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.
Supplements
Posted by Latoya (Sanford, Florida) on 07/26/2008
★★★★★
Hi, I have been suffering from BV since I was 15 yrs old I am currently 24 I have try everything under the sun the only thing that has work for me so far is taking b-50 complex vitamin twice day or the b-100 complex vitamins once a day. This is available at any stores that sell vitamins like wal-mart, Walgreens it's about $5.00 at most. The only thing is if you stop taking them it would come back so make sure you continue to take it and drink plenty of water I would say about six to eight cup a day I hope it works for you after taking them you would notice results immediately it should be gone by the second or third day.
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Stephanie (Chicago, Illinois) on 07/23/2008
BV is not an STD.
Apple Cider Vinegar Variations
Posted by Jo Ann (Pearl City, Hawaii) on 07/15/2008
★★★★★
I have had BV for the last 40 years. The first 30 were misdiagnosed by several gynocologists. They all told me I had a yeast infection. About 10 years ago, my OB/GYN told me I had Bacterial Vaginosis and treated me with Flagyl. This got rid of my problem but only temporarily. BV plagued me 3-4 times a year. Each time I took Flagyl. Throughout the 40 years, I douched almost daily to control the smelly fishy odor. I knew douching so often was probably making the BV worse but I was desperate. Then, a few days ago I found your site and read the many positive comments about folic acid.I purchased a bottle and began taking 800 mcg twice a day. I also douched using 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar. By Saturday, the odor and discharge were gone. I plan to continue taking 800 mcg 2 times per day for the next 2 weeks and maintain one 800 mcg per day thereafter. I can't believe this inexpensive supplement and apple cider vinegar got rid of my BV after 40 miserable years of Bacterial Vaginosis!!! A big mahalo (thank you) to Earth Clinic for making this valuable information available to women who suffer with BV and other health issues.
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Alex (Little River, United States) on 07/13/2008
Since the summer of 2006 I have been suffering on and off miserably from BV and yeast infections. Any time I have a flare up it is either after my period or after I have been swimming or in a wet bathing suit for more than two hours. This is a huge problem because I do alot of work in the water. The multiple sex partners that my Dr. is convinced I have, because of my constant falre ups, is a crock since I have a steady boyfriend and wouldnt dream of cheating. I have tried Triconazole, for the yeast infections and my dr. has put me on all too many BV antibiotics. I'm about to leave and go buy plain yogurt and some acidophilus. Thanks for the posting ladies and I will report back as soon as i get any result. But ladies definatly dont stay in wet bathing suits for too long if you get BV alot it just adds to a new flare up, which is something alot of dr.s forget to tell you I have been to so many and no one ever told me until I found one female nurse at my dr. office who told me about too much moisture for too long will trigure the bacteria
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Soo (New York, NY) on 06/19/2008
I have continued to take the acidophilous (Nature's way primadaphilous bifius- works great) once a day. I also take one folic acid (800mcg) per day. I continued to use a bit of vinegar and essential oils in the rinse cycle of my laundry and within about 4 washes any residual smell has disappeared from my clothes. I've learned that not smoking is vital in this.
I did the moxibustion treatment about 4 more times since I wrote here. Two times in April and two in May right after my period ended because the BV came back after my period.
However, a week has past since my period this month in June and there are absolutely no symptoms of BV. I've hardly given BV a thought for the past month and a half. That's how clean and fresh I feel.
So here are what must be kept up. The acidophilous, folic acid, no smoking, drastically less sugar intake, and eating lots of greens.
I learned that chlorophyll works wonders as an internal deodorant. I also take 2 table spoons of chlorophyll a day since I'm single and it's difficult to eat a ton of greens every day. Don't give up! It's taken me half a year since I started treating myself with these natural remedies. Thank you and good luck to all!
