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.
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 Channel (Atlanta, Georgia) on 12/29/2013
★☆☆☆☆
I have been suffering with B.V. for about 5 years now. I have been to OBGYN's and speacialist, but no one can cure my problem. I have tried all the remedies out there, peroxide, apple vinegar cider, antibotcs, probiotics.......... Nothing works, it will take the smell and discharge away for a couple of days and then it's back. It's a very emotional touchy topic and I don't know what to do..... Can anyone help?
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Timh (Ky, Usa) on 12/30/2013 2042 posts
Channel: If you have such poor response to treatments as you posted, this suggest an "underlying issue". Ultimately your body detox & immune systems are heavily taxed.
Try improving the quality of your diet; purify your air & water. Maybe do a gallbladder cleanse fallowed by a colon cleanse, fallowed by a parasite cleanse. Milk Thistle Seed and NAC will greatly improve your liver/detox. Zinc & vit-A will improve your immune. Sweat room or sauna will detox the skin as well as most of the body.
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 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 Sotiredoffeelingthisway (Shreveport, La) on 09/03/2012
Thanks so much for posting this comment. I have had some success with the Hydro douche. But over time it just did not work, and actually just made the situation worse. I came to this site everyday for about 6 months trying to get a cure. I cry almost every other day about my Bv making me a outcast, a joke at my job. Strangers in public looking at you like you are disgusting, like I can change whats wrong with me. Went to multiple doctors, raked up lots of medical bills, and of course, no one had a cure. I have a little daughter that is 3 years old. She has told me at times when she gets close to me to read a book, or even to give me a hug, she backs away and says "ewww Mommy! You stink down there! " Wow, I laughed first, then cried later on like crazy. I tried the lemon and apple cider not only because you said it worked for you, but you have reasons why it would work. That was very helpful. For the first time in a long time(since I tried the Hydro) The smell was drasticly gone. It has only been a few days, but the reason I am posting this so early is because my daugter gave me a hug coming home from work, she smelled me and smelled me again and said, "Mommy, you dont smell! " I Laughed, but of course cried again, but this time a good cry. I will try to post again soon to give a update. Also I am taking A very well know probiotic for women. I also believe you need to try multiple remedy's to attack this problem. Thanks to all the wonderful ladies that post there stories. Helps me get thru the day to know there are alot of us constantly searching for a true cure for this horrible issue.
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Lyla (Nd) on 03/31/2016
My midwife told me to do the syringe thing with peroxide. Works wonders and gets rid of it for months.
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.
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!
Olive Leaf Extract
Posted by Dc Girl (Washington, Dc) on 01/17/2012
I've almost read the entire thread and wanted to add my two cents. I've also suffered from BV, though I really didn't realize it until the last 4-5 years. I'll be honest in saying that I don't really know the cause of it, but after going to a few doctors I realized they had no idea on how to treat/cure it. In fact, I was told there was not cure for it. So I managed to just deal with it by doing a lot of the stuff by other listed on this site.
Interestingly enough, I started doing the Master Cleanse (referred to as the Lemon Aid Diet) to detox my system. I did it two times last year and started again this month. However, the last time I did it, I noticed that my pH was MUCH better, though still had a slight discarge but was nowhere near the color and it did not have an odor to it at all. But when I came off of the diet, it went back to what it previously had been (milky yellowish tent with an odor that apparently only I could smell). And of course, while some days were better than others and no one knew other than myself, I became extremely selfconcious about to the point that it affected my sex life.
So this time around, I bought the strips to test my pH levels before starting and I was at 7.5. After starting the cleanse and a few days into it, I tested myself again and I was down to 5.5. A week later, I was down to 4.5. However I noticed a difference in my scent the very next day after I started the diet.
