Rose (Durham, North Carolina, United States) on 07/26/2011:
Hello my name is Rose,
I have been battling "BV" for a few years now. In the beginning I would say that I was ignorant about the infection itself. I went to the doctors not knowing what this terrrible odor could be. I began getting BV after I became sexually active. I am not proned to getting yeast infections and do not know what it feels like to have one, but for some strange reason my body is inclined to getting Bacterial Vaginosis.
I have done extensive research on this bacterial infection and I have tryed every cure in the book, well almost. Very clean people can get BV, and I'm assuming that of course people with poor hygiene can get it as well. After being treated with anti-biotics, I came to the realization that the root of this problem was deeper than I thought. The anti-biotics would only cure me for about 7 months and then I'd be back to the clinic for more. Pity. I got depresed and I've even cryed a few times but I wouldn't give up on a natural cure.
Unfortunately, BV will most-likely continue to come back because I took anti-biotics for this infection at least 5 times. I think that the bacteria develop an immunity to the anti-biotics or a sort of resistance. My theory is that if we continue to cure our infections using natural remedies, not only will we kill the BV, but we'll also make our bodies stronger keeping BV away for longer periods of time and then eventually getting rid of this disgusting infection for good. Also, we must try to keep BV away on our own. My BV comes when I am on my menstrual cycle (sometimes) and when I have sex (if I don't use a condom). Both sperm and blood create alkaline envirornments. This is very harmful for our vaginas because our vaginas are meant to stay acidic. An Acidic envirornment is what kills harmful bacteria in the vagina. My tips for keeping the vagina acidic and aiding the vagina in keeping out alkaline fluids are:
- After sex, (if not using a condom) sit on the toilet and allow all sperm to flow out
- Shower after sex being cautious not get soap into the vagina
- Using a soap that is either acidic (cranberry or lemon) (can purchase at whole foods) or that is non scented
- Keeping non scented wipes to use while on menstrual cycle for frequent wiping
- Changing pads or tampons regularly (every 3 1/2 to 4 hours)
- Purchasing a syringe to rinse out the vagina
These are the cures that worked for me: Mixing two lemons (highly acidic) and a little apple cidar vinegar together. You will have to cut the lemons and empty the juice into a small container. Keep the container sealed and in the fridge. (Keep the syringe in a clean area and rinse with very hot water after use. After showering (while I'm still in the shower with the water running) I suck the mixture up until the surrenge is full, I insert it into the vagina, and I push the liquid up and out of the syringe. The syringe I'm refering to is the one that looks like it's meant for a needle. I guess it can be used for giving babies medicine. I am not a huge fan of douching and I've never douched before. I don't think that this technique is what one would call douching. The syringe only goes but so far but after two days or so the BV seems to die off. My discharge has that pure smell again and I feel much cleaner. I hope this works for women out there who can't seem to find anything that works. I would love to hear feedback from anyone who finds this tip helpful. Also, combining remedies is certainly more effective than just trying one at a time. For instance, I took probiotics at one time and combined it with a yogurt, berberine, and lemon mixture; that worked but I feel that the lemon/apple cidar vinegar attempt is better and quicker. Thanks for readin
Willow (Lexington, Ky) on 06/09/2011:
Hi,
I've been dealing with a lot of minor health issues over the past couple of years. Most of the time, you just kind of deal with things as they come. However, my immunity (due to a great deal of environmental/life stress) was compromised. I'm 33, female, and consider myself healthy. Once I found this site, I was ADDICTED to it. I started doing the research and found what I think is a perfect solution for BV. I developed BV as (I think) as reaction to a recent diagnosis of HPV. Everything was out of whack and I thought my sex life had ended. After some experimentation, here's what I ended up with and has worked for me for 3 months now. No creeping smell, no discharge, no anything BV related. At first, I took care of things on an immediate level by doing the Hydrogen Peroxide douche. Literally just a tad bit with a great deal of warm water. Then, I did the acidphilus both orally and vaginally. Once you do this, the rest is kind of body maintenance. I do this on a daily basis:
ACV - read about it if you don't know anything about it. It just improves so much of your overall health - not to mention helps restore your pH.
