Top Natural Bacterial Vaginosis Remedies

Povidone Iodine

Posted by Michelle (Salt Lake City, UT) on 05/24/2009
★★★★★

Please add this remedy in the Vaginosis section :)

I have tried so many things for this terrible, frustrating, humiliating and irritating condition - including the Hydrogen peroxide, folic acid, and acidophilus cures. What *has* worked for me is the combination of povidone-iodine swabsticks & high doses of vitamin c. A few years ago, I saw a MD who also did alternative care (when I had a wicked case of candida). He suggested that I swab vaginally with 50% povidone-iodine and 50% water. This was a tremendous pain until I discovered povidone-iodine swabsticks (google them for retail sources). After months of an unrelenting vaginosis (complete with fishy smell), I decided to try the povidone-iodine swabsticks on that. It works!! The wicked smell and discharge is washed away immediately!! I think it's important to do this 2-3 times/day for the first few days, but after that, once seems adequate. Note that I am doing this once or twice a day now - and am unsure of how long I'll need to do it, but it's ridiculously easy so I'm totally cool with that! Also, it doesn't sting - *at all* even immediately after sex, which I definitely can't say about the hydrogen peroxide douche (ouch!).

Also - I have been diagnosed with cevical dysplasia and was looking for a treatment for that. In the Doctor Yourself website, this quote is made: "Dysplasia is a study in scurvy. In vitamin C deficiency disease, there is insufficient production of collagen, the strong, healthy glue that holds your cells together. Whether dysplasia is triggered by a virus, physical irritation or other cause, the fundamental problem is weak intercellular ground substance due to inadequate ascorbic acid." So - I decided to start taking 3-6 grams vitamin c daily. (If you're concerned about this check out the vitamin c foundation web pages & know that Linus Pauling took 6-18 grams daily!)

Since adding the vitamin c, the smell vanished! I'm playing it safe and not going more than a day without one swabbing, but it really doesn't seem necessary so.. I don't know - it's just so easy that I figure it's worth doing!

Best wishes to you all :)

Goldenseal

Posted by CleanNSexy (Los Angeles, California) on 04/22/2009
★★★★★

I got BV 4 yrs ago and the doctor prescribed an anti-biotic that cured it in a week but 10 months ago I had unprotected sex with my boyfriend, the next morning I had the symptoms and have been dealing with it ever since because I have no medical insurance. I went through the terrible ordor that came through my clothes, more discharge than normal(went through a lot of panty liners) and minor vaginal itch. I've tried taking Folic Acid and Acidophillus as well as douching with Peroxide and water but the smell, irritation and discharge would come back in a couple of days. About three weeks ago before I started my cycle I inserted a capsule of Golden Seal(an anti-biotic used to cure infections) into my vagina every night before I went to sleep and wore a panty liner to keep from getting discharge stains in my underwear from the Golden Seal leaking out. It has been 3 weeks and there's no odor, no irritation and my discharge went back to normal. It's almost time for my cycle to begin again and there's still no signs of BV. Golden Seal can be bought at any Health food store and I advice all women who are having problems with BV to try it!

Dietary Changes

Posted by Alfred Baron (Rangsit, Bangkok,Thailand) on 04/17/2009

3/17/9: Been reading the new postings today. .Woman talk about BV..to take folic acid pills, a short cut would be to take a Glass of Tomato Juice.. Tomato juice is loaded with Folic Acid ..

I am an 81 year old fellow that wants everyone to be healthy and happy..been reading books ,,how to heal your self..amazing book "The Golden Seven plus One by C. Samuel West" will teach you how to heal yourself

Also one more thing..VERY healthy food.. I thought weed in my Garden, only to find out healthy, grows like a weed..has little yellow flowers. PURSLANE.. you can find a picture of it in the computor.

Stay well

Alfred

EC: Purslane - yes! How strange that you should mention this. My husband's friend from Canada just told us about it last week and I was going to mention it as well... Apparently an amazing weed. Going to create a new page for it soon on EC.

