Full Thread

Terry (Grasonville, Md, Usa) on 03/21/2010
5 out of 5 stars

I had never even heard of bv until about 2 months ago, when I developed this terrible itch & putrid odor. I had no idea what it was until I looked it up on the internet. After discovering bv, I went to earthclinic (i've used this site for a couple of other ailments & had good experiences with the remedies). After reading all the entries, I went to a health store & purchased a bottle of acidophilus. I took 2 as soon as I got home. I also bought plain yogurt with live cultures, stuck a tampon in it wore it for about 3 hours. The odor was almost gone that night & completely gone the next morning. I now take one acidophilus every evening & have had no reoccurences. I also dry myself with a blowdryer as soon as I get out of the shower. I did read up on bv & found that you can develop it from sweating alot, eating too much sugar & white flour. I think that's what triggered mine. We had 2 blizzards in a row & I spent hours outside shoveling snow, wearing ski pants & a sweatshirt. I was sweating quite a bit. In our house, a blizzard means lots of junk food,which we had & which I unfortunately ate too much of. I now eat very few foods that contain sugar or white flour. Any time I'm tempted, I remember the odor & unbearable itching, & I'm able to resist. On the upside, I've also lost 6 lbs. I was lucky - this was my first (& hopefully last) experience with bv & it only lasted about a week before I thought to research it & turn to earthclinic for help. And what I tried worked immediately. I hope this helps someone else.

Replied By Fifi (Charlottetown, Quebec) on 04/11/2010

BV is just a terrible, terrible thing. I really feel your pain (literally) ladies. I just got BV for the first time a month ago. I was treated with Flagystatin which was AWFUL (nasty side effects and the damn stuff ran all down my legs while I was sleeping) so I went back and was prescribed Clindamycin. It seemed to have totally cleared up and sex was back to normal. BUT my partner and I had sex for the first time in a while three nights ago and the dreaded BV is back!!! Putrid odour, pain, itching and burning while I pee. The whole caboodle. I think I'm going to try taking acidophilus, B12 and Folic acid as I can't see my doctor for three weeks anyways. Hopefully it helps and at the very least... I don't think it can hurt. Good luck ladies!

Replied By Angela (Allen, Texas) on 04/11/2010

I just want to say that this forum has saved my life. I've suffered from BV for at least 5 years without truly understanding what was wrong with me. At first, I thought it was a really bad yeast infection. OTC medicine didn't work. I was too embarrassed to go to the doctor, too embarrassed to talk about it and boy; was sex a chore! The prepping it took to "feel" clean took all of the enjoyment out of the act. Would my boyfriend smell anything? Was I clean enough? I would quickly hop out of bed and run to the shower. No cuddling for me. The odor was putrid and the discharge amazingly heavy. I hopped online and found my diagnosis... now, what to do? After more searching, I came across this site. I burst into tears when I read all of the testimonies and feedback. I couldn't believe that there was a glimmer of hope for me. I immediately ran out and picked up peroxide, acidophilus (1 billion) and some distilled water. First, I douched with a quart of distilled water mixed with 3 tablespoons of peroxide (3%). Then, I took 2 pills orally and one vaginally. Put on a panty liner and waited for discharge and odor. The next morning when I awoke, there was nothing! When I say nothing, I mean nothing. I was in shock! Absolutely amazed. I understand that douching isn't really good for you and will only do it maybe once every 3 weeks. I've taken two pills orally and one vaginally for the past three days and the only side effect I've had is a little spotting. I think I will cut back to one orally, once a day and one vaginally.

I just want to say that this forum is a Godsend and I am SO appreciative of all of the great feedback. Thank you ladies!!

Replied By Miranda (Eugene, Oregon) on 05/22/2010

so what did you use vaginally? did you just use a regular acidophilus pill or what? thats what im confused about

Replied By Sudeshmishra (Kanpur, Up, India) on 09/07/2010

My wife has been suffering from BV since we got married. I dont how did she got this because I dont have any STD so how did she get it. Anyways I want to ask that since she is under medication for this, can we still have intercourse without precautions?

