Bacterial Vaginosis
Health Benefits

Acidophilus for BV

| Modified on Oct 14, 2024
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As uncomfortable as it is to talk about, bacterial vaginosis is even more uncomfortable to experience. And with many of the available treatment options being pharmaceuticals that throw the body's balance off even more, a natural remedy is essential. Acidophilus, a common probiotic, is one of the most effective treatments for BV, and it's all about the bacteria.

What Causes BV?

The most important part of treating any health condition, especially vaginal issues, is identifying and understanding the cause. By definition, bacterial vaginosis is a condition that involves vaginal inflammation caused by the overgrowth of bacteria. The root cause of the condition is the upset of the natural balance of the microorganisms in the vagina that can be triggered by a number of factors, including unprotected sexual intercourse and frequent douching.

Can Acidophilus Actually Help?

When you hear the term acidophilus, you probably think of yogurt and wonder how yogurt works to treat bacterial issues. Well, it does, but that's not the only form of acidophilus you can use. This treatment option is effective because it actually reintroduces good bacteria into the system and restores the pH balance.

How Does It Work?

Acidophilus belongs to the family of bacteria Lactobacillus. This bacteria functions to fight off other bacteria in the body. Research has found that when bacterial vaginosis occurs, the natural lactobacillus in the vaginal tract actually becomes depleted, so using a probiotic like acidophilus helps restore the bacterial balance and vaginal health.

How Do I Use It?

Acidophilus is available for use in a variety of forms. One of the easiest forms for you can get is plain yogurt. If you're not a fan of yogurt or have a dairy sensitivity, though, you can get live or freeze-dried acidophilus in the form of granules, tablets, or capsules. These forms can be taken orally or inserted directly into the vagina to add back healthy bacteria.

Do I Need to Know Anything Else?

Acidophilus is an active culture, so you will need to keep it refrigerated to keep it alive. After you have treated the existing case of BV, you may also want to consider taking a daily probiotic supplement to prevent further issues.

Vaginal conditions are among the most common and uncomfortable health conditions women experience. However, the issue can be quickly and safely treated using acidophilus, so you'll be back to yourself in no time.

Continue reading below to learn how more than 40 women cured themselves of BV using acidophilus and let us know if this treatment worked for you!

Related Links:

Effective Natural UTI Remedies for Quick Relief
Natural Yeast Infection Remedies: Herbal Solutions & Lifestyle Tips
Top Natural Bacterial Vaginosis Remedies
Trichomoniasis Remedies


79 User Reviews

5 star (54) 
  68%
4 star (17) 
  22%
1 star (5) 
  6%
(3) 
  4%

Posted by Mo (Anderson, In) on 10/17/2018
★★★★☆

I never knew I had BV, until maybe 2 years ago, when my doctor called and told me my pap showed it. I got mines from sex. Even though I've only slept with one person, somehow we don't mix (this is what I call it). I noticed a scent (not quite fishy), but not pleasant. I also just didn't feel right down there, so for a few years, I would always drink cranberry juice mixed with vinegar after sex. This helped for the most part. I also would use bv gel applicators. These work too, but it's only a temporary fix. I soon started doing research and thought maybe I had BV (didn't know for sure until that dr visit) and treated it as such. When my doctor confirmed this, I got a prescription and it did go away, but soon that feeling returned and I did not want to be on a continuous cycle of antibiotics. After researching more, I started taking acidophilus. I only buy the ones with over 1 Billion active cultures. I now take these tablets at least once a day. I also double up on them after too much sex. I'm usually fine unless I slip up and stop for a few days. This has been a savior and I will continue to take them. I no longer have to keep cranberry juice and vinegar around which would take way longer to clear symptoms (acidophilus only takes about a day or 2). Hope this helps someone.


Acidophilus
Posted by Anon (New Jersey) on 12/03/2015
★★★★★

BV: I douche with acidophilus. I took 5 capsules and poured into douche and I have been doing it for 2 days and omg what results!! I try inserting it directly into vagina but it never worked but the douching with it worked like a charm. I googled and there is a study in it!! Just google douche acidophilus bv and it will pop up. the study did it for 6 days so I'm gonna do it the next 4 days. this is the ONLY thing that has worked for me. I'VE tried tea oil, vit insert vaginally, acv, and 2 prescription meds....nothing worked but this. I feel great!!! I also continue to take vit e, c, 400 of folic acid, multi vit, zinc and magnesium calcium (all in one pill), and 1 acidophilus pill orally. I don't know if I have to continue with the vit but I've been doing it for a while.


Acidophilus
Posted by Cassandra (Oxford, Ms) on 07/19/2015
★★★★★

I have used acidophilus tablets after clearing BV infection with 7 days of hydrogen peroxide douches. Used acidophilus every other day for 2 weeks by crushing it and putting it as far in vagina as I could. Now just doing twice weekly. No symptoms since I started it.

Replied by lauren
(TN - Tennessee)
06/04/2022

I use the AZO pills they work much better and you can take them PO. Also, I soak a tampon in sea salt and insert it over night to restore the balance down there. I use Dove sensitive soap.


Acidophilus
Posted by Diamond (Ma.) on 01/13/2015
★★★★★

I have done so many re-searches I almost gave up, my Dr. kept telling me I had a yeast infection, another Dr.told me different etc. I was constantly and continuously given anitbiotics until for some reason they stopped working and/or it reversed the cause, I came very close to having a heart attack because of over use of antibiotics. I have recently found I have a fungal virus, I have been treating my problem with pro-biotics then moved onto Siggi's 100% acidophilus and inserted it into my vagina with a small syringe (with-out needle) I feel great already. One of my younger sisters died from brain cancer/mold, my older brother (Toxins) mold died & two of my nephews died from cancer/mold, my aunt in her mid-eighties turned black like charcoal/mold. She too died. My older brother died in his fifties from a heart attack/mold. This is what doctors will not tell us.


Acidophilus
Posted by Qwerty7586 (United Kingdom) on 11/23/2013

I've sufferred from BV for about 5 years now but only started looking into treatments just recently. I'm 19 and I am not sexually active (never had sex) but got bv from irritation from soaps/shower jels. Drs wont help me as they pretend like there's nothing wrong with me so I'm trying to fix this myself. I've bought acidophilus tablets for digestive health but it says "take 1 tablet a day". I don't think it's working much as I've been taking them for a week now. Is it because I'm taking them orally? Should I put them in vaginally? Or do you need special tablets for the vagina? I dont really want to stick anything up there as I can barely fit anything in! I'm also taking multivitamins and tried the apple cider vinegar bath. I dont even know if the apple cider worked as I cant really smell the odour myself most of the time! Only other people can. Please could someone answer my questions as I am feeling a little lost at the moment. Should I try the hydrogen peroxide douche too? I'm a little scared to try douches!

Replied by Mmsg
(Somewhere, Europe)
11/23/2013

Qwerty, why don't you try a diluted h202 sitz bath?

Replied by Rsw
(Uniontown, Oh)
11/23/2013

Qwerty,

If you google "PH balanced soap" there is a yellow soap in a blue package that comes up. It matches your body's natural PH, and using it may give you the relief you want. Best wishes.

Replied by Jill
(Nc)
11/25/2013
86 posts

I have had a cranky crotch on and off for years. I found using Nutrogena soap in the area to be soothing - as my doc recommended. Also use your finger tips to clean the area and NOT scrub with a wash cloth. Taking extra acidophilus would be fine. Years ago I used to douche with yogurt too..... unflavored of course.... unless.....lol..

Replied by Sindee
(Santa Cruz, Ca)
12/15/2013

After bath/shower apply extra virgin coconut oil (just lightly) and use a panty liner for an hour to avoid staining underwear. EVCO is the best natural skin/body moisturizer that has been used for centuries in East India/Asia. I have used it all my life now (have very sensitive skin), it is now becoming popular in the US.

Replied by Reb
(Wichita, Ks)
12/31/2013

I've had BV for as long as I've been sexually active, and I'm 45 now, so I've had plenty of time to figure out solutions.

Diet and all that doesn't make a difference for me. The only thing that works is douching with peroxide, I use a plastic syringe, the kind they'll give you free at any pharmacy counter for giving kids medicine, and inserting acidophilus afterwards. You can do it twice a day, and up to three days for a really tough bout, but usually once or twice does it.

I do it every time I have sex and after every period.

I really like Ja-----dophilus, they're small, dissolve quickly without a mess and seem to be the perfect strains, but it's also the most expensive one at the health food store so if I can't afford that one I just buy one with a lot of strains.

Always make sure it's NOT enteric coated, those capsules don't dissolve. If for some reason your capsules aren't dissolving well, take the top of the capsule off before inserting so you only have to fish around for one piece later.

I am planning to try folic acid. I've read a lot about it and preventing it would be better than treating it, if that's possible.

Replied by Nicole
(Iowa, US)
01/16/2015
★★★★★

bo, I was struggling too!! But I fixed it overnight. Its awesome.. and yes douche with half and half of hydrogen peroxide 3% and half water.. slowly put it in. And I just used an old shampoo bottle (cleaned first of course). And once its in try to hold it n for 30 seconds like your holding in your pee.. then release. Do this until the mixture is on. I did this in my tub BTW. And yes its gross but you may see little white stuff come out of you that smells foul.. this is good!! Then after your done with that rinse out a couple times fast to lush out the dead yeast. Then insert 1 acidolpus pill into your vagina!! Its that simple!! Its awesome please try it!

