Folic Acid and Acidophilus Treatment for BV

So how long has it been gone since you have been taking those things?

Thanks for sharing your experience. Sorry, but what is ACV?

Hi. I am a 19 year old college student who is constantly on the go and thought I might have contracted an std or sti. Went to the gyno, had blood taken, a Pap smear, the whole nine. I told the doctor my symptoms and she said it was probably a yeast infection because she didn't see anything under the microscope. Took that pill, didn't work. Told her my symptoms didn't go away, I was perscribed metronidazole, then I got my period and afterwards now I see no good results. I am running to the store this weekend to try this out. I thought I was the only one, and I felt so dirty. I hope this works. Thank you all for sharing! I have had BV for about 2 years now and it is driving me nuts! Btw, was clear of all stds, sti's, infections and all. The gyno could not find anything wrong with me. So I hope this is my saving grace.

Update. OK, so I posted a few weeks ago about Folic Acid and Acidophilus.

Here's what I've found out. It turns out, the two don't work alone. I've definitely needed the peroxide douche (equal parts peroxide and water) once every couple of days (more often if we're having sex more often).

However, taking the FA and Acidophilus along with the peroxide douche is WAY BETTER than just douching.

So I take back what I said (well, half way! ) and add the douche every couple of days at least. This has been most helpful.

On a side note, I've kinda noticed my guy's diet seems to play a big role in how often I'm douching as well... I actually noticed that HE smells a little fishy, even if we haven't actively had sex in a couple of days. He'd been eating a lot of flounder. Ick! Once he kicked that things were better. Has anyone else had any problems with their guys' spunk being a little 'off' and it correlating to your 'down there' problems? Just wondering...

Yeah, I too have been dealing with this "creature for well over 9 years and I know how everyone feels here, I got it douching:*( bv takes over your life, I swear this has got to be one of the worst problems a women can have, I used to smell up a whole damn room, I cried and cried and I prayed, the doctors they know nothing, the last time I wen to the GYN she said I was okay, I knew I was not I could still smell it:( so now I have been taking a Probiotic for womaen vaginal health, for the past month, seems to be working, a little discahrge but no fish odor and people say I smell like my perfume, which they love, I too have met a nice man and he is great, we have not had sex yet , I am afraid the room might smell, even though I do not, I just want to get back to me, so beautiful but with this ugly inside, screw the docotors, and also I drink alot of water , I would never douche again, I trie HP and did not work, I say get the probiotics, from any health food store, in the cold section and stay on it, until the vagina is back where it needs to be, I will let you know, so far so good though, I never hear dof this in my life and I am over 40 and neither have my friends or mother, ugh, Go away!!!

I have been struggling with bv for over 10 years. I had become so accustomed to it I ultimately forgot how to live without it. I would wear pantie liners all the time, or if I forgot, some tissue. I felt so disgusting... When I would go to the doctor they would prescribe me medications but none of them worked. my sex life with my husband became a standstill. I didn't feel sexy because of this condition and therefore didn't want to have sex. sometimes I would cry myself to sleep and tell God how it seemed so unfair that some women can do pretty much anything, and not have one flare-up, no yeast infection, no bv, nothing. however if I had sex, even eat too much greasy food, or bath in my favorite perfume soap I would catch hell. well I stumbled on this website by accident, and read about the folic acid and acidophilus combo. It was the best that I had ever done. I probably went over board in the amount I take, but you have to understand it seemed like I needed to overwhelm and shock my vagina to get a positive response. I was so tired of the failure. well anyways at breakfast I would take 2billion acidophilus tablets and two 400folic acid. for lunch 1billion and 1 400 for lunch, the same dosage for dinner. And finally the same dosage but inserted vaginally. I know these are high dosage and I plan to decrease it. results has been fantastic, no discharge, no smell, nothing. it's been three days now and still nothing. I keep checking because I cant believe it. I thought I would have to live with this for the rest of my life. but I pushed back. Give this method of a try, you have nothing to lose. Thank you Earth clinic.!

First of all I think this website is AMAZING. There's home remedies for everything from A-Z... I first found EarthClinic 8 years ago when I had my first go round with BV... I read all the comments regarding Acidophilus and Folic Acid. Many women claimed to be cured in less than 5 days. Ladies, it takes 7 days of taking Acidophilus for your vaginal PH to balance out. Once it balances out that's when the bad bacteria becomes less while the good bacteria levels rise. It took me 8 weeks of taking 1 Folic Acid and 1 15 Billion Count of Acidophilus 2x's a day before I was symptom free. I have continued to take 1 Acidophilus and 1Folic Acid daily. I still get reoccurances. Once you have BV it's a lifetime thing. The littlest thing will throw your PH balance off. This does work but it takes time. Be patient, don't give up.

