Table of Contents
| QUESTIONS & ANSWERS | |||||||||||
| COLLOIDAL SILVER | |||||||||||
| COMBINATION OF MANY REMEDIES | |||||||||||
| DIAGNOSING BV | |||||||||||
| DIETARY SUGGESTIONS | |||||||||||
| DOUCHING | |||||||||||
| ELIMINATE CAFFEINE | |||||||||||
| FLAGYL | |||||||||||
| FOLIC ACID | |||||||||||
|
Cure Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)
DISCLAIMER
Our readers offer information and opinions on Earth Clinic, not as a substitute for professional medical prevention, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult with your physician, pharmacist, or health care provider before taking any home remedies or supplements or following any treatment suggested by anyone on this site. Only your health care provider, personal physician, or pharmacist can provide you with advice on what is safe and effective for your unique needs or diagnose your particular medical history.
12/21/2008: Lisa from Miami, fl USA writes: "I've been reading alot of the posts and I didn't know a lot of the remedies would work for BV, I thought they would work for only yeast such as yogurt? Also, has anyone heard of using collodial silver or garlic for BV?"
02/05/2009: Sheronketa from Atlanta, Georgia replies: "I read that it works on another website. Also there are women on earth's clinic that say they have used it. Garlic is going the have to be one of my very last options but if all else fails what the heck. I'd try if it works."
![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() |
1 YEA
[YEA] 05/05/2008: Robin from Hobart, Tasmania, Australia writes: "I have been suffering for years (about 5) with what seemed a bit like a yeast infection (but no yeasty discharge), fishy/unpleasant smell, itching and a lot of burning upon urination. Sex is difficult because it almost always ends up with me fighting all the old symptoms mentioned above. I just felt that my health was going down the tubes- there was no spark and the constant pain made me a regular at my doctor's office. I had many swabs which showed a heavy population of Gardnerella and you know what that means- more antibiotics. Of course, when I was feeling at my worst- burning/itching/discharge that was greyish, and sometimes there was an oder- I would take the antibiotics. However, it never helped for very long. I finally got tired of taking the antibiotics and suffering with all the stomach problems that ensued. So, I thought I would take control of my own health and I searched various websites for information. Last year, I found Earth Clinic and read all the messages from miserable women all over the world suffering from what I assume to be b.v. I tried all sorts of things because I wanted to be healed of this monster. Here are things which have helped:
a. tea tree oil and vitamin E on a tampon. The tea tree oil worked well and the Vitamin E kept me from drying out. I am peri-menopausal and do not need a dried out vagina.
b. eating lots of plain yogurt and taking acidophilus powder dissolved in water each day.
c. Wiping myself off with 3% hydrogen peroxide a few times a week. It nukes the bacteria brilliantly! e. I took cranberry tablets to help against bladder infections that often seem to accompany the b.v.
All these things worked fairly well, but then I stumbled upon cayenne pepper, and this seems to be the key ingredient- the cherry on the cake. Here is what helps me- I find the hottest chilipepper sauce that I can find- Tabasco or Sriracha sauce. I put about 2 tablespoons of the hotsauce, or even cayenne pepper powder, in a cup and add some hot water. I drink this about 3-4 times per day and eat a lot of chili peppers when I can. I have found that the addition of the chilies/chili sauce/cayenne pepper has been a marvelous tonic. It gives me a bit of a warm pepper 'rush', it alkalizes my blood and it helps against the burning and itching pain that always seems to be present. Chilies are great for the circulation and I suppose for that reason alone, it seems to get to the inflammation that always seems present with b.v
Oh yes- I blow dry myself each morning after a shower and I do not use soap anymore when washing the vaginal area.I use something like a non-soap, Ph balanced product. Just to keep the area moist, I use Vitamin E once a week as a vaginal lubricant. It is also important to cut down on sugar, as that feeds bacteria. I drink lots of water and cut down on coffee and alcohol. It helps to consider why you might be run down to the point of having this annoying infection. Be gentle on your self. These things have helped me immeasurably and I thank all the angels out there who offered up their remedies. One did not do the trick, but many have helped. Perhaps my remedies will help someone. Thanks Earth Clinic!"
