The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
Oregano Oil
Posted by Shannon (Sanantonio, Tx) on 08/27/2012
★★★★★
Ok girls! I think I finally found the solution for bacterial vaginosis. It came to me after desperately searching for a solution to solve the horrible vaginal smell I got after my csection. Whatever caused it is unknown. All I know is that it wasn't normal. I tried hydrogen peroxide but I only got temporary relief, then the smell would come back. So what I did is I added 15 drops of oregano oil to 1 tablespoon coconut oil. I then mixed the whole thing and applied it internally and externally using a tampon. I applied generously and left the tampon in overnight. It stung for about 30 minutes then went away. The next day voila, problem solved. I had no more smell! If anyone tries this, I recommend doing the treatment for 3 nights just to be sure. You should see an improvement in the first night. This remedy also works with vaginal yeast infections. Don't ever take liver toxic diflucan again!!! I'm interested to know if anyone else has success with this. I'm sure it has multiple uses. Please give me your feedback! Parkerchic1[at] yahoo[dot] com
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Hopeful29 (Bronx, Ny, USA) on 08/17/2012
★★★★★
For the past few weeks I have been taking 3-4 acidophilus capsules (3 billion live cultures), 3 b-complex vitamin with Vit C and folic acid in the morning. I also try to do 3 vagina flushes consisting of mostly water (up to the first ring on the disposable douche bottle) the rest I fill with ACV (1st flush) H2o2 (2nd Flush) and 5-10 tea tree oil drops (depending on how I feel). I have been neglectful with the nightime regime of taking the capsules/vitamins
I have been w/o pantyliners and my underwear has remained dry from discharge (I still experience discharge as far as seeing it with my handheld mirror, but the feeling of it coming down I dont experience it at the momemt (knock on wood literally and figuratively speaking).
my first regime of just 2 probiotics 2 vitamins in the day and one/one at night and h202 vagina flushes didnt yield results like the above. I really hope that my take on things helps someone because this BV thing has plagued me since 13. The first antibotic treatment helped (early 2000s I was happy, but it came back) thought I was doomed. Next treatment feb 2011 (while pregnant nothing) last doctor I mentioned it to said it was in my head (I could have slapped her. Im just glad that I can read and was able to find Earthclinic and other little blogs that shared their insight
Yogurt
Posted by Christie 14 (Liberty, Ky, Usa) on 08/09/2012
yogurt for vaginal smell did not work. Caused cramps and pain. My homeopathic dr recommended white oak tree bark. Boil, cool, and douche t. I. D. (3x/daily) for 7 days, then b. I. D. (2x/daily) the next 7 days, and lastly... Once daily for 7 days. Stop process while on period and pick up/continue process where you left off when period stops. The process took 2 months but I'm cured.
Yogurt
Posted by Junie (Atlanta, Ga) on 07/29/2012
★★★★★
I use a turkey baster and insert about half way full of plain yogurt before going to bed at night. I do not soak it in a tampon I put the yogurt directly inside, put on ugly underwear and a sanitary napkin and go to bed for 8 hours. Then I take 1 probiotic pill a day, sometimes two and by the end of the week, it is cleared.
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Deed (Richmond, Va) on 07/26/2012
I think I have finally found it! It has been two weeks and I have never felt this relief from BV. I have had the toughest battle with BV for about 12- 13 years. I have been lurking on this cite and many others for different natural remedies since my attempts with prescriptions have failed.
I realized the "strain" of bacteria I was probably fighting probably was a staph or strep type because I also had bad boils on my face and my gentile area once a month. I think that its best to attack BV right after the vagina has been flushed out naturally and during the period where your vagina is at its most vulurable point. During that time of the month a Vaginia's ph can be as high as a 7.4. My aim was to bring it down before the bad bacteria can set in and thrive.
The day after my period :
I did a colon cleanse via hydrocolonic therapy and a liver and kidney cleanse via herbal tea.
Every day I drunk cranberry juice AND acai/berry juice ( 100% no sugar added) and water
Every day for 7 days I vaginally inserted ( at night) and also took orally ( in the morning) a probiotic with prebiotic fibers from Prob**lac ( a new probiotic I just picked up from Walmart for $20). It contains Bifidum, longum, acidophilus, bulgaricus, casei, rhamnosus and Streptococus thermphilus.
Even after doing a hydroperoxide or ACV rinse, I have never felt this healthy and fresh (not just smell, but overall appearance of discharge). There is not wetness and when I sweat, I don't have that famous onion smell from bacteria. I have a normal vagina if that makes since.
