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Missa (Cincinnati, Oh) on 01/10/2016
5 out of 5 stars

For the short version, scroll to bottom.

I had my first case of BV in July 2015. I was treated with Clindamycin 500 mg twice daily oral antibiotic for 7 days. I had a recurring case in August and was treated with Metronidazole 500 mg once daily oral antibiotic for 7 days. I had a recurring case in September and was treated with Clindamycin 500 mg twice daily oral antibiotic for 7 days. I had a recurring case in October and was treated with Metronidazole 5 g once daily at bedtime for 5 days.

At this point I was becoming desperate and becoming worried about the constant exposure to antibiotics so I took to the internet for a cure. Boric acid seemed to have the best reputation so I started researching the primary literature and clinical trial reports - limited as they were!

Following my October case of BV, I began my boric acid regimen. I bought size 0 gelatin capsules online and purchased boric acid from the pharmacist at Walgreens. (roughly $25 for 1000 capsules and 1 kg of boric acid) Given my research, I had come to suspect that I had developed a bacterial biofilm that was preventing the antibiotics from effectively reaching and killing off the bacteria- causing a rebound every few weeks. I decided on the following regimen: one size 0 capsule filled with boric acid powder inserted into the vagina at bedtime for 1 week, followed by Metronidazole 5 g once daily at bedtime for 5 days (I had half the tube left over from my earlier case). My reasoning was that breaking up the biofilm using boric acid would allow the antibiotics to sweep in and effectively clear the infection. Since this time (roughly 12 weeks) I have been using one size 0 boric acid vaginal suppository a week and one size 0 boric acid vaginal suppository every day of my period as a preventative measure. This regimen worked for me. I have had zero recurrences!

Notes:

1) Try to find clear or white gel capsules. I got ones with blue caps and woke up with what looked like a smurf homicide in my underwear.

2) During my five day boric acid regimen I had some pretty significant vaginal bleeding during intercourse. There was no pain or discomfort associated with the bleeding so it was a bit surprising. I suspect the boric acid strips some of the protective mucous from the vaginal walls making it more prone to tearing.

SHORT VERSION:

-one size 0 boric acid vaginal suppository daily for 7 days; followed by,

-Metronidazole 5 g once daily for 5 days; followed by,

-one size 0 boric acid vaginal suppository once weekly AND one size 0 boric acid vaginal suppository every day of menstrual bleeding as preventative treatment.

REPLY   16      

Replied By Shannon (New York) on 10/11/2016

WORKS TEMPORARILY

I have been try for a year to get rid of this bv.. tho after I had my son 9 years ago... I've been suffering from this constant. I'm so over it and want to be normal. I do the boric acid now and after a year, I feel it has done nothing. So you think I should add a yeast medicine? My doctor just says keep using boric acid.I swear if I miss a step it comes back. I'm so self conscious and I just recently start seeing someone. So annoying!

REPLY   6      

Replied By Renee (Golden, Colorado ) on 07/06/2017

I have been dealing with this for approx. 9 months now and about to lose my mind. Its extremely embarrassing for a relationship and now I'm just want it gone. Couple questions: 1. can you have sex while taking the boric acid? 2. Do you have to make your own capsules or can you buy the boric acid already to insert? if not, geezzz what is the process? 3. If you are taking the boric acid every day of your period can you still wear a tampon?
REPLY   2      

Replied By T (Florida ) on 07/15/2017

a compound pharmacy (not cvs, Walgreens, etc.., but a real pharmacy where they actually mix up medicines) can make the boric acid suppositories for you. My insurance required a prescription but your gynecologist should write you one, no problem.
REPLY   1      

Replied By Crystal (Florida) on 07/17/2017

1. Yes you can have sex although I would recommend using the suppository after sex or right before bed.

2. You don't have to make your own ... I just purchased them on Amazon and it's been working great. No more odor and the discharge is mostly gone.

3. Yes a tampon is still fine.

Hope this all helps ... this has been such a relief for me. My BV symptoms are basically gone and I've only been using it for 1 week. I will continue using it 3 days per week for maintaince and throughout my period.

REPLY   1      

Replied By Nicole (Fargo, Nd) on 10/11/2017

I have had recurring BV 4 times already. I have taken Flagyl for 7 days and just started Boric Acid suppositories on Monday. You can still have intercourse, you just want to make sure you insert the pill after you have intercourse, because you want the pill to dissolve completely, otherwise, whats the point. There will be a lot of leakage when the pill dissolves, so wear a panty liner. Also, Boric Acid suppositories are very inexpensive at the pharmacy. I would have your doctor put a prescription in. I am taking a 2 month course of it, it cost $7.00 and it seems to be working great.
REPLY   1      

Replied By Kodi (Utah) on 12/09/2017

My pharmacy would not even make a compound without a prescription, despite it being OTC. I've only been using it for a few days now, and I'm keeping my fingers crossed. After trying a bunch of other things, clotrimazole helped — but it didn't cure things. I started on boric acid a day or two later (couldn't get it as immediately as I'd hoped), and it seems to be staying at the same point as when I finished the clotrimazole. Hoping a few more days will make the difference. Like many of you, I'm SO done!

Question for everyone, though — I can't find anything on a smell resulting from this treatment, but a couple of days ago, I noticed a “burning” smell whenever I went to the bathroom. I'm wondering if this is normal or if I've got something happening that is less common. The first night, there was certainly some burning, but since then, I haven't really felt anything. But the smell is persistent and worrysome. Thanks.

REPLY   1      

Replied By Maria (Chicago) on 12/22/2017

I've been using the capsules for almost 30 days now, I've had a problem with bv for years, I used 2 capsules a day..1 in the morning & 1 before bed for 7 days & now I just use them 2 times a week...I also use 2 (not both at the same time) right after my period & 1 after sexual intercourse
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