Deirdre

Multiple Remedies

Posted by Miss D (Seattle, WA) on 04/06/2009
★★★★★

UPDATE ON BACTERIAL VAGINOSIS: After using the metrogel twice a week for long term therapy, I got a nasty yeast infection. I was at the doctor's office once again in tears.... and yes, she got frustrated with me. She did test me for BV and it came back negative. Perhaps the last time I took flagyl worked. However, I am now treating BV naturallly with vitamins. I take 1600 mcg of folic acid, 2 acidophilus pills (refridgerated) and 2 Probiotics. I also take 1 oil of oregeno pill a day with warm water, 1 garlic pill, and eat 2 probiotics yogurts daily. I had sex twice this weekend and no smell. I'll test myself tomorrow with a screening kit and hopefully it will read 4.5.

Thank you, ladies, for your input. God bless us all. Thank you, Earth Clinic.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Posted by Former AL Mom (Daleville, AL) on 03/25/2009

Bacterial Vaginitis: Daily, I soak a cotton ball with organic ACV while I sit on the toilet, then I jump in the shower to rinse it off, using no soaps, sprays, or powders. This has been working for the past month. I also use another ACV soaked cotton ball under my arms before I get in the shower too, without using soap or deodorant. No odor. I love this site, mannnn!

Goldenseal

Posted by Elizabeth (Los Angeles, CA) on 03/11/2009
★★★★★

Golden seal cured BV for me.

I've been suffering from BV for 8 months and I've tried Folic Acid and Acidophellus (spell check) but neither worked, I douche with Peroxide and water which only lasted for 3 days but recently I tried finding boric acid and had no luck but I did have Golden Seal which cures most infections so I decided to insert it inside of the vaginal and the next morning I had no signs of BV so I did the same the next night and still no signs the next morning. The only thing is I have to wear a panty liner because it does leak out the next day.

Hydrogen Peroxide Variations

Posted by Tani (East Hartford, Connecticut) on 03/01/2009
★★★★★

I am totally happy to find this site, I've had BV for 2 years and was at the end of my rope with Metro Gel and Flagyl. I was beginning to think I was immune to these drugs because they never worked for me. I was sick of being in the doctor's office 3 times a month and decided to do my own research. After reading everyone's post and what worked for them, I began my own experiment that totally worked for me. For 7 days I douched with half water and half 30cc peroxide every night with a douche bottle (which burned a little)and inserted plain Organic yogurt from Country Farm. I thought it was important to use that type of yogurt as it had the lactobacillus which we need to put back directly in the vagina to help kill the bad bacteria causing BV. Its been 6 weeks and I am BV free.

Multiple Remedies

Posted by Janice (Middletown, NY) on 02/23/2009
★★★★★

I have had bacterial vaginosis on and off for years and after using flagyl many times over, it was time to look at prevention not just treatment. If you have an infection you should get treated first, then follow this regime. Make sure you follow general guidelines to prevent BV and yeast infections by switching to cotton panties, no douching (as it does more harm for upsetting vaginal flora than good), stay away from those poofy loofah's (they caused my recurrences after discovering mold on the most inner part of them!), use unscented soap. After I made these changes recommended by my gynecologist...I decided to try the folic acid and acidophilus combo. I take 800MCG of folic acid and 2 capsules of a high count lactobacillus acidophilus supplement everyday. This has helped to prevent any recurrence. The few times i have gotten lazy and not taken my supplements, i had the same early itchiness/discomfort that i recognized from my other infections. As soon as I took the supplements and kept eating low/no sugar added yogurt...it just stopped. Changing my diet too, taking a multivitamin, and drinking lots of water has changed not only my vaginal health but overall health too.

Another thing that I was told was told by my doctor is if your on the extended-delay period birth control like Seasonale for example (where your period only comes once every 3 months), that it was better to just switch to once a month birth control and flush out your system naturally. This seemed to help too. I don't know how the folic acid and lactobacillus works together like this, and i'm sure it wont work for everyone...but it really does seem to work to a very good degree in prevention...and some good properties alongside treatment.

Multiple Remedies

Posted by Miss N (Boston, MA) on 02/22/2009
★★★★★

I had been dealing with bacterial vaginosis for over a year. The problem is I didn't realize I had the ailment at first. It went untreated for a year. I noticed a fishy smell during intercourse with my boyfriend at the time, but thought I didn't shower good enough and my period was coming soon. After we broke up, I didn't smell anything so I had no idea something was wrong.