I will start tapering off this routine little by little and let you all know how things are going.
Apple Cider Vinegar Variations
Posted by Daphne (Memphis, Tennessee) on 07/13/2012
★★★★★
For me what has worked is to take non filtered apple cider vinegar, coconut oil, and acidophilus orally on a daily bases. Each of these are best in its most natural form. Any organic non-filtered vinegar will work. Coconut oil, I order online from tropical traditions. But again, any organic virgin coconut oil will do. I'm not a big fan of yogurt, so acidophilus it is. I like natural factors brand that I get from whole foods.... Think vitamin shop sells it too. Also for the vinegar, if you can't stand the taste of it, you can do vinegar pills too. But the actual vinegar is best. 1/4 cup of vinegar, 2-4 acidophilus, and 1-2 tablespoons of coconut oil. I do it first thing in the mornings to get it over with.
Unfortunately this is an on going remedy. BV will go away, but will return eventually, if you stop taking them. I did this consistently for about 6 months, however I noticed results within a week. I continued to do it inconsistently for the remaining year. Stopped taking it for a while. 2 years later, it has returned. So needless to say, I'm back on it. But the added plus about the above remedy, is that you will start to loose weight, and if you struggle with acne, like I use to, that will go away, my used to be painful sometimes irregular periods were now regular and pain free, in addition to being BV free. And they are all perfectly safe and nutritionally good for you. They each include daily things that your body is lacking from a standard American diet.
BV easily develops in people who often take antibiotics. Every time a round of antibiotics is taken, the body's immune system is weakened. So our body use to be able to naturally protect itself from this bacteria. But over the years, the American diet lacks in nutrition that supports the body to help fight off infections and diseases. In fact our diets and overuse of antibiotics may be contributing to making our body's worse at not being able to fight off these infections. The vinegar helps to naturally balance ph levels, and has good bacteria our bodies need... That's the cloudy brown stuff (mother) that settles at the bottom of the bottle. Be sure to shake it up to make sure you getting that in your body. The coconut oil is a natural anti fungal, anti viral, anti bacterial oil. Don't be concerned with it being fat. It's natural fat that the body needs that actually helps you to burn stored fat. I know it sounds crazy, but it works. Look it up, research them each, you'll be surprised at the wonderful things they can help with. Acidophilus of course has the good bacteria to help replenish the ones that we naturally have in the vagina in order to fight off BV. I hope this helps. Feel free to email me if anyone has questions about the remedy. God Bless you all and I look forward to hearing more success stories!
Tea Tree Oil
Posted by Sarah (Seattle, Washington) on 06/30/2012
Tea tree oil is strong. I tried a lot of things including garlic cloves (whole peeled), and chlorophyll douches, but ultimately it was vitamin B complex that made the difference. Lots of acidophilus is good.
Supplements
Posted by Sarah (Seattle, Washington) on 06/30/2012
B vitamins definitely help. Especially if you are vegetarian you may fnd they make a huge difference.
Oregano Oil
Posted by Cyrene (Brooklyn, New York) on 06/17/2012
Can anyone give me a follow up to their experience using oregano oil? I am looking for a long term solution and really struggling. Depression over this seems to be setting in. Please help.
General Feedback
Posted by There Is Hope (Pensacola, Fl) on 06/04/2012
Hello ladies just wanted to give you an update so far I have been free from BV a few months now Yea!!!!!! And also I am having sex with no problem. I am not sure if it was the antibiotic which was climdi mycin are if its the ALKALETE ph enhancer I told you abt. But once I did the antibiotic I continued to douche with HP only after sex and I still take pro b capsules orally daily also I still take my folic acid once daily with my multi vitamin and I have not had BV since so I hope this helps.
Yogurt
Posted by Kat (Fort Worth, Tx) on 05/29/2012
Hi Ladies..... So glad I've found this site with all your comments/questions.
I have been fighting this now since December and have been VERY upset over the whole thing.... Thankfully I have a loving partner who has so far been very patient and supportive.
The DO that I've been seeing first had me insert plain natural live culture yogurt (this is messy and did not seem to work). I next tried probiotics (poked holes into the capsules and inserted).... This helped a bit but did not get rid of the BV.
Side note... Be sure to get tested at a doc to ensure that you really have BV as there are a few other things with similar symptons that are not bacterial.