Replied By Ohio (Reynoldsburg, Oh) on 10/14/2010

I have been BV free for almost a month. Prior to douching with 1/2 water and 1/2 hydrogen peroxide I was getting meds from the Dr.They worked for about a week then it was right back... So humiliating!!!!!! I did the douche 3 consecutive days by laying in the bathtub and holding it in as long as possible 5-10 minutes.... And made sure to take a few acidophilus tablets (million dosage) It worked like a charm!!! Highly suggest this for anyone having this awful problem!!!!

Replied By Tired Of It! (Unknown, South Carolina, United States) on 10/20/2010

Hi all! I have had continuous issues with my BV. My symptoms are as follows: clear, gel like discharge sometimes white, redness and soreness in the urethra and vulva pretty much everywhere and on the good days itching. I have never really had any bad odor. Sometimes a strong urine smell, but unlike most of you that does not seem to be my worst issue with this junk. My doctor just took me off of traditional medicine (I have tried, Metro gel, Tindamax and the white cream stuff, Tercazol I think -- I have done all of these straight for about 6 months). None of it worked and I actually had an inflammatory reaction to the metro gel. My doctor has put me on Boric Acid, which has not really worked either, but since I don't really know what else to do, I am following his directions. He put me on it for 2x a day for 7 days and then once a day for all eternity. I had to stop it BC I got my period and then will be back on it.

In the mean time, I have changed my diet (no bread or gluten and no sugar). I drink Kefir everyday, Cranberry juice and tons of water, plus here is what I take for vitamins (I have been taking these for about 4 months now. ) Vitamin C, 2,000mg, Folic Acid (1600 mg) one in morning and one at night, probiotics (Ultimate Flora) anywhere from 2-3 a day orally and I douche with it vaginally and even put the pills in vaginally, I do this anywhere from 2 to 3 times a day. I have had BV since my first child and it's going on a year now. I never had any problems until I got pregnant. I always had a wonderful vagina! As cheesy as this sounds, I really miss it. After my first child, I had issues with UTIs at first (was put on antibiotics which I stopped taking, then adenomyosis and endometriosis, then the yeast infections then BV. Aghhh the wonderful BV. I was put on a ton of antibiotics by my first doc. And really wasn't even treated for the proper infection. He tried to give me a full hysterectomy and put me on Progesterone. My hormones were fine. Needless to say, I switched doctors. I even have recently went off my BC pill to see if that was the what was making it hang-on. I am at my wits end with this crap and no one really understands unless they have it. My husband and I are not intimate. I have been checked for absolutely everything, and I mean everything.

So, my questions are as follows and I hope you can help:

1. While douching with peroxide what is a good regimen?
2. Have any of you experienced more discharge from it or did it go away immediately?
3. Did it irritate the outside of your vagina and if so, what did you use to make swelling and redness go away?
4. If you used probiotics vaginally, have any of you had any issues with them? Is there a better kind to use?

I would really appreciate it if someone would respond to this, I know a lot of the posts are old. But if you are out there, I would really like someone to talk to about this and maybe I can share some helpful info too.

Replied By Ilana (Israel) on 10/20/2010

You have to try some brands of yogurts or probiotics, and it has to be taken by mouth. Douching does not help. What does is LGG (lactobacillus strain GG) enriched yogurts, like "Yoplait" it did wonders to me. A probiotic that helped too is Fem dophilus, also to be taken by mouth.

Replied By Andie (Atlanta, Ga) on 10/20/2010

When you describe "clear, gel like discharge sometimes white" its making me ask if are you maybe confusing your natural cervial mucous with discharge. The clear gel like mucous is naturally present due to estrogen and it indicates oncoming ovulation. Its a little gross but study it after your next cycle. Starting around day 5 after you start, there will be hardly any. If there is, its starts dry to pasty and creamy white, then it changes (as you move closer to ovulation) to clear/watery then it thickens to an eggwhite consistency. After you ovulate (approx 14 days), all it dries up in reverse order and you produce dry or pasty again. I thought I had something wrong too but its your body's way of saying "its time" if you are trying to conceive! As for BV, its a pain in the backside and I'm working on it too. Good luck hon..

Replied By Tamara (Poughkeepsie, New York) on 10/21/2010

I have been a chronic bv sufferer for about two years. Everytime I was antibiotics, I would feel like myself but as soon as my period returned so did the bv. It seems like every month for about two years I had bv. It almost ruined my relationship. I FINALLY decided to STOP listen to the doctor and I did extensive research online to come up with a home remedy that would work for me. I have been doing the hyroden peroxide/ water douche for about two weeks now. It works wonders!!!! I also soak a tampon with tea tree oil/ vitamin E everyday for a week and then once a week. I also take fem dophilius 2 in the morning and 2 at night. 1600 mg of folic acid, 2000 mg of vitamin C.