![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() |
1 QUESTION
[QUESTION] 11/30/2009: As1990 from Swink, Colorado, United States writes: "I have been suffering from what i think is BV for about a year now. However, the only symptom i have is the foul fishy smell :( I have no discharge, itching, or pain but the smell is enough to make me desperate. I'm not sexually active. I have also tried folic acid and acidophilus, but there was no change. Do i have a mild case of BV because there is no discharge,etc. or does anyone know of something else it could be?"
![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() |
1 YEA
[YEA] 12/16/2008: Di from Brooklyn , NY writes: "Hello ladies, ive been suffering from BV for some time myself. The reason for this bacteria occurrence is the pH imbalance in your vagina. I've noticed that a lot of you are recommending the hydrogen peroxide, it is a good way to get rid of the bacteria but dont over use it. It still is an acid and eventually could cause other complications because it strips away you vaginal walls. For starters what you all should do is try to change you diet. SUGAR IS A BIG NO!! sugar will prevent Lactobacillus species from growing. You should also try to eat more grain and less refined flour foods like white bread and pasta. If you have whole foods in your area or a Russian store you can get kefir, it is cultured milk and a natural probiotic. Try to incorporate kefir into your daily diet. Acidophilus will cure the infection but its up to you to keep it from coming back. Your diet is the key to keeping the pH balance in order. it took me about 2 months with just cutting out sugars and drinking cultured milk to get rid of the infection. I didnt use acidophilus or douches, just kept what i eat under control. Maybe itll help you too."
12/17/2008: TLN from FL replies: "I was interested in what you said about the hydrogen peroxide striping away the vaginal walls. I used hydro perx for a yeast infection (at full strength) and now cannot have sex at all. It burns so bad, I can't stand it. It feels like a chemical burn and I'm wondering if it was the hyro peroxide. It's been long enough now that it should have healed. I'm worried it may be vulvodynia possibly. Anything you could think of that I could do to help or any thoughts/suggestions would be appreciated."
12/18/2008: TLN from Any, FL replies: "revising previous post: I googled to find out more and it's not vulvodynia, because this condition is on the outside of the vagina and somtimes near the opening NOT on the inside. My condition is on the inside ONLY. Anyone that has thoughts or suggestions, please respond. Thanks"
![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() |
1 QUESTION
[QUESTION] 06/28/2009: Anne from Richmond, British Columbia, Canada writes: "I suffer from BV so I did a little research on the internet about it. I have read a number of times that douching is not recommended and that it is likely for women who douche to suffer more health problems than women who do not, and this include vaginal irritation, etc, and more importantly BV... BV! Yet a lot of people in this site seem to recommend douching with hydrogen peroxide and to many, it seems to work. Now I am confused as ever as to what "douching" really does. Is it safe?"
![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() |
1 YEA
[YEA] 02/06/2009: Kay from Sunny, CA writes: "I tried not eating any yeast made foods, no pasta, breads, etc and tried folic acid, b12, acv but nothing worked. The doctors I went to visually thought I had BV or an STD but the test results were always negative. I googled and found that coffee can cause BV, yeast infection, migraines, balance problems and dizziness, I had all those issues. I quit drinking coffee including decaf and caffeine products. No more BV! voila!"
