| 5 star (39) | 58% | |
| 4 star (14) | 21% | |
| 3 star (1) | 1% | |
| 1 star (13) | 19% |
suzie (london) on 09/30/2022: 
i used two packs of bv treatment from pharmacy that always helped me before, and nothing! Oregano oil suppositories, folic acid, Apple Cider Vinegar on tampon, coconut oil sup, garlic, ginger, probiotics, nothing helped when used by itself.
but then I started putting one vit C tablet 1000mg inside my vag for a night, one probiotic in vag (focus on rhamnosus& reuteri VERY IMPORTANT acidophilus doesnt work that good) 30 billion cfu for a day.
I also changed my diet, drank almost 1 litre of kefir per day (it's muuuch more powerful probiotic than any pill) added cinnamon as it is antimicrobial, no coffee, if alcohol then only red wine as it is a prebiotic in small amounts, sugar only from natural sources, one tablespoon of baking soda in glass of water on empty stomach to alkalize my body, no junk food, lots of liquids( try green tea/peppermint with turmeric, ginger and pepper very very healthy) and in general my diet was full of probiotics, prebiotics& veggies, pills like vit D or omega3. that finally cured me. I know its very complex treatment, but I think that if you're dealing with bv for a long time and nothing seems to be working you need to drastically change your diet, most of the diseases start in gut.
I'm over 2 months bv free& had 2 periods:) I decided to share this because the last 3 weeks ive been eating junk food, lots of sugar and sweet alcohol and it still hasnt come back so I guess I truly am bv free. although tomorrow im getting back to healthy diet, dont wanna tempt the fate aha.
Good luck!
Alyssa (Orlando, FL) on 01/27/2019:
She Ready (Mo) on 08/15/2018:
With that being said one of the best and quickest cures for Yeast and Bacteria is boric acid. It's important that you use quality boric acid and the correct dosage otherwise you will not get any relief.
Also, another cure all is ACV (diluted) and sea salt. Never ever douche, either use suppositories or tampons soaked in the solution or take a sitz bath (twice a day). ACV does take a little longer to cure but it helps with any itching. I will also add tea tree oil is similar to ACV. None of these cures will work if you do not concentrate on your internal body.
Eating healthy, drinking water, cutting down on alcohol and sweets will make a tremendous difference but also adding vitamins. A vitamin that acts as a hormone that over 60% of the population is lacking is D3 and one of the many symptoms of vitamin D3 deficiency is BV.
Also, it's good to add folic acid and calcium. A good multi-vitamin would be helpful everyday regardless if you have an infection. I guarantee if you start with prevention first you will not experience either infection and if you do it will be minor and will clear up within a week using the above methods. Lastly, be careful what you put into your vagina, you can cause more havoc then the original infection, one being vagina dermatitis similar to eczema from which so many products have stripped, dried and cause an infection of the actual skin.
Grace (Wash.) on 05/04/2018:
After research, I did daily douche with 1/2 C purified water, 1/2 C 3% hydrogen peroxide and one probiotic capsule emptied into the douche as well. Everyday I would lay down on cotton towel and do the douche hold it inside for 15 minutes then release it out I did this for 9 days straight. I was already gluten, dairy free I stopped all sugar caffeine. I filled my glass water bottle with water added 1 juiced lemon ( I juice the lemon right down to rind since I believe their is healing properties in the rind), added 3-4 drops of oregano oil along with a pinch of baking soda in the water bottle. I drank this through a straw so the citric acid does not damage the enamel on my teeth. I drank this all day and made another batch to drink throughout the night. Wow, this really knocked the infection out so fast. I continued doing this for three weeks just to be on the safe side. I also took a high quality probiotics and folic acid. CURED!
Normal V. Girl (Warren Ohio) on 09/16/2017:
Ashlee (California) on 04/29/2017: 
I decided to try EVERYTHING; coconut oil, apple cider vinegar, inserting acidophilus, inserting vitamin c, the only thing that got rid of the smell was apple cider vinegar but it hurt too much to have sex because of it and vitamin c worked temporarily. I luckily, knock on wood, am not experiencing severe itching, burning and pain, so maybe my case isn't as severe but if I... tmi... swab my v, there is a fishy odor. I went out and bought all the pills all the vitamins and heres what I am doing.
in the morning
-2 acidophilus pills
-3 vitamin d 1000 iu
-1 folic acid 800 mcg
-1 vitamin c rosehips 500 mg
pm
-1 acidophilus
-3 vitamin d 1000 iu
-1 folic acid 800 mg
-1 vitamin c rosehips 500
Its only been 2 and a half days, im praying, hoping, everything this works. Its hard to tell because most people experienced the relief of itching and burning but I dont have that. I'm hoping this knocks out the smell. I'll let ya know, pray for me!
