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.
Folic Acid and Acidophilus
Posted by Glo (Natural Bridge, Va./USA) on 04/01/2011
★★★★☆
I searched everywhere about the odor of BV, and found this site. Rushed to Drug store to get the Folic Acid 800mcg and Acidophillus, (nothing to lose) and before bedtime that night I noticed , no more odor. It does kill the odor, a big relief, but still had the infection. Dr. Re-treated with another anti-biotic, and it is now gone. Every woman should take these supplements.
Folic Acid and Acidophilus
Posted by Noel (Deland, Fl) on 03/02/2010
★★★★★
folic acid and acidophilus cured my bv!!! so i am sooo excited to write this...i have been very depressed for the last 7-8 months because i tried every single remedy out there. i tried boric acid, yougurt, h202, and then some, not all at once of course...and then i tried this again, this is what got rid of my bv the first time i had it, but i totally forgot, and now i just hope this helps for someone else. ok this is what i did....i started inserting vaginally 1 acidophilus capsule(they dissolve easily) everynight for one week straight, and taking 3 400mg folic acid and 1 acidophilus capsule pill after lunch, and again the same amount after dinner. the key to this working for me was taking it twice a day, and doing this for a month without missing a day, but i did once or twice but immediatly got back on track and u will notice on the 3rd week the smell going away, and im on week 5 and i have normal not smelly discharge, lol..never thought i would be so happy to see normal discharge. i wanted to stop taking them after week 1 because i thought it wouldnt work, but dont give up ladies...it will go away, u just have to fight it! i will keep doing this for another month, and then try lowering the dosage to once a day. good luck, and i hope this helps someone.
Folic Acid and Acidophilus
Posted by Hydrogen Peroxide (Mount Vernon, Wa) on 09/27/2010
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.
Folic Acid and Acidophilus
Posted by Jetset (Reston, Va) on 01/22/2011
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.
Folic Acid and Acidophilus
Posted by Molly (Council Bluffs, Ia) on 01/30/2011
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!
Folic Acid and Acidophilus
Posted by Mandy (Ny) on 01/20/2012
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.
Folic Acid and Acidophilus
Posted by Campgirl (Las Vegas, Nv) on 04/17/2012
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.
Folic Acid and Acidophilus
Posted by Daytime (Oakland, Ca) on 07/02/2012
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 and Acidophilus
Posted by London (Sandusky, Ohio) on 05/24/2010
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.
Folic Acid and Acidophilus
Posted by Lo2010 (England, England) on 01/17/2011
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.
Folic Acid and Acidophilus
Posted by Rhonda (San Francisco, Ca) on 12/05/2009
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.
Folic Acid and Acidophilus
Posted by Bvvictim (Atlanta, Georgia) on 12/26/2009
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.
Folic Acid and Acidophilus
Posted by Rhonda (Sf, Ca) on 12/27/2009
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!
Folic Acid and Acidophilus
Posted by Chloe (Indiana, US) on 05/27/2014
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."
Folic Acid and Acidophilus
Posted by Liz (Los Angeles, CA) on 08/23/2014
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....
Folic Acid and Acidophilus
Posted by Carmen (Nova Scotia, Canada) on 12/02/2009
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
Folic Acid and Acidophilus
Posted by Sheree (Stockton, California) on 12/02/2009
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 :-(
Folic Acid and Acidophilus
Posted by Naturalgirl (Colorado Springs, Colorado, Usa) on 04/14/2011
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!
Folic Acid and Acidophilus
Posted by Angie (Houston, Tx) on 11/28/2009
★★★☆☆BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS
I been suffering from bv for 5 months now and after taking the medication dit never went away so I started taking the folic and acidophilus n its betta but I haven't had my period for 3 months....I'm worried...does bv stop your period? Please send me your feedback. Thank you.
