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Michelle (Usa) on 06/22/2015
5 out of 5 stars

I had bacterial vaginosis off and on for several months and finally seem to be rid of it. I think it was caused by my diva cup and once by using tampons, as well as condoms with spermicide. Eventually my boyfriend and I may have been passing an infection back and forth - we're the kind that put condoms on 'later'. He was diagnosed with balantitis - pretty much the male equivalent of BV. He got treated w/ antibiotics and we're both in the clear now.

I tried so many different holistic remedies and antibiotics. Nothing worked until I stopped using condoms which I assume contained spermicide. Spermicide contains nonoxynol-9, which is a "surfactant/detergent" anddangerous to your vaginal membranes. I would rid myself of BV, then 3-4 days after having sex, it would come back. I noticed the pattern and stopped using them. I did a 12 night regimen of boric acid suppositories - 1 per night right before bed. I made them myself by buying the empty capsules and boric acid powder from a pharmacy. I filled each capsule a little more than halfway. You need to get these pills as far up as possible - the infection is in your cervix and sticking them up with your fingers does not reach the infected area. I reused an applicator from a failed attempt with VH Essentials from Rite Aid. YOU HAVE TO SANITIZE THE APPLICATOR EVERY TIME YOU USE IT - BEFORE AND AFTER TO BE SAFE. I used hydrogen peroxide to clean it.

I took probiotics during the 12 night regimen. I have stopped using tampons and definitely no more diva cup. Pads only from here on out. I stay away from wearing hose, tight pants, and only wear cotton underwear. I don't wear panties to bed anymore so my vagina can air out. I limit time in a bathing suit.

Another thing that was not helping was that I had horrible acid reflux and heartburn around that time with BV. An acidic environment is perfect for infections to take hold. If you have BV, the PH balance of your vagina is off. I felt that these went hand in hand and have since remedied both my acidic issues and BV.

I hope this information helps. BV is a terribly difficult infection to rid your body of. I got to some low points. Stick in there and don't give up.

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Replied By J (Hnl) on 06/30/2015

Just a wee note regarding the pH comment: BV actually loves an alkline environment, so having a more acidic vaginal pH is preferred for good vaginal health (around 4). The good flora in the vaginal tract create hydrogen peroxide which helps to keep the vaginal pH appropriate--Boric Acid does much the same...
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Replied By Tl (Ca) on 03/04/2016

I've had yeast infections and BV off and on for a few years now. I have been to the doctor a few times for it and taken antibiotics and over the counter pharmaceuticals. Boric acid has worked for me although I don't know that I would recommend using it daily for an extended period of time because studies have not been done on long term effects.

Another thing I have used for BV and yeast infections are what I like to call "p---y pops". You freeze some yogurt in plastic wrap (generally the shape of a tampon, but don't make them too large, I have experienced a vaginal freeze and it's not that fun) and then when it's frozen you stick it up there and let it thaw. The cold sooths any itch and burning and yogurt has acidophilous and other probiotics that can help bring the balance back too. It has to be real, unpasteurized, live culture, plain yogurt, none of that yoplait crap.

While there are cases of yeast infections and bv where there is a foreign species at play, almost always, the problem is caused by the good, natural yeast and bacteria that you WANT inside your body. The problem occurs when the environment changes and the ratios of yeast to bacteria get out of wack. Too much bacteria is BV and too much yeast is a yeast infection. The most common cause of this imbalance is a change in pH. Your vagina is supposed to be acidic. Probably why the boric acid helps with BV. I have also read a scientific study testing it against unnatural yeast strain infections as well(found effective).

Boric acid is a great, cheap, at home remedy. But remember boric acid is poison if ingested orally so make sure you you keep those capsules well labelled and out of reach of children.

Replied By Melissa (Raleigh, Nc) on 09/08/2017

Since you and your BF might be passing this back and forth I would recommend that he use Tea Tree Oil every time he showers on his private area. It shouldn't irritate him, but everyone is different. Might be a cooling sensation. All he would need is one drop to rub between his hands, apply and rinse. That may help with any bacteria he could be carrying on the outside.

I have also had success with boric acid/coconut oil/probiotic suppositories. I had BV about 2.5 years ago and used these and they knocked it out. Here is the recipe I used:

1/2 Cup coconut oil - melted on the stove in a glass measuring cup (put in a pot of water)

2 tsp of boric acid

1 capsule of whatever probiotic you use.

Melt the CO oil, add the boric acid and open the capsule of probiotics and pour into the measuring cup. Mix well. Pour into a mold and refrigerate/freeze. I found a plastic case that holds eggs and poured mine into one half of the case. So it made little half moons. I cut the half moons into quarter moons and insert one in the morning and one at night for 2 wks.

I hope this helps.

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