So what I decided to do was incorporate the "cleanse" drink into my everyday eating. I am changing my eating habit and of course exercising now but I drink a smoothie in the morning (that I make each morning with various fruits, spinach and carrots). I drink about 6 18oz cups a day of the lemonade solution throught the day and with my meals. I also try to drink at least 32oz of water each day. I eat soup and salad for lunch and eat a pretty normal dinner but before 7pm. While I eat more baked fish and chicken, I make 1 weekend day a cheat day where I can eat anywhere from pizza, fried chicken, steak... whatever (but within moderation of course).
And while I just started doing all of this (this is week 3) I have noticed that my pH levels are pretty normal now with the last 3 tests I've done.
This may not work for everyone else... But so far, it's working for me. I just wanted to share my experience.
Tea Tree Oil
Posted by Shyann (Los Angeles ) on 12/08/2015
If you keep getting a reoccurrence of BV then most likely your partner needs to be treated. Some DR say men can't get it but that is not true. Some DR will give you medication for your guy and you can go through the 10 days together.
Tea Tree Oil
Posted by Essa (Mckinney ) on 01/10/2018
Hi, I was wondering while inserting tea, tree oil is it okay to have intercourse? My sex life sucks and it's really obnoxious. Please get back at me.
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 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.
Dietary Changes
Posted by Jaci (North Carolina ) on 12/08/2017
How long did it take the water to cure it?
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Jade (Vancouver, Bc Canada) on 02/15/2011
Taking 2-3 ACIDOPHILUS a day works. Prior to this I was doing the peroxide treatments almost every day. It deffinetly kept the smell away but if I missed a couple of days, it would return. Soooo thanks to this site, I started 2-3 acidophilus capsules orally a day and a few days of peroxide douche treatment with a capsule inserted right after the douche and with in 5 days it has dissappeard. I am continueing with 2 acidophilus capsules a day and as of today I am taking a tsp. Of molkosan a day. Google molkosan benifits and you will understand why it is so good for you. Yes after battling this bv problem for a year and a half. I have it under control and I feel great.
Probiotics Plus
Posted by London (Sandusky , Ohio) on 01/18/2011
NEEM OIL, inserted into the vagina via tampon, soaked in several drops of neem oil, or an empty gel cap, once a day for about 4 to 7 days. Also, a probiotic, (most effective Ive used so far) its called "Femdophilus"by Jarrow brand. The probiotics go directly to the vagina, rather than die in the gut. The most supperior brand probiotic, altho expensive, worth it. Take 2 caps a day
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Cocoa_0725 (Indianapolis, In, U.s) on 01/10/2011
★☆☆☆☆
I've been having a issue with this Bacterial Infection... I get a foul smell and I'm so sick of it. I've tried ACV, which I use that in my bathwater and it seem like it will work right after that but then the smell comes back later that night or when I wake up that following morning. I've also tried dipping the tampon into the plain yogurt still no help. I also put hydrogen peroxide in my bathwater still no help.. As well as taking those probiotic acidophiles by mouth and one inserted into my area down there.. Still no help! Can someone please tell what are some other options that I can do. I am so tried of going thru this.
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Brooke (Montgomery, Tx, Usa) on 01/10/2011
You can try Glycothymoline soaked in a tampon and leave that in for an hour to overnight. It alkalizes your vaginal area. Also douches with Glycothymoline and a quart of water or a quart of water and Atomic Iodine. I would not put the Atomic Iodine on the tampon though - just the Glycothymoline.
Yogurt
Posted by Margarita (Sacramento, California) on 12/29/2010
Can I use a tampon with yogurt during my menstual cycle and will it be affective at stopping the awful odor from bv?
Yogurt
Posted by Strwbryltr22 (Windsor, Ct) on 11/28/2011
★★★★★
The yogurt has been the best treatment for me. It has been a godsend. I stuck a tampon in low fat vanilla yogurt, which is what I had on hand, I will try no fat next time. It worked the first time around and on the same day. I've used it for three days thus far and it has worked. I have tried those antibacterial creams, the over the counter BV treatments. Give yogurt a try. If you are not sexually active right now, try it for a few nights straight. I had minimally discharge, because I don't soak it. Just dip and you know the rest. I have left the tampon in for a few hours. I haven't kept it all night. Good luck. Definitely worth a try.