![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() |
1 YEA
10/13/2009: Jlbnj from Millville, New Jersey writes: "Omg..I am so happy I found this site. I have been dealing with bv for a couple years now and it is the worst! I haven't tried the remedies yet because I just found this site. I went to the my dr once again with bv and once again she gave me flagyl. I'm going to take it and start the remedy tomorrow. After that I'm done with the antibotics. Well thanx for the advice ladies and wish me luck"
![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() |
[YEA] 11/12/2006: Chrissy from LA writes: "i have BV and i have been suffering with this for almost five years and i have tried everything their is to tried garlic, vinegar, and yogurt. i went to the doctor and he gave me flagyl 500mg for seven days and on the six day it finally started to work so i went back and got it for seven more days and now i feel great. But while taking these tablets, do not take a bath take a shower and use dove soap. i got three more days on the meds but the smell is gone and i am happy to share this to the world."
![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() |
36 YEA
2 NAY
1 BETTER BUT NOT CURED
1 SIDE EFFECT
1 QUESTION
[BETTER BUT NOT CURED] 03/31/2010: Nurse14 from Tallahassee, Florida writes: "Hi I was so desperate for help with BV. I have been a nurse for years and had seen doctors prescribe Flagyl for women only to have them return or call saying that they still had problem after taking the medicine. I had not had a problem with this until I started taking in alot of caffeine and sugary drinks to stay awake during late shifts at work. I was at my wits end and I found this site. I tried the peroxide douche, acidophillus, yogurt, and folic acid, and I have to be honest the only thing that has continued to work for me is taking 800mg of Folic Acid daily and thats it. The douche only worked for a day and I don't promote douching, and inserting yogurt vaginally was just to messy. As for the acidophillus I really didn't see where it was helping at all. As long as I take the folic acid I'm fine [knock on wood]. I am grateful for all the brave women who told their stories. So here's mine I hope it helps someone defeat this smelly monster."
[NAY] 04/06/2010: Chany2198 from Syracuse, Ny replies: "I have been taking 800 mcg of folic acid, vit D 3, and my prenantal and it is not helping at all so I am confused as to why so many women are saying it is their cure. I think the odor as gotten much worse since. I tried inserting the folic acid vaginally and that is not helping either. I am so deseprate for a cure. I am so sick of turning down my husband because I dont want him to smell me."
04/06/2010: Rs from San Francisco, Ca replies: "NO, NO........You need to be taking an acidophilus probiotic, at least 50 billion strength along with at least 1600mcg of folic acid.................you DO NOT insert folic acid into your vagina!! You can insert the acidophilus probiotic into your vagina or do liquid acidophilus douches. What helped me from this site (and I just finished doing my regimen right now). I douche with 1/4 cup of 3% hydrogen peroxide mixed with 1/4 cup of distilled water. Then douche with 1/2 cup of distilled water to rinse your vagina. Then I douche with 1/4 cup of liquid acidophilus. Tonight I also inserted 2 acidophilus probiotic capsules (5 billion each) because Im having a flare up of my BV from having sex over the weekend. This is a regimen that you will have to do for the rest of your life or until there is a cure for BV. There is NO CURE for BV right now. This combination of things will certainly give you instant relief and the smell will be gone instantly after the hydrogen peroxide douche. You can do it nightly until you feel better, but dont stop totally because it will come back. It always comes back no matter what you do. This is not a cure, just relief and it is a miracle that saved my sex life and my life. You also want to take a B-12 vitamin because folic acid deprives your body of B-12. Its all worth the time and money for relief. Trust me.
Step 1- BEFORE BEDTIME- douche with 1/4 cup 3% hydrogen peroxide mixed with 1/4 cup of distilled water.
Step 2- douche with 1/4 cup of distilled water to rinse vagina.
Step 3- OPTIONAL BUT GIVES RELIEF- douche with 1/4 cup of liquid acidophilus
Step 4- OPTIONAL BUT A GOOD IDEA- insert 1-2 capsules of probiotic acidophilus (made especially for vaginal health) before bedtime.
Step 5- take a probiotic acidophilus capsule (at least 50 billion especially for vaginal health) along with at least 1600mcg of folic acid and a B-12 vitamin.