How long did it take to work for you? I've had this for 4 years and I can't take it anymor.e I have to use a boric acid suppository everyday and it causes sticky discharge!?

Did you take all your stuff orally and what are the names?

Mrs T., I have read where some N.D. 's recomend Povidone Iodine prior to the acidophilus, especially in persistent cases, as the iodine cleans house for the friendly bacteria to better make their home.

I had a UTI and the doctor prescribe me of course antibiotics. I knew it would effect my BV balance, and cause me hell, but I wanted to cure my UTI so I didn't have to ruin or hurt my others organs. Anyways I've educated myself for a while now so I wasn't going to play stupid at the doctors. I told the doctor what I do which is the same as you ladies, but let me warn you. STUDY HYDROGEN PEROXIDE. It's great for a fresh cut, or wound, but it's not meant to heal an open cut. Now imagine what it's doing in your vagina. My research says it only kills bad bacteria and leaves the good in your vagina, but the doctor explained more info. on hydrogen peroxide that I didn't know because I was too caught up trying to find a cure.

H.P. Is probably okay to use once a month but anything more you might be endangering your vagina, or most importantly not be able to get pregnant. My facts aren't stated or clear but do the research because what you think might be helping might really be bad for you. I'm only talking about hydrogen peroxide. I don't recommend it. Just stick with the probiotics and folic acid.

Right now the doc has prescribed once weekly metrogel for 12 weeks w acidophilius. I added folic acid after reading this site. It's Day 2 and I've never felt better. Odor gone! Thanks God for this site, saved my marriage.

I have been dealing on and off with BV just like everyone else has. I feel like my story syncs up with everyone else's at some point! Been to the doctor at least three times, been prescribed Metrogel twice and Flagyl once. I am TIRED of the looks from the doctors of "Well this is all we can do. " WHY is there no cure for this?

I am willing to do anything at this point. I started taking Acidophilus pills (however I'm not very good at taking pills everyday! ) so maybe I will start trying that again. Been taking Vitamin C everyday now. Maybe folic acid will help keep things in check... I had a sinus infection and went through a round of anti-biotics and now BV has come with the worst vengence ever...

Reading other stories from other people who suffer is relieving to me. Lets hope these suggestions will at least keep BV to a good minimum!

I'm so tired of this monster bv, I used to be a sexy woman, now I'm a shell trapped in my own body, I'm depressed and I'm mad at myself I got this, why is there no cure? I mean damn wtf? I can't even sit down for a long time because when I get up I will smell like fish, such a shame all of us are going through this, I been to the doctors many times same crap. I never even heard of bv, I swear I wish I did I would have done anything to prevent it. I met this beautiful man, and I can't be with him because of this, I can't, he loves me but I smell down there. If he knew he would run, and that kills my heart. I'm a clean woman, I wash all the time and same ole fish smell, I tried all the remedies and to NO AVAIL, I do not know why my body won't fight this infection. I'm a healthy woman, I had this seven years and ugh u can all imagine, how can I be at work like this? I'm unemployed now, but I went back to college and the class stinks like fish and they know it is me:((( I'm so depressed, all I do is cry, this is no way to live at all. it is pure hell.

Bless your heart! I too have been plenty miserable. I went today and bought Fem-Dophilus from Vitamin Shoppe. I also bought 800mcg of Folic Acid. I switched my laundry det to free and clear, stopped wearing thongs, and only wear cotton. This acidophilus is the best on the market made for woman and the vaginal tract. I have only done these things less than 24 hours and already a huge difference. I am taking FD twice a day and inserting one vaginally at night. Be sure when you buy the FD it is refrigerated because the cultures are live and it will not work if not refridgerated. Hope this helps. I will keep you posted.

I have yet to try folic acid and acidophilus. The perscribed medicine usually works for me for a few months, then I'll forget to take my birth control, or accidentally wash with a different soap, then the BV comes back :( I am on my way to pick up another round of Flagyl, AND to a health food store for folic acid and acidophilus. I believe these flare ups are coming from me cutting dairy out of my diet, as well as changing my birth control pills. Thank God for an understanding boyfriend, and these little forums. Thank you ladies, and keep fighting! Maybe I'll come up with the cure for this terrible thing!!!

