as ** dont want it. all the best :)
Folic Acid
Posted by Brittney (Chicago, Il) on 03/31/2015
★★★★★
So I visited this site a few weeks ago and decided to give folic acid a try. I got diagnosed around christmas and took antibiotics and I felt they made it worse. I currently take the 800 mcg folic acid that says it's for women's health. idk if that makes a difference. I take 2 in the morning and 1 at night. I started this before my period started and I had very minimal discharge after which was a MIRACLE because that's when it was the worst! I mean going through at least 3-4 pantiliners a day. It's now a week after my period ended and I've had very normal discharge but I tried lowering my dose today and after my 7 hour shift at work, I discovered more discharge then I've been having lately. I don't know if my boyfriend is reinfecting me because I'm sexually active again. I will up my dose to my usual 2 in the morning and 1 at night (2400 mcg a day) and see if this helps. I will report back with my results. I've also changed my soap to olay sensitive and been washing my vagina with dove fragrance free bar soap. Also switched to cotton panties and I wash those with fragrance free detergent.
Folic Acid
Posted by Diamond (Ma., US) on 02/05/2015
★★★★★
I have been taking 400mg folic acid for over a year, also I take one of the best & strongest probiotics called CatsClaw; I found it to be super strong and works quickly.It's called cats claw because the herb is shaped like cats claws, they are cultivated and put into capsules. This product has done super wonders for me, it has done a clean sweep of most ailments, I had huge amounts of inflammation that left my body at the same time. And sugar does aggravate most infections/BV. I bought some excellent yogurt great for natural flora called Siggi's; it's sold in whole food stores.I buy only the plain white.
Good Luck.
Folic Acid
Posted by Gokhals (San Francisco, Ca, Usa) on 03/21/2011 34 posts
★★★★★
800 mg Folic acid [mine had B6/B12 added to it, taken once a day sublingually, 2 pods of garlic mashed thoroughly and mixed with extra virgin olive oil, applied several times a day. Worked! Am not sure it was the folic acid or the olive oil or the garlic, but it worked.
Folic Acid
Posted by Nurse14 (Tallahassee, Florida) on 03/31/2010
★★★★☆
Hi I was so desperate for help with BV. I have been a nurse for years and had seen doctors prescribe Flagyl for women only to have them return or call saying that they still had problem after taking the medicine. I had not had a problem with this until I started taking in alot of caffeine and sugary drinks to stay awake during late shifts at work. I was at my wits end and I found this site. I tried the peroxide douche, acidophillus, yogurt, and folic acid, and I have to be honest the only thing that has continued to work for me is taking 800mg of Folic Acid daily and thats it. The douche only worked for a day and I don't promote douching, and inserting yogurt vaginally was just to messy. As for the acidophillus I really didn't see where it was helping at all. As long as I take the folic acid I'm fine [knock on wood]. I am grateful for all the brave women who told their stories. So here's mine I hope it helps someone defeat this smelly monster.
Folic Acid
Posted by Janet (Wisconsin) on 07/11/2020
Regarding Folic Acid/Folate for vaginal odor. I take 800 mcg a day. If I stop taking it, eventually the odor comes back. It took about a week for the odor to completely disappear in my case. It really works. I've had trouble with a urine like odor from the vaginal area for years. I thought it was urine leakage but my underwear were always dry. I don't remember why I started taking folate, possibly because I stumbled upon a forum like this one. I would recommend starting with a lower dose of Folate and increase it if needed. Be careful not to take too high a dose as it's not recommended and can be harmful.
Folic Acid
Posted by Steph (London) on 06/30/2024
★★★☆☆
FOLIC ACID AND BLOOD WORK - get a blood test
I did a blood test and found out I was deficient in folate. The prescribed dose for a folate deficiency is 5mg prescription only! which is equivalent to 5000mcg!!!!!!!!!!!!! If you look at online pharmacists. So I'm sure the doses that others have mentioned in this post are still safe to use as they are nowhere near this amount.
I suggest you get a blood test done first to be sure.
Also folate is a vitamin that many people are deficient in for this reason many of our foods are fortified with folate such as cereals. Women especially need to take folate in case they fall pregnant. I had a family member who would always say take folic acid!!
I can't rate it 5 star since I'm still waiting for results but I do notice it does reduce discharge currently with 1200mcg, maybe I will up the dose and then take another blood test later.