Folic Acid and Acidophilus
Posted by Unexpectedimbalance (Bronx, Ny) on 10/21/2009
★★★★☆
Ok so I am SO happy to have come across this website. I originally noticed the discharge a few months after being on birth control. It must have been the sperm environment messing with mine that cause the imbalance. At first I didn't think much of it, but after a while I started noticing the scent. I went to the GYN and she asked if it was a fishy smell, and I told her no.. it was actually a sweet smell.. Vanilla-ish even. Anywho, she took a sample and checked it out and confirmed it was BV. I was given the prescription for the gel and it worked for like 2 days after I came off it. Back I went and I got the antibiotics.. it helped for like a week or two. Then I started doing my research and used acidophilus pills. I took one in the morning, one at night, and inserted two capsules at night as well. I varied, sometimes taking 2 at night, etc.
Nonetheless, I was happy to notice that I was smelling like my ol' self again. Being happy with the result I had sex with my boyfriend again and it started once more. I was so irritated from that day forth that I figured I may have gotten a yeast infection as well. I bought a different brand of acidophilus and for about a month definitely didn't notice it getting better. That's when I read about the stronger pro-biotic capsules and Folic acid.. Instead of the other acidophilus with only millions of good bacteria, this one has 14 billion good bacteria and different strands as opposed to just one.
I just bought some today and will be taking 2 of the pro-biotic capsules a day, as well as one 800mg Folic acid during the night (or should I take 2?). Also, I will insert one of the pro-biotic capsules at night. Curious on whether the folic acid should be inserted as well??
I will keep you all posted on my progress! I hope this helps, this is a very horrible situation. I've gone through depression, being really self-concious, and also making me shy away from sex. My bf loves me and doesn't care but I CARE! He's away for Grad school right now, which will give sex a break and give me time to heal. Supposedly BV can't be transmitted to a male? Anyone have info on this? If so, should they be taking the folic acid, etc?
We're going to get through this ladies!! By helping each other out!
xoxo
Folic Acid and Acidophilus
Posted by Dianna (Citrus Heights, Ca) on 10/22/2009
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.
Folic Acid and Acidophilus
Posted by Felicity (England, Uk) on 09/12/2011
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.
Folic Acid and Acidophilus
Posted by S.marie (Fort Lauderdale, Fl) on 04/21/2012
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.
Folic Acid and Acidophilus
Posted by Relieved (Philadelphia, Pa) on 11/19/2012
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...
Folic Acid and Acidophilus
Posted by Angie (Houston, Tx) on 09/06/2009
I have been trying acidophilis 10 billion 1pill. Folic acid 400mcg 2pill in da morning along with yogurt....later when I take my shower I douch with water n 1 capsule of acidophilis insted of peroxide it didn't work for the smell so I stopped using it . After the douch I immediatelly open a capsule of acidophilis and with my finger try and get as much as I can inside my vagina.....I used to insert acidophillis I billion pill n it was yellow...I felt that everytime I used dat one in my vagina it just made the smell worst so I'm trying the capsule....I also take 1 folic acid 400mcg and one more acidophillis 10 billion with yogurt.... I do da exact same thing before bed..at fist I didn't have any discharge but since I switched from acidophillis pill to capsule I notice da discharge....da smell was a lot worst too... my main problem is the smell...sometimes its gone but most of the time is there...
Folic Acid and Acidophilus
Posted by Erika (M, California ) on 09/05/2009
★★★★★
I wasn't sure if this was a real site but after reading hundreds of separate entries, I figured it wouldn't hurt to try what was being suggested. I've suffered from BV for about four years on and off and the antibiotics don't keep the bacteria at bay. It may kill the Bacteria but if I'm not regulating the inside of my body anyway, then of course the BV will come back! So this time I went our and bought a bottle of the Acidiphillis capsules and Folic Acid capsules and took three Acidiphillis, put one right up in there, as gross as that may seem, took one folic acid and went to bed. This morning my discharge was gone, the smell was gone, and I'm taking two Acidiphillis and one folic acid now and one Acidiphillis tonight. This will probably be routine until the pills are gone. Both bottles only cost me around $17! GO GET THESE PILLS. if nothing else, they'll strengthen your heart! :)
Folic Acid and Acidophilus
Posted by Bnnc (Philadelphia, Pa) on 09/04/2009
★★★★★
I tried the folic acid and acidophilous remedies and a few hours after I took them I didn't have a smell! I took the folic acid and 2 acidophilous pills and inserted one in my vagina. There was a yellow discharge after the second day, but it went away eventually. I don't have to wear pads or pantyliners now to cover the smell!!! I have been battling BV for over 5 years and hated going to the doctor 3-4 times a year for Flagyl. Although it cured it, it would always return. I didn't like having sex with my boyfriend because I was afraid he would smell it and get turned off. I will definitely use this remdey from now on. Thank you for your help!!