I would encourage anyone who is suffering to read and do extensive research. I am so thankful for final getting this problem under control. I am so grateful to all the ladies who shared their secret cure. Hopefully this helps!

Replied By Liz (Dallas, Tx) on 10/21/2010

I've had vaginal odor without itching for a few months now. I've started wearing pure cotton panties, cut out sugar and flour in my diets but the odor lingers. I don't know that this is bv but am wondering if these remedies might help. Any suggestions?

Replied By Chelsea (New York, Usa) on 10/26/2010

Hi everyone. Here's my story: at (around) age eight I began to see discharge in my underwear. I was very embarrassed by this and didn't tell anyone, not even my mom. About a year later I finally built up the courage to tell her and after taking me to the doctor they perscribed me yeast infection medication. That didn't work, of course. To this day, I still have the problem. Around 5 months ago I went into the health clinic at my school and they thought it was yeast, gave me medication, didn't work. Told my mom once again and she took me to a gynecologist who prescribed me metronidazole (for bv). That was no use either. I tried that method twice, the second time taking the oral pills as well. Still no changes. My sypmtoms are: yellow/white discharge with a terrible odor. I am now sixteen years old and ready to have sex with my boyfriend but I am so disgusted and embarrassed by this that I have no clue how to stop it. (that's right, I have been dealing with this issue for half my life! You think you have it hard... I don't even remember what my normal vagina feels like... )
I have been trying many of the methods on this site but nothing is working! I did a full hydrogen peroxide rinse and that stopped the discharge temporarily, but when I woke up the next morning the discharge came right back. Now, I take folic acid, acidophilus vaginally (and orally), b-12 pills, garlic pills, and my normal pills which are calcium, one-a-day, and fish oil. I absolutely hate bv and everything that it does to me, its a part of my life that I wish would go away forever but nothing's working! Any ideas would be wonderful ladies, I wish you all the best of luck!

Replied By Ginger (Liberty, Tn) on 10/27/2010

I had problems with yeast infections and BV on and off for a long time, the stuff the doctors gave me sometimes gave me temporary relief but what has worked for me is a couple of things, first for the bacterial vaginosis was a douche with about 7 drops of grapefruit seed exctract in water, in a douche container I got from the drug store. It worked better that anything else I had ever used. I might have used it only one or 2 times in a week and that was all I needed. I also eat at least 1 tablespoon of extra virgin coconut oil(organic) a day, and try not to eat too much regular sugar. There's 3 other things that also help and that is good probiotic- the one I was taking was 4 billion, came in a chewable form- make sure and keep it in the refrigerator, and food enzymes and a good B-complex vitamin.

Replied By Lisa (Waynesboro, Va) on 11/01/2010

So sorry to hear that you have suffered so many years. It could be systemic yeast, candida, and you need to look at your diet. I have used lots of stuff also, but it won't go away without the diet also. Search this site and do all you can, but get off all yeast in all products, sugar, milk, fruit, etc.

Replied By Chelsea (New York, Usa) on 12/15/2010

Hey guys, I'm back AGAIN. I have now been to four doctors and none of them know what I have, although I have all the symptoms for BV... I'm thinking this may be the reason that nothing is working but in so many ways I want it to be BV just so I know how to cure it! I'm going to try the grapefruit douche and coconut oil, (do you take the coconut oil plain or are there any foods you recommend putting it into?) By the way, what do you mean by food enzymes?