Replied by Michelle
(Marysville Ca)
11/29/2015

I know that your post is way back in 2013 but to answer your question, you can get a liquid acidophilus at Walgreens and Raley's. It's not gross, you just drink a little bit, like maybe as much as you would a liquid cough medicine .


Acidophilus
Posted by Healthyh (Austin, Texas, Usa) on 07/09/2013

I am so happy to have found this website. I have felt like such an outcast for so long because of my BV. It's not something you typically talk about to your friends and honestly who wants to openly admit that they have issues with smelling... Down there? and I mean I have been struggling with this issue for years. It's destroyed my confidence and has really done a number on me psyche lol. Anyways today I am starting the Acidophilus treatment. I bought one that has 14 billion cultures and I inserted 3 today and will do 2 tomorrow and 1 the following day. I also am taking echinacea/goldenseal orally. So hopefully this will have some effect and I'll be able to return here with positive results. Thanks everyone for all the helpful comments I wouldn't know where to start otherwise.


Acidophilus
Posted by Caligirl (Bakersfield, Ca, Usa) on 05/16/2013
★★★★★

Acidophilus for BV: Hello all... I have suffered from bv since I was very young. I believe I had it from the first time I had my period. (Now in my mid 30's) I did not know that I had it until a few years ago but I had tried discussing the odor with doctors and they would just say they did not notice it and I was probably self conscious about it. I finally read about it online and then had to insist on getting tested and of course I had it. The meds do not work for me and it just comes right back often within days. I have tried all kinds of cures from vitamins, diets, pro-biotics, folic acid, yogurt, inserting yogurt, soaking in peroxide, etc etc. I did not try douching though because I am afraid it would make it worse. I pretty much just learned to live with it and showered multiple times per day to get rid of the odor or wore pads if that wasn't possible. Recently, the symptoms had started getting worse with not only the odor but itching and burning. I went to our local health food store and began telling a lady who my family knows there about it and she suggested pro-biotics. I told her I had already tried a few different kinds and she encouraged me not to give up on them because they all have different strains and dosages. I asked her which she would recommend and she gave me a couple. One was a probiotic formula for women which I decided to go ahead and try it (sort of reluctantly because I already spend too much money on trying to solve this). I could tell a difference in the itching and burning within a couple days and the odor has consistantly gotten better. I have been on them for about a month now and I cannot believe the difference. It was kind of amazing to me because I have tried alot of probiotics and not cheap ones either! I wanted to pass this on for all of you who have suffered with this and hopefully it can help some of you too :)

Replied by Maria
(Miami, Fl)
07/11/2013

Hello, can you please tell me which probiotic formula you used? brand? price? I am so desperate...

Replied by Christina
(Dallas)
09/01/2013

The probiotic that the previous poster is talking about starts with the word FEMD... It is made especially for females. I don't think we are allowed to mention brand names. It is refrigerated and available to buy at health food stores. This is the best one for bacterial vaginosis, Anytime I have bacterial vaginosis I take this and folic acid together twice a day until it clears up. Probably for about a week.

Replied by Caligirl
(California)
09/02/2013

I cannot mention it but buy a strong one... 90 billion active probiotics in it. The key is to take more. Most will tell you to take one a day... I took two in the morning and two at night. The femd only had 5 billion and didn't help for me.

Replied by Brendam
(Denver, Co)
02/07/2014

Are you taking the probiotics vaginally or orally? Has anyone tried garlic pill made to help with candida?

I'm on 15 months of having it since dating with my current male partner. Could we be giving it to each other back and forth. Has anyone tried having their male partner treated with anything? Also, my doctor has said sex is ok while treating it but the recent homopathic medicine I bought for BV that is inserted vaginally stated to avoid having sex while using the 6 day formula.

All thoughts and advise are welcome!

Replied by Nanowriter
(Hotspot, Texas)
02/07/2014

Try having your partner take zinc supplements. There are vitamins and minerals in human secretions and sperm are supposed to contain a lot of zinc. It's worth a try.

Replied by Rs
(Ca)
02/08/2014

Hello. I have had BV for about 5-7 years. There is no cure. In the beginning I thought I had chronic yeast infections and tried all the over-the-counter medications which only made it worse. Then I turned to a holistic approach and did some homework on BV. The medical world has no idea what causes it and it is not a sexually related disease. Women who have never had sex have BV, so that point has already been proven. I was miserable and felt like I would never have my sex life back again. After trying oral probiotics (which DO help a LOT but not on their own), yogurt douches, H202 douches, ACV douches, vaginal probiotics, and countless other things, I found Earthclinic.com and read about boric acid capsules. Most women dont know that you can get a prescription from your doctor and take it a pharmacy and have them made. This is the ONLY thing that has relieved my BV and kept it under control for the past 2 years. I make my own capsules by buying boric acid online from Amazon (you can also buy it at any pharmacy over the counter) and gelatin vegan capsules and make my own capsules at home for just pennies each. I buy the size 00 gelatin vegan empty capsules, fill them with boric acid and store them in a dark cool cabinet. I insert one capsule vaginally every night before bed for 7-10 nights or until the symptoms have subsided. These capsules work IMMEDIATELY and you have relief very fast. After your initial symptoms have been relieved, use the suppositories every other night to keep things at bay, and when you feel the slightest twinge of that "feeling" coming back or that smell, insert a capsule. You will need to wear a panty liner the next morning because the capsule kind of dissolves releasing the boric acid and it will leak out of your vagina. Its not a large amount but you will need a panty liner. I have invested in mass quantities of panty liners. Let me tell you that I was terrified to put boric acid into my vagina. It is rat/roach poison, but what it does when inserted into the vagina is it suffocates the bad bacteria and it dies, therefore leaving you one happy girl. In combination with the suppositories I also take B-12 every day and 3, 200 micrograms of folic acid daily. I have made it my mission to tell everyone about boric acid capsules for BV. Your doctor wont tell you because they support pharmaceutical companies and would rather keep you in a vicious cycle of antibiotics, creams, and worthless suppositories. BV is a nasty nasty bacteria that has no known cause or cure. Many women have it and mistake if for a yeast infection which is why it never goes away and keeps coming back. Please give this remedy a try. You will not regret it. Ask your doctor about this if you dont take my word for it. Good luck and feel free to email me.

Replied by Dave
(Fountain Inn, Sc)
02/09/2014

Hello RS from CA...

You say you're on a mission to tell the world about Boric acid. Boric is certainly multi purpose for killing bacteria.

I like it when folks are working to help others. Question for you: The bacteria keeps coming back and the Boric acid in capsules works topically to rid the problem in the immediate.

Apparently the bacteria is still floating around in the system and finds its way back to the problem area. One might consider using colloidal silver (at least two tablespoons daily) on empty stomach for a month or so to see if the CS can knock out the bacteria system wide?

I am on a mission to tell the world about the benefits of CS (and am totally open to any other anti bacterial/viral/ fungal that is helpful along the same lines). I am also very fond of the herb Echinacea. That herb in liquid form used for a few weeks (five drops in glass of water three times daily) would also help knock out a bacterial infection system wide.

Replied by Caligirl
(Bakersfield, Ca)
03/11/2014

I have sort of stumbled across something else that has really helped me. I have noticed if I try to lower the dose on probiotics the symptoms begin to return and taking that many is expensive so thought I would share! I began drinking a half lemon in warm water when I first wake up (for other health reasons) and noticed the odor is once again gone. I lowered my dose down to a normal intake of probiotic and as long as I am drinking the lemon water daily there is no problems! All I do is a half lemon in warm water (prob about 8ou) and sometimes I add a little honey for taste then wait a half hour or so before I have coffee or food. This is so inexpensive and is really easy to do even if you are traveling or something you can get a warm mug of water and a side of lemons anywhere!

Replied by Bee
(New York)
03/11/2014

Hi, good to hear that lemons are helping you.. I am starting to think lemons are my best friend.. I have been experimenting with all kinds of lemons.. I also drink two or three lemons in water a day for Vit.C and to lower my blood pressure.. I also need vit.C and yes taking a bunch of pills gets pricey and this is a great way to go... I also have digestive problems and hoping the lemons work there also....I have also tried lemon essential oils and they help me relax.......

Only thing is that I use organic but they are not so expensive either..when I get them in bulk... Thank You

Replied by Caligirl
(Bakersfield, Ca)
03/19/2014

I have taken the vitamin c packs with 1000 mg and notice those are somewhat helpful too. They didn't work as well as the lemons though. Something about the lemons really seems to work.

Replied by Linda
(Florida)
02/24/2015

Drinking lemon juice in water balances your body's PH levels and I think bad bacteria do not like a balanced PH level environment. So the Lemon is probably helping to kill the Bacterial Vaginosis and at the same time it helps the good bacteria thrive. I used a 30/70 douche of water/hydrogen peroxide( 30% hydrogen peroxide and 70% distiller water) for 7 days every nite before bed. At first I was relieved it worked but now at 6 weeks later, I think it killed off ALL the good bacteria and the bad bacteria have taken over completly! now the BV is worse than ever. Going to insert an OTC and pray it helps. incidentally, I'm 50, two years into menopause and a juvenile diabetic (40 years). Maybe using a lemon juice douche would work?

Replied by T
(Pa)
11/14/2015
★★★★★

Yes, you are giving it back to each other. Have him take the Acidophilus as well. I have experienced this issue also.

Replied by A96
(London)
12/28/2016

What were the strains in the probiotics you used?