I have tried hyrdogren peroxide douches (1/4 cup mixed with 3/4 cup distilled water).... This works instantly for the odor but along with that I take probiotics orally.
The one link (and my DO is now confirming her suspicions) is that my boyfriend has not done anything on his end.... We notice that if we have un-protected sex or if he does not pull out, I get the odor back almost immediatley. The DO advised that semen changes the ph of the vagina but she also had a theory that maybe he has the bacteria as well.
I have also found a product that is a combo of a boric acid sopository with an oral probiotic (it's a 14 day treatment) and really seemed to work (until we had unprotected sex. I was odor free for one month with a combo of two hydrogen peroxide/water douches, the Natren "Gy-Na-Tren" vaginal health kit (oral probiotic & sopository) and protected sex with my boyfriend using condoms all the time.
We are now going to try "Flagyl".... Both my boyfriend and I will take these antibiotics as the DO prescribed.... But I will also plan to continue the Gy-Na-Tren for the 14 day cycle. Then I will begin to take Natren's "Healthy Trinity" which supposedly balances the ph in the vagina. After one month of this we will see what happens when we have unprotected sex.
I will post again with our results. Good luck to you all.
PS... last but not least.... I'm perimenopausal and I'm going to now investigate this angle as well. As our bodies change their hormone levels, I'm wondering if that throws off our ph... No doc as advised this... Just another angle to follow up. AND I just had a period after 8 months without and that made my BV symptoms 10 times worse.... so obviously a period throws off the ph.
Dietary Changes
Posted by Orangetulips (Newark, De) on 05/26/2012
★★★★★
I've been trying to beat my BV for the past nine months. I recently started 'juicing' and I always include a 1/2 lemon. I've only been doing it for a week now, but after my period the BV discharge has not returned. My juice is 50% veggies and 50% fruits. I drink my juice instead of lunch and the micro-nutrients are doing wonders. I've had zero side-effects. Go buy a juicer! I love juicing 6 kale leaves, 1/2 cucumber, zucchini, 15 baby carrots, 55 green grapes, 2 green apples, 1/2 lemon, ginger, a dash of coconut water and a dash of pomagranite juice. It's delicious! I've also lost 5 lbs. Let's get healthy!
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Uniqueako (San Antonio, Texas, Bexar) on 05/22/2012
I am HAVING BV AGAIN!!! :( I am tired of going to the doctors because this happens again and again with in couple months; for them to open me up, stick that metal in me, swab and test it, and be grossed out. I think there should be something OVER THE COUNTER FOR THIS because its like an allergy or cold in our vagina. If its so common, they really should just put the meds over the counter, sheeshhh, so they won't have to smell our BV! I just bought:
1. PROBIOTIC ACIDOPHILUS (digestive health) 2 billion active cultures
2. PROBIOTIC MULTI-ENZYME DIGESTIVE FORMULA (containing active acidophilus cultures) 1 billion active Lactobacillus acidophilus organisms - bascially same as above, I don't know why I got 2, but right now I just want to get rid of it ASAP because its so emabarassing going to the restroom and people can smell you (I don't know if they can, but if I can smell myself, pretty sure someone next stall can also).
3. PRO-B by RepHresh (probiotic feminine supplement - balances yeast and bacteria to maintain feminine health) I don't know what this one was, I am just trying all for now.
4. LAST BUT NOT LEAST = HOMEOPATHIC BV TREATMENT AND CAPSULES by VH essentials. I got this one at Walmart, well I got all of them at Walmart. One of them is the treatment, you insert a tablet in your vagina, and the other one is a 60 day capsule that you take regularly to reduce recurring symptoms of BV.
Has anyone tried the HOMEOPATHIC BV TREATMENT?
I will update you girls on my HOMEOPATHIC BV TREATMENT - I think I like this one because of the title hehe :)
Alkalize
Posted by Kknic (Honolulu, Hawaii) on 05/14/2012
★★★★★
Hi, I want to share my amazing story. I was battling recurring BV for a little over 4 years. Antibiotics didn't work. Also, I was diagnosed with gastritis. I had really bad stomach pains especially after eating certain foods. I noticed after having my stomach pains, BV would flare up. I had a feeling that food was related to BV.
I read a post on this site about a woman who suggested we follow an Alkaline diet. I sought information from my Aunt who was recently reading an alkaline diet book. Well the book listed all the foods that makes our body acidic causing our PH to be imbalanced. Coffee, Sodas, processed foods, sugars, red meat... Etc. Well I gave up most processed foods, coffee, and soda. Sugars I still eat but in moderation.
