Acidophilus for BV

Try fem-dophilus. The acidophilus will not work. Buy fem-dophilus, and insert one every night for 3 nights, and take two by mouth every day for 1 month. After day 2 or 3 it will be gone for good. Promise! Good luck. This stuff is a miracle in a bottle.

Hello, I have suffered with BV for a long time. Not knowing what actually causes the reacurring beast, the meds are horrible. I have tried jus about everything mentioned in the forums, but not topically. I beleive that this bacteria had so many different strand is it hard to pinpoint what causes our ph to react in the it's form(terrible experience)! I detached the acidolphilus capsule, used the metro-gel at the same time & inserted into the vagina, I'm on mg second day now, no sign of discharge.. If the physician actually find a cure for this do u know what that means? No more office visit, no more flagyl/ metronidazole, metro gel tinacozole. Sea salt is a great douche depending on ur strain of bacteria.. Don't give up- do your research. Every woman's body is different... Fem- dolphins Greek yogurt, primadophilus use on contact. Goodluck!!

I had BV for years- pretty much all the time. Then I started drinking this seaweed drink. Within a couple of months the BV went away, never to return! That was 5 years ago. The thinking is that the seaweeds have nutrients that get your body into balance again, your immune systems responds by getting stronger and ailments like bv go away naturally. It can take a little while but if you stay with it, it will work! Also my psoriasis that I had for 20 years went away (after 4 months), chronic sinusitis ended among other great things. The stuff really worked!

I also am grateful for this website. It's such a blessing!

My doctor just diagnosed me with BV (Bacterial Vaginosis), and prescribed me Cleocin (Clindamycin). I went to go pick it up from Walgreens today and the price was a wopping... Wait for it.... Wait for it.... $100. Wtf? Really?! So after implementing my Aetna insurance it was STILL $74. So I had to walk away from that situation... I knew there had to be cheaper or even natural remedies that could help.

And honestly, with my sugar-crazy diet (I'm a literal sweetaholic) I'm actually not too surprised my vagina is a little off (in PH and bacteria) and I know that if I green it up and/or just cut down on all the candies and chocolate chip cookies things would probably look up. PLUS my partner ejaculated in me the last time we had sex (unprotected sex) and I didn't use rePHresh after, so I'm sure that added to the BV. (He was also just recently diagonesed with Herpes 1. I was tested and I don't have anything, I'm STD-free Thank God) (sidenote: I'm done with open relationships after the STD scare and I'm requiring STD from all partners here on out (whether they are past present or future), even if they're just performing oral on me or vice versa, STDs can be passed from just about anything sexual)

Anyway, I decided to come here and the remedies you ladies have given are awesome (many blessings to all who have given us advice from your own personal experiences). It's ashame that doctors have you purchase $100 medicine ( the amount of the yeast infection medicine you'll have to buy b/c of the antibiotics) before just telling you to up the acidophilus and folic acid intake and eat plain yogurt (with live cultures acidophilus). Oh, and wash your vagina with hydrogen peroxide if that doesn't work. (Then boric acid w/ vegan capsules as a last resort). That's not too much to tell me, and it's umm.... something like 75 bucks cheaper.

After scrolling through several pages... I have the list of things I need and I'm about to head over to the grocery store. I'm going to purchase:

My "Cure BV" List

- acidophilus

- organic cranberry juice (pure, undiluted, with no sugar)

- vaginal ph screening test (I'm going to test before and after)

- spinach (the kind in the bag) and carrots (healthier snacks instead of cookies and candy)

- plain greek yogurt with fruit at the bottom

- probitotic drink

- kefir (has L. Acidphilus and live cultures)

- hydrogen peroxide

- folic acid and b12 (I might just order these online though)

- Bolthouse Green Goodness (has ALOT of healthy good green stuff in it, and it's tasty)

- And though raspberry leaf tea is usually used for women trying to get pregnant or who are pregnant and want a more pain-free birth, (or for those dealing with menstural cramps) I plan to purchase a box to help strengthen and tone my lady parts.

I'm going to check the internet for the best brands to purchase of everything above, I'll check Amazon of course.

And I may also purchase 1 or more of the following from online:

- femdophilus

- rephresh pro-b probiatic feminine supplement

- renew life ultimate flora vaginal support 50 billion

- VH Essentials BV Treatment

Just to Summarize more of the Great Advice given:

- Use Probitoics that are refridgerated, this will ensure live cultures

- When creating the boric acid capsules to insert into your vagina, purchase powder boric acid and empty vegan capsules (size 0 or 00)

- GNC's Super Bifido probiotic complex and Super Acidophilus probitic complex

- There are 4 different strands of Lactobacilli, and supposedly the best are L. rheuteri and L.rhamnosus

- Douching/Washing with Hydrogen Peroxide and/or Apple Cider Vinegar

- Liquid Probiotic Acidophilus inserted into your vag using a turkey baster

- Acidophilus pills inserted into the vagina

- Bio K (looks like tiny yogurt) from Whole Foods

- Taking "shots" of pure cranberry juice, apple cider vinegar, and/or kefir each morning.

- Freeze dried lactobacillus acidophilus with vegetarian capsules (4 billion)

- Taking Multi-Vitamins and Omega 3 Fish Oils daily

- Raw Natural Coconut Oil is supposedly good for the vagina, it's often used to cure yeast infections. Frozen coconut oil in the vagina. (I haven't heard it discussed, but it seems like coconut oil would make for a healthy, safe natural lubricant, especially to those suspectible to BV or any type of vaginal infection)

- Men can pass on BV, and/or can atleast HEAVILY contribute to developing BV. That means it's very important that your partner has a clean private area before entering you. Men tend to be dirty sometimes, so that middle-of-the-day-sex may not be the best thing to engage in if he's been sweating and what not. Also, some women have gotten BV because of a particular body wash or soap their partner was using to shower, so make sure he uses something unscented and light on his privates when you're going to engage in sex. Summary: he needs to be clean!

- Some women are irritated by bodywashes and certain soaps, so be cognizant of your body wash and how it affects you.

- Wear cotton panties and keep your vag aired out

- Don't forget to change your loufee monthly, it could carry bacteria. I personally have two different ones, one for my body another for my booty (lol), and I wash my vag with my hand. But I think just having one and cleaning your vag with your hand is just fine too.

- drink LOTS of water (lots and lots and lots of water)

- lay off the caffeine, some women just stopped drinking coffee and their BV went away

- Candida Diet (basically a much healthier, virtually sugar free/gluten free/carb free diet)

- Some suggest always pairing b12 with your folic acid (I think you might be okay if you take a multi vitamin with b12 in it)

- Don't forget normal vagina pH is 3.8 - 4.5. BV occurs once it's above 4.5.

- Antibiotics aren't able to differientiate between good and bad bacteria, so it will kill it all. And once the bacteria grow back, if the bad outgrow the good then your BV will come back (happens in 1 of 3 women who have BV). That's why a natural remedy is the best for most women imho.

And most importanly remember that everyone is different so some methods may work for you, but not others, buuut with that said there are so many pages of people summarzing their symtoms and experiences that you're bound to find what works for you. And please do share your story and what worked for you, especially if your symtoms and cure hasn't been written about yet.

Thanks Earth Clinic!

typos:

*I'm requiring STD tests from all my partners from here on out. STD *TESTS.

*(plus the amount of yeast infection medicine)

Oh, and a couple more good suggestions:

- semen is one of the main causes of BV (so your partner could be giving it to you). I think that both men and women are what they eat in terms of the acidity of his semen and the taste/smell of her secretions. So if he wants to ejaculate in you he needs to change his diet and eat healthy as well

- I think a good test of the acidity of your partner's semen is to take a vaginal PH screening test (goes up to 7) of your vag before he cums in you and after (b4 and after sex). If there's a change, then he either has to stop (if you arent trying to get pregnant) or he needs to figure out how to make his semen less acidic.

- Use acidophilus from the health food stores (not just the grocery, unless it has an amazing health food section). Some people said they've paid up to $40 for the top of the line acidophilus...