Acidophilus
Posted by Beehive (London, England) on 04/09/2013

I hope this post will help some women. I never ever suffered with bv ever in my life. I didnt even know such a thing existed. I met a new man, we got intimate and suddenly I had this disgusting odour. The strange thing was that regardless of whether he used a condom or not I still got the infection. Note that when he used a condom the infection would take longer to develop. When a condom was not used the infection would develop the following day. A smelly discharge and an extremely dry vagina. Eventually I cleared the infection and was able to keep it away.

After having sex, the very next day I would insert 5 acidophilus capsules in my vagina as far as they would go. I did not poke holes in the capsules. The uncomfortable dry feeling would disappear within a few minutes. The day after I would insert 3 capsules. The third day after I would insert one capsule. I also started eating a lot of live full fat greek yogurt during the rest of the time. My vagina actually started smelling good enough to eat ;) One thing I did notice about my boyfriend's semen was that it was extremely thick and sticky and did not "leak" out of my body. It seemed to stay in my body and start rotting in there. Anyway, I split up with him and met someone new. I was a little afraid that I might suffer in the same way with my new man. His semen was not overly thick and sticky and leaked out of my body after we had sex. I did not get bv again. I was so relieved that the cause of the bv did not lie with me. Anyway, my old boyfriend got married and I think his wife is getting the same problem as I was when I was with him. She has accused him of cheating on her and they are now separated after only being married 8 months. My old boyfriend is a body builder and drinks alot of those protein drinks but does not drink water or eat fruit and vegetables. So the problem definitely lies with him. Note that I did get the infection even when we used a condom. I have put this down to the fact that the sex was rougher when a condom was used so I may have been getting injured internally which meant an infection could take hold. To summarise, eat plenty of LIVE yogurt. Insert about 5 acidophilus capsules as soon as possible after having sex. This means that the good bacteria will not allow the bad bacteria to take hold. Also note that the good bacteria keeping the vagina fresh by producing hydrogen peroxide so there is no need for you to douche with hydrogen peroxide.

Replied by Sunny
(Ca)
11/09/2013

Hey Caligirl from Bakersfield Ca,

Can I get more clues on which one you used like what it rymes with or how many stains, was it refigerated kind? What colors are the box? What kind of pictures?? the more clues the better. Thank you!!!

Replied by Caligirl
(Bakersfield)
12/08/2013

It was refrigerated. We lost our income recently so I went off them briefly and the odor came back! Guess I am really going to have to stay on these to keep things under control but its worth it! I tried a cheaper brand with 50 billion active cultures but it had more strains and it seems to work well too. I think maybe brand isn't as important as getting a high dose one and then taking more of them. I take two in the morning and two at night and sometimes an extra one in the day.

Replied by Samara
(India)
05/02/2017

Hi, I've had BV since I was 22 and now I'm already 27. Its actually a tough battle, Almost all the DIY treatments are not effective to me.I tried doing the half and half hydrogen peroxide and water douche, the tampon with yogurt or dipped with hydrogen peroxide, I tried inserting vit.c for 6 days, I tried changing my diet for a years and nothing has ever worked for me. Im taking acidophilus for almost a year as well with B-complex and folic acid but then again it didnt work! Now, Im curious aout the acidophilus inserted vaginally. May I know how do you do it? I mean do you take the powder out from the capsules bec I tried putting it on syringe with water, more like of a paste but theres a starch like thing well, more like of and texture that doesn't dissolve on water, now Im wondering if it will dissolve on the vagina. Hope youll respond! Thanks!


Acidophilus
Posted by Jessica (Houston, Tx) on 05/16/2012

hey guys. Im glad I found this post... This is probably the best site ive seen about bv. I recently started having this problem because im on the depo shot, so I wont get pregnant, so my bf doesnt pull out... I didnt know I could get bv because of that. It makes sense, because that is not very sanitary.. So now im suffering from bv every once in a while. I usualy have it for a few days, then it goes away from a month, then it come back. Today I bought a $10 acidiphilis & liquid b12 that the guy there recommended. Hopefully this works.. But I also bought 3% peroxide.. But im not sure how to use it.. :( do I just mix it with 1/2 water& rinse down there? or do I have to use a syringe?


Acidophilus
Posted by Stephanie (Dallas, Tx) on 04/19/2012

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you for all the information.... I've been struggling with BV for years now and is tried of going to the doctor once or twice a month for the same medication. After reading through multiple stories I'm going to try using Folic Acid and Acidophilus. I wasn't sure what to purchase so I purchase two bottles of Acidophilus one in the capsules and one in the caplets. I want to try to insert acidophilus but not sure if I should insert the capsules or caplets. Would someone let me know the difference or does it matter. For now I'm just going to orally take the folic acid and acidophilus pills. Thanks again ladies.


Acidophilus
Posted by Bridget (Montevallo, Al) on 02/28/2012

Hi ladies! I've been dealing with BV for almost ten months now, and I'm really ready to get rid of it. I've been taking garlic pills and acidophilus pills twice a day after meals, but I really would like to try the "acidophilus paste" that some of you have recommended. I've tried it twice, but I think I might be using too much water, because it doesn't look anything like a paste. I mash up the pill in a bowl, add water, mix it, and do my best to get the mixture into one of those vaginal-insert things that often come with antibiotics (after it's been thoroughly washed with soap and warm water). Is there a more efficient way of doing this? Should I be buying distilled water just for this purpose?

I also have tried tea tree oil after reading some of the replies on this website, and it truly only caused me to have a horrible burning sensation. How do you ladies use the tea tree oil? Maybe I didn't dilute it enough. I would appreciate some more details on either of these methods!

Replied by Marina
(Grants Pass, Oregon)
03/02/2012

@02/28/2012: Bridget from Montevallo, Al You could try mixing the acidophilus with plain yogurt for a thicker paste - otherwise you would need only a drop of water to make a paste. I sterilize a long pin & poke several holes in an acidophilus capsule and just insert the capsule by way of lubing my finger with coconut oil & working it up as high as I can go. This has been working along with my other methods (all my notes are under the remedy with 99 YEAs below & I am 'better but not cured' - but I AM GAINING ON IT).Undiluted Tea Tree Oil is too strong for many people - dilute it/mix it with something like Grapeseed Oil, Almond Oil, Olive Oil: carrier oils which also have healing properties).

Replied by Cecilia
(Dallas, United States)
03/28/2012

I've had BV for almost a year now. I immediately stopped using fragranced soaps down there, but the problem was still there. In case you ladies didn't knw, you should always stay away from scented soaps, wipes, pads, etc. Down there, because it is a big cause of BV! Most of you probably knew that already, but I know all my friends were surprised to hear that, since they use scented pads all the time. Anyway, I do not know how I got BV, but it was really making me uncomfortable, and I was being distant with my boyfriend.

The other day, I saw an intimate feminine wash in my mother's shower and read that it was completely natural with no added fragrance. It contains cranberry extract and chamomile. Cranberry is very good for the overall health of your vagina and bladder, so I figured I'd give it a try. I used it for two days and didn't even bother to check if my BV had improved. I was so used to being icky down there and having to wear pads every single day so the odor wouldn't stink up my pants. My boyfriend knew about the infection, but I never let him smell me anywhere near there, so he got my shorts that I had been wearing and smelled the crotch area lol and he was confused because it didn't smell like anything. I took the shorts from him, and to my surprise, there was no smell. For the first time in months! The next day, I got my period, and we all know we can be a bit smelly down there during our period, and combined with the BV, the smell used to be horrible. Again to my surprise, there was no smell! My period even seemed to smell so much less than before I got the BV. That day, I went out and bought some L. Acidophilus pills with 40 million viable cells just to ensure that the infection wouldn't come back. I'm still trying not to get my hopes up, but the smell and discharge still haven't made an appearance again, and it's been five days. Once my period is over, I'm going to try to wear my underwear without any panty liners or pads, and that will be the ultimate test. I hope it goes well. I'm going to continue washing that area with the feminine wash and taking the Acidophilus pills. I don't know if either of those things actually were the cause of my BV disappearing, but the pills have improved my metabolism a lot, so that's a plus. Hopefully, it doesn't come back.

Replied by Zerbo's Health
(Livonia, Mi)
04/04/2012

I visited this section on BV a few weeks ago and then went to the Health Food Store in this area best known for its selection. The staff there introduced me to a suppository that had everything everyone was talking about. These are by Vitanica. These suppositories have acidophilus, tea tree, boric acid, and coconut oil in them. I've been using them for 1 week and no more BV. They say for yeast but if you read everything about acidophilus, tea tree, coconut oil, and boric acid then you will understand that these will take care of fungus and bacteria also. I also decided to take Soloray Yeast Cleanse because it includes pau d archo, tea tree, caprilic acid, acidophilus, and more for cleansing out the bacteria also. This all took care of the issue in 1 week for under $30. Thought I would share a very easy and comprehensive formula that is effective since many have had no luck. Best in Health. S in Michigan.

Replied by Sherri
(Brooklyn, Ny)
04/06/2012

@ Zebro what health food store did u go to? I see Whole foods carries Vitanica products But I do not know about the suppositories, I'm desperate to try anything, I already spent a extra 50 dollars this week on nothing, damn something has got to work for us as it has you!!! Thx for sharing..

Replied by Marina
(Grants Pass, Or)
04/07/2012

It's called yeast arrest.