Folic Acid and Acidophilus
Posted by Tongia (Montgomery, Alabama) on 08/26/2009
★★★★☆
I have been bothered with BV for over 13 years now. Everything you ladies experienced I have too.I told my Dr. I think I am allergic to sperm. I have taken antibiotics over and over for 13 years now. I thought something was wrong with me. Because you dont know or think this happens to any one else but you. I have even accused my husband of sleeping with other girls. I even changed GYN Dr's because I was going on regular basis, even the receptionist at the front office knew me by first name. Ladies I called my Dr. and got RX for Flagil AGAIN. And thats when I come home and got on the internet and found you guys. After reading your life stories, and found out what has heeled you all, I also went out and bought folic acid,acidophilus pills and also apple cider vinigar. Last night I took my flagyl, 2 800mcg folic acid pills,1 acidophilus pill by mouth and inserted 1 in my vag. When I woke up the next morning the odor was very faint and I felt fresher. By that afternoon the smell was gone. Ladies I called my Dr. because some of you all wanted to know do this really work. My Dr. told me that Aciidophilus is more for yeast but it do help the ph in your vag. Folic acid will kill the bacteria in the vag. and dont just mask the oder but it will take about 1 month to completly kill the bacteria. ACV she stated take 3 tsp every day will help build your immune system. I dont want to wait that long to be cured so I decided to do as one person said a few stories up Take my Flaygl medication to kill the bacteria good and bad. And I will insert the acidophilus pill for 1 week to help put back the good bacteria in my vag.(ph level) and take 2 800 mcg of folic acid every day to keep folic acid level up in my immune system. Dont want to get to exited yet. But it all make so much since. Replace what your body dont make enough of. Why didnt someone tell me years ago about this. Thank you all for your wise wisdom. will keep you posted.....Tonya In Alabama.
Folic Acid and Acidophilus
Posted by Christine (Binghamton, NY) on 07/20/2009
★★★★☆
I have to say that this folic acid and acidophilus treatment really works, and FAST. I had noticed the odor everyone mentioned on this forum, and also had itching and some slight pain as well. I started downing yogurt (plain with active cultures) I think all the flavored yogurts have too much sugar and they are defeating the purpose. I also took the folic acid. Felt about 30% better first day, about 50% the second day, now I am on my 3rd day and I must say I feel about 80% better. The odor was gone the first day though, that really impressed me to know this is probably going to work. I give all the glory to God, after all he made our bodies, and he created everything, he led me to the answer to help with this problem. There is nothing wrong with Dr's, but I don't run to them for every little thing I always seek natural remedies/cures first. This website is great, thank you to all the people who keep it going, and all the people who respond, so that we know what works and what does'nt. I know that each cure will not work for '"everyone" but when such a majority of responses are positive you have to give it a try!!! God Bless
Folic Acid and Acidophilus
Posted by Joy (United States) on 06/27/2017
How many pills per day do you suggest? Do you suggest inserting them?
Folic Acid and Acidophilus
Posted by Tina (Pittsburgh, PA) on 06/29/2009
★★★☆☆BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS
I have been using the Acidophilus (3 Tablets inserted vaginally) and folic acid (2 pills taken orally). The BV was feeling a lot better, but I started getting severely itchy, mostly on my legs and arms. I stopped taking the folic acid and the itching has stopped. I guess I was taking too much? Still taking the acidophilus, but some of the BV symptoms are returning! So frustrating because I thought I had solved the problem. Not sure what to do next. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated! This is the pits!
