There is a certain brand of acidophilus that you can find in the refridgerated section of the health food store designed specifically for women. It is far superior to any other brand out there. Take two of those a day when you've got the problem and then you can taper down to once a day for maintenance. If you feel something coming on, take two a day again.
Also, I was using grapefruit seed extract for another problem and I found that it kept everything else in check down there as well. It is an anti-fugal and seems to clear anything up.
Avoid too much sugar and starches. Eat a good diet and give your liver a rest now and then.
If you're suffering from a very bad case there are also these tea tree supositories that seem to work, but you should also be taking the internal stuff. I think the magic pill was that acidophilus I mentioned though. Give it a try!
Replied By Linda (St. George's, Grenada) on 04/24/2012
I am living in Grenada, a small Caribbean island, and I suffer from BV AND heavy yeast infections for quite a while now. I have to say that I hate myself because I ignored the symptoms for a long time before I finally made the gyn appointment. Health care is very expensive here, and most medications are not even available here, unless you have them ordered. Besides, they can also be quite expensive.
After the first gyn visit, my doctor prescribed 3 different medications, but I could only get one of them at the time, and it was almost 100$. It was Flagyl antibiotic, prescribed against my yeast infection. I took it for a week, but absolutely nothing changed, I had discharge and odor during the whole time and also after finishing it, it was not gone at all. So two weeks later, I went back to my doctor, and she diagnosed me with BV and heavy yeast infection. Great! She prescribed two meds, caplets that I had to take twice a day for 4 days plus a vaginal suppository for a week. I am still using the suppositories, and I just had my period, so I can't really tell yet if anything helped.
Because I don't really trust anymore that my doctor (she is the best gyn on the island though) is able to help me to get rid of my infections and BV, I did my own research on the internet, and I am so glad that I found this site. I am now also taking one folic acid tablet every day (all I could get here is a smaller dosed pill though, but they were very cheap, not even 10 cents per pill), two Acidophilus tablets per day, and I also eat plain yoghurt in the morning.
Now that my period is gone and I am using the suppositories for the next 6 days, plus my folic acid/Acidophilus regimen, I am very hopeful that it will help.
Additionally to what I am doing already, I ordered VH Essentials BV treatment, boric acid powder and empty gel caps from Amazon. It will take a while until it gets here, but I am hopeful and positive that something of that will finally help to get rid of that nightmare. I am with a wonderful man and our sex is great, but I am so insecure because of the foul odor, and every time we have sex, I am getting heavy discharge and the odor during the day after. It's a nightmare!
I will post here again in a while, after I got my order from amazon and hopefully I can post some good news.
To all of you suffering with the same sh*, thank you for sharing your problems and experiences here, it's so great to know that I am not alone!
Replied By Candace (Los Angeles, Ca, Us) on 04/25/2012
PERSONAL BACTERIAL VAGINOSIS REMEDY COMBINATION
I have been dealing with BV for years now and it comes back pretty often, but I've begun to notice patterns and when/why it comes back (usually due to diet). But anyway, after much experimentation, I have found a combination of remedies that gets rid of all my symptoms within 1-2 days. Start treating it at the first sign and seriously attack the infection with all the weapons you've got:
Acidophilus capsules - take a billion 3 times a day
Diluted apple cider vinegar - 3 times a day
Insert boric acid capsule into vagina every other night right before bed
Take women's health vitamins (these usually contain cranberry, more probiotics, and other important vitamins for feminine health)
Drink a ton of water
Eat fruits and vegetables
Sleep well
Stay AWAY from the following (or at least cut down significantly):
ALL caffeine (coffee, soda, energy drinks/5 hours, tea [even green tea causes BV to come back for me so I drink this in moderation])
Spicy foods
Alcohol
Sugar
Processed, fried, and unhealthy foods in general
So I know everyone says to stay away from these things, but you'd be surprised at how quickly and surely it comes back after you eat one of these items.
When I don't have symptoms, I continue everything except the boric acid and apple cider vinegar. As long as I stick to these remedies and restrictions, the infection stays away. Every time final exam week comes around and I have a couple of Red Bulls and coffees, skip some acidophilus pills, and eat some junk food, it comes back. Good luck ladies!
Replied By Bvfreeee (Happyville, Usa) on 04/26/2012
This REALLYYY works, I promise! Here's how it goes: douche with a solution of half hydrogen peroxide and half PURIFIED water. Absolutely NO NO NO NOOOO TAP WATER! Do this for seven days, morning and night, and then follow up with seven straight days of acidophilus suppositories once or twice a day. Make sure that while you are doing this you are taking at least 4 billion units of acidophilus and 800 mcgs of Folic Acid by mouth each day, and do not have sex! Also, cut back on smoking and TRY (I know it's hard sometimes) to eat healthy and be conscious of what you are putting in your body. Alcohol, caffeine, and tobacco are extremely hard on your immune system.