Replied by Marina
(Grants Pass, Or)
04/07/2012

Hey Sherri - - I just checked, nothing there? Tori Hudson a wonderful ND in Portland designs the product line. When I got serious about this I followed her work. The FDA made them lower the boric acid content of this product a few years back. There are many complaints regarding the loss of potency due to this requirement. It's too bad. I based my original capsules with Tori's remedy in mind.

It seems like a lifetime - but I have been free and clear for at least 6 weeks! AMAZING.

Replied by Sherri
(Brooklyn, Ny)
04/09/2012

Hey Marina, wow 6 weeks!!! I know u r feeling really good, just one day would be a lifetime for me as I sit here typing this I can smell it through my pants:(( Oh man I just finished crying, I can not wait to go back to the doctor, I do not know why my body is being so damn stubborn to fight off this dreadful infection, I rarely talk to my guy anymore, like I said before he has no idea what Im going through and if he knew he would be gone, so it is best like this until I can be rid of this crap, marina are u still doing your regimine everyday? So u have no discharge and smell? wow u r so very lucky, 8 years with this and I still can not believe it, I just saw a brochure in the doctoors office " BV what women should know" well there should have been more awareness about this wayyyyyy before, because I would have taken the damn precautions to avoid this nightmare, I douched and BV got me, seems like it has my whole damn life, my esteem is shot, I want to smile again, such a beautiful face and a stinky vagina, no man wants that at all, this is the worst shit ever, I wish and hope to be BV free soon, I need my life back, damn, and I want my guy too, that guy is my soulmate.

Replied by Margaret
(Cooktown, Queensland, Australia)
04/20/2012

Hi out there, thanks for your stories. BV has become a problem for me over the last 2 years, didn't have any understanding of it to begin, and because ejaculating with intercourse was something that started full on for me at around the same time, I thought the odour came from this. Didn't realise how powerfully bad it was until others started to object to the smell. I also developed urinary tract infections that I'd never before had. I'm also heading into menopause, and a womens health nurse here was able to point out that link. Anyway, I 'd tried ti tree and vinegar douches to no avail. So went to an antibiotic, Tinidazole 500mg x 4, a once only dose, and it worked, made me happy. Until I had sex again, and back it came. There's a doctor in town here who's very much into the nutritional side of things, the effects of deficiencies, getting the balance right, etcetera, so I'm thinking to make that my next port of call in looking for a cause and cure. An iridologist was able to pick up that I had a chronic infection, which she felt was originally housed in the gut, so that's another angle. If I come across something that makes a lasting difference, will surely let you know.

Replied by Trina
(Charlotte, Nc)
05/02/2012

I was having BV and the clinic would prescribe me metronidazole and it kept coming back. I finally went to my family doctor and he prescribed me the same medince however he prescibed me Restora (myrestora. Com) to take along with the metronodazole, I continued to take 1 Restora everyday after the 7 day run with antibiotics. It's been over a year and it hasnt came back yet. I would recommend giving this a shot. It worked for me.

Replied by Nikki1983
(Birmingham, Al)
05/17/2012

Hello everyone. I to am enjoying the information that I've been reading on this site. I just heard about BV on the television. I've been researching for about 2 hours and noticed that I've been having some of the same symptoms. The only thing is, is that I haven't been having any pain at all. Fishy smell and grayish spots in the panty liners. I've been with my fiance for 8 years and he's been my only sex partner since then. Constantly taking showers, wiping, and changing panty liner. Using different cream for yeast infection. My appointment is scheduled for Tuesday of next week. Could that be a sign of BV?

Replied by Lakeha
(Birmingham, Alabama)
07/12/2012

Its good to see that I am not the only lady going through this problem but I havent tried many things besides metronidazole and vh essentials bv treatment it is 6 pills inserted vaginally and you can buy it at a drugstore or walmart for 20.00. Kinda expensive but it works for awhile. I dont think that this is easy to get rid of so the best thing we can do is continue to do what works best for our body....

Replied by Confusedintexas
(Sherman, Tx)
08/28/2012

hey its me again. Still dealing with the same symptoms and discharge, I just turned 20 yesterday and am feeling like im always going to be like this. I know that isnt true, but its like im always looking over my shoulder, waiting for the big scary bv or yeast infection monster to come get me.

i know i've fallen off my bandwagon with my vitamins and stuff but tonight I think I got a sign not to give up. I can't enjoy sex, and am officially single, so frustrated with the itching, burning, and terrible effect these infections are causing in my life AND vag. I cracked open an L. Acidophilus capsule I had (100 million count), poured it on my finger, then swirled it around up there a little bit.

at first I was doubting that it was even going to do anything, especially cause I was too chicken to put the whole thing up there and prbly used about half of it but I really do feel better. the itching and annoying dry feeling isnt as bad but the insanely annoying burning is gone.

I'm going to keep inserting the capsules, slowing working my way up to more. i've learned in my case that less is more after getting a UTI soaking in AVC :'(

so starting tomorrow im going to go back to taking my vitamins and folic acid cause when I was taking them I got a pap smear from my gyno and my yeast levels were low, she said there was almost any yeast down there which was good (i think).

maybe I should've tried the suppository thing a long time ago..... I guess i'll see in a couple of weeks. ill let you guys know.

nice talking with you guys and reading up on the new information, this site really does keep me from going totally insane LOL

Replied by Sherri
(New York, Ny)
11/21/2012

This is Sherri, my BV went away, How? I dunno, yes I changed my diet, drink apple cider with water everyday, just take a zinc vitamin, nothing esle, I went to my gyn again for a check up, no smell and Ph is 4. 4 where it should be, no higher, no clue cells present and lactobacillus is present, there is normal discharge, Im so happy for this, like I have my life back, I smell perfume, u see I have written many times here, of depression and crying and I dunno something worked for me, it has to be diet and no I do not eat yougurt , that does not work ladies because the right strain of lactobacillus is not in there, my pants smell like nothing and neither do my panties, try drinking apple cider, the vagina needs to get acidic, Good Luck, finally after 8 years!!! FREE at LAST!!!!

Replied by Dyann
(Dallas, Tx)
11/22/2012

Sherri, that's awesome news! In what ways did you change your diet? Besides the apple cider & zinc, I mean?

Replied by Sherri
(Ny)
11/27/2012

@Dyann lots of fruits and vegetables and apple cider with water, yeah I can not believe it is gone, some discharge but all normal!!! And take a probiotic with Reuteri in it, they sell it in the vitamin Shoppe, or on Amazon for like 9 dollars!!! No more BV, ugh GOOD, no more fish smell, it has beeen such a long time, of humiliation and embarassment, so I feel all your pain, diet has so much to do with this creature, and u must stya with a probiotic... Good Luck to being FREE!!

Replied by Dyann
(Dallad, Tx)
11/29/2012

@Sherri, I started drinking apple cider vinegar every day & have added some veggies to my diet, but I will definitely have to try the probiotic as well! Thanks!! And congrats!! :-)

Replied by Sweet Tee
(Laurel, Maryland)
01/03/2013

1/3/2013: Sweet Tee from Laurel MD replies: I have been suffering with BV for many years now and so has many women in my family, so I decided not to feel so bad anymore and really try and do something about this Naturally, so here is what seems to work for me: First 7 days I took Yeast cleansers after this, I douched with GSE (Grapefruit Seed Extract) and distilled water for 7 days (1 &half teaspoon of GSE for every 16 ounces of water - should make 3 douches each time). I went to the store and brought a multi pack of premixed douches, open them, dumped out the contents and wash it out with hot water, then added my douche mixtures. Now I douche with the GSE mixture 1 a week and everything seems fine. My partner even said I smell like "water" down there. My period is starting and it's not as intense as usual or as smelly. I have to say that this 14 day remedy is comprehensive but well worth the effort and to douche 1 a week with my mixture is just a safeguard. Good luck and May the Force Be with You!!!

Replied by Healthyh
(Austin, Texas, Usa)
07/09/2013

Does anyone else have an issue with bleeding in between periods? Could this be a product of the BV or is there something more serious that it could be tied to? I've always had issues with spotting in between periods and it's very distressing.

Replied by Mama To Many
(Middle, Tennessee, Usa)
07/10/2013

Dear Healthyh, I don't think the BV is causing the spotting. I wouldn't rule out 100% that they are related if some underlying health problem contributes to them both, but I don't think BV is the cause.

I have had spotting before and do not have BV. Spotting is usually cause by something hormonal. It can be cause by a number of birth control methods.

The easiest thing to try would be 1 T. blackstrap molasses 1-2 times a day. This is very good for lots of female (and other) problems. Red Raspberry Leaf tea - 3 cups a day is also helpful for the female system. If nothing simple works, you could look in to natural progesterone cream, but I am not sure that is all that natural. That said, I have used it to get myself regular in the past with success.

If you cannot get your spotting under control, you may want to see an OB. Sometimes it can be an indication of a more serious problem. One time I had spotting that two different doctors blew off. It turned out that I had a tubal pregnancy. (I hadn't known I was pregnant. ) It all came together when my tube was rupturing at home and I finally went to the ER. Lost the tube and nearly my life. But most of my incidences of spotting have been pretty benign.

Let us know what helps you!

~Mama to Many~

Replied by Yuma
(Calgary, Ab, Canada)
11/30/2013

I am so glad I found this website...Thank you so much everyone you have no idea how much support I got here from reading all your postings this morning. I have been suffering from this condition for for over 2 years. Needless to say I went to multiple doctors and no help there. At work I am laughed out, avoided as the stinky girl in the office. It does not help that I am the visible minority....anyway I could not understand why I smelled like even though I shower everyday and clean myself with more care than most people still could not make through the day. I am going to try some of these remedies and I hope I will find one that will help....