Acidophilus - I started with "millions" and wound up with a refrigerated version of the "3 billion" capsules.
B-12 complex - just overall metabolism support. however, it can be harmful on your kidneys so don't use in excess.
Multivitamin - just because, well, duh.
Folic Acid - I figured it couldn't hurt and it helps overall immunity.
I also take lysine daily because I'm prone to fever blisters in the sun or under stress. This keeps it under control and when I do have a flare-up, it remedies it very quickly.
Just get to know your body. It's hard dealing with these things but I truly believe that starting in the root of the cause (e.g., the gut) is the best way to have a long lasting effect.
Kim (Hartford, Ct) on 05/30/2011:
hello I've been a sufferer of bv for a long time and tried everything from the conventional way to the wacky ways of finding a cure for this horrible thing. One word for you :kefir. Kefir is a probiotic smoothie and is found in most grocery stores. They are located near the dairy sections. I drink 2 glasses a day and found results in 3 weeks. no more flagyl, no more hydro perox, no more acidoph pills up the vag, no more nonsense. Try it and good luck. its also the cheapest way. View Entire Thread
Angela (Newport News, Va, Usa) on 02/03/2011:
I have suffered with some form of bv during my adulthood but mainly had more problems with yeast starting in my early teens it was very frustrating because I would get so sore and irritated down there. I always managed to go to the Drs to get the prescript meds that worked for the moment but at some point 2-3 months they were back again. Th bv epidemic did not start till my late 20's and could not figure out where this toxic aroma came from. Well I can tell you this if you ever get the bv and are still having sex with your partner all you are doing is having him to pass it back to you. I Have read so many stories on lines with women who have been long term avid sufferers as I had. Some DRs have told me that bv can not be transmitted to a man I strongly dont believe this because if this were this case and the woman takes the meds and clears up and she continues to have sex and it comes right back that should tell you that its been carried to your partner and he needs to be treated as well. I am married and had suffered with this nasty infection from time to time. I did some research online about natural remedies that have really helped alot of women and have decided to try some of these remedies.
I first heard about tea tree and how powerful this element is and let me tell your I brought the tea tree suppositories and they really do work for any kind of vaginal infection. The strong antiseptic aroma spells pure cleanliness to me. But you can use tea tree in any form does not have to be used as suppositories can be added to bath water 1-2 drops is all that is needed also can be used in a douche which I tried and it worked. It knocks the aroma out no smell down there just pure fresh.
Also the acidophillus tablets I have started taking daily and have noticed a difference. I also have stopped having my husband ejaculate in me when having sex noticed big difference. I only used unscented soaps that really keep me fresh down there no smell at all even after using the bathroom during the day. I drink several glasses of cranberry juice also since this really helps to keep bacteria under control.
I realize everyone is different and what works for one may not work for the next person. I guess you have to experiment to find out what works for you I willnever spend another penny on monistat or take a visit to my gyn for these annoying problems women what we have to go through. I hope this may be of help to some of you sufferers out there good luck to you.
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Cocoa_0725 (Indianapolis, In, U.s) on 01/10/2011:
I've been having a issue with this Bacterial Infection... I get a foul smell and I'm so sick of it. I've tried ACV, which I use that in my bathwater and it seem like it will work right after that but then the smell comes back later that night or when I wake up that following morning. I've also tried dipping the tampon into the plain yogurt still no help. I also put hydrogen peroxide in my bathwater still no help.. As well as taking those probiotic acidophiles by mouth and one inserted into my area down there.. Still no help! Can someone please tell what are some other options that I can do. I am so tried of going thru this.
Sarahbelle (Los Angeles, Ca, Usa) on 12/04/2010:
I am having a bv issue, going on three months. I have never had any problems AT ALL prior to this. In September, had my first UTI and had to be treated with three different antibiotics until it went away. Then, had a yeast infection which was treated. Went back to the Dr. In October and had BV. I have been treated twice with Tindamax and once with Metrogel, only getting better for maybe four or five days before it returns. No smell, but itching and pain as well as frequent urination. I am taking Acidophilis, Flora, Garlic, B-12, Vitamin C, H202, Cranberry to keep UTI away, and have drastically changed my diet. Basically anything I can find, I have tried. I really cannot afford to keep going back to the doctor, and this is seriously affecting my life, relationship, and emotional well-being. Any advice would be greatly appreciated, I'm exhausted.