Lizj (Nc ) on 01/27/2017:
This is what I've been doing:
Starting in the morning.. I take one acidophilus probiotic. One folic acid. And I'm also taking a lot of vitamin C to boost my immune system. I also eat plain organic Greek yogurt and cut up some fruit into it to make it taste better. Apples work the best :). I take a shower and wash myself out with 1/4 cup of peroxide and 1/4 warm water. And then, instead of using my regular body wash, I wash my body with 2 tbs of baking soda and warm water to balance my pH. After I'm done I put one acidophilus into my vagina. At night.. I take more vitamin C and one more acidophilus. Wearing cotton undies and loose clothing helps! And that's it!!
I hope this helps someone, because I know how much this stupid infection sucks! My self-confidence is so low now, but I can already tell it's going to get better. I'll try to update on my 5th day. Stay healthy :)
Jane (Nyc, Ny) on 09/10/2016:
so I went out and bought folic acid 400 mg, vitamin C with rose hips 1000 mg, and some organic ACV..
Thursday I took my normal 3 acidophilus a day, one multi-strain probiotic, three folic acid, one vitamin C pill..I then added 1 tbsp of ACV to my water bottle drank the entire thing and soaked a tampon in half ACV half water and put it in for an hour..
I repeated this for three days..
it is now Saturday there is no smell and to make things even more exciting I had sex with my boyfriend this afternoon and there was no smell just normal..idk if it's the folic acid or all these things combined but it really worked..I'm gunna keep doing the pills everyday along with ACV in my water bottle and try to lay off on the ACV soaked tampon until my period comes back, I will then do the soaked tampon a few days after it ends to make sure things are all in tact down there..keep trying to find what works best for you ladies this bv crap is no joke!
Lexieblue (North Carolina) on 01/21/2016:
I have been struggling with chronic BV for almost 3 years and I always said that if I ever found a remedy, I would share it for all the world to know about. If I can help at least one person not have to go through what I've been through that would be enough for me.
So, my BV was brought on by sex with a new partner. And when I tell you I have tried EVERYTHING under the sun to get rid of it, believe me I have! From hydrogen peroxide and apple cider vinegar douches to tea tree oil tampons to vaginal insertion of boric acid capsules. EVERYTHING!!! And some of these regimens would give me temporary relief, but as soon as treatment was over, the BV would always come right back. I was also taking vitamins and supplements in conjunction with these home remedies but still nothing would work long term...
UNTIL I came up with the perfect combination of vitamins and supplements that has finally tamed the chronic BV beast that had not only taken over my body but my entire life as well! I pray this regimen will work for you too:
1) Vitamin D (breaks down the bio-film that causes BV to keep reoccurring)
2) Super B Complex (builds up the immune system to help fight off the bad bacteria)
3) Probiotic (with at least 90 billion active probiotics to overtake the bad bacteria)
4) A really good prebiotic (to maintain the good bacteria that the probiotic is putting in your body)
*Take all of these vitamins and supplements ORALLY once a day. Also changing your diet to eliminate the bad stuff like sugar and alcohol wouldn't hurt either.
And as a side note: I also stopped seeing the guy who was the root of all of my problems to begin with! He was literally bad for my health!!!
So, please please please try this!!! It worked miracles for me and I pray that it will work for you too. Please reply with any questions, comments or concerns you may have and I will try my best to address them.
Take care :)
Kayla (California, US) on 08/07/2014:
So I tried again to get rid of my BV this time I took one weeks worth of flagyl (oral) and tried to change my diet by eating healthy. I had great results... Oh my goodness the smell is gone!!!!!! ...But then 2 days before I got my period (3 weeks had passed) I noticed a slight fishy odor ..by the time my period had ended the smell had fully came back (If not worse).
I felt hopeless I couldn't deal with this smell anymore. I started to look for home remedies : yogurt inserted into vagina , acidophilus via vaginally and oral ( If inserted at night smell would go away but would come back at the end of the day), working out ( sweat definitely aggravates it lol) and nothing worked!! I went to my gyn again who gave me 2 weeks worth of flagyl this time when it ended I added :
Yakult nonfat probiotic(Took once a day; usually found in the dairy department at a local store),
Greek yogurt once a day
Odorless garlic 1000 mg once a day
Cranberry caplets 300 mg once a day
Probiotic Acidophilus caplets 1 Billion Active Cultures ( by mouth and once a week vaginally if needed)
Thank GOD it has worked!!!! I think starting antibiotics to rid the bacteria and then starting a home remedy definitely helped a lot! I wanted to share this information with others because I have done research after research to find a way out of this misery. I HAVE BEEN BV FREE FOR 5 MONTHS!!!