Yogurt
Posted by Shell (Savannah,, GA) on 06/10/2008
★★★★★
Hi I understand all too well the discomfort and embrassement of BV. I to am a victim of this terrible problem. I am now a 32 year old BV free woman. This didn't happen over night. I first had my battle with BV at the age of 18.I just recently discovered the powerful powers of YOGURT! I was so fed up with BV doctor trip after doctor trip. It would go away for a week or two then I would be sitting at work of somewhere and get a whiff of some funk coming on! Me and two of my friends refer to it boy saying " I feel a WOOP coming on. At least one of us always keep a readily supply of meds that we could borrow from each other. Anywho, I'm talking too much. I inserted a tube of yogurt every night just before bedtime for 30 nights.( I did'nt have a boyfriend at the time) After doing this for 30 days I have been completely cured of BV for 1 year now. The yogurt that I used was Activia. Try this I have passed it on to many of my friends and everyone says that this works. You have nothing to lose but smelliness!
Dietary Changes
Posted by Julie (Seattle, WA) on 06/09/2008
★★★★★
I have T2 Diabetes and get BV when my blood sugar runs rampant. The only cure that seems to work is going raw for awhile. Just type "raw foods" into a search engine. Sometimes, it only takes two or three days, other times two weeks. Yes, you can live without meat, dairy, or cooked food. And you don't have to worry about putting things where they don't logically belong ;-). The body heals itself.
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Karasi (Tallahassee, FL) on 05/25/2008
★☆☆☆☆WARNING!
BC can cause bloodclots...you have to be careful. Your BV might have went away, but the BC brought you a bloodclot.
Tea Tree Oil
Posted by Stephanie (BALTIMORE, MD) on 05/22/2008
★☆☆☆☆
I used this method and right now at 3:26 pm in my office on May 22, 2008, I am sitting in my chair with an irritated "lady area" and I really want to leave work. I was so hopefull this method would help me but I'm thinking of going to the emergency room. I was feeling okay before I tried this method, besides the stinky smell and wet panties, but it was better than what Im going through now.
Tea Tree Oil
Posted by Stephanie (BALTIMORE, MD) on 05/22/2008
★★★★☆
Bacterial Vaginosis Remedies: I am a faithful reader of the Earth clinic website not only for me but also for my children. Now this is the first time I have tried this Tea Tree Oil remedy, which I poured the oil onto the tampon enough so the entire tampon was wet and I used my finger to push it into my vagina. I did this for the first time last night and when I woke up this morning, it felt like my lady place was on fire however desperate for this remedy to work, Ive now done it again this morning after cleansing the area with HP and for now it's not bad but when I remove it in a few minutes, we'll see. Ive also started taking the Folic Acid pills (400mcg) - 2 in the morning and 1 at night so maybe this stuff will help me. But I got tired of my doctor telling me I was having unprotected sex even after I told her I wasn't sexually active. Though I'm not a virgin I just don't have a partner right now. I'm tired of going to the doctor's office because for some reason I feel like a slut and I feel dirty and confused because I can't understand why this is happening to me. Now I see it isn't just me. I'll take anymore advice if anyone has anything to tell me. Thanks.
Tea Tree Oil
Posted by Stephanie (BALTIMORE, MD) on 05/22/2008
★★★★☆
Bacterial Vaginosis Remedies: I am a faithful reader of the Earth clinic website not only for me but also for my children. Now this is the first time I have tried this Tea Tree Oil remedy, which I poured the oil onto the tampon enough so the entire tampon was wet and I used my finger to push it into my vagina. I did this for the first time last night and when I woke up this morning, it felt like my lady place was on fire however desperate for this remedy to work, Ive now done it again this morning after cleansing the area with HP and for now it's not bad but when I remove it in a few minutes, we'll see. Ive also started taking the Folic Acid pills (400mcg) - 2 in the morning and 1 at night so maybe this stuff will help me. But I got tired of my doctor telling me I was having unprotected sex even after I told her I wasn't sexually active. Though I'm not a virgin I just don't have a partner right now. I'm tired of going to the doctor's office because for some reason I feel like a slut and I feel dirty and confused because I can't understand why this is happening to me. Now I see it isn't just me. I'll take anymore advice if anyone has anything to tell me. Thanks.