Folic Acid and Acidophilus
Posted by Mary (Baltimore, Maryland ) on 07/03/2009
The only remedy I can suggest is to try the hydrogen peroxide and water douche.I used 1/4 h20 to 1/4 of h202. A number of ladies on this site will suggest half and half. I used this method for 7days straight. Worked wonders for me.
Folic Acid and Acidophilus
Posted by S.marie (Fort Lauderdale, Fl) on 04/21/2012
You could have been taking too much of the folic acid. When folic acid builds up in the body it can irritate the nerves in the extremities. Just take the RDA for folic acid which is 400 micrograms/ day, rather than doubling up like some women were doing.
Folic Acid and Acidophilus
Posted by Lori (Hope Mills, NC) on 06/13/2009
Hi, I have been struggling with this BV fish disorder (lol) for about 6 years now and I read over your suggestions and decided to try the folic acid/yogurt pills! I am taking 400 mg of folic acid and 2 yogurt pills in the am and 2 in the pm. I noticed a BRIGHT yellowish discharge and the smell went from fishy to musky! And, My Vaya is extremely moist, like the BV is still there!!! My sex life seems to be over and not to mention that I feel like I am cramping in my stomach and back (like a period) and in my cervical area when I take these! Any suggestions???
Folic Acid and Acidophilus
Posted by Newbie (Richmond, Canada) on 06/10/2009
Thank you everyone for your posts. This is the FIRST time I've ever gotten Bacterial Vaginosis, so I am pretty clueless. My story: About a week ago, I realized that my discharge was smelling really funky. There is no itch or burn, nothing except the smell and excess of discharge. I do not know what had triggered it...it can't be sex because I have been with the same partner for over 4 years with no problems, and he is out of the country right now...which means that when I got BV, I have not been having any sex for 2-3 weeks. Furtheremore, I have gotten a pap test done just 3 weeks ago, which came up clean!!
After reading all the comments on Earth Clinic, I went out to buy Folic Acid and Acidophilus. I read that just taking the Folic Acid worked on some people, so I have not tried the Acidophilus yet. Last night I took two tablets of 1,000mcg of Folic Acid, and did the same this morning. The smell has subsided, but it is still slightly there (probably because I only took two tablets for one day.)
There is nothing I can think of that could have triggered this, other than hygiene (eg. not showering right away after a work out - I have been exercising a lot recently) ... if I be extra careful about hygiene after the BV heals, am I still at risk of getting BV again, since I've already gotten it once?
Many people on here have said that they are continuously taking Folic Acid/Acidophilus to prevent BV from coming back, and that when they do stop taking them, the BV returns...
Is there anyone who knows if Folic Acid/Acidophilus can completely cure BV, and return my vagina at the normal state it was always in?!
Thank you in advance!
Folic Acid and Acidophilus
Posted by NIK (Chickasha, Oklahoma ) on 07/17/2009
I have been reading this page for weeks. I finally tried the acidophilus and folic acid taking 1 acidophilus in the morning and the folic acid three times a day. I have done this for about a week and the other morning I used a half and half water and peroxide douche. I kept an eye on my vajayjay and it seemed to be doing better. The horrible smell went away. However, I needed to test it further. So last night I had sex and this morning there wasn't any odor. I finally want to have sex and enjoy sex, but the BV kept me from wanting to be intimate. I mean how embarrassing. I also have a daughter and have been stressing the importance of keeping herself clean, and it makes me feel bad because mom has an odor. I have been dealing with this for six years...since I had my son. I am so happy with the results so far and it doesn't matter to me if I have to take this stuff for the rest of my life. I want to be open with my bf and was really prude in the bedroom due to the bv which put a damper on our relationship. I want to personally say thank you so much for all of your posts...it makes me feel better to know that I am not the only woman dealing with this issue and that it's not because I am unclean...in fact my gyno said I was too clean....so I stopped doing alot of the stuff I thought would help with the bv but it didn't work. I am so releived and will keep yall posted. To anyone else who is reading these forums....it won't hurt you to try...and its inexpensive to try. Once again .........THANK YOU ALL!!!