BUT WHAT REALLY HELPED, was ALKALINE WATER. I found some at my local health food store and within two days the dishcharge was barely noticable. Within a week it was gone! The smell and dishcharge disappeared! I've been drinking the water for a little over two weeks and no symptoms. I continue taking probiotics, vitamins, and acidopholus pills. I don't feel ashamed anymore. I can't wait to see my OBGYN and give him a piece of my mind.
Alkalize
Posted by Kknic (Honolulu, Hawaii) on 05/14/2012
★★★★★
I found my cure for recurring BV!!!!!! I'm sure we all know that bv means our ph balance is more acidic. I read a posting and this person mentioned our bodies need to be on an alkaline diet. Well I went to a health food store and bought a gallon of alkaline water and within two days my symptoms cleared and its now been a month and my symptoms are completely gone!!! Drink alkaline water.
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Zoohead1 (Newnan, Ga) on 05/08/2012
This started in 2008-9. Thanks to the internet I diagnosed myself w/ bv. never heard of it, went 2 Dr. tried pill(metronidazole) 1st time worked, tried gel. Waste of time, money & energy. They only think ur crazy on the 3rd or n my case 10th visit. My doc cld nt understand why it kept comin bk & whn it came bk it was worst everytime. So I left the problem alone 4 awhile until I met a new guy I was feelin. Its now 2012, so I got serious about it & went 2 the internet did some research again. Went 2 visit my local herb shop & got some useful info. The (metro pills & gel) kill good & bad bacteria. Thats why it comes back. Most of your vitamins(folic acid 800mcg, olive leaf, hydro 3%, cranberry pill & cran body wash, etc. ) can b purchased from wal-mart or cvs. Bt get probiotic acidoplius (cold) frm your local herb shop. They go up to 80bill. ($20-$30per bottle). When inserting the pill n ur vajay-jay. Put them n water 2 soften them. I scoop them up w/ a spoon, put it at the tip of my vajay & push up w/ my fingers. Right nw I'm trying all the above. Thanks Earth Clinic you guys at least got me stated & feeling like I can beat this.
Baking Soda Douche
Posted by Gm (Spring Hill, Fl - Florida) on 04/26/2012
★★★★★
I noticed that embarrassing, fishy smell that comes along with BV so I went to a clinic. The doctor who examined me said there was no odor or any signs of it but tested me, anyway. She returned with her tail between her legs and told me I tested positive for BV (it felt good being right! ) She gave me Flagyl, which I took as directed for 7 days. However, I noticed the other day that I wasn't feeling or smelling "right" again. I have a pH test kit for just such situations, so I used it last night and my pH was dangerously low, indicating another infection. I took out a new douche and carefully added some baking soda for alkalinity. This morning, there was no itch or odor, and my pH had risen to normal range. I would suggest buying pH test strips, which can be found at health food stores and are not expensive. You can monitor yourself at home and try home remedies before you drop $75 at the nearest clinic (and then God-know-how-much-more for a prescription! ) just to be told you have what you already thought you did. Be aware that I'm not a doctor and have no medical training. I'm going by how I felt when I saw a doctor only weeks ago and assumed that my condition didn't completely clear up. Good luck, ladies.
Lemons
Posted by Chrysalis (Los Angeles, California) on 04/14/2012
★★★★★
Hello sisters. I just came down with BV for the first time in my life. I feel all of your pain. BV is unacceptable! I strongly believe the underlying problem that causes BV (and tons of other ailments) is an overly acidic body. The standard American diet (SAD) perpetuates an acidic body, which is a favorable environment for bacteria and viruses. Healthy body functions depends on an ALKALINE environment. You do need to shift your diet if you want to beat BV for the long haul. There is lots of info online about which foods help promote an alkaline body. You need to eliminate all of the things that we intuitively know are bad - sugar, coffee, processed foods, dairy, meats, bread. Sorry, I know this sounds impossible. Also, try reading "The pH Miracle" by Robert Young. A quick way to alkalize your body is a lemon/baking soda concoction. Add about a 1/2 tsp of baking soda to a glass of water with half or whole fresh lemon. Sweeten with a couple drops of stevia if necessary. I drink this twice a day when I feel a cold coming on and it stops it every time. I also eat several cloves of raw garlic. So the moral of the story - ALKALIZE ALKALIZE ALKALIZE. I promise you will feel better. Good luck.
