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.
Probiotics Plus
Posted by Grateful Dane (Allen, Texas) on 10/04/2011
★★★★★
To all the ladies that posted their solutions to relieve symptoms of BV!!!! THANK YOU SO MUCH!!! I've been suffering from bv for a couple of years thinking the only cure was antibiotics. I was tired of using clindamycin inserts. It would relieve the bv but turn into a yeast infection. Then I would have to take 2 diflucan to relieve yeast infection symptoms. It was getting to be a tiring cycle of antibiotics. I was at my wits with the odor and discharge. Once I read all of your postings I was soo happy to find some kind of solution. I went out and brought medicated douche, walgreens homeopathic bv treatment time release vaginal insert, went to whole foods store and brought pearls probiotics 1billion, kefir yogurt smoothie, and 1 plain Greek yogurt. I used the medicated douche, then rolled a tampon in the plain yogurt and inserted for 30 mins. Took 2 pearls by mouth that morning and at bedtime, drank 1 cup of yogurt smoothie and insert 1/2 of walgreens vaginal insert as instructed for 1st time users. Woke up this morning smell is gone discharge is not smell. I'm clean as a whistle. I will continue this regimen for a while.
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Dottie (Baltimore, Maryland) on 09/25/2011
Thanks, everyone! After a series of yeast infections and BV, I was getting pretty frustrated. Traditional medical treatments seemed to cause either the BV or the yeast to exacerbate. Anyway, I tried the probiotics (got a brand with L. Reuteri and L. Rhamnosus from the refrigerated section of the health food store), sublingual B12 tablets, folic acid, and kefir (actually, I bought the non-dairy version which I probably can't name here, but it's a probiotic-packed drink from the health food store). I didn't do the H2O2 douche (because I was so raw!!! ), but did rinse with hydrogen peroxide for a few days to decrease the odor. I also did not put yogurt in my vagina, but it seems to work for many posters. My routine is to take the lactobacillus/probiotic capsules a.m. and p.m., B12 (1000mcg) a.m. and p.m., folic acid (800 mcg) a.m. and p.m. and drink the kefir or non-dairy alternative in the morning. I've done this for a week, but within 2 days, the odor, itch, and inflammation was gone. I had irritation-free sex 2 nights ago... Still no symptoms! Yay.
I hope that anyone suffering with BV will research the many posts on this site and give some of these remedies a try. I would also say that it was really helpful for me to make a list of what I wanted to try, then enlist someone knowledgeable at the health food/natural store to help me score the right products. Don't be shy... Tell them what you're trying to treat. The woman I spoke with was a treasure trove of knowledge. Along with all of the posters on this site, I found her advice really valuable.
Yogurt
Posted by Curious123 (Missoula, Montana) on 09/06/2011
how long do you leave the yogart in??
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Laury (Rockville, Md, Usa) on 08/18/2011
But I want to share how I cure myself, after all you have already said I had nevber heard of the Folic Acid though, by an advice from a pharmacist (sorry spelling)in France I inserted Nitrate de Fenticonazole ( 3 days) in the vagina there different names from countries and it worked for about 4 months then I did it again and waited 2 days and started Sarah Summer Boluses, won't give the recipe because u sign an agreement when u buy over internet.. And she deserve it because it'sa miracle.. I did it for the 3 weeks as she says and after that waited a week and started inserting one pill of Probiotic Acidophilus Natures Bounty every 2 nights and taking Candex Pure Essence Labs(2 pills before sleep)and that's it the Dr said I wasn't ever better or more clean than the last time I went there... Hope it helps.. I will start with the Folic Acid also to prevent and I also heard that is good for the memory too...