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Karen (Millbury, Massachusetts) on 05/12/2008
★★★★★
Bacterial Vaginosis: Mixed Cure. Hi! I want to thank all of you ladies and the owners of this site for all of the help! I have had BV for a few months now and I feel like I'm finally free of this horrible infection. I started with Flagyl thinking that this would be the only way to get rid of it and after getting another infection, I decided it was war! I refused to go back on that strong drug so I did all that was recommended and more. Here's what I did... I bought 800mg.of folic acid and took 3 a day along with live probiotics, Activia yogurt twice a day and used tea tree oil diluted with water at the start to ease the pain and redness. I also bought Yeastgard douche and used the 2 bottles of that just one per day. It was inexpensive and you can get it at any major drug store. I also bought hydrogen peroxide and povodine and did a douche with that diluted with water. I also broke open a capsule of the probiotic and used my finger to put it inside of my vagina. I have been proactive about eating my garlic in soup and drinking unsweetened cranberry juice with seltzer water.It's all working! It seems like I'm feeling better than I have in years! I'll bet I've had this for a very long time since I thought it was 'normal' to wear pantiliners all the time! Well, it will be a new way of life for me but a much healthier one. I hope I've helped someone else who is suffering from this.
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Robin (Hobart, Tasmania, Australia) on 05/05/2008
★★★★★
I have been suffering for years (about 5) with what seemed a bit like a yeast infection (but no yeasty discharge), fishy/unpleasant smell, itching and a lot of burning upon urination. Sex is difficult because it almost always ends up with me fighting all the old symptoms mentioned above. I just felt that my health was going down the tubes- there was no spark and the constant pain made me a regular at my doctor's office. I had many swabs which showed a heavy population of Gardnerella and you know what that means- more antibiotics. Of course, when I was feeling at my worst- burning/itching/discharge that was greyish, and sometimes there was an oder- I would take the antibiotics. However, it never helped for very long. I finally got tired of taking the antibiotics and suffering with all the stomach problems that ensued. So, I thought I would take control of my own health and I searched various websites for information. Last year, I found Earth Clinic and read all the messages from miserable women all over the world suffering from what I assume to be b.v. I tried all sorts of things because I wanted to be healed of this monster. Here are things which have helped:
a. tea tree oil and vitamin E on a tampon. The tea tree oil worked well and the Vitamin E kept me from drying out. I am peri-menopausal and do not need a dried out vagina.
b. eating lots of plain yogurt and taking acidophilus powder dissolved in water each day.
c. Wiping myself off with 3% hydrogen peroxide a few times a week. It nukes the bacteria brilliantly! e. I took cranberry tablets to help against bladder infections that often seem to accompany the b.v.
All these things worked fairly well, but then I stumbled upon cayenne pepper, and this seems to be the key ingredient- the cherry on the cake. Here is what helps me- I find the hottest chilipepper sauce that I can find- Tabasco or Sriracha sauce. I put about 2 tablespoons of the hotsauce, or even cayenne pepper powder, in a cup and add some hot water. I drink this about 3-4 times per day and eat a lot of chili peppers when I can. I have found that the addition of the chilies/chili sauce/cayenne pepper has been a marvelous tonic. It gives me a bit of a warm pepper 'rush', it alkalizes my blood and it helps against the burning and itching pain that always seems to be present. Chilies are great for the circulation and I suppose for that reason alone, it seems to get to the inflammation that always seems present with b.v
Oh yes- I blow dry myself each morning after a shower and I do not use soap anymore when washing the vaginal area.I use something like a non-soap, Ph balanced product. Just to keep the area moist, I use Vitamin E once a week as a vaginal lubricant. It is also important to cut down on sugar, as that feeds bacteria. I drink lots of water and cut down on coffee and alcohol. It helps to consider why you might be run down to the point of having this annoying infection. Be gentle on your self. These things have helped me immeasurably and I thank all the angels out there who offered up their remedies. One did not do the trick, but many have helped. Perhaps my remedies will help someone. Thanks Earth Clinic!