Folic Acid
Posted by Isa (Rockville, MD) on 06/12/2009
★★★★★
So, after reading through a ton of these Folic Acid cure-all miracles, I went into my food closet, fished out the Folic Acid vitamins I had been avoiding to take and did a regimen of 1600mg immediately.
Next days, 800 in the morning, 800 at lunch, 800 at night.
I'll cut down to 1600 again tomorrow.
Vagina smelling healthy, though still a little off. Overall dramatically improved. I will try stopping folic acid next week to see if it comes back. But it seems everyone is saying that is comes back.
SO, what do you do for B.V. NOT to come back? Do I have to take Folic Acid the rest of my life or what?
Folic Acid
Posted by Anne (New York, New York) on 05/04/2009
★★★★★
I just want to inform other women about what has helped me get rid of my BV. I have suffered from this for 10+ years and have had countless visits with the gyno. I was given every antibiotic they prescribe for BV. After doing a ton of research and spending alot of money on probiotics I have discovered the key thing that I believe treated my BV, Folic Acid. I started taking 400 Folic Acid with the Vitamin B complex. I had instant results. Every now and then if I feel my PH is slightly off I will increase my dose to 800 Folic Acid and I am absolutley fine (I do alot of strenuous work outs and I sweat alot so I think it contributes to problems in that area). I have never felt so fresh and clean since I started taking the Folic Acid. I highley recommend Folic Acid and Vitamin B complex for BV. Ofcourse everyone's body is different, but this has been my cure! God Bless-
Folic Acid
Posted by Shalona (Savannah, georgia) on 02/08/2009
★★★★★
I want to let everyone know folic acid does work! Thanks to this site I gave it a try. To all of the woman that says it doesn't work You must be persistant with it. I take 400mg per day and it works for me. Woman must understand everyone's bodies are different so what may work for one woman may not work for another. You may have to be more aggressive so don't give up. It really depends on your body. Use a bigger dose. I have read that it's okay to take large amounts of folic acid so it's worth a try. I have used folic acid for the last two months and no smell or discharge even after my period. I can't believe it. I keep sniffing for the smell and waiting for it to come back after me and my husband make love but it's not there, no smell! After 13 years of struggling I believe I'm finally free. I know your pain, thank GOD for all of the doctors on earthclinic- you guys! MUCH LUV
Folic Acid
Posted by Holly (Philadelphia, PA) on 12/23/2008
★★★★★
I want to say that earthclinic is an abosolute gift from God. I have suffered with BV since I was 20 years old- with off and on mild to moderate battles (moderate after having intercourse, but I wasn't sexually active until 24). Now at 26 I had to pray to God to find an internal cure as I recently douched for the first (and last) time with a wicked BV inflammation to follow within 48 hours. I was horrified yet faithful that God had a cure for me. I came on here and read through each review and decided to try the folic acid only. I dashed out to Walgreens, bought a bottle of 400 mg and downed 2 in the car. Within a half an hour I was feeling relief- my period started the next day and there has been almost no odor. While douching and antibiotics are not for me I do blot my external vaginal area with peroxide and I wash with a feminine hygeine sensitive skin cleanser. I have used feminine spray products, but never beyond the bikini line. Also I use wipes as often as possible. I'm not a fan of yogurt but I am eating it daily along with drinking cranberry juice often. It seems like a lot but the folic acid is the key- I thank God for it, He has really blessed me with the knowledge of His healing power even within a simple drug store. BV is a disease, often chronic, but one that just may require preventative measures on a daily basis. I pray that you all may be blessed by this cure- try it alone first (w/o antibiotics, douche and acido) to see if it won't heal you. God bless.
Folic Acid
Posted by Theres A Cure (La, Ca) on 08/18/2011
★★★★★
I've been taking folic acid for 2 days now, twice a day and it has started to make the odor go away. My discharge has already started to change. Ladies please please hang in there. This has showed great progress in such a short time. Give it a try. And its a cheap cure!!! I bought a bottle of the cvs brand Folic Acid 8oo MCG. It ran me about 5 dollars (for those in the U. S). And for all you young girls who are afraid to tell your parents I urge you to speak up because you shouldnt have to suffer in silience. This is nothing the be embarassed about, it happens to the most of us. Its best you take care of the problem and most importantly know exactly what problem you have.