You will have relief in an hour or 1-2 days. Every woman is different. You have to find the right combination for you. I took me 7 months to get my combination down pat and I douche 3-4 nights a week and you MUST take the probiotic, folic acid and B-12 EVERY DAY. Do not stop or it will come back. DO NOT STOP."
05/03/2010: Chany2198 from Syracuse, Ny replies: "I am not sure that I can take Probiotic acidophilus since I am breastfeeding. I asked the pharmasist and she cannot say if it safe or not. I take pre-natals and I heard that taking folic acid for long term use is not good for you. I have been using betadine douches but it is so darn expensive but it does work."
05/03/2010: Bibi from Nashville, Tn Usa replies: "Go to the grocery store and buy some extra virgin coconut oil. I buy coconut oil at my local grocer. I put some in a separate jar at home to use on my body. I cleared up a yeast infection in record time with it (applying directly to the vagina). The itching stopped almost immediately and, within 48 hours, it was gone. Of course, I kept applying the coconut oil daily for a few months. Also, I knew somebody with your problem (BV) and recommended coconut oil to her, and it worked. Good luck. "
05/13/2010: Tis from Ny, Ny replies: "hello Ladies, my heart goes out to all of you who suffere from BV. I know what it is, what is does, because I suffered for two years untill I came to this web site.
1) Pls do not douche.
2) Take any probiotice with at least a million acidophilus and the folic acid daily. I'd recommend 2 folic and two acidophilus twice daily for one week and once daily after.
It works. Trust me, you will be free from this ailment and I recommend you keep taking both from time to time. Eat healthy as well, lots of broccoli and avocados.
My very best wishes Ladies."
05/14/2010: Mel from Sydney, Nsw Australia replies: "Hi Tis, I took your advice, didnt douche and I STILL take 2 x Acidophilis and 2 x F/Acid and I still have feral white discharge. No more smell though. I've had this problem since April (well I've had BV on and off since 2007) and I am sick of spending money at the Drs and getting useless antibiotics that cause MORE discharge!"
06/11/2010: Chany2198 from Syracuse, Ny replies: "Just because this worked for you does not mean it will work for everyone. Sounds like it did not work for the lady who did try it. Now where do you find the live one million acidophilus?"
![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() |
[SIDE EFFECTS] 08/04/2009: Mo from Colorado Springs, Co writes: "I started taking the folic acid first. Within the first day I got diarrhea and within five days I was sick to my stomach. Has anyone ever heard of side effects from folic acid?"
![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() |
[YEA] 08/02/2009: Stella from Atlanta, Ga writes: "i would like to give hope to my fellow ladies afflicted with this terrible terrible "thing". I'd reached rock bottom.literally. BV robs you of all yourself esteem, you feel unclean, unlovable, the whole business is just disgusting.
then i came across this site and from the information on natural remedies i tried folic acid supplements(800 mcg) and multivitamin B12 supplements as well to offset any deficiency.i take 1 tablet of the folic and 1 of the multivitamins per day.i have taken these for 7 days now though the BV subsided after the first dose.
i keep up with the folic to make sure this thing does not rear its head again and grind my life to a halt. i hope sharing my story helps someone out there. i do have a few questions though:my multivitamins also indicate that they have folic acid 400mcg.so my total intake is 1200 mcg per day.i think this might be a little too much especially considering that the monster aka BV is no more. is it okay to do away with the Folic supplements and stick to the multivits which have folic acid? will this be enough to keep BV at bay?