My current regimen: (even though there are no great results at the moment)

At night - I don't take anything in the morning or during the day because I have no time! Mix together two tablespoons apple cider vinegar "with mother", one tablespoon organic honey, in about a half a glass of water. Heat it in the microwave and stir it up. You can either chug this or what I like to do is take it with all my pills, since there are now so many of them it eventually vanishes. It tastes kind of like salad dressing! Pills (aside from my acne and water-hives pills... )
2 Folic Acid pills
1 Garlic pill
1 Acidophilus (refridgerated)
2 Probiotics (50 billion! )
1 B-12
1 Fish oil
1 Multivitamin
1 Calcium

In the tub:
Douche with hydrogen peroxide, I use a turkey baster haha. I usually hold it in for abouuut five minutes. Release it, and clean the outer vaginal walls with peroxide. Then I shower and let myself dry for a little. Next, take a probiotic pill and REMOVE THE UPPER CAP! I have found this is the best way it desolves. Note: the clear outer cover on the pill does not disolve and you will have to manually take that out next time you shower. I hope this method works for somebody. I keep you all in my thoughts and 11:11 wishes. Wish for me too if you could!! I want this gone. My boyfriend (ex now! )cheated on me... I in part blame this on my vagina. Good luck all, $%^& guys. They don't have to deal with any of this.

Replied By Tired Of It! (Unknown, South Carolina, United States) on 12/20/2010

Good afternoon ladies! I am sorry it has taken me a while to get back on here, but I promised myself I would post if something else happened. On my last post, I was still in the midst of finding a cure for myself. I believe we always need to keep searching. Since my last post, I stopped using the Boric Acid completely and started using the Hydrogen Peroxide and Acidophilis. I also take a mixture of other things as well. I will put my complete regimen for douching and vitamins at the bottom. I will also put what I do as far as tips in case anyone needs to use them.

I want to urge everyone to keep communicating with other women who have BV. I think this "disease" or malfunction, whatever you wanna call it, is not going away. I feel like doctors need to get it in gear. I just wanted to share with you my happy news and ask more questions.

I have been doing the H2O2 douche and acidophilis. I have mixed my regimen up a little, tried different things, and still have to make modifications to it, but I have found a way to manage it. My last trip to the doc, I didn't douche the night before or that morning. I had really only been douching twice a day for about a week before I went. I didn't tell him what I was doing until after the wet prep, partly because I was afraid at what he might say and also because I wanted to see what he said first. He left came back in five minutes later, I remember thinking, Gosh that was fast, and he said guess what, you have completely normal lactobacilis in your vagina! What have you been doing? I told him, what I was trying, my exact regimen and I didn't hold back. Sometimes, some docs look at you like you are crazy. He said I have learned so much from you and am so happy that you found something. He told me to keep douching and then start weening myself off. So I have been doing it for two straight months and will start weening myself off in January. I am currently just having problems around my periods. About two or three days before I start, I get my usual symptoms. I found that doubling up on my probiotic vaginally and orally really helps the recovery. After my period it takes me about a week. I wish it would go away completely and ym hubby and I are waiting until to be intimate, very hard but there are other fun things to do, until I am completely healthy. I know I could backslide after January and that is scary, but at least I know what works. Anyway, does anyone have any suggestions or new ideas, new things you have tried that you would like to share. My regimen is below. Thanks! Good luck and stay positive.

Douching -- Am and PM
1/2 PEROXIDE 1/4 DISTILLED WATER IN A DOUCHE BAG. Douche with that, I lay on my back in the tub and hold for five minutes. I stand up, rinse with water and do this again for another 5 minutes. Stand up, rinse again and then I douche with either Fem-Dophilis (2) or Ultumate Flora (1) and three regular acidophilis and then hold for five. If I am having a bad day, I will rinse off with H2O2 mixture and just pour about 1/2 cup distilled water with 3 acidophilis.

Vitamins or Supplements:
Every morning -- 3 garlic, 2 vitamin C 1, 000 mg, 3 acidophilis or multidophilis or either 2 fem dophilis or 2 ultimate flora. It gets expensive so I go back and forth between these 2. 800 mg of Folic Acid and 4 Evening Prim Rose, I just started the prim rose and it seems to help me a lot during my period. I drink a load of cranberry juice with no sugar, and drink the heck out of kefir. I don't really eat bread anymore, unless it is a Kashi Pizza and have little sugar only in the cream in my coffee. I was inserting the ultimate flora vaginally, sometimes after my period if its really bad I will do that, but lately it tends to irritate it more. I also wash my underwear separately and my towels and sheets separately. I use all Free and Clear detergent. I use organic peppermint soap, and air dry in the mornings. I use virgin coconut oil for my lotion for my body instead of bath and body lotions. I also just sleep with night gown and no pannies, this really helps. Accept when I am on my period, I obviously sleep in my underwear. I don't wear jeans anymore either. Stress makes mine really bad and so I try to exercise but I don't do it enough, so that is my next goal. I really hope this is not too much, but if you are anything like me, I like to know what helps other women. That, in turn, helps me because you really have to find what works for you. I hope everyone is doing well and wish you luck. Don't let it get the best of you.