Yogurt
Posted by Ana (Stockton, Ca/usa) on 10/11/2012
but her question was, can she use it during her menstrual cycle? I like to know too :)
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Sarahbelle (Los Angeles, Ca, Usa) on 12/04/2010
★☆☆☆☆
I am having a bv issue, going on three months. I have never had any problems AT ALL prior to this. In September, had my first UTI and had to be treated with three different antibiotics until it went away. Then, had a yeast infection which was treated. Went back to the Dr. In October and had BV. I have been treated twice with Tindamax and once with Metrogel, only getting better for maybe four or five days before it returns. No smell, but itching and pain as well as frequent urination. I am taking Acidophilis, Flora, Garlic, B-12, Vitamin C, H202, Cranberry to keep UTI away, and have drastically changed my diet. Basically anything I can find, I have tried. I really cannot afford to keep going back to the doctor, and this is seriously affecting my life, relationship, and emotional well-being. Any advice would be greatly appreciated, I'm exhausted.
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Pee (Somewhere, Usa) on 12/04/2010
Check out Mini Beet Protocol on Remedies page! Havn't tried it, but will as soon as I get my juicer! Looks Promising!
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Lady2010 (Boston, Ma) on 11/29/2010
So like all of you I too suffer with BV. I am going to try these natural remedies that have been posted. I have gone to the doctor and had to get two presciptions to clear the problem, but did not go away. Wouldn't you guess what I would have to go back for? To get my vagina checked and for them to tell me what I already know. It is embarassing to go back to the doctor for this problem, and to have to pick it up from the pharmacy. I have tried the plain yogurt on the tampon, but it hasn't seem to get rid of this. Sooo I am going to try the folic acid, and acidophilus tablets, taking them orally and one in the lady parts, lol. Also use a 1/2 hydrogen peroxide 1/2 water douche. I hope this works. Good Luck
Yogurt
Posted by Curious123 (Missoula, Montana) on 09/06/2011
how long do you leave the yogart in??
Yogurt
Posted by Fizza (Pakistan) on 07/03/2016
Did you use diluted yoghurt?
Yogurt
Posted by Schneice (California) on 01/16/2017
I heard that yogurt can cure BV. I have heard of many ways of doing this two are dipping a tampon in it or filling a tampon applicator with it and putting it inside. How would you get the yogurt out of your vag? I am desperate any looking for a cure I suffer from BV going on 4 years now is there something I am doing wrong?
Yogurt
Posted by Sarah (Canada) on 08/29/2017
How long did u do this for? How many days & how many times did u put the applicator each day.
