Replied By KM (Brooklyn, NY) on 06/07/2009
I am wondering the same thing. My symptoms return if I stop taking my acidophilus and Folic Acid for 2-3 days. How can it be gone if it comes back so quickly?Replied By Eli (Portland, OR) on 06/20/2009
Hi everybody. Just wanted to add a comment. I got BV for the first time after my boyfriend and I stopped using condoms (I have an IUD). Apparently there's something (sugar, I think) in his semen that triggers BV for me. Hope that helps some of you with chronic cases.Replied By Jp (Dallas, Texas) on 09/29/2010
Thinking of trying the acidophilus for BV. Went to the Dr a few months back and he told me I had bv. I get yeast infections all the time and now this. He explained to me that there is acid in semen that might agitate the cervix and cause bv. Tried rephresh and it didnt work. Antibiotics dont work and I think thats the reason why I am so susceptible to these types of vaginitis.Replied By Krysten (Houston, Tx) on 11/27/2011
About a year ago I noticed a strange odor and went to my gyno to check out what the problem was, once I was there they tested me and told me I had bv. I was prescribed the metronidazole pills and within days the smell had disappeared and I assumed the bv was gone, I was wrong. About 2 or 3 months later it reappeared and next I was prescribed the metronidazole gel which once again rid me of the problem months later it came back and it started to become reoccuring! The smell was not as prominent, but it was still there and being a woman this is a very uncomfortable problem! Every time It would come back I would get another prescription of the gel and it would come back!
The last time it came back I called and spoke to a nurse and the gyno and she told told me she heard woman who took acidophilus and said it seemed to help with the problem also upon research I read that taking 800 mg of folic acid along with the acidophilus greatly improves your chances! She reading the great reviews I gave it a try and 8 months later I am happy to say I have not been visited with bv! For any woman out there I know it is tough to deal with this, but take it from me this combination of medicine really helps and it also has good side effects that help with not only bv, but other things throughout your body! I really hope this helps!
Replied By Erin (Grand Rapids, Michigan ) on 12/28/2011
I'm so happy I found this site! I cannot believe how many women suffer from this awful infection! Can you believe there is no permanent cure? I'm sorry, but I refuse to continue on antibiotics... they're temporary, the side effects are horrendous and the visit to the doctor plus the time and cost is inconvenient.
My husband recently came home on leave for three nights from the military. We're newlyweds and haven't seen each other in months. I felt awful because by the second day he was here I could feel the BV coming on. He was so understanding and very patient, but I'm frustrated! I don't want this to affect my marriage. I enjoy sex with my husband and don't want to have to sacrifice that because of this stupid sickness.
I started the boric acid suppository treatment yesterday. Symptoms are all gone! I will continue it for two weeks. At first I was very nervous about using boric acid because what I had read online was that it was used to kill ants and roaches. However, I'm sure Flagyl could do the same. That stuff is awful! I've had no side effects from the boric acid.
I'm also considering the hydrogen peroxide method. I'm awful at taking medication on a daily basis, but I'm going to really try this time!
I hate to get my hopes up because the thing about "chronic bv" is that it always comes back.
I wish all of you ladies luck and hope you find a cure for yourself! Just think of the fortune we could make if we found a universal cure for this!
Replied By Robyn (Abingdon, Md) on 12/30/2011
What I first want to say is THANK YOU to all of the women who have shared their experiences here! I have had BV for 4 mos now and had enough of abx from the MD. I first tried the H2O2 douches, acidophilus, and 800 mg of folic acid x 3 days. It burned significantly for about 5 secs, then went away. But I realized that I wasn't doing the douching correctly as the nozzle wouldn't go all the way. Clearly a positional issue. I was doing it in the shower, lying down. The discharge would be gone for the night, but back by morning. Then, I decided to douche differently (on the toilet)... Well, this worked perfectly. I have a retroverted uterus and believe this is the reason it didn't work out for me lying down. Anyways, I stopped using the peroxide b/c it burned and I began itching right at the vaginal opening. Here's what I did thereafter that has worked wonderfully:
Douche 2x in the am w/ 1tbs of baking soda in water bottle (1 disposable douche bottle filled twice)
800 mg of folic acid (2x/day)
1 Garlic pill daily
80 billion live probiotic (in the refrigerated section--email me at roband2000atgmaildotcom for specific brand info)
Douche again at night w/ one iodine douche
**If I have itching, I also rub a little pure coconut oil in those areas. Works like a charm.
There still may be a little stinging, but it goes away pretty quickly.
I'm on day 7 and I'm squeaky clean! Hang in there. I plan to do it one more day. If I feel the symptoms returning, I will do it first sign. I've also read where many of the women are doing it w/ a monthly regimen. I too may adopt this plan b/c its wonderful to not have to worry about BV. Thank God for EarthClinic!
Replied By Amienewtmp (Tampa, Fl) on 12/31/2011
I have finally found a cure to my embarrassing BV. I suffered with the embarrassing odor and constantly having to wear painty liners was getting quit ridiculous. I had this issue off and on for 8 years. After trying EVERYTHING, I finally discovered folic acid and probiotics. I take 400mg of folic acid and 2 capsules of probiotics each day. Within two days of this regimen the smell and discharge was completely gone. I wanted to cry I was sooo happy. I have been free from BV for almost 4 months now and couldn't be happier.