Replied By Stephanie (Los Angeles, California) on 12/27/2010

Well I looked through everyone's comments that were a huge help. It has been my experience with natural remedies that bombardment is the best medicine until the problems solved. If there is an overgrowth of bad bacteria you need to overdue it with good bacteria for a while. I got the femdopholis which has 50 billions organisms in it. I also got Bio K which you can buy at Whole Foods which also has 50 billion organisms in each one. They look like tiny yogurts you drink. I soaked a tampon in the BioK each day for 3 days. I put it in for 3 hours at a time. It was already better after the first day. The smell was gone immediately. I also started taking 2-3 femdopholis a day for 3 days. Now I am tapering down to 1 a day. Also on the first day after I took the tampon out I did a shallow bath for 20 mins. With two cups of apple cider vinegar. I am happy to say I am cured and feel amazing. S

Replied By Victoria (Atlanta , Ga) on 01/16/2011

will a prenatal vitamin work since it has 1000mg of folic acid? along with femdopholis?

Replied By Chelsea (Nyc, Ny) on 01/29/2011

Hello again. So I'm up to five doctors now (9 if you count assistants and practicing doctors) and still no idea what I have. This condition is very frustrating to me and I don't know what to do. There is nothing "growing" in my vagina, does anyone know what else could be the cause of this discharge?

Replied By T (Maryland, Usa) on 01/30/2011

To Chelsea - Stop all dairy. There is a product I was allowed to name here before, specifically for women's flora. It's called Femdophilus. It's a little pricey but take it for at least a month and then you can probably maintain with the probiotic of choice. Stick with the folic acid and B's. But mainly stop the dairy for awhile (hard cheeses are probably ok but don't eat a lot of them). Try soft cheeses after a few weeks and see if there's any effect. Milk is a definite problem for some people; you may have to cut that out permanently. Do a 2 or 3-week trial without and then see what happens when you drink it again.

Not related but I'd dump the One-A-Day; it's junk. Determine by diet and health what you need vitamin-wise; don't just blindly take a multi, especially one with such nasty ingredients.

Let us know if going dairy free helps your problem.

Replied By Chelsea (New York, New York, Usa ) on 03/02/2011

To T, just reading this comment now. I will start doing the no dairy diet tomorrow, hopefully everything works. I wonder if the dairy is related to candida? I just recently did the "water test" where you spit into a glass cup of water, and if particles float down it means you have candida. Is this a legitimate test? I have also noticed that I do have a somewhat whitish layer on my tongue that I never thought much about. As well as my retainer has white particles that don't wash off.

Replied By Toni (Hutchinson Island, Fl) on 03/06/2011

I have never heard of this test but I'm going to try it now. I do believe I have Candida along w/CFS, Lupus, Glaucoma, Fibromyalgia, Sjogrens Syndrome, herniated disc &disc degeneration, TMJ & various other issues. I've just discovered this website & I think it's wonderful but I do need coaching. Thanks for your help.

Blessings to all!

Replied By Sandylady (Miami, Florida, United States) on 03/30/2011

I would first like to thank all the ladies on this thread for contributing their advice on attaining a cure for BV. My daughter had recently started a regime of birth control about 1 year ago (the shot) however she started to experience heavy bleeding. She was then given a different type of shot (to counteract the bleeding) and eventually stopped bleeding. Then about 2weeks after the new shot she started to get a putrid odor from inside and a discharge on her underwear. The odor was a "fish" like smell and the discharge color looked like a light brown discharge. This was such a horrible experience for her because my daughter has always practiced good hygiene and never had any type of odor issue in her life ever. Their was no change in her diet or anything out of the ordinary that occurred in her life beside receiving the new birth control shot. In an attempt to solve this issue I decided to do a Google search and came across this site. After reading ALL of the post I felt empowered to attack this issue with home remedies in hand.