- acidophilus caplets, the pressed kind

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

AND MY UPDATE:

Don't want to jump the gun, but my smell is gone :-) (btw: it wasn't a loud fishy smell, just an "off" smell that I could smell when opening my legs, and minorly through my jeans/leggings, oh and there was no itching or burning, etc)

Before going to the store last night I put in a rephresh, went to the store got the stuff from my list, and came home, finished my lasagna and garlic bread and juice (I know thats sorta a naughty meal to eat if you have BV, but I was hungry, lol), and fell asleep on the couch.

This morning the smell was still there. So I started my "treatments".

Most of the vitamins say take with a meal, so for breakfast I had 2 tangerines, a few spinach leaves, cup of grapes, and a banana...

First, I had a small glass of 100% cranberry juice (unsweetened), I ate a tangerine, 3/4 the banana, and a few grapes, then drank the small bottle of lifeway bio kefir (immunity pomegranant/blueberry flavor), ate a few more grapes, then took 1 folic acid (800mg), acidphilus (2 billion active cultures), and 1 one a day vitacraves gummies adult multivitamins, then I finished the banana, ate about 8 spinach leaves, and finished the grapes, and other tangerine-- all washed down with a bottle of water.

Minutes later (maybe 15 or so) I could feel some tingling in my vagina. I didn't even have that symptom with the BV, so I got worried. Checked myself about an hour or so later, and the smell was gone. :) I could smell my usual sweet/sugary secretions-- which happens when you eat alot of fruits (especially if you eat citrus like tangerines and clementines).

I don't know what in particular did it or helped, but for now I'm just going to keep this up, and hopefully it's gone for good. I'll check my pH with a screening test, and update everyone later.

btw, I think the lifeway Bio Kefir (cultured milk) really helped. It's mini probiotic drink that has 2x more live active cultures than regular kefir, 20 billion to be exact.)

Hi guys! I had never even thought I had BV until I decided that the foul fish smell from between my legs was certainly not normal! I have done a bit of research and have come across this site and I'm wondering if any of you fabulous ladies could give me some advice...

Here's the thing, I'm only 16 and have never had sex etc. If I do have BV, which I suspect I do as I have the odour but not the itching, then I have had for about 6 months. I live in the southern hemisphere and with summer approaching, I do not want this problem persisting! Being only 16, my access to resources is more limited and I'm waaay too embarassed to ask my mum for help so I think I'm going to treat this on my own!

From what I have gathered, acidophilus pills are good (what was the size needed? 1 billion?) and using plain yoghurt on a tampon. I also saw a post about apple cider vinegar baths, is this any good?

I'm only 16 and this is causing me self confidence issues. If I can hit this BV on the head, I would be so much happier and less worried about being different!

Any help and all help is so appreciated and thank you in advance!

Hello, I too was battling with BV... For five years straight the only time I did not have it was when I was pregnant with my son and that's because I didn't get my cycle. Like clock work every month right after my cycle I would get it. It's the worst feeling emotionally and physically, so I totally understand what you and others are going through. Month after month at the Dr office getting medicine and with insurance it can still be expensive.

So the first thing I did was prayed to God for him to take this away for good, I had been praying for years but this time I asked my mother to pray for me a strong woman of God and second I bought a probiotic from a whole food store called fem dophilus by jarrows. I take it once a day sometime 1 capsule and other days 2 but no more than 2. For the first time in five years after my period I didnt get BV!!!!! Amazing. I even went to the dr just to make sure and it was no sign of it. All I could do was thank God for healing me.

So my advice to all women who are in desperate need of a cure would be first to pray and ask God to heal your body and believe he can do it... Because he can and will and second get this probiotic.... Its $25.99. Also the month before I started the probiotic I had BV so I got treated for it and took the diflucan pill with the antibiotics because we all know that you will get a yeast infection with antibiotics and then I went and bought the probiotic so I started taking all the medication at once along with the probiotic. This way you are killing the bad that bacteria that is causing the BV and replacing it was good bacteria that is in the probiotic capsules.

Now I have to be honest I give credit to the probiotic but I know its God that is working through this capsule because we can take as many vitamins, eat spinach, cut out sweets, whatever it may be to cure this but if God doesn't work through whatever it is that you are taking then it will not cure you. It's God that work his healing through the medicine that your taking. I know this to be a fact God has healed me more than once. So pray over yourself and if you have someone that can pray for you that you believe is a woman or man of God then get them to pray for you as well and have faith that God has healed you. And for whatever reason it doesnt go away right DO NOT doubt God continue to believe everyday that you are healed in Jesus name and one day you will be. Walk by faith and not by sight!

I've been suffering with BV for years now (longer than five). I tried the hydrogen peroxide thing. Ok. I believe it worked. First off, I emptied a douche bottle and then rinsed it out with purified water. After I put half H202 and water inside and douched for five minutes (held it inside). The smell became faint. I did it again (no smell). Yesterday I had an obnoxious smell (putrid) and it's gone. I'm not going to swear by it but it has worked so far. And girls, my BV is triggered by semen so I'm wondering if I douched with purified water after sex if it would work. I'll let everyone know. I know it would be a pain in the neck to douch (purified water) after sex each time ya do it but it beats smelling bad so..... I'll say that hydrogen peroxide has worked (so far).

@Cate from Auckland, New Zealand- Dear Cate, I have a daughter, 20 y old, who started to battle BV and she is also not sexually active. Sexually active or not, I believe you would do yourself a favor and do tell your mom, moms are there to help and guide and why would you be suffering alone? Gynecological issues are just like, lets say- tonsils issues, anyone can have them, so please do not to be embarrassed by problems you can't control and you didnt cause.

Has any one used the vh essentials and I was just wondering being that it is a vaginal insert; am I able to use during my period? Being that I started the dosages 2 days ago and just started my period today????? I would greatly appreciate the advice... I don't want to block something up there that needs to come out.. Or it might slide out (the pill) I d k... Help/ kuz I don't want to waste a 28$ product... Again. thankz ladies you all seem to have helped me out prior to this ...

Taking a bath with one cup of apple cider vinegar always does the trick for me of getting rid of a BV infection.

@Cate from Auckland, New Zealand- hi I have bv and I'm only 16 too. its nice to know I'm not the only youngish person with this problem, so thanks.

I've had it for about five years now, starting just before my period did. I still cant get it to go away, but there's a lot of suggestions for remedies here, and I hope they will help. Do what you can to get rid of it now, because I waited a long time before trying and I think that made it worse.

You should try not to eat sugar, I've been to a doctor about 5 times and she always says that. Fruit should be okay though. You need to wash up, she said takes lots of baths rather than showers- baths are good for you, and no soap or other stuff, just water. To wash up with soap you can take a shower afterward or later. I take lots of baths and they do help, but don't cure it, so I need the other remedies. I have tried the antibiotic pills and gel multiple times and they haven't worked, but I think if you haven't had it long the oral pills might work. I've also tried acidophilis and it didn't work (but try that, it works for a lot of people! ). Get lots of air down there, it should get some oxygen, my doctor suggested sleeping with no underwear on. I've heard of yogurt helping too, and cranberry juice too.

If you have some money you can buy this stuff at the store, but if you wanna see a doctor you'd probably have to tell your mom. I told mine, which was hard and I really dreaded doing that, but it wasn't so bad. My dad complains about me taking baths so much, but there's no way I'll tell him why so he just has to deal.

Other stuff: the gel might lead to yeast infection I've heard so shouldn't try that, and also sex (and wearing tampons too long or to much) can make it worse. Ok thats all, bye!

@ Southernbelle - thanks for the summary. I implemented several of the suggestions and it worked. Since I don't know which one thing did the trick, here is the list of "cures" I used:

- acidophilus probiotic pill (refridgerated kind) inserted into vagina twice a day- I lied down each time, similar to the suggestion when using a yeast infection suppository.

- external vulva wash with hydrogen peroxide a few times a day (this stung for about 30 seconds the first few times, then I didn't feel it thereafter)

- drinking organic cranberry juice (pure, undiluted, with no sugar) several times a day. This stuff tastes NASTY, but I did it anyway. During the first few days I felt a difference down there within a few minutes after drinking each cranberry shot (I'm not sure if the instant response was psychosomatic... perhaps brought on by the bodies need to recover from the nasty, super-bitter cranberry taste.)

- folic acid, B12, multivitamin and Omega 3.