Desperate In The United States (Anderson, South Carolina, United States) on 10/01/2010:
I hope this reaches all of the women out there who seem to now be struggling with this "disease". I discovered I was having issues with "infections" after the birth of my first child. First of all, my OBGYN gave me a horrible episiotomy, which is what I believe really triggered all of this. I will never know what is the true cause of it. I believe that later doctors will find that this is happening more and more with women now. Until they really put forth their energy into paying attention to this "disease", will they ever really find a cure for it. After my horrible epesiotomy I began having cramping issues. My OBGYN gave me pain medicine. He said that it was nothing. I then proceeded to have horrible cramping for the next several months. I then had what felt like a horrible Urinary Tract infection. He gave me an antibiotic I was prescribed to take every day for the rest of my life. Shortly after this, I had what seemed to be the most horrible yeast infection. He gave me Terazol Cream. After this, I felt a little better, but I went through horrible days of cramping and in the mean time was having terrible discharge after intercourse with my husband. After countless trips and surgery, my doctor told me I had post partum adenomyosis. He said this was the cause of everything. Believing in my doctor and trusting him, I dealt with countless days of pain. Until, another symptom came along. I started having horrible dryness in the vaginal area. I felt terrible. I went to the doctor again and he said that I had no good bacteria and I needed estrogen. He gave me Estradiol inserts and Tindamax. I took the Tindamax but not the Estrogen. I was very skeptical of him at this time. Finally I went to another doctor and discovered that I indeed did not need any estrogen, my hormones were fine by the way, that I had Bacterial Veginosis. He was a very open and understanding doctor and immediately gave me Metrogel and Tindamax. This went on for months and months and now almost a year later, here I am still battling with this God aweful whatever. My doctor actually just took me off of the metrogel and started me on Boric Acid and Acidophulis inserts. The doctors where I live are not about using "non-traditional" medicine. However, I grew up eating healthy and organic, thank you mom. So, I have been researching and trying everything. I have changed my diet, no so sugar and no bread of any kind. I try to eat as organic as possible. I take garlic pills 6, 600 mg, vitamin c 1000 mg, folic acid 1600mg and a probiotic. I also drink Kefir everyday. I am currently trying the Boric acid twice a day for seven days with 2 to 3 acidopholis pills inserted vaginally. My doctor is willing to try anything and everything with me for this BV but carefully monitors what I do, which is very good. He said whatever I am doing seems to be working because every time he checks me, I have a little more Lactobacillus down there then before. I don't know what has caused this or why it doesn't seem to go away, but ladies, it is my advice to keep going. I know you are out there and you have to speak up to your doctors and let them know. If you just do what they tell you to do, you will never get better. I am never going to give up and someday will find a way to get rid of this once and for all. Don't give up! I just thought I would let you know you are not alone, because heaven knows I feel that way a lot. I used to cry constantly because it truly does affect whatever you do, especially if you are a woman. If anyone has any advice, I would be happy to accept it. Good luck everyone!
Kris (Milford, Ct) on 08/20/2010:
Bacterial Vaginosis is ruining my life!
I have been suffering from BV for about one year. I went to the doctor and was prescribed antibiotics, that didn't work, then was prescribed the 5 day cream, that worked, but once I had sex with my boyfriend it came right back. Can men carry this and we are passing it back and forth? At this point, I have been to the doctor so many times, and been on so many creams and it still haunts me. I am so embarrassed by this, my sex life is not the same, I don't even want my boyfriend to touch me because I am horrified! I can smell it so I worry everyone around is wondering what that awful fishy smell is. I don't even want to stand up after sitting at my desk all day if someone is near me because the odor is out of control. I need help. I have tried the peroxide and water solution, I think it made it worse, I have douched, I have tried so many things, and nothing. I can't live like this anymore. I need this to go away and fast. I just bought Femenol, which I found online. I have only been taking it for 3 days, and nothing yet, but I am going to stick it out and finish the bottle to see if that helps. I need some more suggestions and something that will really do the job! Can anyone help?