I went to the local whole foods store purchased:

1. Reuteri/Primadophilus by Nature's Way- Multi strain 5billion CFU (stored in refrigerator section/ask attendant)

2. Kefir Yogurt

Then went to CVS local pharmacy and purchased:

1. 1 Box of Disposable MEDICATED DUCHE

2. 1 bottle of Folic Acid

3. 1 box of BV treatment - this cost around $30. 00 it contains 6inserts and 6 disposable applicators. (In the feminine care aisle)

Regime:

Day one-

1)2pills (reuteri) taken with the kefir yogurt.

2) Douche with medicated douche

3) Apply first BV insert into vagina

4) Take 1 Folic acid pill and drink lots of water and cranberry juice.

Day two - six

Same regime as above EXCLUDING Douche

Day six and onwards

Same regime as above EXCLUDING BV inserts (the BV insert treatment contains only 6 dosages)

I was so happy when my daughter called me with excitement in her voice and said that she was FREE!!!!! Meaning feeling released from the bondage of B.V. She urged me to come back to this site as soon as possible and Thank all of You lovely ladies that came together and shared your information. I told her I already did :-)

THIS STUFF WORKS FOR REAL!!! I wish you all great success in getting cured.

GOD BLESS

Replied By Mindylou (Canton, Oh) on 04/21/2011

TO Chelsey in NY, NY: I have been suffering with the exact same symtpoms as you for 16 years. I noticed it around 13 and I'm 30 now. I have been ashamed my whole teenage and adult life. Scared to have sex because I didnt want to get teased. No spur of the moment sex because I had to make sure I couldnt smell the horrible smell. Guys are so mean. They have know idea what we go through. I did finally find a bf that I was comfortable enough to be around but still its like we have to have sex around my vaginia's clock! I am so through with it. The doctors prescribe the same over and over. They have been prescribing the me Metronidazole. The reason I'm responding to you is because I have the same whitish layer on my tongue. Its almost slimey. How about yours? I wonder if its a coincidence? Have you tried the F----philus? I've tried the douche and acidolphis and still cant get rid of it? Keep me posted. Thanks

Replied By Alley (Sydney, Australia) on 11/05/2011

I originally thought I had a yeast infection, but 2 diflucan pills and 2 rounds of creams didn't work. I have thick, whitish yellow discharge (mucousy) hardly any smell, no itching. Then I discovered ph tests and found I had a high ph which implies bacterial. I've been taking a probiotic similar to femdophilus with the reuteri strain in it for almost a month. I used some vagicare inserts which brought the ph down a bit and my discharge was a lot thinner after, more milky, but still there. I have a doctors appointment coming up in 3 weeks and I'm insisting I get some proper tests this time.

In the meantime I had a chat with a pharmacist about some ecovag inserts and she said I should try them as they wouldn't hurt. The ecovag inserts are vaginal inserts with L. Gasseri and L. Rhamnosus, the ones that apparently give off the most hydrogen peroxide and help to get the ph back to normal.

WELL, can anyone explain why after the 1st night of trying the insert (and subsequent 3 days), the discharge got SO much worse, so thick and gross, yellow whitish, (but not itchy or cottage cheese like or anything like that). I used a tampon soaked in hydrogen peroxide and it seems to calm it down again. Why was it so bad after using the "acidophilus" inserts?

Replied By Debbie (Melbourne, Australia ) on 11/05/2011

Have you ruled out pregnancy? A thick discharge is one of the first symptoms.

Replied By Alley (Sydney, Australia) on 11/05/2011

Haha, sorry to laugh Debbie, but the sad thing about this problem is that I KNOW I am not pregnant, unless it's a miracle baby. I've never actually had sex. I want to now, but why start now with this problem when I've already waited this long.

Replied By Hope (Sydney, Australia) on 11/11/2011

I also tried Eco-vag - the first session went like a dream - smell gone, normal discharge - perfect! Then I had my period and the symptoms were back. So I thought I would try round two - and although the smell quickly went after two days I found that I would have a really heavy discharge, that would be thin and clear at about 10:30 every night!

It was a bit overwhelming so I stopped and things were fine, but then the smell and discharge started again. So I decided to go back on. I took another one and the next day everything was perfect again through the day but the next night about 10:30 this really heavy thin discharge. I am a bit confused whether or not to continue or not, is it just the bacterias fighting each other - if I continue will things get worse? Has anyone else used it at all or had a similar experience?