-cotton panties by day, nothing by night

I have been suffering BV as well as UTI on and off for about 3 years now. I am on inhaled corticosteroids which are taking their toll on my immune system. I have been living on Metrogel and Flagyl (BTW, Licensed Healthcare Professional here). Went to the pharmacy to fill a script for ABT for raging UTI and decided to try the Acidophilus tabs instead of the tea tree oil. I have completed one full day of acidophilus via vagina (one in the AM one in the PM). I purchased a "piston" and did a vaginal flush with H2O2 diluted with regular tap water. No abnormal discharge nor sour smell (at times the vagina would have a fecal odor to it from the bacteria). I will not over do the H2O2 flushing. I find that after intercourse, the BV returns raging. I think I will stick to H2O2 flush after intercourse and once this seven day period is over, I will take the Acidophilus once daily by mouth. I have also incorporated Cranberry Caps which contain Vitamin C and E in addition to my Essential Daily Multivitamin. I think the homeopathic way will definitely beat science. My local pharmacist agrees with my theory.

Hey all, I am living in Cambodia and have some severe doubts about the medical system here. I think that I have BV. I went to the doctors before I left and had no problems. I am not sexually active here. Recently I have developed a white discharge with kind of a bad odor. Not to be digusting, but it is like a paste. I have never had a yeast infection either. I can probably get any antibiotic but have some doubts on what to choose. Any advice?

Hello ladies! I just wanted to let you all know that I'm in the same boat! It's driving me absolutely crazy where I have no idea what to do next. I'm only 26 years old and have been dealing with bv for about 6 years now and have only had two partners in my life. I've been in and out of the doctors spending ridiculous amount of $ on antibiotics that only help for a certain amount of time then back right where I started. I used to have an awesome sex life with the guy I'm with now for the last seven years and now I'm so insecure to even do anything because is so embarrassing.

Well I came on this site and tried a few of the home remedies they did not work for me. The yogurt in the vagina and femadophilus did nothing. Douching with baking soda and water did nothing. Douche with ACV did nothing. I was hysterical thinking this was gonna be my life. So I went to the doctor one final time got some antibiotics and took some femadophilus and thought all was well until a week before my period I had that embarrassing odor back. I had some left over metronizole vaginal gel so I put only a little in my vagina for 4 nights while taking two femadophilus pills a day along with one vitamin D pill and one folic acid pill and eat one Greek yogurt everyday. The smell was gone in two days and throughout my whole period and now it's been a week after. I would recommend this home remedy to anyone. Thanks to all who were before me to give me some ideas to use. Good luck just got to keep trying to see what works for you.

OMG!!! Ladies this website is a real godsend!! I really don't like to taking meds and would much prefer to use a more natural remedy to cure my BV. I am going to try a combination of suggestions listed and report back. I really think docs should use more of a natural approach vs. Prescribing antibiotics which can cause more issues. In my opionion. Thanks a ton ladies for sharing....

I have had this horrible BV for about a couple of years now. It has turned me into a insecure person. Too afraid to get close to anyone due to my BV. Never knew what it was untill I came across this video on you tube about BV! Started searching for solutions online. I keep getting those crazy sites trying to sell that "book" to get the answers. I knew there had to be a better way.

Then I came across this site! MY PRAYERS WERE ANSWERED! I could not believe so many other women out there where just like me! I cried and cried when I realized what pain they where going thru just like me. So first thing I did was went to the store got Acidophilus pills, a gallon of Apple Cider, Hydrogen Peroxide, and a douche. Bathed in the Apple Cider. Worked for a couple of hours, but by the end of the day it came back. Tried the pills by swallowing and inserting directly. Did nothing.

So my Last hope was the Douche method with the hydro. OH MY GOD! It worked! I had to do it twice, but the smell was GONE. Now I have to say, later on in the day it tried to come back. So I started doing the douche Twice a day. MY PROBLEM WAS SOLVED. I cant express how much this site has changed my life! Yes douche twice a day is a hassle, but if this means all I have to do is this to get my life back. NO PROB! Now I have only did this for about 2 weeks, but I will try to come back and give a follow up on my progress in BEATING BV.

I hope this helps someone else get closer and getting there life back. I am grateful for the women before me and posted what worked for them. If it wasn't for them, don't know where my life would have ended up. GOD BLESS

I have suffered and tried just about every remedy known. I must say that yogurt, probiotic drinks, folic acids and baking soda has worked for me. I also changed my partner, I felt he was part of the problem due to his dental issues (he had a sticky mouth). I would like to urge each woman that has an ACTIVE infection to get treated. The last infection I had was almost three months ago. I started off with a round of flagyl, followed up by a dose diflucan, which I had to ask my Dr. for after researching and learning the cycle of Bv-yeast infection. Before I started flagyl, I took 1 dose of diflucan, once I finished my anti-b, I took another dose of diflucan. So think, front end defense, and back end defense. After which, I took fem-D twice per day for 30 days. I paid close attention to things around my cycle, it came and went with no sign of BV. Not even so much as an itch! I even noticed that my cycle flow was different. As I stated earlier, I got rid of my BF (no sex) which gave me plenty of time to get in tune with what was going on with my body.

About 1 week ago, I was with my new BF (we used protection)... Still no sign of BV. I would get infections in the past even with condom use. He even did oral, which usually sets me off with an infection, and still nothing-NO BV. I was a little scared after we were together so I inserted PLAIN GREEK yogurt inside for 3 nights, on the 3rd night I douched with 1 teaspoon of baking soda and 1 quart of warm water. CLEAN AS A WHISTLE! So my regimine is this: Fem-D once per day, probiotic drink 3x's per week, folic acid everyday, and baking soda douche when I feel I need to (no more than 1x per month I'm thinking). I also eat greek yogurt 3 times per week, if you don't like plain yogurt, get the one with fruit on the bottom. That flavored stuff is not helping. Hope this helps someone.

Help! I've tried so many things I can't even list them all. I've spent so much money on this and nothing is helping. I got relief a few times only for a day. I don't have a coming and going infection it is never ending! I am only 21 and I've had bv since I was 19, it ruined a 3 year relationship. I'm so depressed I don't even know what to do anymore :(

@ Sad-I certainly understand and I do feel your pain. You can beat this with faith and patience. I became so frustrated one day that I PRAYED and asked GOD to please heal my body and give me the knowledge to take care of myself. I have to give all praises and glory to HIM. The first thing I suggest you do is if you have an "active' infection, get treated with either flagyl or metrogel. A lot of people are against the medicine, but you want to be sure the infection has been treated. I used metrogel for years only to have the infection return after having sex. After researching, I figured out that after being treated with any type of antibiotic, you end up with a yeast infection. So what I thought was BV, was actually a yeast infection and then I would also get BV. So again, get yourself treated for BV. Ask your DR. For 2 doses of diflucan to treat the yeast infection you're going to get. Take the first diflucan with your first day of antibiotic, take the second dose AFTER you have finshed your last day of antibiotioc (the next day). No Sex!!!

Pay close attention to your body during your period. This will tell you if your medications worked. If you have no symptoms after your period (which is wehn BV can really show it's nasty head), you are well on your way to healing. Fem-D is getting great reviews and I have taken it but I don't anymore. My personal regemine is to eat GREEK yogurt (fruit on the bottom), drink dannon probiotic drinks, and I take 1 folic acid pill per day. I could be wrong, but I truly feel that our sex partners have a LOT to do with this cycle of infection (for some of us). I think that if you are with a man that is unfaithful or indulges in anal sex (with females or males) this could be an issue. Again, I'm no expert but dealing with this has caused me to really question WHY it keeps coming back. I've been BV free for over 3 months. I changed a few things in my life so I'm not sure exactly what I did right, but I can now have sex protected and (as of 1 week ago) unprotected and I'm fine. I failed to mention also that at least 1x per week, I insert plain yogurt inside as a re-inforcement to keep a good number of good bacteria down there. A warm water and baking soda douche (1 teaspoon to 1 quart water) 1x per month is not a bad idea either. I only did it once but it didn't hurt anything. My DR. Suggested I do it so I did. I also read somewhere that drinking water mixed with 1.5 teaspoon of water helps to as maintainence. I did that as well, but I don't anymore. Hope this helps.

