Bacterial Vaginosis
Natural Remedies

Top Natural Bacterial Vaginosis Remedies

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.
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


Multiple Remedies
Posted by Marina (Grants Pass, Or) on 03/04/2012
★★★★★

My story is similar to Rs from San Carlos, Ca on 06/29/2010 I initially missed the boric acid remedy for BV. After a 5 month battle I've been posting under: the HYDROGEN PEROXIDE, FOLIC ACID, ACIDOPHILUS remedy as "better but not cured". I was getting results but did not feel NORMAL. Now, I am a YEA under multiple remedies because for me the addition of BORIC ACID finally bumped me into the - I FEEL CURED position and now I have a long-term remedy!

There is a dosage recommendation via a midwife farther down in this boric acid thread that is consistent with recommendations I have read by 'BV specialists' - Ask the pharmacist at a drug store for boric acid powder and self-fill veggie or gelatin capsules. Only fill the larger side of the capsule for 600 mg & cap with small side. Google for specifics, it's easy.

We are all different so it may take some time to figure out which products you need to use and realizing not all products are equal or that not all probiotics have the same strains. It can get expensive but I tried a few probiotics until I could tell/feel it was working. Find what works for you.

I felt like my BV was close to stable for the last month by using HYDROGEN PEROXIDE, FOLIC ACID, ACIDOPHILUS until I added Boric Acid to my mix because of an itchy yeast infection. Adding in the BA was like an ahhhh FINALLY! A DIFFERENCE!!! It sounds weird but it's like I feel differently throughout my body. I actually feel HAPPY and not depressed. I feel like my whole vagina region is clean, fresh and will remain so because I have the right defenses.


Multiple Remedies
Posted by Marina (Grants Pass, Oregon) on 03/02/2012
★★★★★

This is long but I am experiencing RESULTS!!! I have been battling BV for the last 5 months and am just now gaining control over this HORRIBLE and gross condition. 5 months ago I started with only Hydrogen-Peroxide Vag-washes and they work GREAT like a miracle for eliminating the odor immediately but it ONLY lasts for a few days. It kept coming back a little worse every few weeks until I almost vomited from my smell after sex one night. H2O2 is not a cure for BV but is part of the solution.

At the beginning of the year I got serious about beating this BV, I was super depressed AND I felt miserable with itching, burning and internal PAIN. I started a 10 day treatment & added a multivitamin with folic acid and a good probiotic with acidophilus both orally and vaginally, daily. I had to try different versions until I found the right ones for me. Orally I take Probiotic CD caplets (not good for inserting): it also contains strains: L. Plantarum, L. Rhamnosus, L. Salivarius, L casei & S. Thermophilus which were found to help correct BV in a study with Tori Hudson, ND. Her version femecology has some of these strains which I now use vaginally b/c the caplets form I take orally causes a messy discharge hours after inserting.

I have been monitoring my hooch and odor constantly for months. Hormones, blood and another's DNA/skin each change the pH of my vagina. I thought I had cleared my BV after 1 month of treatment but it came back ever so slightly after my period. That is when I read initial treatment should last 4 months & that menses wrecks pH if you are weak. I also felt like from time to time the probiotics were causing slight but unpleasant yeast imbalances. After my last period ended I did 2 nights H2O2 vag-washes followed by pro-b in the V. I could smell the slightest hint of BV at the tip of my finger. 4 days after switching off femdolphilus any faint smell of BV seemed to clear but my outer area started itching like MAD = yeast!!! When this imbalance occurred I was going insane after 5 minutes. I decided to give the boric acid method a whirl.

NEW ADDITION: Boric Acid capsules. Boric acid has been known to correct both BV and yeast infections. I am dealing with both. Read up about medicinal uses of boric acid and what boric acid is before you freak out about the word acid. Lemon juice and vinegar are both citric acids. Vitamin C is ascorbic acid.

In the afternoon I went to a local pharmacy and asked for boric acid powder and also purchased 00 empty capsules. My case is currently mild and on the mend IMO. As soon as I walked in the door I filled two capsules and popped em' in my hooch with a little bit of coconut oil & an all cotton organic tampon. I felt better almost immediately but for sure almost amazing in 1 hour. I then mixed grapeseed oil as my base and then added a few drops of calendula, tea tree, clove and oregano oils. I then added in boric acid to make a paste, then filled 3 capsules. I removed the tampon (the stuff leaks at this dose) & took a shower then unexpectedly had sex. No smell at all, no pain. There was a teeny amt. Grit on his willy but he didn't seem to notice (hopefully this will help him too!!! ????)) After sex I popped 1 of my oil & BA mix capsules & a femecology pro-b into my V. Within minutes I instantly felt FRESH. Like the freshest I have felt in 5 months. For the next hour I felt clean and normal for the first time in MONTHS and the feeling lasted until I fell asleep. I felt amazed. I wore a pad to bed, some discharge, this morning, no smell, no itches. I inserted another cap and again I feel so fresh and normal again it is amazing.

I finally feel like I have the upper hand. I finally feel clean. I finally feel normal. I finally feel like I have a way to reestablish balance.

My intention is 3 nights of my mixed caps in the V for the yeast itches & then stop. You are not suppose to use it continually for long periods and I want to use it during menses in a week. I make fresh caps with my oil mixture and will do one at night during my period for the next 4 cycles. I will more than likely also insert my new mix caps with a pro-b after sex. I may make a mix of all three.