Thank you thank you thank you

Replied by Shan
(British Columbia, CA)
12/17/2014

Actually YES BV can cause spotting.. every time I've gotten it I've spotted. I knew it was the BV causing the spotting because I checked my vaginal ph with special testing wands that I bought from the pharmacy that are made to tell you if you have BV..they are sold right next to the yeast infection treatments. My doctor told me about them. However, if you are spotting and the test comes back negative then it may be something else and you should talk to your doctor. Sometimes a new birth control can cause spotting as well. You should probably consult with your doctor regardless. Better to be safe than sorry right? But yes, spotting is often caused by BV and mine was caused by this every time.


Acidophilus
Posted by Gin (Bristol, Connecticut) on 01/23/2012
★★★★★

My doctor told me to open a acidophilus capsule, mix it with water to make a bit of a paste, and insert it. I have to do this after sex because that's when I get issues. So far it has worked wonders. I've been doing it for about a month or so and have no adverse effects. Only problem is that the powder in the capsule DOESN'T mix with water so I mix it the best I can, and use a small plastic tongue depresser type thing and insert it that way.

Replied by Nellybop
(Orlando, Fl)
01/30/2012

Yea the Acidophilus powder is the best. It's way less messier than yogurt and gives you the probiotics instantly. Here are my tips : Use Acidophilus that contains at least a billion live cultures. Also use the refrigerated kind! I cant emphasize enough how many different types of Acidophilus I have tried. It's something about the cold kind that really works. I guess it makes sense, since yogurt is cold and thats what helps to keep the cultures alive in it. You can get the refrigerated kind from a health store of Whole Foods or something. Also sometimes it may be too strong for you and you have to work your way up. If its too strong, it can give your vagina that "raw" feelings :(. Try a half of capsule at 1st. And if that doesnt work use a whole one. I take mine orally and vaginally but the vaginal way works the best. Good luck ladies! Also watch what you eat. The food that you eat can cause bad bacteria.

Replied by Mel
(Piscataway, New Jersey)
01/31/2012

I've struggled with BV for about 4 or 5 years now. I initally got it when I started having sex with a new partner (protected). I had no clue what the smell was and my mom suggested I douche and it got worse. I worked at a doctors office so I was prescribed Metro 500mg. We continued having sex and it would come back every now and then. I changed my partner 2 1/2 years ago and it's since been an ugly crazy cycle of BV--> Metro 500mg--> Yeast Infection. Over and over and over again. It clears up and comes back as soon as I have sex with my boyfriend.. Both protected and unprotected. I went to get a pap about 4 months ago to get tested for Std's because I had no clue why this kept happening. The gyn said that once the bacteria is there it is super hard to get rid of and again I was prescribed Metro.. Only to be followed by a Yeast Infection. Who knows how much money I've spent on it... I'm probably immune to it. I decided that I needed to do a little more research on this seeing as I cant live the rest of my life ducking sex with my boyfriend and always being on crazy meds that do NOTHING! So I found this site!! It seriously made me wanna cry seeing that I'm not alone and I'm not this dirty girl. I tried a couple things I'm gonna go thru the list:

Acidoplius- I went to the health food store and got a refrigerated one and took 2 pills orally for 14 days. The smell went away and most of the discharge and I was so happy... until I had sex and it came back.

Femodophilus- This didnt work at all. I used it orally.. And inserted it.. and honestly after inserting it my bv came back crazy.

Folic Acid- I've been taking this everyday. I'm not sure if its working or not but I'm gonna continue to take it.

Peroxide Douche- This WORKS! But ONLY when it comes to getting rid of the odor for a few days. I put half water half peroxide and douche with it.. This is so heaven sent.

Greek Yogurt- I've been eating this on and off(my off days when I run out)I feel that this does a good job at repressing it. I dont notice discharge when I eat it.

I've also been going commando as much as possible as well as using an ordorless soap to bathe with.

I just ordered a different brand of acidophilus from Vitamin world so I'm gonna try that along with continuing to eat my greek yogurt and taking my folic acid everyday.

Tonight I'm going to try some Tea Tree Oil since thats awesome at getting rid of bacteria and fungus.. I'm not sure how I'm gonna insert it but I'll figure it out.

I encourge every one to try all of the methods that are listed on this site theres something that will at least repress it a lil bit for all of us.

Good luck!!

Replied by Mandy
(Ny)
02/01/2012

@ Mel I hear you, I too have Bv, I have written here a number of times, I do not know how to be rid of this, forget the doctors they know nothing, this thing is ruining my life and making me depressed everyday, what once was a sexy confident woman is now a woman in a shell, I honestly do not know what to do, I'm broke, spending money on this that and the yogurt? Please, nothing for me:(( when I get my tax return, I'm gonna buy femanol, I need this odor to be GONE!!! Damn I do not have a lot of discharge, just some, and bam it smell like fish!! Ugh, I got this 7 years ago, when I douched too much, I never even heard of this, ever, I'm not a dirty woman, but I sure as hell feel like one, I tried fem dophilus too, waste of money as was Bv essentials.

The only thing that was ok for me was the boric acid, but that is expensive!!!! 28 dollars for 7 pills:(( But I'm gonna make my own soon, I did notice when I took it, there was no smell, then I ran out:((, I was so happy those days I had no smell:))This is some nasty thing to deal with, I can't even sit for long period of time:(( what a damn shame, the doctors know their meds do not WORK!!! I met a nice guy and if he knew I smelled like this he would be gone... Damn you BV!!!

Replied by Happy_az_now
(Perth, Wa, Australia)
02/20/2012

I honestly can't believe that this worked. After reading all the threads from here on Friday night I knew this was the problem. I went to the chemist on Saturday and they told me to go to the doctors, which takes ages here. I'm sick of that smell. I sit down and I can smell it in no time. I have a shower think yes this time it must be all clean, aren't I washing properly even though I make sure I'm washing overly. So when I read that peroxide could help get rid of that horrid smell I couldn't wait to get back to the shops to get some and try it. I got 2 bottles cause I thougt nothing could kill it, but I didthe fist mix half water and half hydrogen peroxide and use a 30ml syringe to apply it. I laid down for 5 mins and held it in. I couldn't believe it when I got up had a shower and wiped dry and the smell was pretty much gone. So then I soaked a tampon in full peroxide and inserted and left it in there for a hour, it was sliglty burning but nothing unbearable and I read that it will do that if there is and infection. When I woke up in the morning and had a shower there was no smell when I dryed myself on the towel, still I inserted another soaked tampon but this time in half water and half peroxide just cause I know it maybe a bit sensitive from the last day wore it to work and took it out after 2 hours. Today is the first day in the last year I have been at work and there is no discharge, which as u all know feels so gross. Sometimes so much They feel and are wet, which isn't desirable at work!!!!! And best of all there is no disgusting smell that ranged from fishy to mouldy kind of smell.

This problem had me so depressed, I felt dirty, gross and wrong. After getting on here nad seeing how common it is I feel like a new person today. Thaks to everyone of you ladies who have taken your time to post here so people like me could get the help they need!!!!

Replied by Shay
(Phenix City, Al)
02/27/2012

I was wondering could someone provide me with a name of the refrigerated Probiotic or Acidophilus? I really wuld appreciate it. It took me for ever to find an organic grocery store and now that I have found one, I need the name of the right stuff to get. I am so sick and tired of being embarrassed to have sex with my fiance. It seems as if the odor doesn't bother him as much as it bothers me. I really appreciate this website because I thought that I would never be able to find a "cure" for this nasty crap!! Thank you so much ladies for sharing your stories also!!!!

Replied by Sherri
(Brooklyn, Ny)
02/27/2012

Hey Shay, the one you want to get starts with "Femdophlus" also there is another one with 50 billion live cultures, I hate to say it did not work for me, I am so ashamed having this, embarassed too, ppl think I smell on purpose, I get laughed at school, and ppl avoid me, I do not have sex at all, what for?having the room smell like rotten fish is not attractive, I do not know what to do, today I made my 7th appointment for the GYN, I used to have a life, now I have a horror of a life, I start externship tomorrow and Im terrified they will be rid of me because Im gonna smell up the office:((I tried it all and my body rejects all the remedies, Im sad all the time and I cry cry cry so much, I swear only God can help me now because Im very suicidal with this thing. My clothes stink, I can't sit for long because I smell, I swear the things we take for granted. This has led me to a bad drinking problem too, Im just being honest...

BV has taken my life and I do not know if I will ever have it back. Going on 9 damn years, that is a damn shame. I was always afraid of HIV and other things, I never heard of this crap before, neither has anyone I have told. Im so depressed writing this. My vagina is gone, I met a nice man and I have to let him go because he does not deserve this.. I swear I never knew the vagina could smell so damn bad. Fishy, ugh, no one wants to smell that, not even me, Im even taking this expensive herbal pill I ordered online starts with a "F" do not buy that, it is waste of money!!!! But I was and am desperate.. Oh God I hate waking up thinking about this all day and night.. What kind of life is this?even when I get my period it is really bad!!! Where is the real cure for this?