LADIES!!! THIS IS A MUST READ! I've struggled with BV for about a year. I've tried everything! Every home remedy and nothing worked. Recently I came across "vh bv treatment". GO GET THIS PRODUCT NOW!!! I've never been the type to write reviews but I need to let you ladies know about this product. It IS the first over the counter treatment for bv. You can get it at walmart, walgreens, or cvs for about 25. 00 bucks. The first day I used it it completely got rid of my fishy odor. I really recommend this. Do your own research on this product, but I'm telling you it WORKS! It feels so nice to not have to worry about the odor. It's like a weight lifted off my shoulders. I am once again the confident young woman I used to be! P.S. I used the whole pill, with the insert my first time, even though it recommended halfing the pill, in case of side effects. I recommend u take the whole pill too if you want to get rid of that odor quick.

Dear Sammi,

Im going to CVS to buy the product you talked about, believe me I have tried EVERYTHING!!! Even the Femdophilus, nothing works:((( I smell like fish, not too bad but bad enough where I just want to hide, I never in my life heard of bv, I think there should more info on this and the doctors need to stop perscribing things that do not work!!! I used to have confudence my sex life was great until 7 years ago, boom I got it after I caught a std, I douched because I felt dirty, not knowing I was messing myself up, when I had sex, the next few days I noticed a odor and when I went to the doctor she said you have BV, I said "what?" I never heard of this monster in my whole 40 years, this is killing me socially and emotionally, I'm depressed most of the time and the only time I feel clean is when I shower, I decided to change my whole diet, which is not bad, a lot more vegetables and fruits water yogurt keifer, I'm gonna leave the vitamins alone, they r not working for me and I don't want to waste my time on them, I met a lovely man, and it hurts me that we can not have sex, for what? So I can turn him off because my vag smells like dead fish? I'm not trying to be funny but I want to cry, I hope that CVS product works, I'm so broke, spending so much money on remedies, I just want my VAG back to normal, I'm gonna cut out the wine to because that is yeast and I read that feeds the bacteria, I will post this weekend to let y'all know how the product went for me, I do not have itching or burning, never painful sex, like I read some stories here, just slight discharge and fish odor, damn the stuff women go through.

I agree with Sammi. VH Essentials is a great product to treat BV. Last week, my symptoms were flaring and so apparent that my sister noticed it and said, why does it smell like fish. The next day I went and got it, inserted the whole pill the first day and smell was gone. But I also took a probiotic by RePhresh and Folic Acid, and the smell got a little better earlier during the day. It's been a week and a half and no smell or symptoms. I regularly take the RePhresh Pro-B and Folic Acid, and still no symptoms. If you're looking for a quick remedy, use the VH Essentials for BV and take 800 mcg of Folic Acid. They really work overnight. Folic Acid is not only good for treatment of BV, but it also regulates your bowl movements. Ever since I've started taking the Folic Acid, my metabolism has increased, I have more energy during the day, my bowl movements are always at the same time everyday, and I feel amazing and confident because my BV is not noticeable and isn't flaring. If you're not on Folic Acid, you should be, it will help you so much with your BV and benefit you in the long run.

I used the Vh essensials it did nothing for me, seemed like a waste of 25 bucks and I bought the pills, I'm so down I do not know what to do, I do not intend to smell like fish for my whole life!!! You know what I hate most, when they say BV is very "common"- no a cold is common, because never in my whole 42 years have I heard of bv, there should be so much more info about this and prevention, I got this from douching and bam blew my balance off, I'm a clean person like I said and to smell like fish is depressing, it is taking my life over, I have a 10 year old and when she wants to play, I do not because my mood is bad because of this crap:((

Anyway I was watching some DR. OZ video he talked and different vaginal problems and he mentioned this one and he said vitamin D is good to help this, that is the only vitamin I never tried so u know Im gonna get it tomorrow!!! If he said it I believe him:))also someone esle mention nature made gelcaps for women got rid of her bv, so Im buying that too, I tried everything esle here and NOTHING worked, maybe my body is too alkaline, I dunno, I changed my diet, I'm trying so hard not to lose my mind, I will post next week to tell you guys how everything here, I'm not douching with peroxide, I think it is bad idea and caused a yeast infection for me and I do not need another headache, good luck, we are not fish we are women!!

I've unknowingly been suffering from BV for 4 years. My doctor never diagnosed it. I thought I had cancer or something. Finally I went into a urgent care center and the doctor took all the tests. A week later she called and said I had BV and prescribed Flagyl. That worked perfect. But the episodes came back twice after sex with the same partner.

I can feel a sensation right away even before any strong odor occurs.

This time I ran to the store to see if there was anything over the counter. I found BV Essentials too, and I'm agreeing with Sammi. I just took my fourth insert of VA Essentials last night. My first day I took the half a pill and could feel it working within 3 hours. The last two days I just felt really run down like my body was fighting this bacteria, That sensation comes and goes for a few hours at a time but never gets worse. But I get scared because after reading all these messages, I have just learned that this can just go on and on and this scares me. So many people have been through so much with this.

I'm going to do another round of treatment with the essentials on Tuesday. I also ordered two boxes (4 months worth) of the oral capsuls that you take one a day. Hopefully this will help.

Southernbelle from Atlanta, I agree, pray first. It's not the medicine but God giving us knowledge of what we need and working through that medicine.

It's a few hours later and just wanted to give an update on how I'm feeling using VH Essentials. Like I said, I'm on my fourth day of using this and I have been feeling achy and tired like my body was fighting this though my symptoms never got worse. I took about 5 acidophilus' again today (I don't care if I overdose on them). I also took a One-A-Day.

I was getting my energy back as the day has gone on. I did some cleaning, went food shopping, did some cooking, played with the dogs outside. I rested for about an hour and I'm realizing I feel "NOTHING"!!!! I have strength back, I'm not achy or tired. I haven't obsessed about it the last hour and find my mind wandering onto other things.

Thank God for this relief and hope. Like I said, my last dose I take tomorrow night and then I'm going to go on one more round of this stuff. After that I'm taking at least 4 months worth of their capsuls which I'll take daily.

Hopfully this will work long term.

One last follow up. I completed the Essential's treatment. All symptoms went away. The next day I started the capsules (to maintain a balance). The first day I could feel symptoms trying to come back, but they would come and go until by the end of the day they stopped and I was back to normal.

It's a few days later now and I've been taking the capsules every day and continue to have no symptoms. I have not had sex yet so I don't know to what extent that will trigger everything all over again. If and when that happens I will post again.

I know this hasn't helped everyone here. I feel blessed that it was able to help me.

I have been suffering from chronic BV and Yeast Infections almost to the day 2 years ago when I tried the non-hormonal IUD, Copper T. Ever since, I was in and out of the doctor's office with some sort of issue or another. It seemed I always had one or the other, a yeast infection or BV. It wasnt the first time that I'd had either, most women experience a yeast infection at some point and I had only gotten BV one other time 6-7 years ago and was resolved in one doctor's visit. But this was different. I was there constantly and finally I got frustrated and began to look for homeopathic methods of dealing with the problem. I also had my IUD removed (which didnt solve the problem, I guess the damage was already done). I found this site and began taking Folic Acid daily. I take 800mcg daily. I also take Acidophilus daily. I started out with Femdophilus that I was getting at the vitamin store, but I found with my travels that I dont want to take a refrigerate only tablet with me in my pill box as I dont have a way to keep it chilled. So I switched to the shelf stable brands... Right now I am using a chewable with 1billion active cultures. I have found that as long as I take both daily I am problem free. Fortunately for me, my BV doesnt usually come with an odor but the itching and discharge is enough to make a sane person nuts. I found that I had also been taking a Biotin 5 mg supplement that was also causing the yeast infections.

I was motivated to write today because I came back recently due to forgetting to take my Acidophilus a couple of days in a row and had a BV outbreak and I needed help. One of the posts recommended kefir and I tried it... I went to Whole Foods and got some Kefir smoothie/yogurt stuff and drank two smoothies immediately and have been drinking two for breakfast and two before bed. I have also doubled up on my Acidophilus, two in the morning and two and night... I've douched with peroxide and water (I use an infant nose/booger cleaner) twice in my morning shower and twice before bed over the tub and I am symptom free! I am blissfully unaware of my vagina in a way I didnt even know to value until this all started for me almost 2 years ago! I just wanted to add this post because I understand how you all feel and I wanted to encourage you to keep trying! This site has saved my sanity... more than you know...