...Oh, incase i didnt make it clear.Folic acid cured that BV. i refuse to call it my BV.its not mine , i dnt own it , i sure as ** dont want it. all the best :)"
![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() |
[QUESTION] 06/18/2009: Julie from Los Angeles, CA, USA writes: "BV and Folic Acid - I have also been SUFFERING with BV for about a year, after a new relationship (still in the same relationship) and have had several treatments with Flagyl. Worked the first time, but not after that. I am also taking Probiotics in hopes that it will work but it hasn't. It did at first but once I had sex it came back! I have a doctor's appt tomorrow. I am going to buy some Folic Acid. Question: do we need any particular dosage or kind? Can we take antibiotics along with the folic acid and pro biotics? I AM DESPERATE. It's making me very depressed. Thanks"
[YEA] 08/10/2009: Mel from Kobe, Hyogo, Japan replies: "In reply to Julie - I was in a very similar situation and tried multiple remedies. The only thing that worked was the folic acid - I recommend you start using it immediately if you haven't already!! It won't interfere with the probiotics and in my opinion the antibiotics are a waste of time!! I took about 1200mg the first couple of days with a vitamin b supplement and then decreased to 800mg. I've since stopped taking the folic acid, and haven't had it back again. Thank god!! BV is sooo nasty and embarrassing and I feel for anyone that is suffering with it."
![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() |
[YEA] 06/12/2009: Isa from Rockville, MD writes: "So, after reading through a ton of these Folic Acid cure-all miracles, I went into my food closet, fished out the Folic Acid vitamins I had been avoiding to take and did a regimen of 1600mg immediately.
Next days, 800 in the morning, 800 at lunch, 800 at night.
I'll cut down to 1600 again tomorrow.
Vagina smelling healthy, though still a little off. Overall dramatically improved. I will try stopping folic acid next week to see if it comes back. But it seems everyone is saying that is comes back.
SO, what do you do for B.V. NOT to come back? Do I have to take Folic Acid the rest of my life or what?"
![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() |
[YEA] 05/04/2009: Anne from New York, New York writes: "I just want to inform other women about what has helped me get rid of my BV. I have suffered from this for 10+ years and have had countless visits with the gyno. I was given every antibiotic they prescribe for BV. After doing a ton of research and spending alot of money on probiotics I have discovered the key thing that I believe treated my BV, Folic Acid. I started taking 400 Folic Acid with the Vitamin B complex. I had instant results. Every now and then if I feel my PH is slightly off I will increase my dose to 800 Folic Acid and I am absolutley fine (I do alot of strenuous work outs and I sweat alot so I think it contributes to problems in that area). I have never felt so fresh and clean since I started taking the Folic Acid. I highley recommend Folic Acid and Vitamin B complex for BV. Ofcourse everyone's body is different, but this has been my cure! God Bless-"
![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() |
[NAY] 04/23/2009: Betbizpartner from Watertown, NY writes: "Have been diagnosed with BV twice. Before and during pregnancy. have been living with it for about 2 yrs. now. It is killing my relationship as my husband is very sexual person and sex has become extremely uncomfortable, physically and emotionally, for me. I find myself starting fights with him for made up reasons just to avoid sex. I did not have BV, that I noticed, before I met him. Now, I am pregnant and just finished the metro gel. It gave me a yeast infection, a bladder infection, and my UTI that i just got rid of came back. Have taken Flagyl previously with only slightly better results. It will not go away. But i must try, so i am taking a prenatal which is full of folic acid, seems to be doing nothing. I will now try garlic and cranberry pills and baking soda baths and anything i can get my hands on that I don't fear endangering my pregnancy, I think the BV is doing a fine job of that on it's own."
12/17/2009: She from Bl, Ca replies: "I have had bv for 5 years starting after the birth of my child. I have been having a lot of blood tests lately in pursuit of an answer to this problem. Although I have never really had a terribly low hematocrit or hemoglobin I just had my iron level tested and it was extremely low! According to my internet research there is a correlation between iron deficency anemia, especially in pregnancy, and bv. So, you may have never been diagnosed with anemia based on a cbc blood test it still may be worth looking at your actual iron level. I am not sure if this is my bv answer, although I am hoping it is,it may be the answer to my fatigue. Good luck."