Pvianna18 (Ftl, Fl) on 07/29/2014:
Elly (Chicago, US) on 07/07/2014:
Anyway, there's hope and a silver lining here because I get to share this with you.. over the past 3 days, I've seen great improvement with doing the following: 1. Limit sugar and carbs! Its tough, but the sugar feeds the infection. 2. In the morning before breakfast, take 2 women's RAW probiotic 3. AFTER breakfast, take a combo pill of golden seal and enchinacea. Then, take a garlic pill (got these at whole foods). 4. Carry multiple light panty liners with you. Change every 1-2 hours, it makes sure you are dry down there. 5. Drink lots of water. 6. Walk 30 min per day. 7. Wear cotton underwear and no tight clothes. This is working for me so far, and hope it helps you too!!!
1wisechick (Mount Pleasant, Mi) on 02/22/2014:
So What now...? Figure out how to get these nasty little creatures out of our system. They are feeding off you, they live off the host.. the longer you allow them to live in your body the sicker you will get.. neglecting parasites in your body can lead to many different health conditions. My regimen daily has a few PARASITE detoxing agents along with a few things they would use for candida, and everyday daily supplements. I started off slow and progressed to all the stuff I'm taking now, which you wouldn't even have to take them all. It's only for a matter of time anyways, and for a good cause might I add. Vitamin C Coral Calcium (Vitamin D3, Magnesium, Calcium) 2,2x a day B-12 Complex 3 a day Acidophilus, 2,2x a day Ginko Biloba (for Brain function and circulation, Memory) 1,2x a day Folic Acid 800mg 2xday Chlorella Green Super Food/Broken Cell Wall 1000mg Vegan supplement (VERY IMPORTANT! Read more about Chlorella below) Help with Parasite Detox. Caprylic Acid (Candida Support - Good Fats for colon) Flax Oil Biotin (is believed to help to control ingested sugars and carbs) Fresh Green Black Walnut Wormword Complex (Herbal Supplement, Liquid, Parasite detox! ) Nasty tasting, but well worth it. 1 dropper full 1x a day before bed and I wake up to a healthy bowel movement.. I know this does the trick. Going to start 2x a day today. IT WORKS GREENS DETOX (Includes black walnut, wormwood, and alllllll kinds of other detox and healthy supplements, it's all greens and healthy healthy fruits.) 2 scoops in 8oz water or juice 1x a day. I have Orange flavor. Diatomaceous Earth Powdered Form (Removes parasites like razor-blades, also good to treat any animals you may have) VERY IMPORTANT FOR PARASITE REMOVAL! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! No taste to mixture. 1 TBSP to 8OZ water I do it once a day right now. Like I said, it's better to start off slow. For Hygiene a lot of people suggest a 50/50 HP(hydrogen Peroxide)+ Spring Water Douche... this is good however, you must add a little ACV (apple cider vinegar), not to much or it may burn. Why you do this is because the Spring water is neutral on the PH scale verses Tap and distilled is only sometimes.. the HP kills bad bacteria, fixing the Power of Hydrogen (PH), and the ACV replaces all the good bacteria that the parasites are causing you to loose! I did this wash prob. 4 days in a row... very drastic changes! ACV EXTREMELY GOOD WITH ACNE! I also Purchased a homemade TEA TREE OIL GLYCERIN SOAP. I have noticed a drastic decrease in my armpit odor. And I only wash my Vaginal area with my ACV+HP+SPRING WATER. Even if I don't do the douche I still wash the outside with it. Absolutely no smells of any kind coming from down there anymore! I have not gotten the opportunity to try it myself but, COCONUT OIL, very good anti-inflammatory. For your skin specifically or even to include in your diet! Learn benefits by looking it up, add some keywords like bv, vaginal discharge, yeast infections, parasites, ect. You can learn a lot by adding choice words to your search! Also, one evening I did a Suppository of Vitamin C 500MG, woke up the next day.. had a little discharge later not much. Same with Folic acid, I did this the next night, for one night only each though. This took the smell right away and I have been able to keep it away so far 2 weeks later. Another recommended product is "Pearls YB" it's a yeast balancing probiotic, high reviews. I have a few family members that take this and have recommended it to me. They use it on a daily basis. I have also read about it being used a suppository. I feel better everyday though, flushing these PARASITES out of my body is so refreshing. I cannot wait! Most people don't fix the underlying problem to their bv, just continuously cover it up for the rest of their life. NO THANKS! I will remain healthy after all is said and done, but I want to feel comfortable in my own skin again! OTHER SUGGESTIONS I HAVE COME ACROSS: *100% Cranberry Juice *Borax *Aqueous Cream (use as Shower Vaginal Wash) *Mooncup (for periods, tampons and pads are toxic, using tampons could cause you some serious setbacks because it *allows the bad bacteria to sit in your vagina for long periods of time, not good. *Goldenseal (detox- pill form or could be drank as tea, known to be bitter) *GY-NA-TREN (Found at GNC) *Multi-Vitamin should be in your daily regimen as well *COLON HYDROTHERAPY (I want/need to do this, locally it will cost me $70, this will flush EVERYTHING including *PARASITES from my body! Candida as well if it is present. *Liquid Chlorophyll (Taste like minty sweet tea, do not get Liquid Chlorophyll ES, this is EXTRA SWEET, NO GOOD! *Chlorella has a much more potent form of the Chlorophyll which is top ingredient and has more to offer). *FLAX OIL 3 2x a day is recommended, I started out that now down to 2 or 3 a day. XYLITOL toothpaste could also be your downfall-known to cause disruptive issues in candida cleanses. I feel like I am forgetting something! But if anyone has any questions or information just ask.. just in case I forget about checking this site, I will be posting to many others as well! Thank You for reading, and I wish you all Happy Healing! The better mode you're in, and the lower your stress levels are, the better the chance you have and being healthy again. Try to stay healthy and keep a regimen so it doesn't come back.. you have to make sure it's completely gone! Most of these supplements are very good for everyday health!
Angie (Charlotte, North Carolina) on 02/11/2014:
Keeping.it.real (San Diego) on 02/11/2014:
My Intro:
I've been dealing with this "BV" for about 6 months now. I didn't even know what "BV" was until I stumbled across a blog by MaskCara, about 6 months ago, discussing the topic and the "cure" that she outlined as a simple hydrogen peroxide douche. After reading her post on BV, I started realizing that this might be a diagnosis for the very minor "issue" I was having, and barely noticed. The only symptom I was having at that time was very slight odor during/after sex. I guess I shouldn't say "only, " since in my opinion, this is the WORST part of it. So anyway, after reading her post, I did a ton of research online, as I always do when I'm curious about something, and the more I read, the more I was convinced that I had either BV or a simple yeast infection. So, I went to the OBGYN, (Planned Parenthood since I am currently without coverage), and they diagnosed me right away with BV. Of course, they gave me antibiotics, the Metra or Metro-whatever pills. But I didn't take them, since pretty much EVERYTHING I read on the topic says they do not work, and I don't want to put my body through that for nothing. (However, the longer I put up with this crap, the more I think I should just give it a try. We'll see. I'm getting desperate, but I'm really trying to do this the natural way).
My Symptoms:
1. ODOR - this is the most annoying symptom I have. Everything else is not so noticeable. The odor for me is mostly noticeable after sex and exercise. It's not totally "fishy" though, as I read so much about. For me, it seems more sour - which makes me wonder about a yeast infection. However, I do get the "fishy" smell when I wash with Dial soap, as I'm washing, I'll notice it. I actually just read today that I should be using a more mild soap, so I'll switch to Dove, or possibly Johnson & Johnson Baby Soap, but my point is, the fishy smell comes up with Dial.
2. Discharge - white, thick, gross. Mostly noticeable after exercise.
3. Discomfort - mostly just a slight itch, not constant, but pretty consistent and annoying.
My Medical History:
I'm 30 years old. I've always been very healthy. I don't get sick, and have always had a very strong immune system. I have never had any serious illness besides the flu, once in my life. No chicken pox, no measles, no nothing. I can't understand WHAT is causing this. My diet has pretty much always been the same. The only difference is that I've actually been eating more healthy foods as I get older.
I keep thinking back to when this started, and I try to think of the things that could have caused this.
1. I ran a half marathon in June, (6 months ago), and had only been running for 6 months. Never ran before that. Sometimes, I think, maybe this could be the reason for my pH imbalance. The extreme training, out of nowhere. Maybe?
2. I never had this issue before having sex with my boyfriend. NEVER. I've had one yeast infection in my whole life, and that was maybe 14 years ago. My boyfriend and I started dating a year ago, and 6 months later, maybe sooner - I don't know, I come down with BV. I know this isn't supposed to be a sexually transmitted disease, but I can't help but wonder how that's possible. If you have sex, I would imagine that bacteria could go from penis to vagina and back again. This leaves me wondering if A) My boyfriend gave it to me, and continues to do so. Or B) It is simply his pH messing with mine, as I've also read. Side note: We have engaged in anal sex. I’m not a fan of this, so it’s only happened a small handful of times, but it did happen. Maybe this somehow caused the infection? There was no cross over, though. Who knows. I just wanted to throw it out there just in case there’s a connection.