Folic Acid and Acidophilus
Posted by Fed up! (Miami, Florida) on 06/09/2009
★★★★☆
I've been taking folic acid for my BV now for about 2 weeks. I also take about 3 acidophilus pills a day. My symptoms have improved slightly, but they're still being stubborn and not quite disappearing. I read somewhere on this site where one woman said she was taking folic acid and acidophilus together, and her symptoms only improved--but when she STOPPED taking acidophilus and continued taking folic acid, her symptoms finally went away...like her body was rejecting the acidophilus.
Has anyone else found this is the case for them? I want to try it, but I'm afraid if I stop taking the acidophilus my symptoms will go back to normal. Only way I want to try it is if I see it's been the case for other women as well!
Folic Acid and Acidophilus
Posted by Kuhlai (Tuguegarao City, Philippines) on 06/17/2009
The Folic Acid alone cured my BV. It was the most effective remedy i had for my VB.
Folic Acid and Acidophilus
Posted by Km (Brooklyn, New York) on 06/07/2009
Question: FOLIC ACID AND ACIDOPHILUS for Bacterial Vaginosis
I had been struggling with BV for almost a year, found this site, and then got on a strict regimen of 800mg Folic Acid (400mg from my multivitamin and 400mg from a vitamin that contains iron, b12 and folic acid) plus a Probiotic (1/2 teaspoon powdered acidophilus mixed in a small amount of juice) every morning. Within 2 weeks, the discharge and the irritation disappeared completely. I have been in great shape for the past 3 months--it has been life changing and I am so thankful for this website.
That said, I also notice that if I forget to take the folic acid/probiotic combo for 2-3 days in a row (sometimes I get lazy on the weekends), I start to feel itchy and mild discharge returns. Once I take the folic acid and probiotic again, it goes away within a day.
I truly feel like the BV is gone, but how is it possible that it comes back so quickly?
I am also questioning if this "cure" is really just a mask. Covering up symptoms without really fixing the root problem?
Has anyone spoken to their OBGYN about this?
Thanks!
Folic Acid and Acidophilus
Posted by Dawn (Desert Hot Springs, CA) on 06/06/2009
★★★★★
I'm very greatfull for this website I've suffere with BV off and on for many years. The doctor has prescribed tons of stuff that only seemed to mask the problem. I found this website and went out and bought folic acid and liquid acidophilus. I take the acidophilus orally and saturate a tampon with it and inserted it. I know I thought it was crazy too. I did this twice the same day that I bought it and I couldn't believe it when I removed the second tampon it was odor free. I'm going to do this for 2 more days and see what happens. I've also decided to continue to take the acidophilus capsules as part of my daily regimen since it helps with the digestive health. I'll keep you all posted on the BV issue. Thanks ladies for all of your input, I thought I would have to live with this forever.
Folic Acid and Acidophilus
Posted by SCREWTHISBV (Washington, DC) on 06/23/2009
I am so glad I came across this site. I hope I can be helped! I've had BV for almost three years. I would say it's recurring, but I honestly just think that it has its many bad weeks, or months, then goes into "remission" for a few days or a week.
So, I've been prescribed (repeatedly) by my gyno Flagyl (Metronidazole) & Clindesse. IF the BV even goes away at all, it is back shortly w/a vengeance! Like sometimes twice as bad & at times there is the bad burning & terrible itching. Don't even ask about the smell...I shower minimally twice a day & thank goodness I have an understanding boyfriend. Sex is infrequent now.
Anyway, after all the failures with the prescribed meds, I stared taking zinc supplements, drank acidophilus milk (probably didn't do anything,) & tried tea tree oil "down there." No true result...just felt a bit less burning.
Now I've been taking 1200mg of folic acid once a day, JUST bought acidophilus (5mil) so we'll see what happens...any advice/warnings/input would be greatly appreaciated! Thx!