Multiple Remedies
Posted by C. Marie (Atlanta, Ga) on 08/16/2011
I am 29 years old and have been suffering from BV for about 2 years now... It started when I went off BC pills... But I could always control it... Then I had a miscarriage and my hormones went all wacky and I think thats what messed up my PH balance really badly... now I have it all the freakin time....24/7. I just had the Mirena IUD placed in May and they put me on Clindamycin so I'm sure that didnt help AT ALL. I feel like its gotten even worse. (I have done all the Flagly pills, etc... With the same effect at everone else.... Helps for a while but then it comes back) This condition is really starting to have an effect on my sex life.... My boyfriend wants sex ALL THE TIME, and luckily he is supportive and doesnt seem to mind (or so he says) the potent smell.... Its not really fishy... Just a very strong smell.... Lots of discharge... I find that I have to wipe myself several times during the day.... GROSS. I am on the verge of tears. I have done hours and hours of research and came across Fem-adophilus... I have been taking it for about 2 weeks now with not much improvement yet but alot of women said it took about a month to see results. It has the two main stains of bacteria that are found in healthy vaginas... L. Reuteri and L. Ramonus (not sure if I spelled that right). LADIES IF YOU GET THIS PRODUCT, KEEP IT REFRIDGERATED, and if you have it shipped make sure it is shipped with ice packs. I also just ordered a product called Ultimate Flora Vaginal Support.. Should be here by tomorrow so I'm excited to try it. I just started taking Folic acid too... I've heard good things about it when combined with a probiotic. I dont think I am going to try the Peroxide douche.. I think any kind of douche is bad... Its just flushing everything out... However, this evening I am trying the tampon method... Mix hlaf water half peroxide and soak a tampon in it and then insert... Not sure how long I will leave it in... But It seems like a good idea since the good bacteria need a more acidic environment. Anyhow, I will keep everyone updated on how everything goes!! Fingers crossed!!!
P.S. The Fem-dophilus might not have worked as well as I have hoped probably because my BF has been ejaculating in me which messes up the PH... We have stopped doing that about a week ago so hopefully that helps too!!!!
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Betty (Ny) on 08/16/2011
I hate this damn Bv why dont the doctors know enough about this? I got this 8 years ago, a dumbass gave me a std and I douched so much not to feel dirty and I did not know, I was making my situation worst, this is my fault, I smell like fish, fish, ewww, I know ppl smell me I have to work and go to school, this is awful, I smell it a hour after leaving my house, sex? I have not have sex since last year, when I did I took a shower before, 4 years ago when I had sex with my then BF then whole room smelled like fish he left me:(this is so depressing, I tried eveything here, been to doctors they look at you like u are from space. I went to whole foods monday bought Keifer yogurt 10 differents strains Of L. Acidhilous and I bought Fem dophilis it was in cold section, this is just today, I smelled nothing
I do not want to get my hopes high, I have to post tomorrow night, But if for 1 day I smell like me and not a fish I will take it. PPl want to judge we r clean women it is just that our bodies are in whack and men need to shut up, they need to smell like a damn fish, they have it to easy. The Kefir smoothie with 10 million live cultures taste so good, Im willing to try anything, Boric acid? no, down there? all I need to do is burn my VJ off then I will be in trouble, they say it is safe, but it is to kill rodents, r there 2 different kinds? anyway just today I know bumble tuna was not with me GOOD:)) I will post tomorrow.
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Melanie (Chattanooga, Tennessee) on 08/16/2011
Hi. I have also tried the tea tree oil remedy and swear by it. I have tried many other remedies but this one worked immediately. I took the tampon out of the applicator and soaked it with the oil but dropping oil on the tops and sides. I inserted it and left for around 4 hours. Do this for a few days and you will see a remedy. BV still will come back every few months but one afternoon of the oil soaked tampon does the trick. If you have never used tea tree oil beware - it has a strong antiseptic quality and a very strong odor. Be careful that the tampon only touches your insides. Tea Tree oil can be purchased online, at health food stores or someplace retail like Trader Joe's. Good luck in your battles.
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Nicole (Brooklyn, Ny) on 08/15/2011
I forgot to mention that my fiance and I live together so I am sexually active:-). I also use Aveeno fragrance free soap to cleanse down there and I rinse everytime, be it oral or vaginal, I do a really quick wash.
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Wendy (Barrie, Ontario) on 08/14/2011
hmmmm.... But not using the condoms will pass it back and forth to your partner and the condition will continue ;-( Sex with my husband was sparse when I was nursing the kids and I NEVER had discharge at all or even a yeast infection, now that we are back to as much as I can get (LOL) it seems EVERY time I have sex with him, I end up with an infection!!! Arghhh I've got both of us on GSE, oil of oregano and parasite herbs right now because I'm tired of this shit... I take really good care of myself, eat well, fast, zap, I've done Rife Therapy, ozone therapy, high dose vitamin c, fulvic/humic acid, had my amalgams removed blah blah and he now he is working on the road all the time, he eats like crap, gained weight, is cranky and has athletes foot and is probabably full of candida and who knows what else... I'm thinking condoms are the way to go LOL
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Nicole (New York, Ny) on 08/09/2011
★★★★★
I suffered from BV on and off for 6 years. I got it after a miscarriage which led to me bleeding and spotting for a period of 3 months. I also went on birth control at that time which increased the bleeding. My hormones were out of whack and taking Flagyl only worked for a short period of time. Every doctor I went to didn't know how to stop me from bleeding and this resulted in me smelling like fish 24/7. I cried every day! I knew people could smell me and I hated myself. I looked at other women and for some reason envied their vagina.. lol (stupid but valid at the time).