I began dating a new guy about a year later and noticed the strong fish smell during/after sex. This happened with or without condoms. Immediately, I went to see my doctor. She prescribed the metrogel and I thought I'd be cured. Wrong. I went back to see my doctor and she prescribed the metrogel for the second time. I thought I would be cured. Wrong.

I asked my doctor for flagyl, but she refused to give it to me. She said it doesn't work and women often get sick. I immediately started to panic right there and then in her office. I was anxious, embarrassed, and depressed, to be honest.

I started douching with part hydrogen peroxide/part distilled water. The smell was gone! I thought I had my sex life back again, but after the fourth day of douching, my vagina was on fire.

Since my doctor was of no help, I went to one of the best hospitals in the city and they prescribed flagyl. I didn't get sick and the infection went away. For maintenance, I've been taking a probiotic, acidophilus, garlic, and folic acid. (once or twice a day) I believe I had a folic acid deficiency caused by years of smoking and tanning beds.

Anyway, I've been checking my ph balance with the screening kits and I've been registering at 4.5. (normal) Also, I had sex with my boyfriend last night and there was no smell in the room. Not to get too personal, but he said I tasted, "sweet."

I pray the infection doesn't return and I wish you all the best. My thoughts are with you.

Garlic

Posted by Mary (Houston, Texas, United States) on 02/18/2009

I was wondering, how do you take Garlic Orally? do you eat it alone or put in food?

Multiple Remedies

Posted by Racheal (Ooltewah, Tn) on 02/18/2009
★★★★★

due to type 1 diabetes I consistantly went from yeast to bv to yeast etc etc. I just got tired of one dr saying, Im increasing your insulin again and my gyno saying, Your just going to have to get used to the problems as it goes along with the diabetes. Heres another cream for you!! yuck!! I just woke one day and thought, this cant be it. Guess what ladies, it wasnt!! You have to play around with all of these remedies and find what works for you. I will say this, I dont think douching is a good idea as it forces things up. However, There is a way to rinse with the acv or h2o. Lay in your tub and put your feet on the side and lift your rear up. Open yourself up and pour in your mixture and hold it for at least a few minutes. I prefer the h2o but not for all those days in a row or very often. also, in the shower...not bath....make sure your hands are clean and clean yourself out with your finger. Dont wash with soap. I like the baby wash..Nothing scented just gentle. Clean the outside well and rinse well. I also use tea tree oil suppositories about once a week. Very soothing if you feel dry or a little irritated. I take 2 folic acid 600mg per day as well as 2 femanol per day. Ive used the boric acid for yeast. works but extremely irritating. At least once a week I soak a tampon in acv and shove it up there and leave it or at least an hour but no more than 3. That will make your hoo hah inhospitable to the bad stuff. Now....Diet is VERY important. Watch your sugar and artifical sugars. Try and cut out starchy carbs...white bread,potatoes. etc. Little or no alcohol esp beer. Yeasty foods. Try colorful veggies...brown rice....also brown rice wraps with turkey and spinich and sour cream is delicious. Get some excercise. Go for a walk. I know this is depressing and makes you feel soooo unsexy but you can take control. Its work, I know. I take 6 shots a day as well as taking the folic and femanol and watching the diet. Its so worth it ladies. It happens faster for some and slower for others. After 2 months, I feel almost normal!!

Multiple Remedies

Posted by Dianna (Austin, Tx) on 02/07/2009

i used to get this often before i was diagnosed with diabetes. have you ever had your blood sugar checked? apple cider vinegar both ingested - 1 - 2 teaspoons in 8 ounces of water and a douche with about 1 tablespoon per 8 ounces of water helps mine. also do not use soap on the area. do not bathe in bubble bath. quit using clorox if it bothers you. you can clean the toilet very well with white vinegar and baking soda. you might also try a baking soda douche - 1 tablespoon to 8 ounces water. wearing tight pants would make mine worse too - when i had the problem i often wore loose skirts w/o underwear so the area could breathe.
good luck
djh