So, I keep reading forum after forum after forum, searching for ANYTHING that might help me, or might clue me in on how to treat this more effectively. There’s got to be some kind of connection. But it's all the same thing: contradicting information. "This works great! " "This didn't work at all! " I'm honestly hopeless, but I obviously can't give up.
My Personal Vent:
I don't like the way I look at sex anymore. Anytime I think of sex, or think about my sex life in any way, I'm embarrassed, ashamed, and I try to avoid it. It's not fair to my boyfriend. He's sexy. I am not. I feel gross, so I haven't even told him that I have BV. What is the use? I don't want him to look at me like the gross person I see myself as. I just tell him that I'm dealing with a pH imbalance, and I tell him about the things I'm trying to do to correct it, but I haven't actually said BV. It's embarrassing. I'm always worried about him wanting to have sex, and me being "unprepared."
In addition to the obvious symptoms, I'm also very irritable sometimes. I'm obsessed with finding a cure for this. I’m always reading up on it, then deleting browser history. It’s embarrassing. My vagina straight grosses me out, and that right there makes me want to cry my eyes out. I'm a sexual person...I enjoy sex, and foreplay, and being passionate and intimate. Now I’m to a point where I just want to get it over with as quickly as possible so my boyfriend doesn’t notice the smell. Most of the time, he doesn’t seem to notice anything, meanwhile, I do. I literally CRIED during sex the other day, not because of pain, but because I was so embarrassed at the slightest whiff of that “odor” that came up. I wasn’t facing him, he didn’t notice, but I still felt so gross, and even worse for crying silently during sex. This is RUINING my sex life and the way I look at my body. It's a nightmare, and I PRAY to God every day that it will just...go away. I can't understand WHY this is such an epidemic. How is there no cure?
By the way, I find it somewhat annoying that some/most women post their "cures" as something they're just now trying, with a "Wish me luck! " at the end. And no follow up. I can't stand that. It's useless info. I feel that we should be trying what we think will work, without using the word "cure, " and reporting back. REPORTING BACK, people, please!
My Treatments:
Once "diagnosed" with BV, I immediately tried the hydrogen peroxide douche that MaskCara had written about, since she said it was her cure. And yes, it did/does help a LOT, but did not cure. It went away for about a week, or at least, was not noticeable, but sure enough, it came right back...and it seems worse.
It's all been kind of a whirlwind of things that I've tried, but here's my list...
1. Hydrogen Peroxide flush for 7-10 days. (I haven't actually done the HP Flush for that long, though. Maybe that's my problem. But MaskCara had written that she only did it for 3 days. So I did a 3-day treatment. Then I did it for 5 or 6 days, still nothing. Just temporary relief. I am currently on day 2 of a new 10 day HP treatment, because I figure I might as well try one last time, and go for broke. Note: If nothing else, this has been an EXCELLENT, and I mean EXCELLENT temporary cure. I find that I can at least get rid of the odor, discharge and feel FRESH for a day, if I do this. I can have sex without feeling completely disgusting. But it doesn't last, and I don't want this to be an ongoing thing. It's a pain in the ass.
2. Goldenseal – (2) 400mg capsules daily, orally. (I’m only on day 2 of this treatment)
3. Probiotics, 90 billion CPU – (1) daily, orally. (Honestly doesn’t do anything, but I take them anyway, since I paid $40 for the suckers).
4. Cranberry & probiotic supplement– (2) daily, orally.
5. Acidophilus – (2) daily, orally. (Same with the probiotics above…no noticeable difference whatsoever).
6. Folic acid – (1) daily, orally.
7. Vitamin D – (2) daily, orally.
8. Epsom salt bath - I discovered this on my own, then confirmed the info online. I went on a vacation and found myself taking several baths because we had access to a jet tub, and I just felt like taking some baths. I used the bath salts provided in the bathroom, and soaked for 20-30 minutes, and didn't think anything of it. Looking back on that vacation, I realized I was BV-free for the entire time: 10 days.
Other things that I was doing while on this vacation:
A. Not drinking AS much, but still drinking alcohol daily. Not so much wine, as I usually do, but I was drinking scotch whiskey. Also, it might be helpful to note that I normally drink Gallo wine…which is basically crap, but I’m on a budget. On vacation, we were drinking GOOD wine, and not as much of it. Maybe this helped?
B. Salt baths
C. COLD and DRY weather - maybe this helped?
D. No smoking whatsoever, (I am a marijuana smoker - not cigarettes, what can I say), but I didn’t smoke ANYTHING for 10 days.