After years of trying Flagyl, acidophilus, douches, potions, and spells.. I tried Gy-Na-Tren( You can get it at Whole Foods, GNC, or the Vitamin Shoppe if you're in NYC). It took away the smell right away, however, I still had discharge and violent itching when it was finished ( I think it might have been thrush). I decided to try Gy-Na-Tren again and also take 1 Acidopilus (PR8 brand), 1 Rainbow Light Candida Cleanse (Also at the same places I found the Gy-Na-Tren), 1 Multivitamin, and Sublingual b12 which contains folic acid. I take these every morning. I have been BV free for a long time with no discharge or smell!
Yogurt
Posted by Maria (Gippsland, Australia) on 08/09/2011
Rick, maybe you could try making one of these: rejuvelac, sauerkraut, kefir or kombucha. They all contain probiotics including acidophilus. Although each batch will differ in the amounts of acidophilus that they contain, these foods were being used sucessfully long before there were capsules of probiotics. Rejuvalac can be made from brown rice. All the best.
Yogurt
Posted by Rick (Manila, Bulacan, Philippines) on 08/07/2011
yogurts are available in our country but my wife wants to try acidophilus for her bv are there any substitute for acidophilus since it is not available here.thanks!!!
Probiotics Plus
Posted by Bree (Toronto, On) on 08/06/2011
★★★★★
Hi there! I've been a chronic BV (and yeast infection) sufferer for years. I've tried antibiotics, antifungals, oral probiotics, and folic acid to no avail! So I conducted an extensive research on the matter (I have access to scholarly research databases) and cured myself. Here's what I've done:
1. Vitamin D (2000 IU/day). Recent research show a direct correlation between Vit D deficiency and increased risk for BV. Vitamin D also promotes the regeneration of squamous epithelials that consists the mucousal lining of the vagina.
2. Femina Flora (1 capsule/night for 10 nights). This is a vaginal probiotic capsule with 10Billion CFU's of Lactobacilli species including Lactobacillus Rhamnosus which has shown ability to adhere to and colonize the vaginal walls. It also contains lactose (to feed the Lactobacilli) and Vitamin C (to assist in lowering the vaginal pH).
3. Oral probiotics. I suggest using FemDophilus or Ultimate Flora Vaginal Support. FemDophilus contains Lactobacillus Reuteri and Rhamnosus while Ultimate Flora contains Rhamnosus and other Lactobacilli species. Both aforementioned species are excellent in adhering to and thriving in the vaginal environment.
Note: These remedies don't have to be permanent. For example, if you live near the equator 15-20 mins in the sun without suscreen will provide you with 10, 000 IU of Vitamin D. Otherwise, you can supplement with 1000 IU once you're symptoms alleviate. Also, you can wean yourself off or lower your probiotics dosage after your symptoms are gone -- you can take 1 capsule every other day, then 2 capsules/week, then 1cap/week.
Good luck! ;)
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Rose (Durham, North Carolina, United States) on 07/26/2011
★★★★★
Hello my name is Rose,
I have been battling "BV" for a few years now. In the beginning I would say that I was ignorant about the infection itself. I went to the doctors not knowing what this terrrible odor could be. I began getting BV after I became sexually active. I am not proned to getting yeast infections and do not know what it feels like to have one, but for some strange reason my body is inclined to getting Bacterial Vaginosis.
I have done extensive research on this bacterial infection and I have tryed every cure in the book, well almost. Very clean people can get BV, and I'm assuming that of course people with poor hygiene can get it as well. After being treated with anti-biotics, I came to the realization that the root of this problem was deeper than I thought. The anti-biotics would only cure me for about 7 months and then I'd be back to the clinic for more. Pity. I got depresed and I've even cryed a few times but I wouldn't give up on a natural cure.