Multiple Remedies

Posted by Stephanie (Albuquerque, NM) on 02/07/2009
★★★☆☆

WORKED TEMPORARILY

I have been suffering from bv for 6 years. I don't get a fishy smell, but more like a burning, urine smell. It's so damn embarrassing. I have quit jobs because people were making fun of me so bad. I have tried everything you could imagine. Antibiotics make it worse. I don't understand how people are using hydrogen peroxide and it's killing it. Wouldn't the hydrogen peroxide kill off the good bacteria as well as the bad bacteria? I have noticed that when I am stressed, it comes on instantly and won't go away. I have also noticed that coffee brings it back, garlic brings it back, and when I use clorox to wash my underwear or wash the toilet with, that always brings it back. So I am thinking since I eat a ton of garlic, the garlic can clean. Maybe I am cleaning my body too much? Stress is a huge factor. I am a very clean person. I have noticed that when I eat one yogurt a day, one folic acid and one zinc a day, no coffee, no alcohol and my stress level is of the average person's stress level, it subsides. As soon as I drink one cup of coffee, or eat too much garlic or if I am stressed or use clorox to clean with, it comes back. Oh my gawd! Now, it's back and now I am being made fun of once again by new co-workers. It's come to the point where I don't know what to do. I have used a couple of drops of tea tree oil in a douche and that maintained it for a few months. But the tea tree oil no longer works. Flagyl gel and tablets and clindamycine don't work either. If someone has any real home remedies I would appreciate it. I know folic acid is a huge part, but I know after several tries of acidophillus and other probiotics, they really didn't do anything for me. I have stopped going to school, switched jobs, but I'm not the only one suffering. I have a child to support and he needs me to support him. So if anyone has any cures/information, I'd appreciate all your suggestions. Thanks!

Dietary Changes

Posted by Kay (Sunny, CA) on 02/06/2009
★★★★★

I tried not eating any yeast made foods, no pasta, breads, etc and tried folic acid, b12, acv but nothing worked. The doctors I went to visually thought I had BV or an STD but the test results were always negative. I googled and found that coffee can cause BV, yeast infection, migraines, balance problems and dizziness, I had all those issues. I quit drinking coffee including decaf and caffeine products. No more BV! voila!

Lemons

Posted by Mel (Gloucester, UK) on 01/28/2009
★★★★★

I have used dilute lemon juice (jif) to cure thrush for 20 years. I got BV (smell of fish) a couple of months ago for the first time in my life. Around Christmas it occurred to me that if it was caused by pH imbalance, then the lemon juice might work on BV too. It did. I wiped with unfragranced baby wipes onto which I squirted Jif lemon and lime juice. My BV disappeared in 24 hours and I'm back to my old familiar smell. Please pass this on.

Multiple Remedies

Posted by VNG (Mobile, Alabama) on 01/25/2009

Hi, im so so glad that i found this site. Im 20 years old and have been dealing with bv for only a year now. I am sexually active and have been with the same person for 5 years now and it all seemed to come about after my boyfriend ejaculated in me a year ago. It has been down hill since then.I have also been to the docter and been perscribed flagyl which only cured it for a few weeks. The smell is jus so embarrasing that i would stop in the middle of intercourse. I found this site 2 days ago and have been reading all the different remedies. I went out first thing this morning and brought 400mcg folic acid pills, 3% hydrogen peroxide, and 500 million cfu acidophilus. I have only taken 2 folic acid pills and 1 acido pill and will take another folic acid and acido pill tonite. Im sceptical about using the douche because ive heard it was not healthy. Hopefully the pills cure it, if not i will add the douche to my regimen. Im hoping and praying that it works cuz i have really been stressin myself about this lately. I will write back in a few days to tell of any success. Wish me luck!!!

Multiple Remedies

Posted by Mary (Springfield, Illinois) on 01/17/2009
★★★★★

I took Amoxicillin for 10 days and it helped. When I started the Amoxicillin, I immediately stopped inserting ANYTHING in my vagina (penises, fingers, tampons, toys, douches, applicators) and I shaved off all pubic hair for cleanliness. Then, EVERY DAY, I drank one glass of organic, plain Kefir; ate one cup of organic, plain yogurt; took one probiotic pill for vaginal support made by Renew Life; took 4 dried garlic pills by Kyolic; and took 150 mg of vitamin c in powder form. It's been 2 weeks and I feel great! I am going to continue to do all of these things every day for the rest of my life, though. It will be even more important when I resume intercourse, which may be a long time from now, but it's worth the wait.