It's also wise to follow up with weekly or bi weekly peroxide douches but ALWAYS follow it immediately with an acidophilus suppository to replenish the good bacteria.
You can find the suppositories online and in some health food stores.
Hope this helps every single one of you like it helped me!
Replied By Cando (Toronto, Ontario, Canada) on 04/26/2012
Helpful but no Cure--Hello Ladies, I found this website about a month ago and have been battling BV for about 10years now, i've always been cautious especially when it came to my genital areas, so couldn't understand how I got this sickness. At first I didnt know what the hell this horrid thing was I went to the doctor time and time again and only got diagnosed with yeast infections then I started seeing a female doctor who diagnosed me the right way she gave me antibiotics and I thought I was cured then it came back a few month later and every time I seen her and got my fix it would come back in a shorter time even worse then before. Fed up of the embarrasement I went on a cure search im doing everything I seen on this site apple cider vinegar, peroxide and water, folic acid, probiotics, acidiphillus (not sure of the speling), yogurt inserts... To tell you the truth I dont know if the cocktail is working for me because I was jumping for joy when the peroxide took away the smell and the discharge the first day, but then after about two weeks I thought okay I should be able to go without everything and just keep up the vitamins, boy was I WRONG!!! Two days later it came back... So im back on this site and im happy to see that there are more recent posts. Ive been doing the cocktail as I said it does work especially the peroxide and water mix I use it as a douch every night and every morning along with my yorgurt insert. But its only a temperary fix.
I seen that Marina has used something starting with a "V" not sure we have that in Canada but is that something you used for a short period of time and everything went back to normal for you? if so please please please let me know where I can get that PLEASE... im so desperate!
Im going to try and add something new to my cocktail and see if this works I found a product called Purfem I Will update on the status of that and let you all know the outcome.
Fingers Crossed!!!
Replied By Molly (Colorado, Denver) on 04/28/2012
You ladies have been godsent! I have been dealing with bv since I got my first period at age 11. I'm 25 now! For the longest time I felt like a freak of nature, avoiding walking by any one sitting, changing my underwear at least 3 times a day, showering 3 times a day. I avoided camping trips, sleepovers, and boyfriends. I though I had this because I was dirty. The worst was going to about six different doctors (that I can remember) and telling them my symptoms. Every single doctor told me it was my hygiene! This page has been my lifeline! I am going to try the acidophilus orally and also in a cream for my vagina. I pray to god this works! I fear that because I've had it so long it won't go away. Thank you ladies!!!Replied By Madeinmanhattan (Brooklyn, Ny) on 05/23/2012
Hey ladies I've been dealing with BV for 4years... Understand that it has to do with the ph of our vaginas and the over growth of (bad) bacteria, therefore we have a increased sensitivity to sex etc. Also keep in mind, the ph of your vagina changes during your period due to the basic ph of the blood. Sperm is also very basic. I dont think the douche peroxide is a bad idea, its supposed to be 2 caps of peroxide with a quart of water for 3-7 days. Please becareful with this. The peroxide is supposed to clear out the anaerobic bacteria that is causing all the problems. Also, Try using products like femdophilis, probaclac (but it's in Canada, they're not FDA approved yet) or the probiotic made by rephresh while douching with the peroxide. But continue to take the probiotics on a daily basis until there is some stability down there (you can take them 2-3 times a day the 1st week, the more units of bacterium the better! ).
FYI: I have douched with peroxide after sex and it prevented reinfection but probiotics are key!!! The probiotics that I recommended are live forms of acidophilius and are not the bacterium found in yogurt. They care bacterium that are healthy and are the normal flora in your vagina. Ladies I've been through a lot and it took me a LONG time to get where I am. I'll be glad to share any info I have and would love to hear yours. My partner is very supportive despite everything. It was my ex who caused this occurrence. His sperm was so alkaline that it BURNED me everytime we had sex, and it completely threw my vagina out of whack.