Unfortunately, BV will most-likely continue to come back because I took anti-biotics for this infection at least 5 times. I think that the bacteria develop an immunity to the anti-biotics or a sort of resistance. My theory is that if we continue to cure our infections using natural remedies, not only will we kill the BV, but we'll also make our bodies stronger keeping BV away for longer periods of time and then eventually getting rid of this disgusting infection for good. Also, we must try to keep BV away on our own. My BV comes when I am on my menstrual cycle (sometimes) and when I have sex (if I don't use a condom). Both sperm and blood create alkaline envirornments. This is very harmful for our vaginas because our vaginas are meant to stay acidic. An Acidic envirornment is what kills harmful bacteria in the vagina. My tips for keeping the vagina acidic and aiding the vagina in keeping out alkaline fluids are:
- After sex, (if not using a condom) sit on the toilet and allow all sperm to flow out
- Shower after sex being cautious not get soap into the vagina
- Using a soap that is either acidic (cranberry or lemon) (can purchase at whole foods) or that is non scented
- Keeping non scented wipes to use while on menstrual cycle for frequent wiping
- Changing pads or tampons regularly (every 3 1/2 to 4 hours)
- Purchasing a syringe to rinse out the vagina
These are the cures that worked for me: Mixing two lemons (highly acidic) and a little apple cidar vinegar together. You will have to cut the lemons and empty the juice into a small container. Keep the container sealed and in the fridge. (Keep the syringe in a clean area and rinse with very hot water after use. After showering (while I'm still in the shower with the water running) I suck the mixture up until the surrenge is full, I insert it into the vagina, and I push the liquid up and out of the syringe. The syringe I'm refering to is the one that looks like it's meant for a needle. I guess it can be used for giving babies medicine. I am not a huge fan of douching and I've never douched before. I don't think that this technique is what one would call douching. The syringe only goes but so far but after two days or so the BV seems to die off. My discharge has that pure smell again and I feel much cleaner. I hope this works for women out there who can't seem to find anything that works. I would love to hear feedback from anyone who finds this tip helpful. Also, combining remedies is certainly more effective than just trying one at a time. For instance, I took probiotics at one time and combined it with a yogurt, berberine, and lemon mixture; that worked but I feel that the lemon/apple cidar vinegar attempt is better and quicker. Thanks for reading...
Garlic
Posted by Danielle (Rancho Cucamonga, Ca) on 07/14/2011
They sell Garlic pills.
Tea Tree Oil
Posted by Alibumbayay (Seattle, Washington) on 07/03/2011
In response to "All you have to do is drink 2 liters of lemon water (1 lemon a liter) a day and your ph levels will go back to where they are supposed to be."
Unfortunately this is not always the cure-all case. Citrus fruits such as lemons seem acidic but they are actually alkaline forming, and candida, for instance, thrives on them. So depending on the individual problem, drinking lots of lemon juice can actually exacerbate the problem.
I love drinking a whole lemon in water every morning but had to give it up because it was contributing to an overgrowth of yeast in my vagina.
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Willow (Lexington, Ky) on 06/09/2011
★★★★★
Hi,
I've been dealing with a lot of minor health issues over the past couple of years. Most of the time, you just kind of deal with things as they come. However, my immunity (due to a great deal of environmental/life stress) was compromised. I'm 33, female, and consider myself healthy. Once I found this site, I was ADDICTED to it. I started doing the research and found what I think is a perfect solution for BV. I developed BV as (I think) as reaction to a recent diagnosis of HPV. Everything was out of whack and I thought my sex life had ended. After some experimentation, here's what I ended up with and has worked for me for 3 months now. No creeping smell, no discharge, no anything BV related. At first, I took care of things on an immediate level by doing the Hydrogen Peroxide douche. Literally just a tad bit with a great deal of warm water. Then, I did the acidphilus both orally and vaginally. Once you do this, the rest is kind of body maintenance. I do this on a daily basis:
ACV - read about it if you don't know anything about it. It just improves so much of your overall health - not to mention helps restore your pH.
Acidophilus - I started with "millions" and wound up with a refrigerated version of the "3 billion" capsules.
B-12 complex - just overall metabolism support. however, it can be harmful on your kidneys so don't use in excess.
Multivitamin - just because, well, duh.