Replied by Shay
(Phenix City, Al)
02/28/2012

Hey Sherry! Thanks for that information. Yes, I too have been dealing with this for a while now. And yes it reeks.... REALLY BAD! I wear a pad (not a liner) EVERYday. Liners just don't cover up enough of the smell for me. I am very insecure going out in public because of this because I think that someone is going to smell me. I am so sick and tired of living with this and it consuming my mind! It is ridiculous. I don't see how my boyfriend has been hanging in there for these six years. But he is so understanding and I am very thankful for that. I am going to try the live cultures and see how it does. But again thanks and let's hope we can get this nasty crap under control!!!!

Replied by Jb9397
(Hagerstown, Md, Usa)
02/28/2012

@Sherri, I feel your pain I've been dealing with BV since 1998 and it has ruined my life :( I've tried so many remedies been to countless drs only to not have a cure. I don't understand how this happen and why I can't get rid of it. I'm glad I found this site because I thought I was the only one dealing with this. And I think it's just awful that so many woman are suffering and no one has found a way to cure this. This condition is not a easy thing to live with I'm also depressed and I don't even feel like a person. I find it amazing how I get different advise from drs. Some say that your diet has no effect on BV and then I read on internet where others are saying it does. So which is it?? I was wondering has anyone changed their diet and cured BV? I've tried garlic, tea tree oil, peroxide, apple cidar vinegar, countless metro gel, flagyl you name it I've tried it and all things only provide a short time relief if any. I do take a probiotic daily not sure that it is doing anything but I hope maybe one day the good bacteria will take hold. I just ordered yesterday a product call purfem probiotics its good bacteria that you insert in the vagina so I'm hoping to find some relief I will post on the product if I find it works. I'm sorry to all you ladies who are suffering with this horrible monster and hope and pray we find a cure soon.

Replied by Frustrated
(San Francisco, Ca)
02/29/2012

Has any ones tried that website http://www.thebacterialvaginosis.com want to buy the ebook but I don't want to pay if its not a cure any thoughts?? I'm super frustrated!! I thought my man was cheating on me this whole time but I smell like fish and it's super embarassing! I dont even know what to do!??

Replied by Sheri
(Ny, Brooklyn)
03/02/2012

This is Sherie again, No do not buy the e book, it is a waste of money, my sister got it and it is just everything that is on the internet in a book... I started internship this week, yesterday I was able to be around the other students with a limited smell, I have been taking that herbal pill that starts with a "F", maybe I need to take more, who knows, but I felt good yesterday:) My period just left, and let see what the next 3 weeks will be like, I changed my diet and that did not help at all, I bought colodial silver and some powerful acidphilus and Im gonna continue to take my herbal pill, this damn thing cost so much money, I miss my vagina so much, as I know all of u do too, Im not a dirty woman, Im clean, and this has got to go, BV has taken my life and I want it back!!! Im sorry to say this I rather have cancer, I rather not be humiliated and embarassed and laughed at, I read tea tree oil suppositories r good, But I do not have a credit card to buy them, I used to take these yeast pill 2 years ago, and I had sex with np, no odor, then they took it off the market:(( so maybe I will look to buy some yeast pills to help me out, Im not looking to have sex, because I do not want any STDs:(( I swear only God can help me now... I wi let u know how the week went, I will post next Friday...

Replied by Shay
(Phenix City, Alabama)
03/07/2012

Hey yall!! Since posting on here, I didn't go to the store but I did start using what I had in my house and that was Peroxide. I didn't make a douche I just wash with it 3 -4 times a day. Good news, the smell is gone and the discharge isn't as much. I just wet a white was cloth with warm water and then add some Peroxide. It does burn for the first minute or so but I guess that's due to the BV and I guess it's a sign that it is working. But I do not want to just try this as I know that BV will come back. I will give another update when I try other methods. Thanks girls for all of the advice and I will be coming back for another update in hopes that it will help you all!! Let's all just stay positive about this and ourselves! WE ARE BEAUTIFUL WOMEN INSIDE AND OUT

Replied by Sherri
(Brooklyn, Ny)
03/07/2012

Hey Shay that is good news!!!! I'm still smelling like fish, ugh, I'm gonna wash with that u said, because that douche can cause yeast infections!!! I'm trying so hard to stay positive, I hate squirming around people, I just want my life back the way it was!!! Keep us posted, yes we all r beautiful, btw going back to the doctor April 26, I'm desperate!!!

Replied by Garlicme
(Toronto, On, Can)
06/25/2012

Hello Ladies, This is the first time I'm posting here. I have gotten so much amazing information on many things from this site and I thank all of you so much for sharing.

I have been, for the first time, confronted with BV. I had no idea it could be like this. Nonetheless, I am a natural healer, and energy healer, I have done lots of research on this and have tried a few things. What I determined was this post below that I copied from somewhere else makes a lot of sense. You might have seen it elsewhere.

The few things I would add, mostly relating to number 4 on the list below, the actual cause of our BV, is it is important that our immune systems be functioning well. It could be that the reason we are not completely cured YET is because we need to boost our immune system.

Yes, diet does play a huge role in this, in boosting our immune systems. So no sugar, coffee, alcohol, eat lots of greens, fresh fruit, veggies and whole food, stop wheat and dairy for a while to see if it might be an allergy, then reintroduce slowly one at a time once you are better. Consider doing a cleanse. Give your body the time and rest it needs to recuperate.

I have endometriosis, so this was tricky for me, and I didn't put 2 and 2 together until after I went through the gamut of remedies and they didn't provide lasting results. I got a bladder infection, and yeast (from the antibiotics, no doubt) at the same time as the BV so couldn't tell what was what. I was so bloated! Everything was swollen down there and I felt the urge to urinate all the time, not to mention the other weird feelings and smell down there.

So, when I first started seeing lasting results was when I took measures to boost my immune system. The probiotics weren't doing it, the vinegar and yogurt gave temporary relief only, but these remedies which treat the symptoms of BV DO work. It's our immune system that either can or cannot support us once all is back to normal, I. E. : we've rebalanced our vaginal flora. So, the recurring BV is our body's way of telling us we need to address something else in our body, and, most likely, in our life.

So, to re-energize my immune system I took a vegan whole food health optimizer, a powder I mixed with water. Find out what will work for you, multi-vitamins, greens, herbs like Goldenseal, iron, B-complex--all good. There is so much out there. Inform yourselves, and go with what resonates with you and your own unique body ways.

I started taking shiitaki maitake mushroom capsules which I've taken in the past to stimulate my immune system. It works for me. I also take coconut oil, 1 to 2 tbs per day. My energy is coming back up.

I inserted garlic vaginally at night before bed for five nights. I probably could have gone longer for it to work fully on the BV, but stopped when I thought I would go for further tests and, just in case, I didn't want the garlic to interfere with the test results (I don't know if it will). In the end, I decided not to go for tests just yet, thinking "healer, heal thyself first, " and with a couple of days off the garlic, I noticed the yeast infection was gone.

So, the white, thick discharge (yeast) vanished within two days, but a hint of the BV odour was still present. I also ate lots of fresh garlic.

Healing, I had forgotten in my temporarily discouraged state when I felt the symptoms still hovering, works like a wave. Up and down for a while, then it slowly starts to straighten out, waves of feeling better last longer, and waves of symptoms tell us whether to continue or modify or stop our treatments. When my body talks to me, I listen.

It is important to stay positive and trust your own healing process. Meditate, or do yoga, dance, or participate in physical activity that pleases you. Be kind to yourself. Look in the mirror and tell yourself with all the love and compassion you can muster that you love yourself--no matter what! Do that everyday. You are not your symptoms. You are healing.

If you are so discouraged, as I know many are, please get some help, see a therapist or natural healer for support. The path to healing can be long, but can be made so much more enlightening with the right people by our side.

Good luck sisters! Thank you and many blessings of health, wealth and happiness to you.

I also want to thank the author of this post excerpt I pasted below for all her research and sharing. My comments are included in square brackets.

****

1. Kill bad bacteria

2. Make environment in vagina more acidic.

3. Re-introduce good bacteria.

4. Find out what is causing yours and prevent. This is a mystery, I think there may be more to BV than what we currently know. There are Soooooo many ways your ph can become unbalanced and cause this. Educate yourself as much as possible and try to figure out your why. [I found it was my immune system that needed a boost.]

The tools I have found that seem to work the best for the most people are these: (I will tell you how to use each) You can find all of this at a health food store.

1.Hydrogen Peroxide [I did not try this]

2.Folic Acid

3.Tea Tree Oil

4.Apple Cider Vinegar

5.Probiotics

1.Peroxide-Good all around cleasing agent. The bad bacteria are anaerobic, meaning they thrive in the absence of oxygen. The good bacteria are aerobic, the opposite. Peroxide floods the vagina with an environment that the bad stuff hates.

2.Folic Acid-I don't know why or really if this actually works, but a LOT of women swear by it and it can't hurt you-so why not. If anyone has more info on why Folic acid works please let me know.

3.Tea Tree Oil- This is a great natural TOPICAL antibiotic. There are others also, but Tea Tree is easy to come by and inexpensive and goes a long way.

4.Apple Cider Vinegar-This is a natural, inexpensive acid. Some gals insist on getting the kind with the "mother". You can find this at natural food stores.

5.Probiotics- I cannot (because this would be unbearibly long) go into all the details of the various strains of bacteria that should be living in your vagina. There is soooo much info out there to read on this(and I suggest you do)So I'm going to be VERY basic. Lactobacillus Acidolphis is one of the strains you need and can be easliy bought and administered.
OK, now for actual treatment. Other tools you will need other than the ones listed above are-

1. A small syringe. Get the type that has a bulb on the end. Designed for giving children medicine. Looks like a large eye dropper or a tiny turkey baster. Found mine at Wallgreens.