Hydrogen Peroxide Variations
Posted by Destiny (Newark, New Jersey) on 04/29/2008
★★★★★
I came to this site hoping for a cure for my re-current bv/yeast infections. I was tired (and imbarrassed) of calling my Dr. every month for a prescription. And more importantly, with money being tight, I didn't have it to spend. I logged on and found this site and immediately tried the hydrogen peroxide/water (I used a plastic cup and poured equal amounts of each that covered the cotton part of the tampon)on the tampon. It burned for a minute or two then I felt bubbling, but it was tolorable. I drank some Apple Cider Vinegar (2 table spoons and 8 oz of water mix) and mixed a white vinegar and water douch (1/2 and 1/2). I left the tampon in for approx. 30 minutes, then douched an hour later. Again I felt some burning but it was again tolorable. The next morning there were no signs of the "cottage cheese" discharge and I was "so fresh and so clean"! I now have a new remedy that is both affordable and natural. Thanks for the tips.
Supplements
Posted by Anonymous (La Plata, MD) on 04/28/2008
★★★★★
O.K. I'd first like to say, that is completely absurd to think that all causes of BV are STD related! If that was the case how do we explain the millions of women how haven't had sex that have BV. And as far as I'm concerned I don't think that BV is sex related, but that's my opinion. A couple of months ago I bought some Hydrogen Peroxide, Probiotic tablets, folic acid, and zinc. Needles to say the hydrogen peroxide caused a horrible smell and the probiotic upset my stomach. But I continued to use the folic acid and the zinc; I actually noticed a mild difference. Not entirely satisfied I figured I needed to do something more soooo.... I threw out all my detergents and soaps! I now use Purell (Allergy free ) detergent on my clothes and Aquaphor baby soap and VOILA... nothing! So What Worked For Me: 1 dose of zinc 1 dose of folic acid 800mg Allergy free detergent (Purell) Allergy free soap (Aquaphor).
Apple Cider Vinegar Variations
Posted by Christy (Port Angeles, Washington) on 04/20/2008
★★★★★
I have had BV since the birth of my daughter 3 years ago. I Have taken many antibiotics and nothing has worked. I looked on one of those websites about cures for BV and I paid 30$ for the e-book. It said to douche with Apple Cider Vinegar and to tak a probiotic pill and insert it in as a suppository into your vagina. I do this about 2 times a week at night and I haven't had any symptoms since.
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Sherri (Winchester, Virginia) on 04/14/2008
★★★★★
I used to get BV about a week before my menstral cycle. I got tired of going to my OBGYN doctor because I felt dirty because I was going there almost once amonth. Finally I went to another doctor and he said that I needed to ve on a low dose of birth control and it will level out my hormones. Once I started taking the BC, I didn't get another episode of BV, until I received a blot clot in my leg from a foot operation and I could no longer take BC. I now get BV every month again. Believe me the low level of BC worked miracles for me. I hope this helps all of you out.
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Joyce (Joelton, Tn) on 04/09/2008 490 posts
Hi Soo,
I've never been diagnosed with BV but I have had the odor. Didn't get rid of it until I quit using soap for bathing (learned this from a lovely lady in her 60's about 30 years ago - she had never used deoderant but you didn't fall backwards when she lifted her arms. She said "My daddy was a chemist and he always told us that if you didn't use soap, you didn't need it because soap is what makes you stink." By Ned, I found that she (or rather her daddy) was right!
For your problem with the odor in your wardrobe and bed linens, I suggest you try adding 1 cup of ACV to your final rinse in laundering them. I think you will like the results.
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Soo (New York, New York) on 04/07/2008
★★★★★
I'have had bouts of bv on and off for about 4 years. Like everyone else it kept coming back, and I noticed that it was becoming more frequent and harder to cure with each time. Then for the last 5 months it was absolutely constant! People who sat beside me in the subway would sniff around and turn their heads. It was so embarrassing.
In Jan. 2008, I tried the 1:1 H20/ Hydrogen Peroxide douche + acidophilous (2 after each meal) + folic acid (3 800mcg/day). At first it worked wonders, but because I had done all three at once I didn't know which was working or not. I waited a few days and only took the vitamins. The odor and discharge came back so I knew that the Hydrogen Peroxide had been the quick fix. I douched again and the smell disappeared, but came back by the end of the day. Every other day I tried the douche for about 2 weeks and I found that the cure was losing its potency. I know douching is bad and this shouldn't be done regularly. I stopped and decided to wait if the vitamins alone would work. A week later and nothing. So I took one of the acidophilus pills and put it way in my vagina. This actually worked a lot better than the hydrogen peroxide. However, I noticed after a few times that this had lost its potency too. I was really desperate. The remedies here were my last hope.