Folic Acid - I figured it couldn't hurt and it helps overall immunity.
I also take lysine daily because I'm prone to fever blisters in the sun or under stress. This keeps it under control and when I do have a flare-up, it remedies it very quickly.
Just get to know your body. It's hard dealing with these things but I truly believe that starting in the root of the cause (e.g., the gut) is the best way to have a long lasting effect.
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Kim (Hartford, Ct) on 05/30/2011
★★★★★
hello I've been a sufferer of bv for a long time and tried everything from the conventional way to the wacky ways of finding a cure for this horrible thing. One word for you :kefir. Kefir is a probiotic smoothie and is found in most grocery stores. They are located near the dairy sections. I drink 2 glasses a day and found results in 3 weeks. no more flagyl, no more hydro perox, no more acidoph pills up the vag, no more nonsense. Try it and good luck. its also the cheapest way.
Yogurt
Posted by From Texas (Garland, Tx) on 05/17/2011
What kind of yogurt did you use? And how did u soak the tampon?
Yogurt
Posted by I Did It (Saint Cloud, Mn) on 05/17/2011
★★★★★
I love earth clinic!! I read about a lot of people doing many things at one time but all I did was the yogurt soaked tampon 3 times for 2 days and it is gone!! Woo Hoo! It's been 2 months and that nasty smell has NOT come back. If it ever does I won't hesitate to do it again.
Supplements
Posted by Julie (Tarboro, Nc) on 05/15/2011
★★★★★
I was using Apple Cider Vinegar that I read about on this site for YI. I had both YI and BV. I was in terrible pain. I got so desperite I went on a no carb diet. I even fasted when I could to starve the yeast. Eventually the yeast was gone and the Apple Cider Vinegar was aggravating the BV. I went back up here and read about B6. I immediately went to the store and bought some. I took one pill and swallowed a tbsp of H2O2. I did feel a little sick at first but it wasn't long before I felt a soothing sensation in my well you know. Now only the outside itches and I have a feeling that with one more dose I will be good to go. Now here's some advise from my mistakes. When I used H2O2 vaginally it caused the YI. Take by mouth in low quantities only. Be carefull with the Apple Cider Vinegar as it can cause BV by screwing up your ph. Don't drink the Apple Cider Vinegar take it vaginally dilluted in distilled water. I was taking it by mouth and it was fermenting in my gut making it worse. Including doctor's perscriptions and otc drugs ( which I would not recommend to anyone) and starting looking for homeopathic remedies it has taken over 2 months and finally relief.
Low Carb Diet
Posted by Ikatcure (Hamden, Ct, Uas) on 05/10/2011
★☆☆☆☆
I tried this for about 8 months. I think it's a great thing to do and it definitely helped me lose weight and I felt very healthy. Without the carbs in meals and snacks to make me feel full easily I worked harder at planning meals and eating more fruits and vegetables. There were plenty of good things that happened and my discharge and smell were greatly reduced. However, that kinda slimy "wet" look that my labia had while sick with bv never fully went away and I could just tell that I still had an active infection. This helped alleviate symptoms but when I started eating simple healthy carbs, not junk food, my symptoms came back with a vengence. This was a nay as a cure but a good thing for my general health.
Oregano Oil
Posted by Ikatcure (Hamden, Ct, Uas) on 05/08/2011
★★★★★
I was diagnosed with bv 3 years ago and since then I have taken multiple oral and topical antibiotics, all while abstaining from sex, eliminating sugar and refined carbs and taking probiotics and folic acid but my symptoms always returned.
I tried all of the regimines listed on EC for bacterial vaginosis but they all only worked temporarily.
Finally I decided to try oregano oil. I bought it at the health food store. It's also available online. There is an essential oil which should not be used. I used the kind that is blended with olive oil and fit for consumption. I took it orally (3 drops 4 times daily for 14 days) and applied it vaginally (1 drop 2 times a day for 7 days then 1 drop once a day for 7 days). I know that generally it is unadviseable to use this oil vaginally but it was the only thing that worked for me and it was uncomfortable for about 5 minutes a day but completely worth it. It's been 3 weeks now and none of my symptoms have returned. I apply 1 drop internally after sex and take 2 drops daily by mouth. I don't know if it's necessary to continue this treatment but I think I will for the time being just to make sure it's gone for good.