Folic Acid with Acidophilus does work for BV, and Ive been doing it for years, but I think my body has gotten used to it, and so its not as effective. Also, this winter, having been suffering with chronic UTIs, I was on about 4 rounds of antibiotics PLUS I took 2 antibiotic injections at the health office. OMG!! My problems all started then. Ive been so ill, Im determined to never EVER use antibiotics, especially if they try to pressure you in the Emergency room, or Health dep, (went in for an STD panel, and I didnt even have an STD and they shot me up anyway) Dont do it. It suppresses your immunes system and they dont work anyway. I got rid of my UTI with coconut oil and olive leaf extract aswell as turmeric. Ive been so weak and sickly since then.

Anyway, Ive had a horrible vaginal infection for the last 3 months. Would not go away. What helped me was adding supplements such as a super B complex (very, very important. Those B vitamins are incredible, do some research on how important they are) and selenium, vitamin A 50mg, vitamin b6 50 mg(will make you nausous, take with food) zinc and magnesium, 100 mg each. I read on here that women with chronic yeast infections and BV, are many times deficient in selinium, b6, A, and vitamin D (which you can get by getting sunlight) Its been a long winter for me here in Ohio. Vitamin e, ALOT. 4 caps daily(2 in the morn, 2 at night) 1 tbsp of coconut oil melted in green tea once a day. Tons of acidophylus, get a super probiotic, with more than one strain of the good bacteria. I take chewable acidophylus aswell. and oregano oil, 1 cap every two hours, 2 hours away from acidophilus caps, (will kill the good bacteria) remember to take your acidophilus before you go to bed at night, and not with the oregano oil, (very imporatant, to replace good bacteria)I started making my own yogurt, to save money, and I drink it and eat it like its goin out of style. I also do elderberry extract, and I douch with hydrogen peroxide 50/50 when I get real "fishy down there) helps...

Im gettin better, but its a long road, be patient.

Firstly I just want to thank all the ladies who have contributed to this site - what an absolute God send! ! I have been suffering from BV since I was 17 (I am now 27) and have spent the last decade to-ing and fro-ing to my doctors. . . Only to be given antibiotics but for it to come back literally weeks later. I got to the point where I just accepted that I would have BV forever. I was never able to relax with boyfriends or even sometimes at work after a long day I swear I could smell it - even sometimes at the cinema - usually when I was sat down for prolonged periods of time! ! THe constant (and heavy) discharge literally meant I was spending $$$ on panty liners and new knickers - even sometimes having to change my underwear 2x a day it was that bad. So coming across this site and other internet websites I was willing to try ANYTHING. OK so to cut a long story short I have been taking

AM
1x multivitamin
1x (3 billion) Acidophlius capsule (orally)

PM
1x (3 billion) Acidophilus capsule (orally)
1x 800mg Folic Acid
1x Acidopophilus (vaginally - before bed)

Literally after just 48 hours - no discharge, no smell! This was 7 weeks ago and stil NOTHING! ! Hoorah, ladies I would recommend this to anyone who is at their wits end. After 10 years of BV, I feel like I am now finally cured!

Hi, I am trying the method of: Am1 x garlic1 x acidophilus (oral) Pm2 x folic acid1 x acidophilus (oral)1 x acidophilus (vaginally). I have been doing this for a couple of days but within hours it comes back. It has reduced the smell a bit but it's still pungent and the discharge is worse than ever. I just want to be able to relax when I'm around people. I am at wits end and need someone's help. am I doing it wrong or what else can I do/ use to help me??? Thankyou, I'm sure you know how stressful it is.

So I posted here earlier in the week after suffering from BV for about 12 years or so and finally found this site and started probiotics and folic acid with total and complete vanishment of my BV in about 2 days. No nasty smell, no discharge....simple as pie. Im so pissed off that something this simple (maybe not a cure by far, but relief) is common knowledge and we have ALL been suffering for YEARS!!! Certainly health care professionals know about this stuff. Im glad to report that after 6 days of taking folic acid (2 800mcg in the am, and 1 800mcg in the pm) and probiotics (4 5million in the am and 2 5million in the pm, with one inserted in my "youhoo" if I feel its needed). Its a Miracle is all I can say. I dont care if its not a cure, its not, its RELIEF!!!! Finally, relief, and I dont care how long it lasts, hopefully forever, but probably not. Its relief for now. There must be something we can all do to find out what causes this (besides sex). Why doesn't every woman on earth have it and why just some of us? Let me know if anyone is interested in forming some kind of research group or something. I mean, pull our health histories together and find a link. Im open to discussion. Thanks girls. We have to stick together on this issue because no one else is going to help us.

Thank you for your post Rhonda. I've been suffering from BV for so many years, even before I was sexually active. There must be a way to ensure that a woman's PH balance is maintained, and I too would like to see some serious clinical trials and research into a cure for BV. Medical professionals just seem to stick to cookie cutter solutions, and I'm tired of it. It affects almost everything I do. This site is the biggest help I have found.