2. Tampons- get the kind that have different sizes. You will use the small tampon in the large applicator.

How to use these tools for treatment: Take 800 mg of Folic Acid in the morning and 400mg at night.
You can rinse with the Peroxide first or anytime the discharge is bad. I found no problem with using it full strength. You can dilute if it bothers you. Draw it up into the syringe, insert as you would a tampon and squeeze it out while the syringe is inside. You can repeat this a couple of times. [Folic acid did not seem to work for me].

Tea Tree Oil. This is where you use the tampons. Take out a small one and a large one, remove both tampons from their applicators. Throw out the small applicator and the large tampon. The reason you are doing this is(duh) a tampon swells when it is wet, so you have to get it saturated with oil THEN insert. Use the syringe to draw up some of the oil. Saturate the small tampon with the oil. Place the tampon in the large applicator and insert. Leave in for up to 3 hrs. This is the A-Bomb for the bad bacteria! Take out and wait a few hours before the vinegar. [I, instead, dripped a few drops of sweet almond oil onto the tip of the tampon, then about 5 drops of tea tree oil, inserted tampon and left in for 2hr45mins. Also gently rubbed same mixture around the outside.]

Vinegar. I found that the vinegar will burn if you do not dilute heavily. Find a level that is comfortable for you. You can either use your diluted mixture to rinse inside as you did with the peroxide or can saturate a tampon as you did with the oil. This will bring your Ph over to the acid side and make it a nice place for the good stuff to grow.

Acidophilus. This one has the most latitude. Probiotics come in capsules, tablets, "liquid", and in various foods. Most strains cannot migrate from your digestive tract to your vagina. Sooooo, the best way to adminiser these babies is to put them right where they need to be. I found that the capsules didn't disolve in the vagina as they would in the stomach, so I found an Acidophilus that is in a kind of liquid form. It actually looks like a runny yogurt. This is an easy method to get the little guys where they need to be. Use the syringe and insert a couple of teaspoons inside. I found it best to use the Peroxide, Oil, and Vinegar during the day and the acidophilus in the evening before bed. That way it's not so messy (put on a pair of COTTON undies) also allows the whole night for them to multiply. As for taking probiotics orally, certianly can't hurt and may help a lot. So take them orally in conjuction with vaginally.

I had results from this treatment plan in one day. I hope to get some feedback with others experiences. Sorry this was so long, but I hope it helps. This is such an awful problem and there aren't that many real answers out there.

Replied by Mariah
(Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States)
08/19/2012

Have any of you inserted acidophilus into your vagina during your period? I dont know why, maybe it was stupid but I did it yesterday night because I dont want the BV to come back when my period is over. My period stopped all night though. Should I be worried? If you can, please help me!

Replied by Lissa
(Savannah, Ga)
03/23/2013

OMG...... For years I thought something was wrong with me!! I have dealt with this problem since my teenage years. I am 35 yrs old and still this infection continues to haunt me! Nothing seems to work. I asked my gyno what I could do to end this and he replied" STOP HAVING SEX"!!! Over the years my body took a turn.... Hormonal I guess! I just want my vagina back!! I am glad that I fund this website!! It's very informational!! I will try some of these remedies!!

Replied by Soreone2
(San Diego, Ca, Usa)
04/04/2013

Well the Doctor's and BigPharma don't want us to heal of these horrible infections because if we did, they wouldn't make any money right? We'd stop going to the Doctor. The FDA won't approve any natural remedy especially if it's not patented, as they don't make any money out of it. I've been reading the comments here re: BV cause I've been suffering from it for quite some time too. I'm gonna try some of the remedies. I have been battling BV, take Flagyl, then a yeast infection flares up. It's a damm cycle. So now I'm gonna try natural remedies. I guess I'll have to give up wine too, since it makes the pH sugary and it's not good. Will buy alkaline water too. I'll let you know if I am successful. Good luck to you all and please update with your results. I've noticed there's only one more comment here this year so far.

Replied by Cynde
(Garland, Tx)
05/30/2013

I bought the refrigerated capsules like they talk about on here and took 2 orally and 1 in my vagi, seems good.


Acidophilus
Posted by Nicole (Sewell, Nj) on 11/22/2011

Hi,

I have been dealing with BV for years and have read all of the remedies on this site. I've already tried the yogurt and it didn't work so I am going to try the acidophilus pills inserted in the vagina. My local health store only carries capsule form and I was wondering if this was safe to insert in the vagina. Also, if anyone has done this, I would love to hear if it worked for you. Thanks!

Replied by Bvfree
(Walterboro, Sc)
11/24/2011

Try douching with some freshly squeezed grapefruit juice. It will reset the ph in your vagina and you will be free of bv and it is all natural. I used a half a grapefruit to squeeze the juice and douched with it. I did not mix it with water and it did not burn. It is a magnificent cure for bv. Let me know if it works for you. Be blessed.

Replied by Esthar
(London, Uk)
11/30/2011

I have been battling with BV for a very long time. I tried a range of acidophilus brands and methods: from the most expensive one (especially created for women) to supermarket plain live culture yogurts. I've taken them orally, I've inserted them, I combined with Folic Acid etc... I also followed many different kinds of methods suggested by BV sufferers: ACV, honey, most of over the counter gels, garlic/probiotic pessaries, peroxide douche* (*side effect: it gave me a horrible thrush infection, something I had never experienced before - at least my BV is pain/itch free), etc. But in my case BV was so resistant that I was never able to get hid of it - the awful BV smell/discharge remained persistent. Frustration was high.

Then, last week I decided to try my last resort - antibiotics. I went for the "classic" twice a day oral course of Metronidazole 500mg/for five days (doctor's recommendation). I must say that, at first, after researching online about other users comments, I was very scared - just by reading about the side effects people experienced on this drug made me feel sick. But I took the risk - it was my last shot. I took all the precautions I could during the treatment - made sure my stomach was full before taking the tablet and took plenty of live culture yogurt and cheap acidophilus a couple of hours after each tablet. Studies pointed that taking probiotics might help to prevent BV recurrence and it can also minimize the side effects of antibiotics (despite knowing that most bacterias good/bad will die off the antibiotic effect).

I'm glad to say that only 7 days after starting this treatment something worked for me. I didn't experience any discomfort during the treatment and today I can announce that for the first time in years I'm BV smell/discharge free! I'm not celebrating, I know it's very recent, and, as we know, the chances of getting it back are quite high. But my strategy now is to fight it with all the natural methods in order to prevent it. I'm taking live culture yogurt daily and a high strength probiotic tablet with folic acid 2X day. I will try as many natural methods as I can, hoping this will keep stuff under check in the long term. I will post updates.

My top tip is: never give up! You must be persistent and patient until you find out what works best for you! In my case, acidophilus didn't work as a "cure" for BV, but certainly will be a valuable method of prevention. Good luck to us all!

Replied by Momat27
(Union City, Ga)
12/02/2011

Don't just use any acidophilus, you should try the fem-dophilus they have the two main strains that will help you balance your ph, you can get this on amazon.com. Also I know everything does not work for everyone, I use the yogurt everytime after sex, I put it in with a turkey baster, I use the plain yogurt from publix, it's disgusting, I have only been bv free for one month so far everything I've been trying has been working. I don't wash the yogurt out I insert it and let it come out as if I was using a cream of some sort, it usually take most of the day, wear a liner, I take vitamin d, b, folic acid, and oil of oregano pills. I don't know what's really working but so far I've been good. Try prayer also, that's my favorite medicine :)

Replied by Momat27
(Union City, Ga)
12/02/2011

That is what I am doing, I took the antibiotic got it cleared up now I am trying to prevent it from even coming back so far I have been free for 1 mth.

Replied by Rose
(Tupelo, Ms/usa)
01/11/2012

Ok well I have had bv for about 5 years now also I'm only 20 years old but Ive had it since I was about 15 and I was not sexually active until after I was 18 (noting I was married already) the problem is is that I knew it couldn't have been normal but I didn't say anything because I wasn't sure..... After I got married my husband would ask why the odor was there during sex and I honestly didn't know so I suggested because your d*** stinks but it wasn't him it was me!!! I finally got treated with correct antibiotics 2 years ago but then it came back and then I got pregnant so until I was 6 months pregnant I just had to live with it I would take the medicine and be fine and then boom it came back soon! I finally bought this feminine wash from walmart that has really made a difference for me but every now and then I smell that horrible odor..... I see people have left their partners to keep a cure but I love my husband and am very happy. Is there anyone who has tried these remedies and in a marriage who just like me will not get divorced over THIS?? Please help...... I just want to be bv free and understand this crap it's so frustrating being paranoid all the time it's basically a disease also I haven't tried any of the remedies but I will soon!!

Replied by Sheri
(Ny, My)
01/16/2012

What the hell is BV? and why don't women know about it? I never heard of it in my life and I tell you I have had this for sometime now, I feel ashamed, humiliated, embarassed and the list goes on, I never had any vag problems before, now I have this creature, I cannot stop crying, I used to be fun, active, sexy and everything outgoing, now I'm a shell in my own body, I feel no confidence at all, the doctors suck, been to the gyn 6 times and same ol BS, this is a damn shame women have to encounter such a ugly thing and lose your sex life, I tried everything here and nothing is working. I'm glad some things worked for some of you, I can't even sit down and get up, thinking ppl will smell me, this is really bad, and it is just a little discharge with bad odor, I do not burn nor itch, thank god because I could not deal with that.