I also inserted a tampon with plain organic yogurt 4 hours after my second oregano oil application and left it for 2 hours daily. (I tried this with the other treatments too so I know this in and of its self wasn't the cure)
This condition has been terrible to try and deal with. Between visits to the DR, prescriptions and various treatments I spent over a thousand dollars trying to treat this without any success. I hope that sharing this remedy will help someone else out there who is still looking for help.
Note! Do not use this cure if you are using condoms as your main mode of contreception - the oil may break down the latex.
Best wishes for good health to all the ladies out there who are suffering with this condition.
Olive Leaf Extract
Posted by Thankful (Dallas, Tx) on 05/07/2011
★★★★☆
Hey, ladies I want to report on my Olive leaf extract use. I am having tremendous success, I take two in the morning and 2 in the evening. The two in the evening I take with pure cranberry juice diluted with water and I add abt 12 drops of GSE, I dont know if the GSE helps but I figure it can not hurt. I use the brand that starts with a S and ends with a Y, super potency. I also have started taking a multi-vitamin and vitamin D3 when I remember. I am putting this in "better but not cured" because I have not stopped taking the Olive Leaf Extract and don't plan to for some time. I had been dealing with bv for years and I want to give my body time to recuperate from it. I realize we have to think more whollistically, before I would just try to use douches and such but if you are having constant problems with bv it maybe a more systematic problem, I know for me that was not hard to believe. After years of anti-biotics and what not, no telling what residue was left in my body that was throwing it off. Anyway I hope this helps :) p.s. Don't forget to take a probiotic abt 2 hours after the GSE, to help replenish the good bacteria!
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Sabrina (Sydney, Nsw, Australia) on 04/27/2011
This is what I have found to work for the stubborn BV that I had. I never thought it would go away.
In the morning before breakfast, I have:
2 folic acid tablets
1 heaped teaspoon green barley grass powder
1 cap of Tahitian Noni Juice
1 cap of Kefir yogurt
(Sometimes B5 tablet, or olive leaf, vitamin C powder and acidophilis on other days).
Then I repeat the above morning routine around 4pm before a snack and dinner. I try not to eat sugar but I can still get away with eating chocolate as well as wine if I stick to the barley grass powder and Noni juice. (And I like to eat organic and more natural foods now anyway).
I have a hunch that the Barley Grass powder is working better than the Noni Juice (as Noni is $45/bottle). And before I tried the Barley Grass powder, the BV was coming back anyway. With the Barley Grass powder I ate chocolate over Easter (and 3 glasses of wine - which would aggravate BV like crazy) and I STILL smell clean and fresh. Never thought it would go away. (Please note I'm not a sales agent for the powder either - I just know how depressing it is to have BV).
So overall I think Barley Grass Powder, Folic Acid and kefir yogurt is the key. When I was shopping, I felt intuitively to get the bottle of chrolyphyll (but it's watered down too much) so now I take the green powder in water). Works wonders.
Sabrina
Yogurt
Posted by Abe (Belton, Tx, Usa) on 03/30/2011
★★★★★
I am 32 years old, and have had BV off and on for as long as I can remember.. I recently have taken flagyl more times then I can count.. I do have the Mirana IUD, and have had it for 4 years now.. I recently started getting a period again, and more BV.. I am assuming this is from the hormone becoming weaker in my IUD.. I have 1 sex partner, and he's all a women could ever need or want.. He says BV bothers me more then it bothers Him.. Either way, I don't like it.. He is the cleanest man I have ever met.. He has had a vasectomy and we don't use condoms.. Most of the time I don't know I have BV until the day after we have sex..
I started using a medicine syringe and plain natural yogurt.. My thiery is, it helps keep the vaginal pH level healthy.. From my research, semen can change the pH.. The plain yogurt really has helped my problem.. My partner agrees.. I hope this helps.
Tea Tree Oil
Posted by Suzette (Chattanooga, Tennessee) on 03/16/2011
★★★★★
Bacterial Vaginosis- I've tried many ways to try to get rid of it. I gave up on medications from my physicians after I kept getting reoccurances. After trying baths of H2O2 and yogurt tampons I came across tea tree oil. If you put some on a tampon and leave it in for a few hours it seems to make the BV disappear. I would do this once a day when the symptoms are bad and once a month to keep it at bay. After doing this for a few months I've never had a reoccurance. I'm not sure if it's safe to use while pregnant though. This kills all the harmful bacteria in your vagina while leaving the good bacteria alone. I swear it's a life saver if you're dealing with BV.