Baking Soda Douche
Posted by Misty (Clermont, Fl) on 04/04/2012
1/4 tsp. of baking soda to your douch, I was told about this and it really works the discharge was gone and the smell after the first 2 times I used it. I did 1 on Monday and 1 on Wednesday and after the shower I blowed dried down their each time. And you can also put Some baking soda right into your bath on a regular basis to keep you ph balanced and its also good for your skin :)
General Feedback
Posted by There Is Hope!!! (Pensacola, Florida) on 04/03/2012
WOW is all I can say about all the Women who is suffering from this crazy bacteria, I thought something was wrong with me. I went to my Dr several times and was told about BV.. I knew what it was but never understand it until I came across this site. Thank God because I have been dealing with this and not understanding how to beat it. Its been off an on since I first got pregnant at 30. Yes Ive been through the antibiotics a few times and it would clear up awhile then finally I notice a few months ago it would reoccur even after antibiotics. Tried all the over counter BV meds worked only temporary, So I went to my Dr once again to make sure it was BV and she confirmed it was and prescribe me more antibiotics and I decided ok I will get the antibiotics just in case my home remedies didnt work. Here is what I did, brought pro b probiotics, multi vitamins for women, folic acid, goldenseal which I take once orally everyday, and I do HP douche after period and sex or when ever I feel it creeping back. I must say after first HP douche smell and discharge was gone but of course I did the 7 days 1/2 water. My only neg about HP douche is it can cause alil itch, and make you a lil dry which I take vit E daily to help with that and you will need something for yeast at hand for any flare ups. Finally after doing more research I found online this product called yeast away and Alkalete an acid neutralizer which also balance your ph to wean myself off the stuff that I dont really need. I plan to still do HP when neccesary. So I hope this help someone because this site has helped me and I have been on the right track for 1 month now.. Ladies you have to be patient to find what works for you it does take sometime to get this under control. I am still working to stay free from this monster and I will give you an update on how well the last two I mentioned to my BV cure!! :) Thanks again because I feel refreshed once again and I am very grateful for all of you!!
Alkalize
Posted by Frustrated (Greenville, South Carolina) on 03/24/2012
★★★★★
Hi ladies. I've suffered from bv for about 5 years now and I've tried all the treatments suggested on this site, but nothing was a permanent cure. After I realized that I needed to get my pH under control, I found this water. It's formulated to balance your body's natural pH, and all you literally do is drink it! I've been drinking it for a week and since then, I haven't discharged and the smell is virtually gone!!! I've tried taking Metro gel, pills, peroxide, garlic, etc. And I was sick of putting my body through all of that. Ph Water is found at TJMaxx/Marshall's and Publix for $1.49 for a liter or $1.79 for 1.5 liters. I drink one a day, and hopefully my body will regulate itself. I hope this will help some of those out there with chronic and consistant bv.
Essential Oils
Posted by Barbara (New York) on 03/12/2012
★★★★★
I'm recently dealing with BV and wanted to share the treatment that my MD, who is also a naturopath, prescribed: purchase a natural sea sponge from the health food store (I found them at whole foods being sold as "cosmetic" sponge), then cut it to tampon sized pieces. Get the highest quality you can find of Thyme and Frankincense essential oils and mix 2 drops Thyme oil 4 drops Frankincense oil in 10 drops Extra Virgin olive oil. Soak up the oil with the sea sponge (after you washed it thoroughly with antibacterial soap- the water also makes it very soft) then insert. Leave in for 2 hours, 2 x day. Repeat for 7 days.
I looked up the medicinal uses of these oils and they are for bacterial infections, inflammation, and regulating female hormonal system. I suspect that the hormone imbalance is the real root of the BV. It is working for me with 80% improvement after 4 days - though I think I will get the boric acid capsules and better probiotics tomorrow. I have also done a few days of alternating tea tree oil suppository and probiotic inserted at night but the oils are the only thing I have been doing consistently.
Dietary Changes
Posted by Michelle (London, Uk) on 03/10/2012
I have suffered with BV for over 10 years. I have been through all the tablets and treatments, including the yogurts , I haven't used perfumed soaps or shower gels to no avail! However two weeks ago I started the Atkins diet, I also started taking a multi vitamin with probiotics at the same time. I have been totally BV free for about 7 days, no discharge no smell no nothing. I'm now wondering is it the tablets that are helping or is it the diet? I'm wondering if the foods I was eating were causing BV to flare up?