12/17/2009: Che from Arcata, Ca replies: "Get your iron level checked. Although your hematocrit and hemoglobin, both part of a cbc blood test, may be ok you may still have a low iron count. My internet research shows there may be a correlation, especially in pregancy. Good luck!"
![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() |
[YEA] 04/15/2009: Trena from Lynnwood, Wa writes: "I have been having an issue with BV for a while now. And a few days ago i came across the site and have been reading some of the reviews on how other people got rid of the itching and the smell and the discharge...I was so embarrassed about it. So once i read all the success stories about folic acid the next day i went to the store bought the 800 mcg and took 2 tablets in the moring and 2 that night. and i woke up the next day and the itching and the smell had gone away...so i took 2 more this morning and hopefully it will stop the yucky discharge. But so far it has been working great! I am so thankful for the internet!"
06/02/2009: Luckylee from Cleveland, Ohio replies: "I have been suffering with BV on and off for several years, and it's only now that I thought to look up a home remedy. I am so relieved to see that I am not alone in this personal battle I face that comes with being a woman. Before I invest time and money into this home remedy though I would like to ask: Is this something I will have to take/do every day for the rest of my life? Or is this a treatment for 3 days, maybe 7-10 days then stop, and the BV is gone? I also see that there are so many different options as far as dosages, and route. What's the best dosage, and what's the best route? I need to do something TODAY!"
08/02/2009: Confused One from Gso, Nc replies: "Im trying to figure out how folic acid and b-12 which are for heart health can help with vaginal odor."
09/09/2009: Gommaril from Harpers Ferry, Wv replies: "If you dont tried how would you know, obviously is working for another womans just try!"
![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() |
03/19/2009: Danielle from Lexington, SC writes: "So for the 5 millionth time since last october i was diagnosed with BV. I took flagyl for 7 days and the odor is gone but I have an itching still that feels like it is in just one spot (not to be gross) inside me along the vaginal wall. I took 2 folic acid pills 800mcg last night and 2 today, but still feel that one spot of irritation. any thoughts to what might help this?"
03/20/2009: Jane from Seattle, WA replies: "you need to give the remedies more time. if the irritation doesn't go away, you may want to get checked for herpes or vaginal warts. Good luck!"
![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() |
[YEA] 03/10/2009: Kelly from Los Angeles, CA writes: "Oh my!! What a blessing to find this website. I have had BV for almost 15 years now. I've been to the doctor several times and they always prescribe metrodonizole. It has never worked. I have also thought that it was a yeast infection and tried to cure it with over the counter meds, and countless types of probiotics, cleanses, yeast guard etc. Dealing with this problem for so long has been somewhat traumatic and disheartening. I was embarrassed and felt ashamed when becoming intimate with a new partner.
So I stumbled upon this site one day last week when I was googling the topic again. I read the reviews on Folic acid and decided to try 1 more remedy. I went to whole foods and bought 800 milligram capsules. I started on my first day taking 2 at once. Right away it seemed to work but I was apprehensive. I took 4 the next day and then 2 the day after. It had almost completely cleared up my discharge and odor. Only a very small amount appeared once in while on those days. I then read online that too much folic acid can be harmful, so I reduced to 1 800 milligram capsule a day. The symptoms are gone. It's totally amazing. I just can't believe that the western doctors prescribe antibiotics for something that a simple vitamin can cure. It's very frustrating.
I am so grateful to have fund this site and the folic acid remedy. I hope more women can discover this as well, as I know how awful it can be to deal with this problem. I will definitely be checking back here for future health concerns. I love it!!"
EC: We found fantastic information on this website about importance of taking folic acid and B12 together:
http://www.thewayup.com/newsletters/041502.htmHere's a snippet from the website, but please click on the above link for much more information.
"WHY ARE B12 & FOLIC ACID SO IMPORTANT?