Then, I decided to completely analyze my lifestyle. I'm from Korea and I came to NY about 2 yrs ago. I noticed that the bv became serious after I came to the states. 1. Quit using fabric softener in laundry - instead I use vinegar and some drops of essential oils. If you read up on fabric softener you'll find out that it's really bad. I'd hardly used fabric softener in Korea and simply ran the rinse cycle twice. Since fs was something I'd started in the states it had to do with my pH imbalance. Regular soaps/detergents are alkaline, which is what makes washed things rough. In order to get it soft you have to rebalance the pH. Vinegar will do this. I put about 1/4 cup of white vin with some drops of tea tree and lavender essential oils. (The oils are choice. You don't need them if don't have them). Laundry smells Wonderful and not cloying like fs. It's logical to use natural substance for your laundry, especially underwear! And very necessary to keep your clothes pH balanced. Vinegar smell disappears through drying; don't worry.
2. I bought a large batch of KIMCHI and started eating it everyday with my meals. There is a LOT of acidophilus and bifidus in kimchi and I'd had hardly any intake of those good bateria. (I hadn't eaten yogurt because I get skin blemishes with dairy.)
3. Skin trouble or not, I bought a yogurt maker and have been eating homemade yogurt once a day. This is a good way to insure that you have a steady diet of yogurt and after a few tries you'll find that it's cheaper and healthier than storebought.
4. Reduced intake of sugar. This was the Hardest thing to do. I love a good dessert, but I had to stop. I let myself eat a cookie about once a week.
5. I quit smoking. I just had 1 or 2 cigarettes a day, but still it's toxic and I knew I had to STOP.
6. THIS IS MOST IMPORTANT in my cure: I did an Eastern medical treatment called moxibustion. I really went back to my roots to cure myself. How moxibustion (or moxa cautery) works is there are these short paper-rolled stubs of wormwood that is stuck to a round clay foundation and their placed usually where the ailment is, and burned. You can picture a 1/4 inch cigarette butt sticking up from a teeny flowerpot; however it might look different because mine was sent to me by my mom and is for home use. Mind you, your skin isn't burned, simply warmed, but the wetness is dried up and toxins seep out through the burning process. If you're not Asian and don't know what I'm talking about go to an Asian medical specialist and tell them to do a moxibustion on your lower abdomen because you have an inflammation in the female area. In Eastern med, smelly discharge and all that women's trouble is said to be caused by a coldness in the lower body, and where there is wet, there is cold. You'll notice that the discharge keeps you cold in that area. You need to make your lower body warmed up again. I did the moxibustion and the discharge and smell was almost gone immediately. I did it a few more days (once a day) and it's COMPLETELY disappeared. Wow, all I had to do was go back to my roots.
Anyway, if you're unable to find an Asian medicine facility where you live... try some things to warm your lower ab. Don't wear jeans, especially tight jeans. Don't just sit down in cold areas - cold plastic subway seats are bad! If you have a hot water bottle, hold it against your lower belly. If you don't have a hot water bottle, use a heating pad or just put warm water into a PET bottle and use it. Drink lukewarm water and not cold refrigerated or ice water. However, I really recommend just a few times of Moxibustion. Everything else is a lifestyle change that should be kept up, but this is something that is direct.
But now I have another problem. I don't smell anymore, but my clothes and sheets still have that odor left in them. No amount of regular laundry will get rid of it. Do I have to get a new wardrobe or can someone help me rid of the stink?
General Feedback
Posted by Christine (Georgia) on 09/08/2006
Bacterial Vaginosis vs Yeast Infections. I came across this website while searching for holistic cures for bacterial vaginosis. I think its really important to identify which infection you might have as what works for curing yeast might actually make the bacterial vaginosis worse. A trained physician who is up-to date with the literature should help diagnose you. I have thought that I had yeast recurring for years while the whole time I have had Bacterial Vaginosis, a COMMON condition. Be sure to get diagnosed correctly, ladies! I am going to try taking oral folic acid and the vaginal yogurt insertion to see if either helps BV.