I met this handsome prince, he is all I want in a man, but I can't even be close to him because I feel like a freak, I do not know what else to do, all I do is pray, I feel all your pain ladies and I hope no more women get this, I got this douching, so it was my fault:(( I did not know it would mess up my PH, I want to laugh again but all I do is cry, I wish I was rich so I can just stay home and avoid people, but to be around ppl is so so so difficult, as u all may know.. I'd rather have stinky feet, than a nasty vagina, I have a ten year old daughter and I tell her take care of yourself, I have a bad personality now, she knows I'm different and does not understand, I'm depressed severely, I hate this, I am not a fish, I am a woman and this is killing my life, I want to marry that new man, and I do not think so with this.. I'm gonna go now, I have nothing more to say, goodluck...

Replied by Pregnant And Frusterated
(Ny)
01/21/2012

I have been dealing with this issue for 5 months now... I hae taken the gel that gave me the most disgusting reaction in the form of a wet tissue discharge. I took the pill for 2 months straight, it came back. Now I am 3.5 months pregnant and it is still present. I am married for 13 years and I have NEVER EVER had this issue and I barely douched. I am going crazy. I want to make love but I am ashamed. I can't stand up becasue I smell it, and if I do than I know that other people do as well. I feel so insecure it's not funny. Good thing that my love has a great sense of humor. But on the outside I am laughing but on the inside I am crying constantly. I read that this can affect my pregancy and this is another red flag. What do I do????? I know what you all are going through especially those who never had this before, funny thing that I read that this infection is on the rise which makes me think maybe we are getting this natural infection from something that we are eating. Just a thought.

Replied by Star
(Portland, Or)
01/21/2012

Boric acid capsules have been working for me.

Blood, semen and cervical mucus bring vaginal ph to 7.0 where it should be around 4. on average. Using tampons during a cycle and changing 2-4 hours helps remove blood but not healthy bacteria. I personally urinate immediately after intimacy which helps remove most semen and use a boric acid capsule right after.

This has been a preventative since I have been dealing with BV for almost 2 years. I'm looking forward to this method in keeping me BV free.

An antibotic can help, Metrodenzanole works best for me when BV is strong. Kills it immediately. Boric Acid helps after intimacy and use tampons every cycle.

Taking new chapter probiotic daily, CONSISTENLY helps in overall good bacterial health.

Replied by Soraya
(Oakland, Ca)
02/07/2012

Ordered some boric acid supps. I hope it works. I have been taking the new chapter probiotic as well. it helps a lot!

Replied by Showlove
(Fairborn, Oh, U.s.a)
04/05/2012

Hello Ladies! Well I first devolped BV during my first pregnancy. It resulted in a miscarriage. I didn't get BV again until 5 years later. The doctors gave me Metro Gel. I seemed to work however I caught a yeast infection. A few days later the BV came back. I got pregnant a second time. Took the gel, caught a yeast infection and days later the BV came back. Resulting in another miscarriage at 4 months. After that miscarriage it seems like I became a BV infected all the time. I got a new doctor and she was the only that has ever told me about the imbalance of flora so she told me to take probiotics. Well I wet to Walmart and purchased the acid/probiotics pills and when I miss a dose or finish the bottle the BV would come back. Sometimes the probiotics didn't work so I thought maybe I should get a more pricey brand. I purchase a bottle from GNC. I thought it was working until I ran out then the BV was back. This was frustrating. Constantly worried if someone smelled an odor. I read on different forums about different remedies. The yogurt tampon didn't work for me. I never had the fishy odor everyone talks about but it was an unpleasant odor. Hard to describe. Back to the yogurt tampon. It gave me an irritation. I still had a discharge. The foul odor was back within a day or two. Someone mention apple cidar vinegar is a cure. I didn't believe because I have bathe with distilled vinegar in the vaginal area every now and then since getting BV. I doesn't cure it but I do love it because it cuts the odor. Always works before having sex. I have been reading different forums. Someone mentioned cranberry juice. Well I did started drinking 100% cranberry juice and taking probiotics. Still had a discharge but the odor was somewhat gone during the time I was taking both. After the juice and pills..... IT'S BACK! SO frustrating and I decided I probably won't be able to carry full term because of this.

Ok here it is.... After suffering two miscarriages and having chronic BV, Instead of taking one acid/probiotic pill as instructed on the bottle I take more. Since BV is an overgrowth and unbalance of harmful bacteria I decided to take 3-4 pills in the morning and 3-4 pills in the evening. I did this for 2 days. Guess what? When I went to use the bathroom on the 2nd day I DID NOT HAVE AN ODOR OR DISCHARGE. It is now going on 2 weeks. Still no odor or discharge. This is the longest I have ever been without BV and I'm so freakin happy. I might have to take the pills for the rest of my life but I rather do that than worry if someone smell the odor. I have also switched to Dial Anti bacterial soap. Will keep you posted.

Replied by Linda
(Hilo, Hawaii)
04/07/2012

Ok, I wanted the subject heading to be Boric Acid Douche. But anyway, here is the recipie I've been using; 1/2 teaspoon boric acid to 1 cup water. The boric acid is for sale through amazon.com. I mix up a bottle of the stuff and then dilute it further by filling a douche bottle half way with the boric acid solution and then top it off with water. I know this is much milder than what others are using but it works for me. I use this if I start to get a tangy taste in my vagina. It works great. You can douche just after having sex and then it rinses everything out and seems to help restore the balance. As a side note I also take femflora probiotics orally one a day or once every other day.

In the past I have tried apple cider vinegar and yogurt douche and monistat and they never really helped completely. I also used to try placing a probiotic capsule up inside the vagina cavity after using the monistat or some other such thing. I also used to try tea tree oil suppositories. But I have been very happy with the boric acid douche. I think it's the best I've found so far. It keeps me tasting good down there. Additionally I think a good book is 'heal pelvic pain" by amy stein because the stretches and strengthing exercises can help with muscle tension. And while I'm recommending things I don't get paid to recommend I'll throw in a word for the Kegel8 machine. you can order it from britan and it really helps improve muscle tone and tightness.

Replied by Kvee
(Los Angeles, Ca/USA)
07/29/2012

Monistat is for yeast infection. BV is not cause by yeast. You've been treating the wrong monster there.

Replied by Silver Star
(Palo Alto, Ca)
10/03/2012

I MAY BE CURED! I put hydrogen peroxide on a tampon and left it in twice in one day(one hour on the morning and one hour in the afternoon) and the smell went away. I thought I smelled something a few days later and did the hydrogen peroxide tampon again. that was three weeks ago and I haven't had a smell since :)!! I have had this issue for two years and hesitantly used the antibiotic applicator my gyn prescribed a few months ago. the smell came back less than a month later. I just ordered phemdophilus online and am going to start taking that as well. SO very grateful for this website!!!

Replied by Paris
(St. Petersburg, Florida)
02/20/2013

I am so glad to see that there are others like me that are suffering from bv... Ive had bv for about 10 yrs now. Way before I even begin to think about having sex. Back in the 6th grade.. Its very terrible that I still have these symptoms and im 22 now.. It's very embarrasing. Im very embarrased to tell my boyfriend about it. I don't want him to judge me. Any meds the doc prescribes never works! Its so frustrating. If its nt bv its a yeast infection!! It gets to the point im embarrassed to go to the doc because nothing helps.. But ive done research on femdophilis. im gnna try hopefully I get some kind of results...


Acidophilus
Posted by Mary (Oconomowoc, Wi, Usa) on 11/22/2011
★★★★★

Thank you ladies and Earth Clinic. I'm 40, and had my first symptoms of BV 2 1/2 months ago after a round of antibiotic and a new partner. I have had NO SYMPTOMS at all since I combined a multivitamin that is FORMULATED for women (400 mcg of Folic Acid) and 50 Billion acidophilus. The KEY is not to get regular, or even refrigerated acidophilus because your body will digest it in the stomach and very little gets to the place it needs to repopulate the flora. I tried regular stuff at first and it helped but did not cure. Buy the delayed release acidophilus which sold at health stores for vaginal health. This acidophilus gets digested in the intestines and WILL repopulate the good flora. Thanks to all that posted, and good luck to everyone. No one should have to have this problem ongoing.

Replied by Stefduzhair
(Las Vegas, Nevada)
04/10/2012

I live in Las Vegas Nv... I have never heard of that type of store or acidophilus, but would love to find it.... I love Acidophilus and all the remedies on here they have truly saved my health and sanity!


Acidophilus
Posted by Yay For This Site (Oconomowoc, Wi) on 10/17/2011
★★★★★

Wow so grateful to have this site and thanks to all of the wonderful contributors. I am 40 and just got my first experience with BV about a month ago. Thought it was a yeast infection but the symptoms weren't right and treating for that only gave me a bladder infection. I tried the Hydrogen Peroxide on a tampon with NO improvement whatsoever, so decided to try this. I took 800 mcg of Folic Acid morning and night for the first 3 days and a FloraJen (20 million) (on an empty stomach) and then I only took one 800 mcg Folic Acid and one FloraJen per day after that. I got my girlie days after I started, so I don't know exactly how long it took, however after one week at the maximum, I have NO MORE SYMPTOMS at all. Yay!! Thanks everyone, hope you all find yourselves happy and healthy.



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