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 Misty (Choctaw, Ok) on 08/26/2009
I wrote to you about olive leaf extract a few weeks ago. The relief was short-lived and a day after taking it, I started my period and got BV again. I continue to take it for other benefits, but I am writing to say that I was reading a site today and a guy was telling about his wife suffering from BV for about seven years. He researched and was desperate to find a cure for her and claims he found one! He linked alot of BV problems seemed to be hormonal problems and had her to take 100mg of vitamin B6 a day along with her multivitamin and she has been BV free for some time. I hope this is the answer I started taking the B6 this evening. Only time will tell. Thank you for your posts!
Supplements
Posted by Julie (Tarboro, Nc) on 05/15/2011
★★★★★
I was using Apple Cider Vinegar that I read about on this site for YI. I had both YI and BV. I was in terrible pain. I got so desperite I went on a no carb diet. I even fasted when I could to starve the yeast. Eventually the yeast was gone and the Apple Cider Vinegar was aggravating the BV. I went back up here and read about B6. I immediately went to the store and bought some. I took one pill and swallowed a tbsp of H2O2. I did feel a little sick at first but it wasn't long before I felt a soothing sensation in my well you know. Now only the outside itches and I have a feeling that with one more dose I will be good to go. Now here's some advise from my mistakes. When I used H2O2 vaginally it caused the YI. Take by mouth in low quantities only. Be carefull with the Apple Cider Vinegar as it can cause BV by screwing up your ph. Don't drink the Apple Cider Vinegar take it vaginally dilluted in distilled water. I was taking it by mouth and it was fermenting in my gut making it worse. Including doctor's perscriptions and otc drugs ( which I would not recommend to anyone) and starting looking for homeopathic remedies it has taken over 2 months and finally relief.
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Bb (Phoenix, Az) on 08/23/2009
★★★★☆
I have been dealing with yeast and bacterial vaginosis every month for over 4 years. I am finally getting relief. I have tried soooo many different things from natural remedies to antibiotic pills, cremes, and gels.
I haven't tried the folic acid/B vitamin yet, but that is on the top of my shopping list. I wonder if Vitamin A would help, I've read that they recommend that for helping with genital warts...
Your immune system needs your help to fight this off! Weren't antibiotics just invented in the 20th century? How did they cure everything before then? Antibiotics just seem to keep the cycle going by killing off your good bacteria and fighter cells, leaving one infection just to start up another infection.
Medicinal Douching (with herbs) is recommended, but the influx of that much water just seems to make it worse for me, so I apply small amounts with a Q-tip.
Here are things that made drastic differences for me for both bacterial vaginosis and yeast infections:
BEST ONE SO FAR FOR YEAST: Candida Cleanse-type pills, taken first thing in the morning EVERY DAY to ensure best absorption on an empty stomach
***All of the following are diluted w/purified water and applied internally to the vagina with a Q-tip***
I keep the diluted mixes in the fridge in new/clean jars or glass bottles with lids.
-Apple cider vinegar (diluted)
and/or
-Tea Tree oil (one drop is strong enough when diluted w/water)
and/or
-Colloidal Silver Tinctures
- Hydrogen peroxide (diluted or full strength).
Hydrogen peroxide is naturally produced in the vagina as part of the cleaning process, and acidophilus is a naturally present health helper in the vagina, but overuse of peroxide is no fun for your vagina
-Acupuncture has helped a great deal in combination with the all of the above
I ALWAYS ALTERNATE THE ABOVE METHODS WITH Applying acidophillus powder mixed with water
Emotional stress makes my symptoms worse. Cut back on sugar, as this taxes the immune system and also feeds yeast cells. Bulk up your immune system on a regular basis with Vitamin C, Folic acid, and a good brand of Acidophilus
Olive Leaf Extract
Posted by Misty (Choctaw, Ok) on 08/13/2009
★★★★★
I've been suffering from bacterial vaginosis for more than five years. I've been trying everything suggested by everyone such as acidophillus pills, yogurt, folic acid, hydrogen peroxide... you name it. I recently went to a health food store and the lady working there suggested I use Olive leaf extract because it killed viruses and bacteria. I only started taking it yesterday but haven't seen any discharge or smell today. I pray this is the answer for me and anyone else the other remedies haven't worked for. I bought a bottle of 60 capsules and it says to take 3 times a day after a meal. I hope this helps someone!