The way boric acid kills roaches and other soft skeleton bugs is it ultimately dehydrates them which causes death - that is different than death by poisoning, however do not ingest BA with the hopes of better results. Keep out of reach for children and pets.

Some women complained that the straight homemade BA caps caused burning after 3 days. This was my reasoning for cutting my dose by adding good medicinal oils that may also help fight the fight and prevent this inflammation. I also feel my case is very mild now after 2 months of working on correcting the situation. I must say though, the BA feels like my biggest breakthrough with BV yet.


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!


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:


  1. After sex, (if not using a condom) sit on the toilet and allow all sperm to flow out
  2. Shower after sex being cautious not get soap into the vagina
  3. Using a soap that is either acidic (cranberry or lemon) (can purchase at whole foods) or that is non scented
  4. Keeping non scented wipes to use while on menstrual cycle for frequent wiping
  5. Changing pads or tampons regularly (every 3 1/2 to 4 hours)
  6. 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...


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.


Multiple Remedies
Posted by Angela (Newport News, Va, Usa) on 02/03/2011
★★★★★

I have suffered with some form of bv during my adulthood but mainly had more problems with yeast starting in my early teens it was very frustrating because I would get so sore and irritated down there. I always managed to go to the Drs to get the prescript meds that worked for the moment but at some point 2-3 months they were back again. Th bv epidemic did not start till my late 20's and could not figure out where this toxic aroma came from. Well I can tell you this if you ever get the bv and are still having sex with your partner all you are doing is having him to pass it back to you. I Have read so many stories on lines with women who have been long term avid sufferers as I had. Some DRs have told me that bv can not be transmitted to a man I strongly dont believe this because if this were this case and the woman takes the meds and clears up and she continues to have sex and it comes right back that should tell you that its been carried to your partner and he needs to be treated as well. I am married and had suffered with this nasty infection from time to time. I did some research online about natural remedies that have really helped alot of women and have decided to try some of these remedies.

I first heard about tea tree and how powerful this element is and let me tell your I brought the tea tree suppositories and they really do work for any kind of vaginal infection. The strong antiseptic aroma spells pure cleanliness to me. But you can use tea tree in any form does not have to be used as suppositories can be added to bath water 1-2 drops is all that is needed also can be used in a douche which I tried and it worked. It knocks the aroma out no smell down there just pure fresh.

Also the acidophillus tablets I have started taking daily and have noticed a difference. I also have stopped having my husband ejaculate in me when having sex noticed big difference. I only used unscented soaps that really keep me fresh down there no smell at all even after using the bathroom during the day. I drink several glasses of cranberry juice also since this really helps to keep bacteria under control.

I realize everyone is different and what works for one may not work for the next person. I guess you have to experiment to find out what works for you I willnever spend another penny on monistat or take a visit to my gyn for these annoying problems women what we have to go through. I hope this may be of help to some of you sufferers out there good luck to you.


Multiple Remedies
Posted by Alix J (Houston, TX) on 07/28/2009
★★★★★

Hello everyone, I am estatic. I am so pleased with this natural remedy for BV that I will continue to use this if this issue ever arises again.

I bought vinegar/water douche and a bottle of 3% hydrogen peroxide. I poured half (1/2) of the ready made douche into a clean cup and then filled the douche bottle with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). I laid down on my back and used the douche as instructed. I held the mixture inside of my vagina for about 5 mins and then released the mixture into the toilet. Then I rinsed the outside of my vagina with the remaining douche mixture I poured into the cup. I did this once daily for a week. I had no irritation from this.

I also took one garlic supplement and one folic acid approx 400mcg daily for a week.

There is no smell or discharge coming from my vagina. I also continued to have sex. If necessary I douched afterward. I personally recommend that if you can avoid sex please do during the process.


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.


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.


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 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.


Multiple Remedies
Posted by Carol (Atlanta, GA) on 11/15/2008
★★★★★

I have suffered from this for over 10 years now and for the first 6 I had no idea how to stop it. I have found some remedies that have worked for me at least for a while. First thing, if you smoke please stop. The reason, there is a link between smoking and bv, not sure how but there definetly is. I've smoked for several years and decided to quit as an experiment to find a cure for this. Well it worked...I couldn't believe it. Didn't want to believe it because I was ready to quit at the time. I knew I had to because this was ruining my work and my social life. I am struggling to finally quit. Another remedy that has help is acidopholis pills. I buy the 4 billion count and eat yogurt at night. If the smell gets out of hand at work then I take several doses until I get home. I try not to take any during the weekend since I take so many during the week.lol My body is full of this stuff as it is. I use to jump on the band wagon for ACV, hydro peroxide douches but please don't do this. This makes it very worse and ACV really makes it worse, the stuff stink itself. I do like tea tree oil though, usually this is a last resort I take until I can get to the doctor for some flagyl. I take the tea tree oil on my finger and place it inside my area, this is just a quick fix. I haven't tried the folic acid though, will let you know how that works for me. Also try a whole body detox program at GNC, I use the green tea colon detox. I am also going to try a colonic soon. I have found better results when I try to treat my whole body instead of just my "area".



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