E. Very limited sugar. I ate a lot of carbs and dairy, though. But not nearly the amount of sugar I normally eat. Not NEARLY.
Back to the Epsom salt bath: I find this works just as good as the HP Flush, above, only it seems more conventional which makes me feel more normal. I just mix some Epsom salt in a warm bath and soak, allowing the salt water access to the affected area. It really seems to bring some relief, and it's just like taking a relaxing bath. I don't feel like a grosser having to douche all the time, so I like this best. Sometimes, I even put a little Epsom salt IN my panties, (cotton, of course! Blah blah blah), to alleviate the itch. It works for me, but is in no way a cure. Last night, I actually did the HP Flush and then soaked in a salt bath and I came out feeling amazing. This morning, though, I'm back slightly noticeable BV.
Moving right along with the treatments I've tried...
9. Cotton panties, of course.
10. Loose clothing
11. No undies to bed
12. Drink lemon water
Things I will be trying, going forward:
1. Cut sugar
2. Alkaline diet – this sounds like crap. I’m supposed to stop drinking coffee? Eew. Sure!!! No problem! WHAT! NO! I will most likely continue to drink coffee, because after all, I was drinking a TON of it while on that vacation, mentioned above. But, I will make an effort to watch my diet.
3. Drink alkaline water – I heard good things about this.
4. ACV bath
5. ACV orally
6. Monistat 3 – because maybe this will help, who knows. I hear things from all over the spectrum.
7. Antibiotics – I will take these in a month, if nothing else works.
Channel (Atlanta, Georgia) on 12/29/2013: 
Ng (Florida, Florida) on 10/09/2013:
The treatment course that I have found works best for me, without having to go to the GYN & taking meds that have side effects is:
First: do not have sex-if you suspect BV and or while treating, it will only take longer to get it cleared up and you could be passing it to your partner-which means, he's just giving it back to you! Watch what you eat! Sugar is terrible for bringing this on, as well as breads & cheeses. Drink plenty of water, take vitamins, like acidodipilus, multi emzymines, vitamins A, B-100/150, C, D, E, COq10, eat yogurt with live cultures(greek) and get the proper amount of rest.
At first onset of the symptoms-ie> the dryish goo/brownish paste, possible no smell, very little smell or slight stinch to foul smell, for some a fish(especially after sex) or bready smell (mine comes after my period, so it seems like a continued period but its not) start the course of inserting "BORIC ACID" immediatly (yes thats "roach away" powder-can be purchased very cheap & goes along way-plus can be used in the household for pest) capsules (get the gelatin capsules from a vitamin store or a medical supply store or possibly from a pharmacy), do this twice a day for at least 5 to 7 days (if really bad up to 10 days). You will want to wear a pad and it is normal to wipe & it be gritty/thats the crystals in the boric coming out, thats what is breaking down the bateria & getting it out of there!
Optional: not neccessary everytime but I've also used the "medicated douche" once in that course (use it at the end of the course of treatment to flush out the rest of the bacteria) but don't over douche-can make things worse.
If you find itching included, you can also add in the course of treatment, insert a capsule of tea tree oil/vitamin E oil (note: put the tea tree oil in the small portion of the capsule & the vitamin E oil in the bigger part) you will want to insert it as far as you can & recline or lay flat for about 15 mins at least, so it don't just run out right away, it will relieve the itching, for some, it might burn/sting for a second, if you've been scratching and have broken the skin but for the most part it is a cooling/methol relieving sesation and both have skin healing properties and are antispetics, which help heal the skin irratations & kill bateria.
How I came about this treatment course: I have had BV off & on now since 2009, I was sexually assaulted and contracted this horrible afflection-I took the medications to only have it come back & it gets expensive having to see a GYN but with this method of treatment, it is getting better & less prominent each time I have it, its inexpensive & best of all-natural without side effects of harmful chemical drugs and the change in diet helps. I also have an unknown auto immune disorder, that makes me more subseptical to these type problems, make life changes & take natural approaches to allow your body to heal itself, take care & God Bless you all!
Miss X (Sacramento, Ca) on 05/28/2013:
Things you will need:
Probiotic plain yogurt, rubber exam gloves (powder free), a clove of garlic (peeled and with a string sewn through like a tampon), hydrogen peroxide (HP), 2 non-stick guaze pads (3"x3"), tea tree oil.
I've been itching and burning terribly to the point where it keeps me up at night. Today I took some plain yogurt with live cultures and filled the fingers of powder free disposable rubber exam gloves half way. I tied the fingers off and froze them. Once frozen, they resemble the Monistat "ovules" or eggs. Then I did the following:
Took non-stick guaze pads (the kind that are shiny) and soaked it in a solution of hydrogen peroxide. The mix depends on what you can stand, I did 1/3 HP and 2/3 water. I cleaned really well with this. Toss the guaze.