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.
General Feedback
Posted by Lus (Amherst, MA) on 07/05/2009
I'm curious if anyone has recurring BV while with IUD? I've had an IUD for about 2 months, and since then had BV 3 times.
General Feedback
Posted by Vera (AZ, USA) on 07/15/2009
I just wanted to reply to Lus: Did you get the copper IUD or the plastic IUD with hormone? About a year ago I had a copper IUD removed that I had for over 6 years. I didnt have any problems with bacterial vaginosis though. There is a time limit to how long a woman can have an IUD so I got mine removed. I talked to my mother in law and she said she had the copper IUD and never had any problems so I went that route. I didnt want to try anything with hormones. I hope this helps
Yogurt
Posted by Blondiemurph (Oldenburg, Germany) on 06/21/2009
★★★☆☆BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS
Hello! I recently discovered problems "down there" - a new odor and a new discharge that wasn't there before. After doing some research, I think I have B.V. I don't currently have insurance (I'm American living in Germany and it's hard to get anything not private and expensive) so I haven't seen a doctor. I'm more interested in home remedies anyway. I read on this site about taking folic acid and acidopholus pills - I happened to have some from the states so I've been taking them for two days with very good results. I also tried the whole dipping-the-tampon-in-yogurt thing, which is very messy! I tried this yesterday and today - yesterday I just dipped a tampon without an applicator in "joghurt pur" (translates to pure yogurt, which I'm hoping means it has live cultures in it. It's also the organic "bio" kind) and inserted it and felt fine. Today I tried taking a tampon out of an applicator, filling the applicator with yogurt and inserting it, figuring it'd be similar to a yeast infection treatment that way, but I had bad cramping. Not like normal period cramping either. It was strange. So now I'm wondering if that was a bad idea. I took the tampon out, expecting discharge, but got nothing. 2 hours later, still nothing. Has anyone else tried the yogurt dipping and gotten cramps before? Or can anyone describe something else to try besides other pills? I can't get all the same stuff as in the U.S. I appreciate any advice, and thank all the ladies for the previous advice!!
Yogurt
Posted by Chocolat (Kathleen, Ga) on 03/09/2011
I had the same issue with cramping but this also happens when you use monistat so I think that it means it works. The second day the cramps do not happen
Supplements
Posted by Sherry (Houston, Texas) on 05/25/2009
★★★★★
I have not been dealing with BV for as long as some, however I have had the problem since January 2009. I've visited the doctor for more than a few times for antibiotics (metronidazol 7days), after the 3rd time I was treated, my doctor said most patients she have treated had mentioned bad eating habits. I thought about what she said because I too have bad eating habits and decided to take multi vitamins along with acidophilus ( for additional good bacteria) and prayer. I started taking the vitamins after I completed the antibiotics to put the good bacteria back into my body. It's been 2 weeks now and so far so good. I couldn't wait to tell you all about this. I hope this recommendation can help some if not all.
1 - multi vitamin with multi mineral complete
2 - acidophilus 2billion
prayer daily
You'll hear back from me if this horrible BV thing comes back.
Good Luck and May God Bless and Heal your body.
Povidone Iodine
Posted by Sarah (USA) on 09/07/2012
In lieu of povidine-iodine swabsticks, you can make your own povidine-iodine douches or purchase betadine(povidine iodine) feminine washes premade. It's an easy search online to find the studies showing this simple solution cured a majority of BV cases. The iodine is supposed to encourage the regrowth of lactobilli.