Hi bv-victim.......I wanted to follow-up on your reply, and thank you very much for reading my post. I have been researching endlessly on this thing and I found out yesterday that taking a vitamin D3 supplement may also be helpful. Im going to try this tomorrow after visiting my local natural health store. There seems to be a link between lack of sunlight (which creates low D3 levels) and BV. Its worth a try and there are a few comments on this site about its effectiveness. I will give feedback on what happens. I dont think the effects are as immediate as the douch/folic acid/acidopholus.....we shall see. I may also try a liquid acidopholus douche, as the peroxide and H20 are irritating to me and seem to make it worse, as I suspected it would but it was worth a try when the itching came back one day. It seems Im constantly taking more and more of everything to keep it at bay. This is also crazy. I plan to eliminate refined sugar from my diet and have stopped caffeine for about 2 months now and can feel a positive difference. I do think its liked to diet somehow and sugar especially. Im a self proclaimed sugar-a-holic. Im taking baby steps here and trying a little of everything until I get the right regimen for my body. Wow, this is quite a journey ladies!!!!! Thanks!

What kind of acidophilus did you buy? I just got the capsule form but it has some extra ingredients (citrus pectin and dicalcuim phosphate) that I am wondering if they are ok to put "up there."

I have been using a Women's Care Probiotic Called Ultimate Flora... Please keep in mind that there are several strains of BV. These are the different strains..

Bacteroides bacteria
Gardnerella vaginalis bacteria
Gardnerella
Mobiluncus bacteria
Mycoplasma hominis bacteria

This is why many women continue to suffer from BV symptoms because the GYN has not performed a strain test. The strain test is an expensive test but very accurate and the Dr. will be able to give you an antibiotic specific for the strain of BV....

This also explains why some women claim that Acidophilus and Folic Acid didn't work for them... It did for me but it took 8 weeks for me to symptom free... Curing BV with home remedies takes weeks to be completely symptom free. If one home remedy didn't work for you. Try another one or a combination of home remedies until you find the one that's works for your specific strain of BV....

hi. I am thrilled that things are improving for you but I was alarmed when I read about the splenda. Please read the information provided by EARTH CLINIC. I am certain it won't take long for the box to find it's way to the trash can, scary stuff!!!

p.s. Honey is a yummy alternative. Take Care

Thanks for the feedback on Splenda! I was just kinda scared to quit sugar cold turkey for fear of a relapse...I wanted something in it's place. But I will try the honey...oh yea, and day 2 odor free!! Still slight itch though :-(

Honey is great for non-BV related reasons; it's for sure better than artificial sweeteners or refined sugar and it can help with allergies if you're buying local honey. However, it still has a high sugar content so if you eat a lot of it it's still going to attract BV like bees to... :-)

To reduce BV (and yeast infection) risk you'll want to minimize sugar intake including natural sugar from honey, so a better substitute is Agave, which has a lower glycemic index, and better yet, Stevia. Agave is yummy sweet syrup made from cactus, and Stevia is liquid or powder made from an herb. Stevia has no bad side effects, it's the only sugar substitute that's actually good for you. A little bit goes a long way. It tastes gross plain, but it's good mixed in with beverages or foods--I think you can even bake with it. Since you love sugar you might want to wean yourself off using Agave and Stevia and eventually just do Stevia.

Sugar is an addiction, I used to be addicted too. Once you get off it though, you have all kinds of positive side effects and sugar will start to taste gross to you.

Enjoy! Wishing you wellness, we're in this together!

Is it possible that you were reinfected by your partner? You said you were ok, had sex and then it came back...sounds like he might have the bacterial infection as well.

OMG I've had the vanilla smell with bv too! I thought I was the only one as I've never seen/heard it being mentioned before.

I'm 21 and just started suffering with BV this January. I had never had any kinds of vaginal problems before. I've gone to the doctor and been treated 3 times already. Each time I'm better for a few weeks and then it comes back. I also did not have a fishy odor, more like vanilla and it did not "fill the room, " I could only smell it when I went to the bathroom or after intercourse (with my one and only partner BTW). I have been researching BV and I am so glad that I found this site because I am fed up with antibiotics that do nothing for me! I am going to try folic acid and acidophilus and hopefully it works! I felt so dirty and down in the dumps since I have been dealing with this. My fiance is very supportive though, which helps me be a little less embarrassed by it.

Im sooo happy I found this website... I feel so dirty and fed up like what and how am I goign to habndle this been to the doctor too many times. Finally I was getting sick from the pills and said let me look on online. Thank you ladies. Im going to GNC right now...