Replied By Alley (Sydney, Australia) on 11/28/2011

I finally stopped being so stubborn about my previous doctor's visit, and found a different doctor to go see. She was was really nice, and actually did a pelvic examination, which the previous doctor did not even do and let myself diagnose myself with a yeast infection. Turns out it is definitely bacterial, and I am now taking metronidazole (Flagyl), I am on day 7 and it seems to have cleared up. Ladies, I wish the natural cures worked for me but they didn't. I tried EVERYTHING but boric acid. I'd say try the natural cures but don't let it go on for months and months! If you're tearing your hair out and crying over this go see a doctor. Not all doctor's are evil and uncaring. AT LEAST get a proper diagnosis from a pelvic exam, you don't have to take what they prescribe you but you can at least know what you're actually dealing with.

I'm definitely going to continue with the folic acid and probiotics as well to maintain and prevent this from happening again. But I think my infection was just too far gone for them to help on their own at this point. I may also consider using vagicare inserts (ascorbic acid) or hydrogen peroxide after my period to keep the pH level down so that I never risk getting this again.

Replied By Alley (Sydney, Nsw) on 12/29/2011

Update: 2 months since taking antibiotics and I am still better. I have continued taking the a probiotic pill with a reuteri strain daily. I have not made any other changes. One more tip for you ladies if you don't already do this- always wipe front to back after going #2! Very important.

Replied By Catherine (Montreal, Quebec) on 01/01/2012

Sounds like this white slimy coating is thrush, a bacterial (yeast-like) infection I believe inside your mouth. "Nystatin" although not natural is supposed to be good for this because this medication does not go into your bloodstream and hurt any of your organs unlike other meds.

Replied By Francisca (Zug, Zug, Switzerland) on 01/02/2012

I solved the exact same problem by stopping the use of toothpaste with fluoride! Never had a problem again.... After one go with toothpaste with salt it was finished. Now I use a range of natural toothpastes!

Replied By Fightforhealth (Phila,pa) on 12/26/2013

Wowwww!! I am so glad I am not alone!! I really felt like I was being punished and seriously unlucky! I feel like I am disgusting!! I had to bring my bf to the gyno with me so he could be explained by the doc that his gf wasn't gross but was plagued by this mess! I am going to try everything here!! Something has gotta work!!

Replied By Danielle (San Francisco, Ca) on 02/26/2014

I have suffered from bv for too many years. embarrassed, trying everything, knocking it out only to have it come back. awful really. I have been without it now for 6 months! Here is how: I have no idea which part so I'll tell you everything. I believe my success to be attributed to a more alkaline diet. I did not get get on a strict diet, so fear not.every morning I take a tablespoon on apple cider vinegar in water, a good probiotic with a shot glass of aloe vera juice, on an empty stomach. through out the day I drink lemon water, using one half to a whole lemon per day. my diet restrictions include eating sugar sparingly ( I can tell when I've eaten to much, it begins to threaten to come back. ie: my smell begins to change to slightly fishy. you know that smell. but if I eat lots of veggies and keep away from sugar my body returns). there may be a connection to eating wheat, so I again try to eat it sparingly. I also feel that eating kale has a helpful effect. when I first kicked it, I had been following this regimen for a month, I then went for my annual pap. they recommended the antibiotics that I usually refuse, because I have used it time and time again, only to have it come back, but this time I did it. and it hasn't come back! Even with frequent sex. I also believe the boric acid cure. I had to write because if this helps anyone, it is worth it. I know what a struggle it is. may you find your remedy!

Replied By Mon (Canada) on 01/13/2017

Hi there,

I'm also a chronic bv sufferer with PCOS. I had BV 8 months and tried EVERYTHING (candida diet, antibiotics, probiotics orally/vaginally, natural remedies, the works). Finally found a good naturopath and through already participating in a healthy diet (no alcohol, sugar, gluten, soy, dairy, artificial anything) for a couple months, he gave me something to help my hormones and put me on a hypo-allergenic diet with probiotic suppositories. It was gone! This lasted 6 months until I became lazy with my health, stopped taking my tincture for horomones, and the dreaded bv is back. Currently trying to find the magic combination to make it go away again.

So what I'm trying to say is, perhaps seek a naturopath who will look at your life as a WHOLE and help diagnose the root cause of it. Sounds like it could be hormonal, which means no matter how many things you shove in your vagina, or vitamins you take, it will come back. I would recommend researching your naturopath to make sure you've found a good one.

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