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Teen Girl (Brooklyn, New York) on 03/12/2011
I want to start by saying thank you to all the brave women who put their stories up here, you guys helped me out alot. I suffered from bv for about a year but I didn't actually know what it was. It almost became a normal thing to me until I decided to do some research. But anyway, I tried the yogurt tampon for about a week straight I saw some results but I was not cured. For some reason I felt that GARLIC was the best remedy. Experimentaly I mixed 2 tablespoons of buttermilk and 1 1/2 teaspoons of garlic powder together. First I used the medicine syringe then I inserting a coated tampon in for about an hour before I went to sleep. This can be messy but it worked for me. Although this smelled bad I did see a difference. I did this for two nights straight now there almost no discharge. In addition I take one 800 mcg folic acid pill everyday, I also soak a cloth into a mix of 1/4 cup of white distilled vinegar and 1 ounce of water, I wipe my private area almost every night. By the way, I stopped wearing panty liners I feel that this helped too. Thanks for reading I hope this helps!!
Hydrogen Peroxide, Probiotics
Posted by Lola (Los Angeles, Ca) on 03/12/2011
Hydrogen peroxide only works temperarily. It like cleans the vaginal walls out of the acidic discharge, but wait a day and it will come right back.
Dong Quai Herb twice a day, and a good, (atleast $30 bottle of acidophilus is important too) The pearls are good. I use "Femdophilus" Jarrow brand.
Goldenseal Herb and Echinacea for no more than a month, is good. 350mg pills, three capsule, three times a day, and Goldenseal ticture, filled in an empty "00" gel caps, 2 to 3 times a day everyday along with the echinacea. Its an infection!! The bacteria must be killed off
Supplements
Posted by Leela (Hilo, Hi) on 03/11/2011
Just thought I would recommend something that has worked for a few different ailments for me and may be very sucessful for BV as well. It's worth a try- probiotics - I aften have trouble when I take too many of the capsules - so I just eat 1/4 or 1/2 of one.
Supplements
Posted by God Answers Prayer (Seattle, Washington, Usa) on 03/11/2011
★★★★★
OLIVE LEAF EXTRACT! ... TRY IT! A MIRACLE LADIES!!!!! It speaks for itself, it is definitely the answer to my prayer...
Hydrogen Peroxide Variations
Posted by 15yearstoolong (Hamilton, Ontario, Canada) on 03/09/2011
I just wanted to add that I had read somewhere that some of the probiotics that have been mentioned in some of these posts that are being taken by women to combat BV, are actually not effective for bacterial vaginosis, but rather for digestive & intestinal problems. This could be why some women are finding no success in beating this infection by taking their probiotics alone. The 2 bacteria strains I have listed above in my post are the 2 that you need the most to beat this thing. Also keep up with the "proper" probiotics even for a while after it seems that you have no more symptoms. Sometimes it seems like it has gone away when in fact it may not be completley gone yet. The longer you dose yourself with "good" bacteria the better your chances of success.
Hydrogen Peroxide Variations
Posted by 15yearstoolong (Hamilton, Ontario, Canada) on 03/09/2011
First of all I'd like to say a huge Thank you to all of the women on this site for writing about your home remedies and making suggestions, giving the rest of us sufferers some hope. I am 40 years old and have had 5 children. I have suffered with BV since I was 25 yrs old (15 years in total). I have always taken the medication that my doctor has prescribed for me (Flagyl), and it has always worked in getting rid of the BV, but only temporarily. I really felt like I was the only one suffering with this, and always felt "dirty".