Replied By Hhr (Austin, Tx) on 05/23/2012
Well this will be a releaf for everyone. I have suffered from bv for 2 yrs now I have tryed everything doc vist pills, douches, creams. It can be a pain. But what I found out is in 30sec after taking folic acid u should get the 800mg if you have been suffering a long time bc it need to work out the buildup and probiotic 100billion. u will c the discharge go away and with in 4 day everything is gone I am so glad. Also what works is activea yogert eat 8 cups a day for a week straight . if ur not into pills. Also soak for 20 min in warm bath water with 1/4 of viniger I know it sink but it works to. Okay pls reply to let me know if it helped anyone out there, thanksReplied By Sheila P. (St. Louis, Mi) on 06/10/2012
Looking into a diet that will kill Candida. That is the reason for the yeast infection or BV. You have to kill it in your gut because it travels in your body and makes its way to our lady parts. I had to treat this first before I even saw in difference in the symptoms. I really hope this helps. The dirt will starve the yeast or whatever bacteria you have and it will eventually die out.Replied By Prs (Berkshire, New York United States) on 06/14/2012
I have been fighting back and forth with BV and Yeast for over a yr now! Apparently it has gotten bad enough for me that it has caused a mild Staph infection. Too bad the meds to treat that feed the Yeast and BV, also apparently Metro Gel doesn't work for me so after reading everyone's stories I decided to go Natural. I have a RN friend who is into Natural healing and she recommended Luvina you can get it at Walmart and I've seen it at Rite too but Ive used it 1 day and I had no symptoms until around 4pm. It says use evey 3 days but it your having symptoms to use it everyday which I plan to do. I REALLY hope this works!! I'VE HAD ENOUGH!! I will post results!!Replied By Majorpainbv (Bk, Ny) on 06/23/2012
Hey ladies, so I've been going to the doctor for the pass year and a half for bv. I am usually treated with antibiotics and the symptoms return. So I started thinking maybe the antibiotics only cover the symptoms. What if there is a deeper issue below the surface? Rather than treat bv why not treat the condition that is causing bv. So after further research I read that low estrogen levels causes the vagina pH to be alkanized above 6.5 pH rather than acidic pH 4.5 and below. So I believe bv is a hormorne imbalance. Please get your estrogen levels tested and see if that is your issue. I will keep you posted after I go to the doctor to get my estrogen levels tested. good luck.Replied By Algirl (Florence, Alabama, Usa ) on 06/29/2012
Hey ladies! I've suffered with BV since I was 14 and have tried everything from prescriptions which only temporarily worked to over the counter to home remedies which seemed to work at times... For a time. Always coming back shortly! However I was on drugstore & came across a feminine cleanser that had great reviews regarding BV issues. It's expensive... Around $30 for product that states it's a "cleanser for optimum feminine hygiene" (not supposed to list name brands im told). It's a 120 ml bottle. Starts with an N. White & grey slender round cylinder type bottle. Anyway... If you can find what im talking about, try it!!!! I haven't had problems with BV in 3 years since starting to use this cleanser!!! Just an external feminine cleanser that's pricy for a feminine cleanser but PRICELESS to me!!Replied By Falcon (Midway, Georgia) on 07/14/2012
Ladies I have been dealing with BV as well tried all the remidies on this site nothing worked found out about a new product by vitanica called bacteria arrest I used it thursday night and when I woke up 90% less discharge used it friday night and again maybe 95% less. I am not affiliated with this company just ran across it after trying yeast arrest I am so excited to see almost no discharge in my undies and it has been a while just thought I would let u know and it is a homeopathic remedy that does not cause a yi for me it was worth the price I bought it onlineReplied By Jessinfallriver (Fall River, Ma, United States) on 08/13/2012
I have tried the hydrogen peroxide douche, 1/2 water 1/2 hp. I have tried bathing in 2 cups of Apple Cider Vinegar in a hot bath for 20 minutes for a week. I have tried Folic Acid 400mcg 2x a day along with a cranberry pill 1x a day (helps with UTI's), and Acidophilus pills 2x a day. I've been doing this now for a couple of weeks to no avail. The only thing to rid yourself of the smell (for a SMALL amount of time) is the Hydrogen Peroxide douche. Usually I have to do the douche 2x a day. The yogurt suppository did not work. I have yet to try the boric acid.... Summertime seems to be when I get BV the most. My guess hot sweaty crotch and the inability to walk around naked with nothing touching, covering or smothering it is the reason! :-/ This is the craziest thing EVERRRRRRRRRRRRR. Us women are basically not supposed to stick ANYTHING near our vajayjay's for us not to encounter some sort of issues... BOGUS!!! I demand a recount, or a do over, or SOMETHING!!! I wish you all the best of luck and health. With this damn thing WE ALLLLL need it.Replied By Tara (Memphis, Tn, Usa) on 12/07/2012
I have had multiple strep b infections and bacterial vaginosis diagnosis' in the last seven years. The symptoms seem the same regardless of what the doctor the diagnosis. I went through many oral and vaginal antibiotics and it always returned. I was fatigued and felt bad all the time. I got relief for about a year and then stopped doing the things that worked. I was diagnosed again about three weeks ago and again oral antibiotics did not work.