These nutrients are especially critical for 2 reasons:1 - There are so many conditions & commonly used drugs which deplete them or interfere with their absorption
2 - The deficiency of either can go undetected to cause great damage & suffering.These 2 nutrients are addressed together because when supplementing one, the other must also be supplemented, again for 2 reasons:
1 - If there is a B12 deficiency & only folic acid is taken, it can mask some of the blood changes & clues that a B12 deficiency exists. Such masking can allow progressive & irreversible damage to take place in the brain, spinal column, & peripheral nerves. Further, folic acid must be present for the proper use of B12.
2 - Many of the same factors contribute to deficiencies of these 2 nutrients."
![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() |
[YEA] 02/26/2009: Kim from Clinton, Maryland writes: "I have suffered with bv on and off for years and recently came across your site. I tried the folic acid only and within a couple of hours I noticed a drastic difference. I used 2- 400mcg in the am and 2 400 mcg in the evening and I have not had an issue since. Thanks for this site and thanks for sharing."
06/02/2009: Luckylee from Cleveland, Oh replies: "How long did you have to take Folic Acid, or is it something you have to always take in order to keep BV at bay?"
![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() |
[YEA] 02/14/2009: CJ from Charlotte, NC writes: "Thank GOD for this sight...For more years than I want to remember I have been fighting with BV.... I read about Folic Acid and decided to try it...IN 5 HOURS!!! There was an improvement...I was suffering with depression, my relationship was on the edge and I just thought everyone knew of my problem....
I AM SO HAPPY!!!! FOLIC ACID, YOGURT and Also a better diet...One Happy Lady in NC"
![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() |
[YEA] 02/11/2009: Jessica from Trenton, New Jersey writes: "Hello, I've been dealing with Chronic Bacterial Vaginosis for about 8 years. I noticed it after I met my prvious boyfriend and had it chronicly through the years. Well I found out he was sleeping with other women. I know that BV is not a STD but I do think that sex plays a role. I recently found out I was pregnant and immediately started taking Folic Acid and pre-natal vitamins. I'm currently 4 months pregnant and have not had any sign of BV since I started taking the supplemnts. I'm shocked because I've been dealing with this for so long and now it's completely gone. Just wanted to add my story."
11/29/2009: Angela from Jacksonville, Fl replies: "I just read how a lady thinks sex plays a role in BV. I have been married for 12 yrs in a monogamous relationship and started having BV symptoms after our child was born. Around that time my husband was visiting "clubs" and became interested in one of the girls there. He said that nothing ever happened and even took all the STD tests to prove it to me. I still have trust issues and wonder if he might have come into contact with something that caused me to get BV! He is the only man I've been with - ever. I was prescribed "Met gel" which got rid of the itch, but as soon as it was done, the other symptoms returned. I never had discharge/odor before BV, and I want that gone too! Doc says to try H2O2/water douche, but that only works for the day if I'm lucky. I've been suffering with this embarrassment for 4 years! Will try some folic acid tomorrow."
11/30/2009: Dj from Pdx, Or replies: "Angela,
Just a couple of thought for your consideration;
You stated your BV showed up after your child was born. Was this your first child?
I have heard so many stories about changes in a person's body after having a child. I do not think it would be a stretch to pursue the possibility that you could now have an adverse reaction to your husband's sperm due to the changes in your body. I had problems with my old boyfriend and after talking to the doctor she told me I was probably allergic to his sperm.
From my personal experience with chronic BV: If you have an open wound in the vaginal area (could be from a large penis or the birth of a child) BV can have a tendency to hang on. I am not sure why.
Having just gone through another bout of BV with no ability to go to the doctor I took 18 to 20 acidophilus pills a day. Others on this site have reported the insertion of a pill in the vaginal canal has helped also. There are some really good brands of acidophilus out there that are inexpensive.
Soaking in a bath of garlic powder is good for fighting the BV also and it feels really good. Just remember to rinse your body off after.
Remember to keep the vaginal area dry. You may want to try scent free panty liners until your BV is gone.
I hope you feel better soon."