Garlic
Posted by Ms.911 (Baltimore, Md) on 10/05/2010
Ok so I seen on here where woman said that garlic works so I went to the store and got the capsule of garlic 546mg I put two of them up in my VJ b4 bed in the morning the discharge was gone. OK so CAN any one please tell me how long will it smell like garlic with all that to say thanks my BV is gone. Please let me no
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Desperate In The United States (Anderson, South Carolina, United States) on 10/01/2010
★★★★☆
I hope this reaches all of the women out there who seem to now be struggling with this "disease". I discovered I was having issues with "infections" after the birth of my first child. First of all, my OBGYN gave me a horrible episiotomy, which is what I believe really triggered all of this. I will never know what is the true cause of it. I believe that later doctors will find that this is happening more and more with women now. Until they really put forth their energy into paying attention to this "disease", will they ever really find a cure for it. After my horrible epesiotomy I began having cramping issues. My OBGYN gave me pain medicine. He said that it was nothing. I then proceeded to have horrible cramping for the next several months. I then had what felt like a horrible Urinary Tract infection. He gave me an antibiotic I was prescribed to take every day for the rest of my life. Shortly after this, I had what seemed to be the most horrible yeast infection. He gave me Terazol Cream. After this, I felt a little better, but I went through horrible days of cramping and in the mean time was having terrible discharge after intercourse with my husband. After countless trips and surgery, my doctor told me I had post partum adenomyosis. He said this was the cause of everything. Believing in my doctor and trusting him, I dealt with countless days of pain. Until, another symptom came along. I started having horrible dryness in the vaginal area. I felt terrible. I went to the doctor again and he said that I had no good bacteria and I needed estrogen. He gave me Estradiol inserts and Tindamax. I took the Tindamax but not the Estrogen. I was very skeptical of him at this time. Finally I went to another doctor and discovered that I indeed did not need any estrogen, my hormones were fine by the way, that I had Bacterial Veginosis. He was a very open and understanding doctor and immediately gave me Metrogel and Tindamax. This went on for months and months and now almost a year later, here I am still battling with this God aweful whatever. My doctor actually just took me off of the metrogel and started me on Boric Acid and Acidophulis inserts. The doctors where I live are not about using "non-traditional" medicine. However, I grew up eating healthy and organic, thank you mom. So, I have been researching and trying everything. I have changed my diet, no so sugar and no bread of any kind. I try to eat as organic as possible. I take garlic pills 6, 600 mg, vitamin c 1000 mg, folic acid 1600mg and a probiotic. I also drink Kefir everyday. I am currently trying the Boric acid twice a day for seven days with 2 to 3 acidopholis pills inserted vaginally. My doctor is willing to try anything and everything with me for this BV but carefully monitors what I do, which is very good. He said whatever I am doing seems to be working because every time he checks me, I have a little more Lactobacillus down there then before. I don't know what has caused this or why it doesn't seem to go away, but ladies, it is my advice to keep going. I know you are out there and you have to speak up to your doctors and let them know. If you just do what they tell you to do, you will never get better. I am never going to give up and someday will find a way to get rid of this once and for all. Don't give up! I just thought I would let you know you are not alone, because heaven knows I feel that way a lot. I used to cry constantly because it truly does affect whatever you do, especially if you are a woman. If anyone has any advice, I would be happy to accept it. Good luck everyone!
Yogurt
Posted by Sonja (Medford, Oregon) on 09/21/2010
★★★★★
I too hadn't experienced the nightmare of BV until my latest boyfriend. I noticed the smell right after sex and was horrified. If we weren't together, it seemed to go away, but would come back immediately after sex. I consulted this site and started taking probiotics which didn't seem to help. I also went to the doc who prescribed something ( I forgot what) which didn't work either. So now months later it flared up again and I was desperate. I decided to go another route and tried the tampon in yogurt (non-fat, plain, organic) and low and behold after a few hours, the smell was gone! I had put it in at night and woke up and took it out after a few hours. Just to be sure, I did it a second night and nothing! I also as a backup bought some acidophilus capsules to take. I didn't want to post until a few days had passed, but now I feel confident about the yogurt remedy. A caveat: when you put the tampon in the yogurt it starts to swell making it harder to insert. I just put it in a small bowl and made sure it was saturated. I would recommend this approach for all of you who have had no luck so far.
Olive Leaf Extract
Posted by Relievednow (Rocky Mount, Nc) on 08/27/2010
★★★★★
So I have tried everything that you guys have suggested and they worked great temporally. But I started reading about olive leaf extract and olive oil and WOW I AM CURED. Its been 7 days and counting. No burning or irritation. So what I did was took a tbl sp of the extract then I douched with straight 3% Hydrogen Peroxide on the toilet, then I took extra virgin olive oil in a regular dropper and placed it in my vajay jay. Got a towel and let it soak out all night covering every part down there. I still take a tbl sp of the extract everyday and all is well... Good luck I know how u feel.. Let me know if this works for u!