The natural remedies that worked as long as I used them were Reuteri acidophilus 2 X a day, 400 mg of folic acid four times a day, one or two cloves of crushed garlic aired for ten minutes twice a day, one tablespoon of Apple Cider Vinegar in divided dose twice a day with a little lemon juice, (I used one squirt from a bottle of organic lemon juice) and I douched twice a day with undiluted hydrogen peroxide with one teaspoon of Betadine Iodine and a took a good quality multivitamin. It took about three months to totally clear, then I went to twice a week on every thing but the Apple Cider Vinegar, Garlic and Lemon which I used daily. I did this for about 8 months and remained symptom free until I stopped altogether. It took about six months, but my symptoms have come back. Now I plan to do this forever. I also switched to a gluten free diet and seriously limited my sugar intake. Some times I would put a little Reuteri powder inside my vagina after douching to restore some good bacteria.
To get the garlic down, I would put it though a garlic press and put it on a spoon and swallow with out chewing and chase it with the Apple Cider Vinegar, Warm Water and lemon. To sweeten the drink, I now add a tablespoon of honey and a tablespoon of Organic Coconut Oil and it tastes like a delicious warm apple cider vinegar. I have switched to an organic diet and eat no processed food. I have seen several articles about gluten from wheat and flour and sugar feeding the Strep B and BV.
I would start out slow as I had a bit of the Herx reaction by trying to take high doses of garlic and Apple Cider Vinegar. I decided to try to boost my immune system because from my research and reading, it seemed that the Strep B thrived in a weakened immune system and sugar and carbohydrates.
I wish you the best and hope you find relief. I hope this works again for me, but I know it worked the first time. There are many things that can strengthen the immune system. I personally found the most helpful information on www.earthclinic.com.
Take Care, Tara from Tennessee
Replied By Tina (New York, Ny ) on 12/10/2012
Hi ladies, It gives me a weird kind of comfort to know I am not alone on this. At first my gyno thought I had yeast and that took almost a year. I went on a candida diet and took tons of diflucan. Finally she told me I have bv and no yeast. I guess I have defeated at least one evil. Then I went on 2 rounds of metronidazole (oral and vaginal). Didn't work. Now after reading all of the comments, I am taking folic acid, e vitamin, acidophilus, encinea, and multi (just to cover grounds) and St. John wort. I am also drinking kombucha daily! That seems to have made a lot of difference. My discharge is way more mild and seems to be more controllable. The problem is the days right before and after my period. Somehow it is messing everything up. Does anyone have any idea to control it during those times? Ps: just got bacteria arrest suppositories. Can't wait.Replied By Ladybug2434 (Melbourne, Florida) on 12/11/2012
Hey guys I just want to say what worked for me was taking lactobacillus. I took one in the morning and one at night and when I woke up in the morning it was cleared up. Each pill contains 10 billion good bacteria which will kill the harmful bacteria that causes the smell and discharge. I also soaked in a apple cider vinegar bath for about 30 min. I'm going to continue to take the pills and then make an appointment with the doctor to make sure this is gone for good!!Replied By Tara (Memphis, Tn, Usa) on 05/06/2013
I wanted to update my post. I have simplified my supplements to keep the BV at bay. I haven't found any way to be rid of it forever, however I have found a way not to have symptoms. I take 3 tsp on ACV either in divided dose or once a day. Daily consistency seems more improtant than amount. I also eat one minced clove of garlic a day. Lately I have been taking ACV and Garlic pills (one each) and they seem to work just fine twice a day. I still douche with H2O2 full strength and 1 tsp of betadine undiluted at least twice a week and more often if symptomatic. I also am pouring in 8-10 drops undiluted Colliodal Silver with a dropper 2 times a week in my vagina. I have switched to a gluten free diet and this has helped me tremendously. I was a slow convert. Apparently, the GMO's in our food are wrecking havic with IBS and multiple health problems like BV, Strep B. ADD, ADHD, autism, celiac disease, gluten intolerance and autoimmune disorders, ect.
Having suffered with this for many years, if I was newly diagnosed and wanted a simple formula, I would try ACV, Garlic, H202 and betadine douches and Collidal Silver dropped into the vagina. I had it so bad and that is what I do now and I have my energy back. Also, if still symptomatic, try a gluten free diet.
I never had this problem until my second husband and now he is gone 5 years and I still have to deal with this. I suspect it might be linked to HPV, but I am not sure. I got sick every time I had sex with him. It's been five years since he is gone and I still have to treat the symptoms. If you are symptomatic with a partner, I don't know what to tell you. I have had one new partner and I never got symtomatic with him. Google Colliaodal silver. I am very impressed.
Tara from Tennessee
Replied By Anon (Anon) on 05/11/2013
Update. I stopped the Colliodal Silver in my vagina. It caused me to be symptomatic again. I am having exceptional results with hydrogen peroxide and betadine douches, ACV and garlic.