Up until I had my 3rd child, I had never ever had a vaginal problem. No odours, no discharge, nothing. I was with the same man for over 19 years, so multiple partners was never an issue. The first time I got BV, my doctor had very little advice or anything at all to tell me on how to fight this vicious infection. I would get it at least 3 times a year every year following that. Here in Canada we do have medical insurance and are able to see the doctor as frequently as we need to and Flagyl is covered by my insurance. For 15 years this medication has done nothing but temporarily make it go away. I am now in a new relationship and have only been sexually active twice in the past month. First time was 1 day before I started my menstrual cycle and there was absolutely no smell, however discharge was thick. The second time was 2 weeks afterwards and I could smell the BV was back and heard that "noise" that happens when I urinate while infected. I had told my doctor about this "sound" and he looked at me like I had 2 heads. However after reading the posts on this site, I have come to learn I was not alone. Other women have heard it too, and can tell when an outbreak of BV will or is happening because of that alone. So after having read each and every single post on here, I decided to try some of the remedies. I have done alot of online research and found out some things that certainly helped me. The very first thing I did was went to the drug store and bought a bottle of Hydrogen Peroxide 3%. I also found a product by RePhresh called Pro-B caplets. Each caplet contains 2.5 billion Lactobacillus rhamnsous Gr-1, and 2.5 billion Lactobacillus reuteri RC-14. After very extensive research I came to learn that these 2 types of bacteria are the most important healthy bacteria that fight off the bad bacteria and is found naturally in the vagina. Each one has its own way of fighting, and are necessary to maintain a healthy vagina. So here is what I have done. I'm sure most of you already know that you need more of the healthy bacteria in your vagina than bad in order for you to get rid of the BV. I bought a douche from the drug store and emptied out its contents. I filled half of the bottle with the Hydrogen Peroxide and the other half with warm water. I douched with that and held it in for about 5 mins, then letting it all out and douched again but this time with only Hydrogen Peroxide and no water. Yes it burned a slight bit but barely noticeable. I then showered only using water to clean my womanly area. After the shower I used straight peroxide to clean the outer area. Make sure you dry the area soon afterwards. I took orally 1 of the capsules mentioned above. Just before bedtime I took a tampon and lowered it back down inside the tube to leave some room. I took one of the capsules, broke it open and poured the powdery content into the tampon applicator so that it would sit in a neat little pile on top of the tampon. I stood up to put the applicator in so it wouldn't pour out the powder before being inserted. Do not wet the tampon at all before insertion or it won't go in very easily. I left the tampon in for 2 hours. The second night, I only took 1 capsule orally and inserted one pill vaginally, same way as before.
Third day I took another pill orally, did the Peroxide douche and afterwards inserted another capsule. I will not douche every day, as I am afraid of washing away the "good" bacteria that I have inserted and also taking orally. You have to grow and maintain enough good bacteria down there, in order for it to be successful in overtaking the bad bacteria and combat BV. Also always wearing cotton undies, and keeping the area as dry & clean as possible is also an important factor. When you take the Flagyl or other anti-biotics, it kills the good bacteria along with the bad and upsets the acidity and PH levels in your vagina, therefore giving any bad bacteria that survives another chance of regrouping and re-infecting. I won't be doucing anymore and only taking the probiotics that I have bought..
Here in Canada the RePHresh pills I purchased were $35.00 for a 30 day supply, at one a day. However, I have been going through 2 a day as I am using them vaginally as well. It's been a while since I started this regimen and so far everything is working fantastic!!! I have never been drier down there in my life. Even after a very long hard day and no chance of a shower yet, I'm still completley dry down there.. There is absolutely no odour and no discharge. The real test will be after my menstrual cycle or sex... I will keep you updated on how things progress for me. This is trully one of the most horrible infections us women can get.. Not to mention embarrassing, degrading, and I'm tired of living the life of a nun just to keep from suffering the embarrassments. I ordinarily would never write on these kinds of forums especially about this kind of personal thing, however I'm hoping that I can help others out, the same way others on this site have certainly helped me! Good luck to all of you!
Yogurt
Posted by Chocolat (Kathleen, Ga) on 03/09/2011
I had the same issue with cramping but this also happens when you use monistat so I think that it means it works. The second day the cramps do not happen
Dietary Changes
Posted by Tae (Landover, Md) on 03/03/2011
★★★★★
Hello I had bv for over 5 years and didnt reach this site until sometime last year, so I tried everything that everyone listed but it kept coming back. I went to a church service and went up for prayer sometime last year and the woman just said God told me to tell you to drink water. Now I said ok and left it alone, recently it was really getting bad and I was praying and God brought that back to my mind. So I started drinking water and didnt do nothing else that everyone else told me to do.. ITS GONE! I know that it sounds weird and its again the norm that only water would cure it but you tried everything else why not just drink water, I stoped drinking everything else and drink water all through the day and after 5 years I am free. Just thought I would give you guys what God gave me..