![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() |
[YEA] 02/08/2009: Shalona from Savannah, georgia writes: "I want to let everyone know folic acid does work! Thanks to this site I gave it a try. To all of the woman that says it doesn't work You must be persistant with it. I take 400mg per day and it works for me. Woman must understand everyone's bodies are different so what may work for one woman may not work for another. You may have to be more aggressive so don't give up. It really depends on your body. Use a bigger dose. I have read that it's okay to take large amounts of folic acid so it's worth a try. I have used folic acid for the last two months and no smell or discharge even after my period. I can't believe it. I keep sniffing for the smell and waiting for it to come back after me and my husband make love but it's not there, no smell! After 13 years of struggling I believe I'm finally free. I know your pain, thank GOD for all of the doctors on earthclinic- you guys! MUCH LUV"
![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() |
02/03/2009: Blessed Child from Unknown, Arkansas writes: "I was diagnosed with BV today. I have had this problem for about 5 months and have been worried. It came right after I had sex with my last sexual partner. The doctor didnt run test but could tell by the rash and the discharge that it was BV. He said that it could be a 2% chance that it was something else. He prescribed me some Metronidazol and I am on my second one. I see that the Folic Acid is seeming to help everyone. In the morning, I am heading to the drug store to get some. I hope and pray that we will all be okay."
![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() |
[YEA] 01/13/2009: Tanya from New York City, New York writes: "I first came across BV about 6 months ago and began noticing the signs of discharge, foul odor, constant irritation, and pain when sexually active. I immediately contacted my GYN and she subscribed medications after medications. I did not know what to do, all I knew was nothing was working, until now. I am blessed and thankful to God that I have come across this website and have had the opportunity to read the stories of women suffering from this ugly condition. I went straight to my nearest drug store and brought folic acid (400mcg) and within that same day I saw results. I WAS SHOCKED!!!! It was amazing to feel "CLEAN" for once and not embarrassed for a change. Now each day, I wake up and take 2 folic acids in the morning and at night."
![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() |
[YEA] 01/09/2009: Lisa from New York, NY writes: "Hey Everyone, so i was on this site about a month ago, because i tried the acidophilus 2(2.5 billion)supplement pills, and 2 400mg folic acid pills. This worked right away! i wrote saying that i would keep everyone posted on how things were going, but only finally got the time. So, i was doing this for a week and even though everything had gone away, like that smell, and the ever flowing discharge, the burning, and iching, you know what im talking about, my discharge was now thick. no other symptoms what-so-ever though. just no scent thick discharge. it wasnt clumpy, or runny, just thick. it looked a little tiny bit yellow, but white for the most part. So i stopped taking the acidophilus, and started to take only the folic acid, and instead of taking 2 (2 in the morning, 2 at bedtime), i took 1 400mg pill in the morning and at bedtime for 1 week. the week after that i then dropped the dose to only 1 400mg folic acid a day.i have been doing this for a month, the discharge finally stopped, and is completly normal. i had sex, and i have gotten my period, and it did not come back. it is gone!!! i hope this helps someone. Thank you so much earth clinic and all the women who post their very helpful comments and feedback. thank you, i finally feel like myself again. you are the real doctors. haha. god bless."
06/02/2009: Luckylee from Cleveland, Oh replies: "Your comment was very very helpful and informative because you used both, described your symptoms, then you went to one, described those symptoms, then you changed your dose and described THOSE symptoms. I think I will try the Folic Acid 400 mg bid and see how that goes. My only question is you mentioned that you have "been doing this for a month". Have you ever stopped taking the Folic Acid and if so, are you still symptom free?"
01/24/2010: Anonymous from Rock Hill, Sc replies: "I just wanted to ask if you took 400 MG or MCG. Folic Acid is usually taken by micrograms. And I was going to try this remedy and I didn't want to take the wrong dose. Thanks."
![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() |
6 |