@ Nikki from Atlanta, GA, You said that you bought a shelf stable brand that's similar to Femdolphilus since you didn't want to take refrigerated capsules around. Can you tell me what brand you were using? I, too, will be traveling and don't think I can carry something that needs to be refrigerated.

I have been suffering for over a year and have been given flagyll and that did not work I started taking the acipophilus but I have read online that it's a very short fix because that type only grows in yogurt and not in our vagina.

My doctor has this "remedy" she uses to help people. I have tried it and it does help get rid of it for a week but she has said it has cured people as well. She told be to put one tablespoon of hibiclens with one liter of warm warm and douche once a week for six weeks. It absolutely gets rid of all odor and smell but I do not know how safe the long term use of it is. It is an antiseptic so I have no idea.. It doesn't hurt me or irritated me. I hope this helps and please please reply back if this has helped to cure you.

OMG thank you sooooooooo much, I have some hibiclens at the house, I will def keep you posted on my progress

I have been a sufferer of bv for the past year and a half and it is very embarrassing. I am so depressed about this and I'm glad to have found this site. Is hibiclens and the acidophilus pills over the counter or is it something I can buy over the counter. Help please.

@Sufferer: Do you also have a whitish layer on your toung? They call it candida. I just wonder if its a symptom along with the bv or just a coincidence. I've been suffering so long and no luck yet!

A thank you to Justfindingout from Houston who wrote about BV Treatment Homeopathic Time-Release Vaginal Insert she found at Walgreens. I had a reoccuring bout of BV with no symptoms other than a change in my urine flow. Was about to set up an appt with a urologist when I read your post and decided to give it a try. Worked very well and loved being able to cure it naturally. Thanks for taking the time to post here.

To mommaintenet I used H2020 and so far rhis week no smell, I mean I im so grateful, I have some discharge, not a lot, but that fish smell is gone GOOD!!!

I'm happy to find this sight. For the last few months I've had the fishy odor. I had BV plenty of times before in college so I'm familiar because I couldn't get rid of it for about a year or two. I finally took a cranberry, goldenseal and garlic combination everyday for months and one day it went away. Anywho, this time my doc is saying nothing is wrong, but I KNOW it is. I smell horrible. So I'm going to get the over the counter homeopathic remedy and see if that works. I did start taking acidophilis and the cranberry combination for about a week, but the odor is embarassing. I'm so self-conscious. Thanks for the info. I love google. Lol!

I too have suffered from BV for years. Because I do not eat yogurt (don't like the sour taste), I had almost given up when I ran across a website. This product really works. The only draw back is that it does not cure the problem but does help get rid of the smell. It can be a bit pricey and you have to take a pill twice a day, but to some it is so worth it. If anyone has a product that actually cures BV I would love to know.

Thank you all so very much for having posted and thank goodness this site was invented!!

I've only suffered from BV for 2-1/2 years but my physician was only interested in receiving the office visit fee not in helping me at all.

When I went to her the 1st time, she took a pap but said it's fine, the 2nd time, she didn't even have me disrobe or examine me in any way but took all of 3 minutes to tell me, you're getting older, old women just smell that way (?!! Wow) both times she took $100 and didn't prescribe anything.

I've been spending a fortune on pads over the past 2-1/2 years and it's never happened before. Until I read that others suffer this and that there's an actual cure!! Thank you!!

I'm going to buy that after work tonight and promise to come back and give a righteous Yea, Nay or Neutral in 2 weeks (I figure that's long enough to know if it works and will continue to work).

@ Canton: The white layer on your tongue is called Thrush which is just a yeast infection in your mouth. Try eating some yogurt & rinsing with diluted hydrogen peroxide.

As far as BV, I was being prescribed Flagyl which was not working. A co-worker suggested the hydrogen peroxide/water douche & it helped sooo much. I get it all the time but I know I have it because it starts to burn when I pee. Hope this helps.

I have suffered from this on and off for awhile now. I'm a big fan of NOT using antibiotics because it only makes it worse long term. I know people are talking about acidophilus, which I use regularly and is great but I also wanted to share a link I discovered recently. I was in the doctors office and she said try changing your detergent and using cotton underwear but it wasn't adding up. Then I realized it was when I went on birth control!!! When I went off I was fine, then I started again and boom! Cronic infections again.

I did have one person tell me though, that white vinegar works to help balance the Ph in our bodies. I've tried it both in me and just adding it to my bath. It's a little more instant than the acidophilus. Make sure it's bv tho and not a yeast infection!

Hi! No, don't worry about the other two. I insert acidophilus pills in my vagina every once in awhile and they will absorb into your body due to the moisture in your vagina. I'm assuming that they are the caplets and do not have a plastic coating on the outside like a liquid pill would. In that case, they may not dissolve or will take a much longer time.

I see that I am not the only suffer of bv, yeast and bladder infections. It's has been a horrible experience for me too. I did get rid of the yeast by making a boric acid douche. But the bv did not go away and may have made it worse. I then was prescribed Cipro for bladder infection and Metronidazole for 7 days which then brought on the yeast again. I did do the boric acid douche for 2 days and perioxde douche for 2 days, along with Acuflora by mouth 2 x times per day (which contain Lactobacillius acidophilus, and L rhamnosus along with bifidobacterium bifidum and some other things. ) I also take 1x daily AZo yeast pills. So far I am doing good!

For the ladies that only suffer from chronic yeast infections the boric acid really does work. Make sure you add water to it, I made the mistake of putting it into capsules and it was so strong I was on fire for days!! I wish more research would be done in general for chronic BV, Yeast, and Bladder Infections.

I am 44 years old and Post mennapausal. My first outbreak was a year ago December, and it just so happened I had just found out that my husband had an affair. Since I have never EVER had this before, I am assuming I got it from him. I thought at the time I was dealing with a yeast infection. It did go away, but this summer came back, and was awful. I did not experience the odor or discharge, but the burning was terrible. I probably waited to long to go to the Dr., but I had no idea what I was dealing with. After a round of Flagyl, it did go way, but came back again. Again, another trip to the Dr. And two weeks of Flagyl. After taking it a week, I started noticing I had an odor when I went to the bathroom. I googled Natural Cures for BV, and found this site. What a blessing! I was so releaved when I saw that it was not just me.

Sunday night I started taking 3 Acidophilus at night and inserting one. I went to Walgreens tonight to pick up some liners, and saw a box that said BV Treatment Homeopathic Time-Release Vaginal Insert. It IS costly, 24.99 for 6 inserts, but I purchased it. When I googled the product, there were more positive coments than negative. I inserted the first one in tonight, and will keep you posted on how it works.

I do plan on Continuing the Acidophilus.

Only the highest quality acidophilus taken at least twice a day, (I spen $40 a month on mine) works... And using neem oil inside the vagina. Here's what I do... (may sound odd) I take a dropperful of neem oil and drop it onto a large metalic vibrator (Seriously!! ) I insert the vibrator, (turned off of course) as far as it will go, to insure I'm reaching everything, then take it out. Do this for seven days. I do it twice a day if I have a severe infection. I also do this after sex to PREVENT infection. I use to use capsules, but I find it does not reach and cure the infection as fast...

Neem oil? Never heard where does one purchase this??

I believe I have seen it at Whole Foods. Is there a natural food store or health food store near you? They may also carry it. As a last resort, I'm sure you can buy it online.

I used chewable acidophilus which seemed like it easily disolved when inserted vaginally (which I only did once anyway). I also used a peroxide and H2O douche (only the first day) and took folic acid as well as the acidophilus daily as directed. All symptoms are completely gone within the first two days. After researching on the internet, I think mine was caused by my IUD (Mirena) and a new monogomous partner after my divorce. I have had symptoms for a year and didn't know what it was. I had read on webMd.com that acidopholis had been used as home remedy for decades but that it was found in dairy and not naturally in the vagina so it wouldn't work. So I just want everyone to know that reads this that it does in fact work (at least it or the folic acid). No more putrid odor. I am so thankful!

