This Worked For Me (Washington, Dc) on 10/16/2009
I suffered from Vulvodynia, BV and Yeast infections for about 4 or 5 years. Flagyl/Metrogel/Metronidazole to treat the BV would subsequently kill the good bacteria in the vagina (and intestines) and cause yeast infections. Then the antifungals for the yeast infections would further irritate the mucus membranes. This vicious cycle, along with diet, brought about the vulvodynia. Here's what worked for me:1) For the BV --- I was given two weeks of flagyl. I told myself that that would be the last time I'd use flagyl. During and after that treatment I went to wholefoods and bought probiotics with atleast one billion live and active cultures per serving. I used ___ and ___ everyday (___ is often used for those with chronic yeast infections like HIV patients. Very powerful. After two weeks it was clear. It's been about 4 years and I have not had BV or a yeast infection since then. PROBIOTICS ARE AN ABSOLUTE MUST FOR A HEALTHY VAGINA AND INTESTINES.THERE IS NO WAY AROUND IT. CONSUMER REPORTS HAS A LIST OF REPUTABLE PROBIOTICS BECAUSE MANY ARE GIMMICKS OR INFEFFECTIVE.
2) For the Yeast--- I eliminated cheese, yeast, breads, cured meats and did a a mostly pescatarian diet, seafood with fruits and veggies, brown rice. I also cut out alcohol for at least a month. I have not had a yeast infection in 3 or 4years. Now I pretty much eat what I want, but I am mindful. Moderation is key.
As for HPV --- the jury is still out. I had a pap in June 07 and June 08 and both times I tested positive for HPV (hpv sensitive test) but my paps have been normal. My next pap and hpv test is next week. For the past year I've taken 800 to 1200 milligrams of folic acid everyday, a prenatal, vitamin A (spinach, mixed leafy greens, carrot juice). I'm anxious to see if it has helped. I will report back regarding the hpv. As for the bv and yeast --- it hasn't returned in 4 years:-) Probitics that include reuteri, acidophilus, bifodus etc are key.
KG (KC, MO) on 12/25/2008
Ive have done alot of research on BV and have tried everything that Ive read, others have told me that works and I was so angry that I had this problem, upset that a doctor knew nothing on how to fix it and not to mention embarassed to be around others much less have relations with my boyfriend. I wondered into Wild Oats and found probiotics with 2 strains (Lactobacillus rhamnosus, and Lactobacillus reuteri). It cost about $24.00 (dont buy off the internet because it has to be kept refrigerated at all time). I took it and nothing much the first day...but on the second day I was feeling SO SO much beter and by the third day...no discharge, itching, foul smell. Im amazed...and i threw away all the BS in my cabinet. I stopped taking it after two weeks and was fine for about a week and then WHAMMY...it was back. I started up on it yesterday and today its like nothing happened. I take ONE pill ONCE a day, no douching, no 6-7 pills a day of folic acid and acidophilus. The pills that you buy over the counter dont work...it has to be refrigerated to keep the bacteria alive! I hope that this helps people!!
Angie (Athens, Ohio) on 12/07/2008
Regular Acidophilus didn't work for me. If any of you ladies out there are like me, use the super probiotics. Buy the probiotics with as many different bacteria as possible. They are more expensive, but well worth it. Health food stores are the place to look for them. Good luck.
KK (LV, NV) on 10/10/2008
Hello ladies! I too suffer from this terrible thing that we call BV and have for over 10 years on and off. I have tried everything from antibiotics, to yogurt covered tampons and my symptoms have gone away for a short while and then bam theyre back again. It seems like a never ending battle and the smell not even I can handle! In doing online research as I know you all have, I came across a website that mentioned Lactobacillus which is the sister of acidophilus as it was put. Anyways I searched high and low for these pills until I finally found them. The reason it to so long to find is it is actually a live culture pill that needs to be refridgerated so you need to ask your pharmacist for them. they are over the counter so you dont need a prescription and cost around $11. Make sure to keep them refrigerated because they are live cultures. You have to insert the daily dosage of 4-5 pills into your vagina just as you would almost with yeast infection medicine and let them sit over night. I personally noticed a difference the next morning, smell was gone no itching ect...but you are to continue it for 7 days. For me this was a god send but as we know all our bodies react differently. Now this has cured it for a while and then of course the BV rears its ugly head again so I personally keep a bottle of these pills in my fridge at all times and when i notice it I just go ahead and do a few nights of the pill treatment. I hope this helps some of you ladies out there because I know how horrible this is!!!
Bunny (Clinton, Maryland) on 03/20/2008
I came across this site approximately 2 weeks ago to the day. I've been dealing with BV and yeast infections for the past 2yrs. My doctor on several occasions stated that BV is caused by having multiple partners and/or from unprotected oral/vaginal sex. I would have sex with my partner and then a few days later I was suffering from fishy odor, discharge and irritation. I Would go back to the dr. each time complaining of the aforementioned symptons. He once again prescribed metro gel or metro tablets. I found the gel to be a waste, but the tables did work until the next round of intercourse. Which unfortnately, wasn't on a regular basis. I happen to read one of the posts regarding Probiotics-L. Acidophilus, Rhamnosus and B. Longum. I decided i have nothing to lose but the nasty infection, etc. I went to The Vitamin Shoppe and purchased PEARLS IC Probiotics 1 billion CFU and a bottle of Ultimate 10 Probiotic-13 billion live organism. I take 2 of the pearls ,one of the Ultimate, multi vitamin and one 400mg folic acid tablet in the morning w/ breakfast. And then one or two of the Pearls at bedtime. I'm happy to type that feel soo much fresher and dryer!! Amazing!! I noticed I'm less constipated as well. Just want to say THANK YOU THANK YOU!! I feel like a FREE WOMAN NOW!!
germanygirl (hamburg, germany) on 03/01/2008
i suffered from BV for almost six months after taking just one round of powerful antibiotics! the smell was awful, and my self esteem really began to suffer. i just went to work and came straight home! i knew i had to restore my good flora, and it does take time, so i had to be patient. i kept going to my gynecologist, and thankfully, she encouraged my attempts to find a natural cure, and respected my desire to refrain from taking any more antibiotics. after finding out about probiotics, i started with just regular acidophilus, which did nothing! then, i found out that they need to contain more than acidophilus, specifically L. Rahmnosus and bifidobacterium longum. This combination worked magic!! it is sold in the United States...i was living in Atlanta at the time, and found it easily at co-ops and health food stores. also widely available online. just make sure those two are in there along with the acidophilus. i should also mention that i was suffering from IBS at the time, which also cleared up. i still take probiotics (one a day) to maintain intestinal health, and they are great. (this was three years ago.) generally only get sick once a year, and a bad cold doesn't turn into bronchitis anymore. good luck!
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