J (Charlotte, Nc, United States) on 08/10/2010:
Hi everyone! I hope all of you are feeling better if you are currently suffering and great if you have found your solution. I have a history of BV in various forms (I have formed my own belief that they are all intertwined) - these include Trich, Vaginosis, Vaginitis, and Yeast. I feel there are just different names b/c of different symptoms and viral and bacterial characteristics. Plus, most docs will not admit that they do not know very much about any of them. I never had a Yeast infection until about 2 years ago. I have had 2 since that one. The 2nd one was violent and involved severe cramps (most docs will tell you that Yeast will not cause cramping - BS! Think about what Candida does to the gut), followed by a 3 day bout w/ extreme pain and one day of hemorrhaging following a failed PAP (the practitioner stated that my cervix was tilted). I took Diflucan and rested and it resolved. I have done gel and pill of Metro for BV before. I have not done those recently, thank goodness. The last Yeast brought on a case of BV. I used regular drugstore 3% hydrogen peroxide on a tampon for about 3 days. I found this remedy here. Worked like a charm! Then here we are about a month later, and I smelled that damn smell again. My partner and I are very sexually active, and we use toys. We are always very clean with them before and after. She knows about my issues (please note - I began suffering from BV when I was very active w/ men. However, there are also cases of BV in virgins-maybe points to diet and environment). So, I tried the tampon thing again. It worked, but then I became extremely irritated and decided to douche. I bought food grade hydrogen peroxide for the douche (please read directions and use caution as it is different than 3%. The 3% usually contains stabilizers which can be irritating and make it less effective. Got that info here! ) I use a child's medicine syringe and douche about half of it then use the rest on the outer parts. I do this morning, midday, night, and after sex (yes, I know you should abstain. I jumped the gun - pun?- when I thought I was better). Apple cider vinegar and baking soda in the bath provides brief comfort. I have not been consistent about ingesting it yet. We also went to Trader Joe's and are completely revamping our diet and health habits. This was not that hard as I went vegetarian 2 years ago (fell off the wagon and intend to go back soon) and know what to look for and where to find it. We are both taking their super charged Women's Multi and Goldenseal w/ Echinacea. I am taking their Acidophilus (2 billion active cultures), St Johns Wort (depression), Vitamin C, B12, and Aloe Vera juice. I have been double dosing on all of these for the past 4 days and will level off to the regular doses over the next 3. There is an odd odor at random times of day, but it is better, and I have been craving sugar and starch - which is not normal for me. So, we are eating the better forms of it that we bought and I am trying to drink lots of water with lemon and lime. I alternate between die-off symptoms and a sort of energy buzz. The BV is definitely being relieved. I am interested in the Estriol. I keep reading good things about it; I am not sure if I am premenopausal or not. I have Fibromyalgia, so sometimes menopausal type symptoms will manifest from that. If you know anything about Fibro, you know it is utterly unpredictable in its symptoms and bouts. Would an Estriol cream or oil help me, premenopausal or not? I do suffer minor itching and sometimes severe irritation when I have BV. When I am not infected, occasionally dryness is an issue. Sorry for the rant; wanted to share what seems to be working for me and get any feedback or stories. Also, simply being newly conscientious about our diet and habits is a great thing regardless! View Entire Thread
Jennifer (Evansville, In) on 06/11/2010:
I have had BV for about 3-4 years now. Tried every conventional medicine there is out there: Flagyl, Metrogel, Clindimycyn..it all makes it worse. Then my doc told me to make a home made douche with 1/3 cup of water..1/3 cup hydrogen peroxide and 5 drops of tea tree oil..an hour later break up 2 pills of acidphilus with 10 cc of water and insert into vag. Next night insert an odorless gel cap of garlic. Then on a daily basis take folic acid, one multi vitamin, vitamin c, vitamin b12 and a probiotic daily. I have been doing this for about a week now and the smell AND the itching and burning is still there. Plus I have horrible heartburn. Friends recommend me go on a no sugar, no carb diet..I use to get yeast infections really bad but now its only BV. I am so miserable and my doctor wants to test me now to vulvodynia..I DONT KNOW WHAT TO DO?! Please help..