Hey girls;

check this website; and contact ur doctors also apart of using natural medicine

www.sumobrain.com/patents/wipo/Use-nifuratel-to-treat-infections/WO2010121980.html- seems there is a strain of bacteria of BV which is

1. not being trated by METRONIDAZOLE which is most commonly used by doctors - golden remedy that does not work in many cases (i think I have been treated with this for 2 years on and off & even treated my BF ;-) with that

2. this strain is being transferred to ur partner (!! Usually a guy is not treated)

3. this strain of bacterias is new, and non responsive to stnadard treatment that is why it comes back ...

and at least in this website they do mention that good treatment consists also of use of probiotics(! ) as well as vitamin C etc...

so all what you all are saying;

this is my today`s discovery after visiting different / cheap doctor (not foreign doctor in shanghai ;-) even though had huge problems communcitating ;) well google works in any case

and am now trying different perspective, as after metronidazole tratments I did try natural ways only.. And it came back again.. So would like to find some golden middle way.. not to foget the doctors and medicine development.

lets see if this doctor was not wrong; research prove chances.. So will try to continue what u propose in earth clinic but also try conventional approach;

at moment am full of hopes it will help.. At least according to those reaserches it does, Swidish researches recommend this medicine also.. So lets see. If anybody intersted let know

Hi everyone! I know how terrible BV is and also urinary tract infections! THERE IS A SIMPLE REMEDY!!!! (The number 1 cause for BV is semen by the way girls!! ) for the BV all you need to do is buy acidophilus caplets, the pressed kind, even life brand works and its only 11.50$ and soak a tampon with unflovored yoghurt. I find it better to break the pill in half and insert one half with the soaked tampon and swallow the other half. It works so well! And for urinary tract infections ALKA SELTZER!! This way antibiotics wont cause BV again! And it starts working as soon and you pass the glass of water!!!!!! Believe me this really really works, I have tried everything, and for the odor until the BV is gone you can use diluted tea tree oil around your 'area'. Good luck ladies

I have the chewable pills, blueberry flavor... because of the blueberry flavor, I am afraid to insert into my V.

I've been taking Apple Cider Vinegar baths all week, I added salt to it yesterday. Then I found this sight. I went out and bought some fresh HydroPeroxide, femdopholis, folic acid 800 mg, Lekir, 100% Cranberry Juice, Probioc Pearls.

Today, once I picked up the pills, I took a Estroven multivitamen, 2 folic acid pills, 2 pearls, 3 femdopholis'. I did a Hydro douche, inserted a tampon with yogurt on it - slept for about 4 hours. Took a Apple Cider Vinegar salt bath for about 15 mins. Drinking on my Lekir now. I'm still feeling some twinges, not being hit in the face with the smell as I was earlier, but I haven't started peeing frequently since I woke up to work at 1am.

I think I will pop two femdopholis pills and two folic acid pills with some water to see if I can get things more on track.

I'm wondering if I should Hydroflush before I leave for work. hmmm.... Guess if I am going to insert a femdopholis, I better wait until I get back home after work. hmmmmm...

BV is so horrible.

Boric acid powder is the only cure for my yeast infections, and it completely eliminates the symptoms of BV as well. However, it doesn't seem to cure my BV. A pill filled with boric acid powder inserted twice daily into the vagina will cure my yeast infections after 2 weeks (thank god - because the over-the-counter stuff no longer works for me - in fact, it makes my vagina burn like crazy). I'm using the boric acid now for my recurring BV infection, but I'm in search of a cure... Been through the antibiotics 3 times now. My obgyn told me that my partner has to be treated. So we did that, but then my BV came back on its own even before my partner and I had sex. I've used Femdophilus before, and at first it seemed to work (orally), but after recurring BV infections it no longer works orally. My next move is going to be inserting Femdophilus vaginally. Wish me luck!!! And try the boric acid. It is a miracle powder!

What's the dosage for the boric acid and did your boyfriend get treated and if so with what and for how long??? Did it take care of the issue????

What medicine should my boyfriend use to get treated for BV? I've had it 4 times in the past 6 months and my pharmacist suggested he gets treated. What types of medicines should he take? Does he need metroconizole pills (spelling?) He does not have a STD; he was recently tested. Any info you all have would be so very helpful; thank you!

HI, I had re current BV for a Year. I have not had it for 6 months.

Have your man wash everyday, before and after sex with an antiseptic skin cleanser. Bought mine at a pharmacy or get it online. No scented soaps on your vaginal area. I use a____ healing ointment inserted by fingers before sex and organic lubricant during sex. No sex during or 1 day after your period. Do not let your man ejaculate inside of you. Sperm change the PH. Wash everything in hot water, panties, towels, sheets. Take for 4 months daily probiotics. Take a good multi vitamin daily and add spinach to your protein shakes. No chicken with antibiotics. To get rid of smell use water and hydrogen peroxide mixture. Use fingers to insert it. Just a little to make smell go away until your body absorbs the right amount it needs of the probiotics. Stay possitive. You can get rid of this. GL

It could be that you were developing the systemic candida all along and the probiotics weren't much of a factor. I am on the candida diet, no yeast in products, no sugar, no fruit or milk products. It's not easy but it's not impossible. I feel tremendously better.

Last night I tried an acidophilus capsule inserted vaginally. 5 hrs later I woke up with cramps, and the capsule was still intact. I managed to get it out and the cramps subsided & I went back to sleep. Is there a better way to get the capsule in there, becasue they don't seem to dissolve inside of me! Not sure why...

I know this response is late but better late than never! Affliction with BV usually means you have a higher vaginal pH than normal (alkaline versus the normal healthy acidic vagina). A capsule will have trouble dissolving in an alkaline environment. Inserting the probiotic suppository after a peroxide douche or repHresh gel (that fixes your vaginal pH) will help the capsules dissolve.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Let us know if going dairy free helps your problem.

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

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

Blessings to all!

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

I went to the local whole foods store purchased:

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

2. Kefir Yogurt

Then went to CVS local pharmacy and purchased:

1. 1 Box of Disposable MEDICATED DUCHE

2. 1 bottle of Folic Acid

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

Regime:

Day one-

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

2) Douche with medicated douche

3) Apply first BV insert into vagina

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

Day two - six

Same regime as above EXCLUDING Douche

Day six and onwards

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

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

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

GOD BLESS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hi there,

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

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

I have been dealing with BV for the past year and 1/2. It is ruining my life! I have tried Flagyl, Metrogel for 3 months( I have used Flagyl 4 seperate times and Metrogel 2x's for 3 months!), and Rephresh, during that time as well. Can you tell me what Probiotic I need to buy and do I need to purchase the Folic Acid and B12 capsules seperatly, or do I just take a multivitamin twice a day? I am just looking for a cure and some help. Any advice you can give me would be greatly appreciated!

Just wondering how you knew so much information and to find that you are a RN explains it. But I can't understand why you just found out about this. How long did you suffer from this problem? MY real question is what did you do to hide the odor being that you work with people closely everyday?

The trick for me was going to the health food store and buying "Kefir" (right next to the yogurts) has all the L. Acidphilus and live cultures you need. It's like yogurt but on crack... In a good way. 2nd day.. BAM gone.. BUT I continued to drink 2 glasses per day for the rest of the week for good measure. PLUS I did drink cranberry juice that I also purchased at the health food store. I got the PURE cranberry juice, organic, undiluted and no sugar.. VERY bitter and kinda expensive ($10) but worth it. I made sure to drink lots of water too (not along with the undiluted cranberry juice as that would kinda defeat the purpose). Oh one last thing I did was "wash" with the hydrogen peroxide, not inside though cause I was too chicken. Anyways I had a real bad case this time lasting about 2 weeks.. Was hoping it would go away with the cheap yogurt and weak cranberry juice from regular grocery store but it didn't. After going hard core with the good stuff mentioned above from health food store, that stuff cleared right up by 2nd day... But remember keep it up for a week for good measure! I think that's why it sometimes comes back almost immediately on some women cuase they happen not to smell it anymore so they stop treatment without totally wiping it out in the first place. Just my opinion. Good luck ladies!!