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 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 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 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!
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 Hillary (If Town, Idaho) on 02/15/2010
hello to other women with bv. i am 32 yrs old and i am a chronic bv. sufferer. i read this site and all the remedies others have suggested. i would like to add that the lady at the health food store told me to take colloidal silver instead of b-12. it comes in a small bottle with a dropper. you take one teaspoon full under the tongue once per day for maintenance. it was also suggested from another healthfood professional that colloidal silver is safe to douche with since peroxide seemed a little scary to me. i fill the dropper, lie on my back in the tub, insert, and let sit for 1-3 minutes. along with the garlic and acidopholis plus a ton of water the stench is gone. im not seeing any discharge either. what a great feeling. you can get silver in any healthfood store. the only other ingredient it has is pure water. whether the bv is gone or not i plan to maintain this regimin.
Tea Tree Oil
Posted by Jay (BX, NY) on 11/25/2008
★★★★☆
bacterial vaginosis---no one has tried tea tree oil huh. It seems to be very effective. i have taken the acidophillus chewables that are delicious, about 5 or 6 a day, i pop them like candy and i purchased the folic acid. i also tried the hydrogen peroxide wash. the pills did not really work for me. the hydrogen peroxide worked great as a quick douche to eliminate the smell which was horrid, and oh so embarrasing.
i have bought tea tree oil, and im trying that now, so far so good, no smell at all. please be careful and read up on it becuz its very powerful, saturate a tampon with olive oil or ky jelly so the tea tree oil does not absorb into the tampon, and add a few drops to the tampon about 6 or 7, and stick it in and continue with your evening. tea tree oil is an antiseptic and its natural. i refuse to take that nasty flagyl or another cream, i have it but i refuse. ever since i used that nuva ring i've had bv i swear and i am hating this. my boyfriend is turned off and i want to cry. ughhh.
anyway bv has a lot to do with your insides, u need to get a colonic also, to start digesting properly that my be a cause also. the bacteria in your digestive track may be entering your vaginal walls causing the problem.
Multiple Remedies
Posted by BD (Philipsburg, St.Maarten, Netherlands Antilles) on 11/24/2008
★★★★☆
For my BV I have done a sitz bath for about 10 minutes, then i wash with a femeine wash called, after the wash i applied over the counter triple antibiotic ointment. Within 2-3days the itching stopped completly.
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".
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Rene (Charlotte, Texas) on 10/28/2008
★☆☆☆☆
I have been battling bacterial vaginosis for about 5 years and it's really depressing me. I've read all of the suggestion on this site and nothing seem to work long term. All is temporary. I tried appple cidar vinegar with honey and it kept the discharge down, but I still smelled while on my period and after sex. I tried douches with hydrogen peroxide-50/50, acidaphalus, garlic. I tried all seperately and it work for two days and b.v. came right back. So I douched with plain water and got the same effect. The smell went away and came right back after two days. So I really don't think that it's the ingredients in the douche that's making the smell go away. IT's the fact that you're washing the inside of your vagina and the discharge is being washed out. I went to the gyne and she prescribed clindesse this time. It worked up until I had sex with my husband. I was so depressed and upset that I went and purchased folic acid 400mcg once a day.Took that and it worked and could have sex with no discharge or smell until about two or three months later when the discharge and smell came back. I then doubled the folic acid and it did nothing for discharge or smell. Taking acidaphalus pills never helped. I read about ___. I took two of those and douched with providone/iodine.I did a colon cleanser, drank par d arc tea, green drink. It worked for about two days and discharge and smell is back. What is this? It only happens after sex. If I go to the gyne and use the medication, and don't have sex I don't get the smell nor dicharged. As soon as I have sex without a condom, and my husband ejaculate, the smell and the white milky discharge come right back. PLease help. I'm desperate!!!!!!!
