Notjanedoe (Colorado) on 09/06/2013:

I spent years doing allopathic remedies for BV and at-home experiments, to no avail. I briefly got rid of the BV for a couple of months after a painful experiment putting an ascorbic acid suppository internally, but it came back. A few months back I moved to a cervical barrier method of BC, but refused to use that N9 spermicide. After much research I located an approved contraceptive gel out of Canada (Contragel) that used ALL naturally derived ingredients. It is pricey, but I figured it was worth not using N9. The main ingredient, "lactic acid". At the time, I had no idea it would work to treat BV. I did a "test" by using a medicine syringe as an applicator (discard after use or sterilize) to put the gel internally and see if I had any reactions, prior to putting it to "formal" use. I woke up the next morning with ZERO BV symptoms and at the time I had both BV and a yeast infection confirmed through a pap, but I had refused to take the pills this time. BOTH were gone and I was actually left with a pleasant sweet odor (the lactic acid).

What I've learned after extensive research that focused on actual lab studies and NOT person dependent testimonials:

*Stop putting ANYTHING that is not pH balanced anywhere near your lady parts. This includes lubricants used by doctors or rad. techs for U/S. Medical professionals think I am crazy for refusing, but it's not that uncomfortable or I bring my own lubricant (recipe below).

*Use water to wash yourself or make your own lactic acid based soap (recipe below). You can also buy Vagisil pH balanced type washes, but they have a bunch of chemicals in them usually or rip you off price wise.

*Probiotics will NOT make their way to your lady parts, so that is a waste of money and you should take ones that will colonize your GI track or use them vaginally (OBGYN taught me this).

*PREbiotics (FOS and GOS) WILL make their way into the lower colon to feed the good bacteria that will make their way to your lady parts. There are many effective studies on the use of PREbiotics for BV treatment (orally & vaginally).

*Use non-lubricated condoms with a homemade pH balanced lubricant or the Contragel spermicide (more expensive). After much research I came up with the following recipe: 91% Distilled water, 5% coconut water, 1% ACV, . 16% non-GMO glycerin, 2% lactic acid, 0.25-3.0% Sorbic Acid until pH is at 4. You can use non-aluminum baking soda to increase pH if you get it too low. Store in fridge or add appropriate broad-spectrum antimicrobial, if concerned. Put it in a container that will not expose the lubricant to air or your hands (like a bottle with pump or serum bottle).

*Make suppositories or gel to use vaginally AFTER you've been exposed to anything that may increase your pH above 4. 5. With research I developed this recipe: 73% Coconut oil, 25% FOS and/or GOS (hard to find, but Bimuno is 100% GOS from Europe), 2% lactic acid. A study also showed that the EO, Palmarosa, was beneficial in combatting candida strains, in vitro, so you could add a few drops of this too, if you're worried about yeast. This is oil based, so do not use it before intercourse, if using a latex condom.

*Take FOS and/or GOS daily to feed probiotics

That's it. The protocol you use should focus on pH, no matter what. You can buy pH strips to test everything too. Good luck and I hope this helps you.