I'm 26 years old and I've been struggling with a constant case of BV for over a year now. I've taken metronidazole on two different occasions and it seems to work but within a week to a month after the doses stop the symptoms come back. I've been reading about different douches (which I've been told by health care people to avoid) such as water and hydrogen peroxide. I read that douches can be dangerous because they can cause the infection to go further up and hide in the cervix and fallopian tubes which can cause Pelvic Inflammatory disease which is something even more dangerous that I would really want to avoid! You claim to have success with the douche and yogurts and cranberry juice, but would it potentially be dangerous to use the douche before you got the infection under control?

I have suffered on and off for about six months. The first time I went in to the doctor they said I had BV and treatment was to take metronidazole by mouth 3 times daily-- 8 hours apart, which, for a student working 30 hours a week is difficult to time. About three months later I got it again and went back and was given metro-gel. Came back, yet again, and I began my own research. I am an undergrad studying biology and have had a few microbio classes-- The bacteria that causes BV (v. Gardernella) produces things like cadaverines when it lyses the protein cells in the vagina-- causing the foul smell. This bacteria thrives in an anaerobic and alkaline pH environment-- that is why some people are finding success using the Hydrogen Peroxide.
ANYWAY, enough babbling-- I thought some people might be interested to know a bit more about it than just it flippin sucks.

So, the trick is to A. ) Kill the bad bacteria, and B. ) build up the good guys.

I purchased: Acidophilus (1 bil. ), Folic acid (800 mg), a women's GNC multi, Vitamin B complex, and Femdophilus.

Femdophilus is in a brown bottle with pink labeling-- I found it in a whole foods store. It contains Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Lactobacillus reuteri-- both which reestablish "healthy flora" or good bacteria in the vaginal tract.

My regimen is to take one of each of these in the AM, and one in the evening. AND.. Now this is kinda strange but it worked in a few hours. I took a Lite tampon, got it wet, opened one of the Femdophilus capsules and covered the tampon in the powder and inserted it-- left it in a few hours and poof, smell- gone. I've done it twice now this week.

The kicker is the BV would usually go away and then come back if my boy toy and I had sex. Well, we have sex A LOT and this week... Nada, no sign of that crap. I am crossing my fingers its gone for good or that I can keep it at bay.

One thing you also want to avoid is your man ejaculating inside of you-- seminal fluid is VERY alkaline and makes the vagina a great environment for BV to flourish-- I think that's how it all started for me.

One last thing-- I have the Mirena IUD and have had it for a year and a half with no issues up until the last six months-- I am not sure what exactly is to blame or if it played any part in me getting BV but if it keeps reoccurring I may have it taken out. :(

Hopefully doctors will eventually try to figure the bug out instead of wrongly prescribing antibiotics that don't do their job.

Good luck, smile.

I'm 19 and have been sufferring from BV for 7 years! I'm not sexually active (never had sex) and I guess I got it from using harsh chemicals down there. I've just bought acidophilus pills (5 billion units) from ebay and will be taking 1 pill orally per day. Do I have to insert it down there? I've tried checking the pH down there with a little pH test stick but it could barely go in! So I really don't want to have to stick anything down there. I'm also taking multivitamins everyday and yoghurt with live cultures but I'm not sure if this is working as my only symptom is the foul smell and most of the time I cant even smell it myself, only others can! So sick of having this. I'm thinking about drinking apple cider vinegar/taking a bath in it too. Please please someone advise me on methods than can help (other than putting things up there vaginally)

Omg I think I'm suffering from BV! At first thought it was yeast! Diflucan didn't work! Doct said it could be BV! Gave me a metro gel! I'm urinating like crazy and my vagina is swollen ???! What can I do? I started taking a multi vitamin! I'm drinking a lot of water and drinking green juices that I make! Pls helppppppp!!!!

I truly understand your "problem" with the acidophilus. I tried an acidophilus capsule that required refrigeration it worked fine. No grit afterwards & it did dissolve. Just to help you further I would like to share my BV B GONE recipe with you.

40 million acidophilus in the am
1600 mg of folic acid a day
A collodial silver douche, 1 TBS to 8-10 oz water
1 acidophilus inserted at night
1 cup apple cider vinegar in bath, soak 15 to 20 min.

Now this method will need some adjusting according to your needs, cause we're all different but I hope it helps. It did wonders for me. I would suggest a fragrance free hypoallergenic soap. When it's gone treat yourself to new panties, throw the old ones out. get a special washing detergent for them also. Hope this helps!

does anyone know why acv or acidophilus would cause vaginal bleeding. I convinced myself that I had bv because I had been treated for it and i could not make it go away. I took 3 500 mg tablets of acidophilus and 2 400 mg tablets of folic acid. The musky smell that lines my stomach line was lessen not gone. So I was encouraged because someone said the smell was the bacteria in my intestinals. But then I had bleeding.

I've been using the 1 billion acidophilus, at least 4 a day, for a week now. I've also added in B-complex with 400mcg Folic acid for 3 days now. I thought I was better, but had sex tonight and WHAM! That nasty smell is back, and worse! Now it has an even more toxic smell to it. I don't want to douche, since I've been told by numerous doctors and nurses that you should Never put anything in there... I'm at a loss. I had a hysterectomy several years ago so I have no period, therefore it's not really "that time of the month" related like so many people here seem to have. Aaaauuuuggghhhhhh! I have never had problems with BV, only in the past year or so and it is driving me INSANE!!!!

The smell: Typically only two ways to detect:

1) During your period you will notice 'the odor' &

2) During sex. Seldom but sometimes if the BV is REALLY bad, you can spell outright. I never wanted to surprise my partner with 'the odor'. So, I was incredibly thankful that my Dr. Told me to buy ph strips. I now test myself daily!! Not fun, but necessary. The strips are difficult to find in CVS, Walgreens, etc. Typically, health food stores carry them. They also help to catch BV before it gets too out of control.

Unfortunately, I slacked on checking since I recently finished another dose of antibiotics. So, just two weeks after (antibiotics, then my period) I now have BV yet one more time. I'll be checking daily again. Please note: the roll form that comes in a olive color does not work well. Look for the plastic white strips in a bottle. They are easier to use and easier to see the results!

Hi, today is my first time reading this website i got bv again for the 2nd time in a year and my doctor perscribed me metronidazole again. I first got bv when i was 6 months pregnant with my daughter. i was even sexually active my whole pregnancy. anyways my doctor told me about the acidophilus and i didnt end up buying it till after i had my daughter. i had bv for about 6 months until 2 months ago my doctor gave me nuvaring for it. it went away but a week ago i tood some medicine for something else and it took away all the good bacteria as well so i have bv again. and guess what metro again so i look on the website and find this website u guys have some good ideas that will hopefully work. because bv is nasty it smells and has a lot of discharge.it burns when i urinate and it itches bad not this second time around so much but when i was pregnant it was horrible. mines never smelled like fish but it has a smell none the less. I also wanted to know how you do the peroxide thing if someone could be a little more clear on that.i had some acidophilus but left it at my sisters 2 months ago. i have to go to the store and get some more. i will also pick up some of the things u guys suggested. this site really helps. i cant believe theres actually other ppl who have this same reoccuring problem as me. now i dont feel alone. but i have a few tips for it my self.

Tips to help: WHen your at home dont wear any underwear so your vagina can get some air.
Wear white cotton underwear while your infected
Take showers or warm baths 2 times a day and use blow dryer to dry area my doctor told me that
Also taking the capsule in the vagina is more effective so orally and vaginally.
Peeing after sex and making sure your partners genital area is clean or wear a condom because i believe thats how i got it this second time is from sex.
Use white towels or wash rags because they are more sterile colored rags and towels hide more bacteria and dont easily clean when washed.
dont dusche because it can make it worse plus its removing good bacteria.

But does anybody know what a good mild soap to use in that area because i use dove is dove to strong for the vagina?

I am a firm believer in the Acidophilus. I have only had BV once in my life and it was about a year ago. Well this year, I have had it 3 times and do not know why! I am very clean, shower every day and have had limited partners (and used condoms). You clear up the BV and then you get a yeast infection because the PH levels are so screwed up. Or you take Metrogel and get a yeast infection because of it being an antibiotic and then get BV again from all the activity in the vaj jay :).