Next I took my frozen yogurt eggs I made and cut off the rubber. I stuck it up my vagina as far as it would go. I followed this with the clove of garlic. Depending on how severe your infection is you should pierce a few slits in the garlic with your finger nail. I just slice off the sides since the inside is what fights infection, it may burn some people to slice it but the cold yogurt will soothe it. Then I soaked another non-stick guaze with the HP solution and added about 5 drops of Tea Tree oil directly on the pad. I folded this pad within the folds of my skin directly over my crotch. Put on cotton panties.
The relief is INSTANT! The tea tree may sting a bit at first since your skin may be raw, I've never experienced this but some may. Anyway, this has worked for me before and seems to be working right now. Hope this helps.
P.S. You may be able to taste the garlic in your mouth. If this bothers you, then just keep the garlic for night time use. I repeat the treatment every 12 hours using the string to pull out the old clove.
Susi (Austin, Tx) on 05/28/2013:
In the morning I douched with half hydrogen peroxide half water. I take 14 billion acidophilus pills, a probiotic for womens health down there, B, 3000 IU of vitamin D3, 500 mg vitamin c and 800 mg folic acid.
At night, I douched with apple cider vinegar half and half, 14 billion more acidophilus( make sure they are the refrigerated kind) a multi vitamin with 2000 IU vitamin D3, 400 mg folic acid and another vitamin c. I also opened about 4 acidophilus capsules and added water to make a small ball and inserted in into my vajay. On day 4 I had unprotected sex with my boyfriend but he pulled out. Semen is the enemy! So far no symptoms and it has been a week. I plan on continuing the vitamins and probiotics. Ladies, google it vitamin D3 and folic acid deficient are linked to BV.
Feral Mom (Las Vegas, Nv Usa ) on 05/12/2013:
Anon (Anon) on 05/11/2013:
Barbara (Waco, Texas) on 02/14/2013:
Alice (Green Bay, Wi) on 01/29/2013:
My BV infection was mild, but I'll share what worked for me..
Empty and rinse a disposible douche. Add 1 drop of Tea Tree oil, 1/2 of the contents of a garlic capsule, and 1 TBSP. Of 3% hydrogen peroxide - found in the first aid section of the store. Fill with warm water and douche in the morning.
At night take the contents of 1 probiotic capsule and add 1-2 drops of water to make a paste. Instert the paste with your finger before bed. It is not necessary to get it all in there.
Repeat these steps for 5 -7 days depending on how severe the infection is.
The Tea Tree oil and garlic kill the bad bacteria, the hydrogen peroxide balances your ph levels, and the probiotic feeds the good bacteria.
The douche can be used as a maintenance measure and I do it once every 3 months when I change my femring. If you are still getting your periods you may want to do it after your cycle ends.
BV free for over a year! Good Luck to all.
Omg This Sucks (Minneapolis, Minnesota) on 11/12/2012:
Take 400-800 mg of Folic Acid a day in two doses
Use orally for the active ingredients Fhamnosus GR-1 and Reuteri RC -14.
It also advises the usual things like getting plenty of sleep, reducing stress, eating whole foods and omega 3s, exercising, and taking vitamins A, B, C, D, and E. It says to avoid Iron supplements, alcohol, caffeine, smoking, sugar, processed foods, and saturated fats. Good luck!!
Love (Raleigh, Nc) on 10/28/2012:
Shomabe (Sheffield, Uk) on 09/12/2012:
Hopeful29 (Bronx, Ny, USA) on 08/17/2012:
I have been w/o pantyliners and my underwear has remained dry from discharge (I still experience discharge as far as seeing it with my handheld mirror, but the feeling of it coming down I dont experience it at the momemt (knock on wood literally and figuratively speaking).
my first regime of just 2 probiotics 2 vitamins in the day and one/one at night and h202 vagina flushes didnt yield results like the above. I really hope that my take on things helps someone because this BV thing has plagued me since 13. The first antibotic treatment helped (early 2000s I was happy, but it came back) thought I was doomed. Next treatment feb 2011 (while pregnant nothing) last doctor I mentioned it to said it was in my head (I could have slapped her. Im just glad that I can read and was able to find Earthclinic and other little blogs that shared their insight
Marina (Grants Pass, Or) on 03/04/2012:
There is a dosage recommendation via a midwife farther down in this boric acid thread that is consistent with recommendations I have read by 'BV specialists' - Ask the pharmacist at a drug store for boric acid powder and self-fill veggie or gelatin capsules. Only fill the larger side of the capsule for 600 mg & cap with small side. Google for specifics, it's easy.