Folic Acid
Posted by Vanessa (Farmington, CT) on 09/22/2008
★★★★★
Folic Acid (and Flagyl): Hello everyone ...i've been suffering with BV for about 5 years now. About 4 months ago i found this website and decided to try the Acidoph and folic acid. The acidoph did not work but the folic acid somewhat helped a little. I was taking 1 (800 mcg) folic acid pill in the am and also 1 in the pm. I was still discharging and had the fishy smell but not as bad as before i started taking them. So I went to the doctor (for the billionth time) and she prescribed me Flagyl. I had to take 2 pills everyday for 7 days but i still continued to take 2 folic acid pills too. It's been 2 weeks now and still no signs of BV WHATSOEVER!!! I'm feeling great and my sex life has improved like 100% lol ... Good luck to all you ladies.
Folic Acid
Posted by Ashley (Belton/tx/) on 01/26/2014
For BV, I took one folic acid 800 mcg and it worked in 4 days. I was excited, no smell, no burn. I'm happy I found this website :)
Folic Acid
Posted by Tis (Ny, Ny) on 05/13/2010
hello Ladies, my heart goes out to all of you who suffere from BV. I know what it is, what is does, because I suffered for two years untill I came to this web site.
1) Pls do not douche.
2) Take any probiotice with at least a million acidophilus and the folic acid daily. I'd recommend 2 folic and two acidophilus twice daily for one week and once daily after.
It works. Trust me, you will be free from this ailment and I recommend you keep taking both from time to time. Eat healthy as well, lots of broccoli and avocados.
My very best wishes Ladies.
Folic Acid
Posted by Trena (Lynnwood, Wa) on 04/15/2009
★★★★★
I have been having an issue with BV for a while now. And a few days ago i came across the site and have been reading some of the reviews on how other people got rid of the itching and the smell and the discharge...I was so embarrassed about it. So once i read all the success stories about folic acid the next day i went to the store bought the 800 mcg and took 2 tablets in the moring and 2 that night. and i woke up the next day and the itching and the smell had gone away...so i took 2 more this morning and hopefully it will stop the yucky discharge. But so far it has been working great! I am so thankful for the internet!
Folic Acid
Posted by Kelly (Los Angeles, CA) on 03/10/2009
★★★★★
Oh my!! What a blessing to find this website. I have had BV for almost 15 years now. I've been to the doctor several times and they always prescribe metrodonizole. It has never worked. I have also thought that it was a yeast infection and tried to cure it with over the counter meds, and countless types of probiotics, cleanses, yeast guard etc. Dealing with this problem for so long has been somewhat traumatic and disheartening. I was embarrassed and felt ashamed when becoming intimate with a new partner.
So I stumbled upon this site one day last week when I was googling the topic again. I read the reviews on Folic acid and decided to try 1 more remedy. I went to whole foods and bought 800 milligram capsules. I started on my first day taking 2 at once. Right away it seemed to work but I was apprehensive. I took 4 the next day and then 2 the day after. It had almost completely cleared up my discharge and odor. Only a very small amount appeared once in while on those days. I then read online that too much folic acid can be harmful, so I reduced to 1 800 milligram capsule a day. The symptoms are gone. It's totally amazing. I just can't believe that the western doctors prescribe antibiotics for something that a simple vitamin can cure. It's very frustrating.
I am so grateful to have fund this site and the folic acid remedy. I hope more women can discover this as well, as I know how awful it can be to deal with this problem. I will definitely be checking back here for future health concerns. I love it!!
EC: We found fantastic information on this website about importance of taking folic acid and B12 together:
http://www.thewayup.com/newsletters/041502.htm
Here's a snippet from the website, but please click on the above link for much more information.
"WHY ARE B12 & FOLIC ACID SO IMPORTANT?
These nutrients are especially critical for 2 reasons:
1 - There are so many conditions & commonly used drugs which deplete them or interfere with their absorption
2 - The deficiency of either can go undetected to cause great damage & suffering.
These 2 nutrients are addressed together because when supplementing one, the other must also be supplemented, again for 2 reasons:
1 - If there is a B12 deficiency & only folic acid is taken, it can mask some of the blood changes & clues that a B12 deficiency exists. Such masking can allow progressive & irreversible damage to take place in the brain, spinal column, & peripheral nerves. Further, folic acid must be present for the proper use of B12.
2 - Many of the same factors contribute to deficiencies of these 2 nutrients."