Anyway, my doctor asked me if I had ever heard of Acidophilus. I said Huh ? She told me to take it for 14 days and i felt great while taking it. But as soon as I quit taking it, I felt like it came back. She tested me and said it did not come back, but about a month later I had such an odor from between my legs I could not stand it. So i went back to the dr and got checked, confirmed I had BV again and got some more Metrogel.

I was told that the thick, cottage cheesy discharge from the Metrogel is the bad bacteria coming out of your body.

I started taking the Acidophilus again and have decided to take it regularly to help with keeping it from coming back!

I have taken it for over a month now and felt great. But I bought a different kind and it only has 100 million bacteria in it, and I feel kinda weird now. So I wondered if I need to try the 2 pills/day and one at night in the vaj jay ? Maybe the dose is too little ?

Anyway thank you for all your comments and suggestions, it definitely helps and makes ya feel better that you are not alone!

Hi Jo,

I am also suffering between yeast infection and BV. Originally, I thought I got my first yeast infection 3 years ago but then I realized it was possible that I had it before but didn't know it. In my case, I don't get it every month but once awhile I get a very bad one which drags over 2 months length in the past couple years.

This time, I started with a yeast infection in the end of September and my nightmare began.

- September 29th, My new Dr. prescribed me 2 Fluconazole 150mg table (I didn't see the doctor, just got prescription over the phone). I felt better for few days but the itching came back.

- October 19th (3 weeks later), my Dr. prescribed me Terconazole 0.4% cream 45gm for 7 days. The itching was better but I knew it was not cleared.

- October 29th, I went in to the doctor and found out I had yeast and BV. So 3 days after I finished the Terconazole cream, I was on Metronidazole .75% gel 70g for 7 days and took another Fluconazole pill.

- November 13th (2 weeks after my previous visit), I went back to the doctor. Nightmare just kept going... I was still not cleared from BV. This time, he put me on Tinidazole 500 mg two tablets daily for five days. Finally I felt normal but the nightmare did not stop there..

2 days after I finished tinidazole, I was in Canada visiting my fiance. We only get to see each other 2 or 3 month interval dur to our jobs. I was there on Friday then by Sunday.. I started to get burning feeling while I pee. I was not sure at first and drank lots of water and started to feel a bit better but then it got worst so I went into the doctor in Canada (no insurance coverage) and found out I had urinary tract infection. Of course I was on antibiatic, Amoxycillin 500mg 3 times daily for 7 days. Now, I am back on yeast (or BV or both.. I am not sure).

I just don't want to be back on all the crazy antibiotic nor antifungal.. especially I want to have a baby soon. I am so glad that I found this site yesterday! I immediately got on Folic Acid, Lactobacillus acidophilus (the one needs to be in the refrigerator) and multi-vitmins. I just started it last night and I also put some Nystatin and Triamcinolone acetonide cream (antifungal to treats Candida ) around the lips of my v to help the itchness. I feel a bit better today. Not clear yet but I have faith in this. I plan to do this for a week before I try other remedies or back to the doctor.

You guys need to read the post from Ted on the yeast infection page in this site. Either click on the following link or type yeast infection in the search box on this site.

https://www.earthclinic.com/cures/yeast_infection_questions.html

I truly believe if we can find out what we are missing in our diet, get our body pH balanced up, boost up our immune system, we can fight this thing!

Oh, another thing to add. My doctor mentioned about bleaching the underwears may help on the recurrence. Soak them in water with 1/2 to 1 cup of bleach added for 10 to 15 min before wash them. 100% cotton (in white) undie is a must!

I felt better but it's not cured. I started on Folic Acid and L. Acidophilus on Wednesday night. I felt better on Thursday but started to felt itching on Friday. Here is the list of what I took..

Wednesday - 1 Folic Acid (800 mcg) and 2 L. Acidophilus (5 billon live cell) capsules at night.

Thursday - 1 Folic Acid in the morning and 1 multi-vitamin tablet. Since the multi-vitamin I took during the day contains Folic Acid 400 mcg, I skipped the Folic Acid at night and took 2 L. Acidophilus before bed.

Friday - In the morning, I took a multi-vitamin contains Folic Acid 1200 mcg but no L. Acidophilus.

I only took L. Acidophilus before bed since few women post that they have to lower or stop the L. Acidophilus to feel better. I truly believe L. Acidophilus is good for us but I also want to be careful since everyone responds differently. Maybe I didn't take enough.. On Friday, my condition got worst then Thursday.

So I went to the local natural food store and picked up some organic fresh garlic, a bottle of garlic supplement (6,248 mcg allicin - 90 tablets), tea tree oil, hydrogen peroxide and a bottle of cranberry juice (fresh pressed, not from concentrate and no sugar added).

I never douched before and I don't know what I need to get so I decided not to try that yet. I decided to start on use a garlic in my v first.

Friday - At night, I took 1 garlic supplement and 2 L. Acidophilus. I also used organic non fat plain yogurt mixed with some L. Acidophilus (open 1 capsule and use the powder inside only) on the lips of my v. I left the yogurt mix on the lips for 30 min then washed off and dried it well with blow dryer. I was hoping to get some release from the itching on the lips. The yogurt was cold so it did calm the itchiness. It did seems to work (I can't really say it worked but I feel fine after). I decided to try the garlic method, put a fresh garlic in the v. I pilled the garlic and cut the end off. I also pressed few marks with my nail so the juice of garlic can come out a small tiny bit. I tied a string on the garlic by using needle passed the string from one end to the other then tie a knot at the end. Make sure the knot is not too small and it will lock on the garlic and help you pull it out from your v. I also make sure everything is clean! my hands, string, needle, everything I need to use.

Saturday - I felt much better! I do see some white discharge and I think what I have is yeast. (I get yeast and bv both usually) I took the garlic out after I woke up.

A hour later, I cleaned my v with hydrogen mix with water. Just to washed the outside, not douche. Before the wash, I tried to clean up some discharge inside my v a bit. Make sure my finger is clean and dry, try to scoop some white discharge out (no nail and be gentle and careful not to hurt yourself). After washed, dried it well and got another garlic. This time I cut it half and before I put it in. This happened 2 hours ago and I am really feeling much better!

Question on L. Acidophilus.

If I want to use it to treat either yeast or BV by insert the L. Acidophilus capsule into the V, how many can I insert and how often? Will the condition get worse if I put too much? Thanks!

metronidozle cured my bacterial vaginosis

Ms from Madison: In response to the mild soap, I think that if you are not allergic to it, ivory might be your best bet, it is suppose to be perfume free

HeyDamei, I totally understand where you're coming from, I've been to the doctor countless things now they dont even want to give me any medicin and now I don't have insurance so Im looking for natural remedies. I am wondering how you have been, I know its years later but I am suffering in 2017 and I am 22 years old, BV has taken over my life caused me be isolated, feel shame and utter disgust. I just started taking Acidophilus going on day three, and I was inserting probiotics which only made me smell fishier, so I'm going to just take the tablets for now how many should I take a day, do you suggest a akaline diet, and what do you suggest for me,? I need my life back, I barely had one since I have been suffering with this.

HI there...I hope you can help. I was on this site yesterday for the first time and there was a lot of great information.There was this one gal that was telling about her dr visit how her gyno was very thorough with her. She got a pap done but then there was someting with a live culture that was done and it takes like 3-4 days to come back. I forgot the name of the test and i was wondering if you know what email i m talking about and if you remember the exam her Dr did on her.

I m sorry if im not making sense but im pulling my hair out becuz i can't seem to find that email on this site. It was great info that she was sharing us with.

I'm thinking the lab test was a vaginal discharge culture. Once BV is diagnosed a sample of the discharge can be examined for the specific types of bacteria present that are causing the infection. The phrase 'Real time - PCR' often appears to designate that the lab grew the culture to see what particular strains of bacteria are present and flourishing.

BV remains persistent in women because not all methods of treatment work for all the types of bacteria that cause BV, most treatments are not being done for a long enough time period (allowing the bad bacteria to build up again), once the infection is cured proper pH must be maintained and healthy bacteria re-colonized to keep bacteria and yeast from returning. Most treatments only eliminate the symptoms, not the infection. So the infection resumes once the 'coping' treatments are lessened or stopped.

That makes so much sense. I wonder why gyno does not tell you that.