We are all different so it may take some time to figure out which products you need to use and realizing not all products are equal or that not all probiotics have the same strains. It can get expensive but I tried a few probiotics until I could tell/feel it was working. Find what works for you.
I felt like my BV was close to stable for the last month by using HYDROGEN PEROXIDE, FOLIC ACID, ACIDOPHILUS until I added Boric Acid to my mix because of an itchy yeast infection. Adding in the BA was like an ahhhh FINALLY! A DIFFERENCE!!! It sounds weird but it's like I feel differently throughout my body. I actually feel HAPPY and not depressed. I feel like my whole vagina region is clean, fresh and will remain so because I have the right defenses.
Marina (Grants Pass, Oregon) on 03/02/2012:
At the beginning of the year I got serious about beating this BV, I was super depressed AND I felt miserable with itching, burning and internal PAIN. I started a 10 day treatment & added a multivitamin with folic acid and a good probiotic with acidophilus both orally and vaginally, daily. I had to try different versions until I found the right ones for me. Orally I take Probiotic CD caplets (not good for inserting): it also contains strains: L. Plantarum, L. Rhamnosus, L. Salivarius, L casei & S. Thermophilus which were found to help correct BV in a study with Tori Hudson, ND. Her version femecology has some of these strains which I now use vaginally b/c the caplets form I take orally causes a messy discharge hours after inserting.
I have been monitoring my hooch and odor constantly for months. Hormones, blood and another's DNA/skin each change the pH of my vagina. I thought I had cleared my BV after 1 month of treatment but it came back ever so slightly after my period. That is when I read initial treatment should last 4 months & that menses wrecks pH if you are weak. I also felt like from time to time the probiotics were causing slight but unpleasant yeast imbalances. After my last period ended I did 2 nights H2O2 vag-washes followed by pro-b in the V. I could smell the slightest hint of BV at the tip of my finger. 4 days after switching off femdolphilus any faint smell of BV seemed to clear but my outer area started itching like MAD = yeast!!! When this imbalance occurred I was going insane after 5 minutes. I decided to give the boric acid method a whirl.
NEW ADDITION: Boric Acid capsules. Boric acid has been known to correct both BV and yeast infections. I am dealing with both. Read up about medicinal uses of boric acid and what boric acid is before you freak out about the word acid. Lemon juice and vinegar are both citric acids. Vitamin C is ascorbic acid.
In the afternoon I went to a local pharmacy and asked for boric acid powder and also purchased 00 empty capsules. My case is currently mild and on the mend IMO. As soon as I walked in the door I filled two capsules and popped em' in my hooch with a little bit of coconut oil & an all cotton organic tampon. I felt better almost immediately but for sure almost amazing in 1 hour. I then mixed grapeseed oil as my base and then added a few drops of calendula, tea tree, clove and oregano oils. I then added in boric acid to make a paste, then filled 3 capsules. I removed the tampon (the stuff leaks at this dose) & took a shower then unexpectedly had sex. No smell at all, no pain. There was a teeny amt. Grit on his willy but he didn't seem to notice (hopefully this will help him too!!! ????)) After sex I popped 1 of my oil & BA mix capsules & a femecology pro-b into my V. Within minutes I instantly felt FRESH. Like the freshest I have felt in 5 months. For the next hour I felt clean and normal for the first time in MONTHS and the feeling lasted until I fell asleep. I felt amazed. I wore a pad to bed, some discharge, this morning, no smell, no itches. I inserted another cap and again I feel so fresh and normal again it is amazing.
I finally feel like I have the upper hand. I finally feel clean. I finally feel normal. I finally feel like I have a way to reestablish balance.
My intention is 3 nights of my mixed caps in the V for the yeast itches & then stop. You are not suppose to use it continually for long periods and I want to use it during menses in a week. I make fresh caps with my oil mixture and will do one at night during my period for the next 4 cycles. I will more than likely also insert my new mix caps with a pro-b after sex. I may make a mix of all three.
The way boric acid kills roaches and other soft skeleton bugs is it ultimately dehydrates them which causes death - that is different than death by poisoning, however do not ingest BA with the hopes of better results. Keep out of reach for children and pets.
Some women complained that the straight homemade BA caps caused burning after 3 days. This was my reasoning for cutting my dose by adding good medicinal oils that may also help fight the fight and prevent this inflammation. I also feel my case is very mild now after 2 months of working on correcting the situation. I must say though, the BA feels like my biggest breakthrough with BV yet.
Annie (Brooklyn, Ny) on 02/05/2012:
