Bacterial Vaginosis
Natural Remedies

Folic Acid and Acidophilus Treatment for BV

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.

105 User Reviews

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Posted by Jessica (Marietta, GA) on 08/19/2008
★★★★★

I want to start out by thanking everyone that has posted on this subject. I get recurring BV infections every time I have sexual intercourse. I got one over the weekend and decided it was time to try something different than the antibiotics. Yesterday I purchased Folic Acid and Acidopholous. I took 1200mg of Folic Acid and 2 acidopholous pills at lunch time. I then took 800mg of folic acid at 6pm and 800mg of folic acid and 2 acidopholous pills at 10 pm. I also actually inserted 1 acidopholous tablet into my vagina. By 6am the horrific odor and the discharge were both gone. Thanks to all...it really works.

Replied by Monica
(New York , NY)
08/20/2008
★★★☆☆

WORKED TEMPORARILY

Update:

In reply to my last post, that Thursday I was supposed to visit the gyno, I got my period. So unfortunatley, it was tough to see if my condition improved. I continued the 3 folic acids in the morning with two acidophillus tablets (I hope that it isn't overkill). At night I take one or two folic acids with another two acidophillus pills. When my period subsided, I noticed the itch was done with. Yesterday, I noticed the discharge again, though it may have been left over from my period and was slight. My itching is still gone. However, yesterday, the second day of having no period, I noticed the discharge again and it was more than the day before. I missed a day here and there of my full usual dosage. So this time I popped in a Monistat to ensure this isn't a yeast infection from the flagyl and two doses of metrogel I was prescribed earlier in the month. I'm giving it another couple of days with the folic acid and acidophillus and then seeing a doctor if I don't notice a difference. By the way, can anyone confirm the color of the discharge? It is yellowish and slimy? And are yeast infections ever yellowish? I've ruled out everything and have had the BV confirmed twice. This is really annoying!

Replied by Makeda
(Chicago, Illinois)
09/11/2008

I have only been doing the folic acid 2 400 mcg tablets twice a day. So far the discharge and smell has subsided. I still have a itch a little. Before I tried the folic acid I bought a monistat 7. Doctors say most of the time when you get bv it is accompanied by a yeast infection. So do that and the folic. Now keep in mind that monistat can make you itch for at least two days after your last application. As well as have discharge come out. So after two days keep a record of the difference with taking the folic acid.


Folic Acid and Acidophilus
Posted by Monica (New York , NY ) on 08/13/2008
★★★★☆

I've been suffering from BV for almost 2 months. At first I thought I had a yeast infection. But once I saw the color of the discharge (snotty like and yellowish) I got worried. I'm married, but none the less, I ruled everything else out with two separate gyno doctors who confirmed I had BV. Not a big deal, right? I figured having had it once before (as a result of what I THOUGHT was a romantic interlude in Miami beach water with my husband a few years before we got married), ...I figured pop some antibiotics and be done right? Nooooo....

First off, I forgot I couldn't drink. Then I thought alright, well, let's get this going. My first gyno prescribed the Metrogel alone. Didn't work. Then my second gyno prescribed the Flagyl. Didn't work. I selfishly and stupidly put off treating myself with the Flagyl for at least a week and a half after the cycle of the Metrogel was over because I wanted to party over the weekend and drink. STUPID OF ME.

So, when I started the Flagyl, it was no surprise that the infection might have advanced a little by that point. Didn't work either so mid-way I visited a third doctor who prescribed another dose of Metrogel to combat it topically while I finished my Flagyl cycle.

The discharge lightened, but it's still there and the itch..worse. In fact, I thought the Flagyl had given me a yeast infection but I was terrified of popping in a Monistat. I figured that I'd let the Metrogel do its thing. So I finished both the Metrogel and Flagyl by Monday. Itch still there. The yellowish discharge is also there.

I HATE THIS. So now I am completely annoyed and came across Earth Clinic in my quest to balance my bacteria!

Reading these posts on Acidophillus and Folic Acid, I was convinced. So I left work yesterday and bought Super Acidophillus (1 billion of the monsters) and Folid Acid (800 mg). I popped 2 Acidophillus and 3 folic acid pills in the early afternoon and again at night. Between the first dose and 2nd dose I have to say I felt 30-40% better. The itch has subsided...was still there, but not unbearable. The discharge had dried a little. I woke up this morning and some came out, but I guess for 12 hours that wasn't too bad. I cleaned up with PH balanced soap, put on cotton underwear and immediately popped the same dose. I am going to continue this for a few more days.

Right now, I still feel a very slight itch (not unbearable) here and there. But the discharge if anything is more so due to the Metrogel that I guess is still coming out because it is clear and slimy. A dab of very very light yellow mixed in, but I suppose that is still the infection. Did anyone else experience this after their dose of Metrogel?

Anyway, I think it works. I have another doctors visit this Thursday, so I'm curious to see if he sees a difference. Either way, if he makes another antibiotic prescription, I think I'll hold on to it and give this at least 7 days to work. I think I'm getting better!

I'll keep you posted.

Replied by Natalie
(Denver, CO)
08/19/2008
★★★★★

i have also suffered Bacterial Vaginosis for 5 years CONSISTANTLY!! no breaks in between infections... i have been on metrogel and flagyl for the past 5 years... doesnt work! i am now treating myself with 2 800mgs of folic acid one in the morning one at night, acidophalus 3 mid day at the same time, i also insert one vaginally once a week (pill form not capsul) along with this i am taking one cranberry capsul a day and 2 borage oil capsuls a day to help balance my hormones (helps to keep PH balanced) i also eat yoguart every morning... the day i started this my symptoms dissapeared!! only been on it for about a week but still no odor, cramping or discharge.. good luck i hope it works for you like it worked for me!


Folic Acid and Acidophilus
Posted by Ivette (New Britain, CT) on 08/02/2008
★☆☆☆☆

I have been suffering with BV for about 5 years now and have tried everything under the sun from doctors. Gets cured for a while (if that) but ALWAYS comes back. I came across this site last week and decided to give it another shot. I have been taking folic acid (800mg) and 2 acidoph (2 billion) pills in the morning and also at night for 7 days now and still NO improvement. Am I not taking enough of the pills? This has been really depressing me and is affecting my sex life. Can someone please help?

Replied by Shanekia
(Sanford, Florida)
08/04/2008
★★★★★

I would try taking it with out the acidophilus and take three of the (400 )folic acid the first day and two (400) folic acid every day after that and see how that work for you that what I did, and it work for me.


Folic Acid and Acidophilus
Posted by Jessica (Seattle, WA) on 07/24/2008
★★★★★

Just an FYI...I used folic acid and the acidophilus for two weeks...oh it works, but just make sure you didn't forgot a tampon up there, cause that could be the cause of your problems. certainly was mine. geesh.


Folic Acid and Acidophilus
Posted by Karen (London, England) on 07/22/2008
★★★★★

I have suffered from BV for 3 years and 7 months. It began when I met my partner but couldn't figure out what the smell was. It was so awful, you could smell it even when I was dressed and I thought everyone else could smell it too. I have been treated on numerous occassions with Metronizadol (both oral and internal). The internal gel worked better for me but the BV always came back. My partner was also treated for BV once and this appeared to help - for a while - but as usual, the bv returned. I did not get any itching or burning sensations, just the awful fishy smell and a thinner than usual discharge.

I took the doctors advice and stopped using soap, bubble bath or shower gel and used aquaous instead. I only wear cotton pants (not thongs) as the doctor advised me thongs/tight clothing promotes a good environment for the bacteria. One doctor even advised me to stop eating dairy products and to eat more fruit and vegetables. I have followed all the above advice but the bv (although the smell is definitely not as bad as it was originally) still persists.

I began searching the net and came across this site. I did a little research on the hydrogen peroxide and to be honest I am a bit too scared to try it. However, after reading the comments on this site I went straight to my local Holland & Barretts after work and purchased some folic acid and Acidophilus plus 2 billion. I took 800mg of folic acid (2 capsules) and 1 Acidophilus plus capsule. The instructions state you can take one Acidophilus capsule up to 4 times per day and so i inserted a capsule before i went to bed.

This morning, again i took 800 mg of folic acid and 1 Acidophilus capsule. I am amazed to say the smell has almost gone and my discharge has thickened. I can't believe it - after all this time trying to get rid of it, following the doctors advice and using metronizadol (which is effective short term for me) I have finally found something that works for me.

I would urge anyone to try it. I will continue to take 800 mg of folic acid per day and 1 Acidophilus capsules 4 times a day (1 internal at night). I know it has only been one day and I don't want to raise my hopes but the smell has more or less disappeared. If this continues the smell should have fully gone by tomorrow. It's a horrible and embarrassing condition (especially if you want to enter into a new relationship). I hope this works for me and works for you too.


Folic Acid and Acidophilus
Posted by Jasmine (Portland, OR) on 07/18/2008
★★★★★

Thank you thank you thank you!! I'm so glad I found this site! I too have been battling BV and too have had many doctors visits. I read up on using the folic acid and acidophilus remedies and low and behold it worked!! I took 1 800mcg tab and about 2 hours later I already noticed the discharge had lessened along with the odor. It wasnt till later in the evening I obtained the acidophilus. I took 1 tab orally (1 billion live cells) with dinner then just before bed I took anther 800mcg of folic acid and inserted 1 acidophilus tablet. Woke up this morning with no discharge and no odor! I plan to follow the advise of others and continue to take one of each pill daily and hope I have no symptoms return! Good luck to all you ladies! Hope it works for you!


Folic Acid and Acidophilus
Posted by KRYSTLE (Dallas, TX) on 07/10/2008
★★★★★

OMG! I am so happy to share with you what worked for me. i have suffered from this bv stuff for 4 mths now and im telling you it is awful. anyway i came across this website and found what has worked for me. i dont have insurance and dont have the money to go to the dr so im glad that there is help out there.

i went out to cvs and bought a bottle of the folic acid 800mcg and a bottle of the acidophilus i billion cfus and took 2 of the folic acid (morn & night) and took one of the acidophilus as well, and im not kidding you i woke up this morning and there is no smell and very little discharge. i highly recomend this remedy to everyone!! thanks so much for this site. its a blessing!

Replied by Kelsey
(Muskegon, USA)
10/22/2008

HI EVERYONE! OMG I came acroos this website at like 2 in morning, and my eyes just filled up with tears, of hope. I have been suffering from severe BV. Its the worst thing I have ever experienced in my life. I have had this problem for over 3 years, and pretty much i have been on antibiotics everyday ( flagyl), been to numerous doctors, bills from all these doctors for no reason. One doctor even told me that i would be on a antibiotic the rest of my life. I was terrified, I never have douched in my life, im a clean hygiene person, and BV came out of no where. Not only does it drain my self esteem it has taken its toll on my sex life. Luckily, i have a understanding boyfriend of almost 3 yrs, and he is willing to do whatver helps. So as i was searching for some cure. I have searched for 3 yrs now and never have came acrossed anthing that would help. And i am so excited there is hope. I just got over BV 7 days ago and now its back, but thats normal for me, i get rid of it, then get a yeast infection from antibiotics then get more pills for that, then about 4 days later BV is back i have suffered for way to long. So thank you everyone. I am going in the morning to get these pills. Cross your fingers for me.Thank you sooooooooooo much!!


Folic Acid and Acidophilus
Posted by Alyssa (Quebec, Canada) on 07/03/2008

I had BV a month ago and I noticed it coming back yesterday after I stupidly wore a new pair of panties that I hadn't washed. (Always a no no) Anyway, I found this site and ran out to pick up the folic acid. I've taken 3 400 mcg, a HUGE contained of plain yogurt and I'm hoping it works. I'm also going to stop at the store and pick up the acidophilus pills. I'm hoping that this works for me like it did for all of you!! I'll keep you posted! Thank you for all the suggestions!! Its nice to know that there are other people who know how this feels, and feel the frustration.


Folic Acid and Acidophilus
Posted by Tammy (Indianapolis, IN) on 07/01/2008
★★★★★

I just wanted to start off by saying I have suffered BV for 10 years now and I so thrilled that I came across this web-site. I read others rave about using the Folic Acid and went out last Tuesday to purshase a bottle at my local drug store. I had been given a prescription of the Metronidazole and thought I am tired of dealing with this every 3 months. I continued my medication along with the Folic Acid /Acidophilus pills and it cleared the BV in 3 days and in the past when taking the medication it took about 7 days to get any relief. So I will continue to take 800 mg of Folic Acid and the combinaiton of 1 billion Acidophilus and will post back with my results. Thanks everyone for posting there experience. Also after sex I have been washing with Peroxide to see if this will help with my remedies.


Folic Acid and Acidophilus
Posted by Mikki (Brooklyn, NY) on 06/25/2008
★★★★★

Ok...So..I think I've read every comment concerning BV on this site. Took all the notes I could and heres what worked for me. I had bv on and off for 2 years following a medical abortion.(don't ever do that ladies!). I bled for a long time due to a hormonal imbalance that brought on that creature bv (the worst smell ever in the history of smells.). I was given metro gel and it cleared it up for about 2 months. I then went on lo/ovral birth control and that eventually brought on the BV again. For 2 years I went to the doctors with no insurance and no cure.

I eventually came to terms that I was gonna live with it for the rest of my life. I'm in a monagomous relationship with a man that loves me regardless.long story short..I went to a new clinic. She gave me a prescription for Clindesse (1 day insert) because I tried everything else. So immediately after that visit I went to GNC and bought Super Acidophilus 10 billion cfu(40 bucks!)..I had folic acid(800 mcg) in my bag already:-).I also went out and bought new cotton panties.That night, I did the clindesse and took 1 super acidophilus and 1 folic acid pill. the next morning I took 1 acidophilus before I ate and 2 folic acid pills after I ate..at night I took 1 acidophilus b4 i ate and 1 folic acid after eating. I kept up with this regimine for 5 days.I also ate salad and greek yogurt for lunch( the brand is fage and it comes with honey on the side so no extra sugar to feed the bacteria..just honey..and it tastes amazing) I am clean as a whistle!...Now I just take 1 acidipholus and 2 folic acids in the morning..You can probably switch up and take it at night...But this has worked like a charm for me. I cried and thought I was a monster for so long. I didn't want anyone around me or near me. But now..it's gone..

Replied by Rina
(Albuquerque, NM)
10/03/2008

I had BV over and over for two years too after an abortion. AND with all the pain I had the doc's pretty much told me I was crazy and it was all in my head. It was not until I moved (1-year later) that I found a doc that diagnosed it... however it was found in my stool first. Why is it some doc just don't listen when you tell them there is something wrong. I even had one treat me over and over for yeast infection (saying well there is no STD's.. so it must be yeast). All along it was BV. Too bad for me I probably had it before the abortion so who knows how much damage it has done to my body. I am going to give this folic acid thing a try.


Folic Acid and Acidophilus
Posted by Beapond (Davao City, Philippines) on 06/06/2008
★★★★★

acidophilus and folic acid cured my bv.
I have been suffering from bv for a year and have been very depressed of its recurrence. My doctor keeps on giving me antibiotics in cycles and nothing happens in fact its getting worse. I surfed the net and read blogs in this site and was able to find the cure. I am so thankful to this site. I tried the hydrogen peroxide thing but wasnt helpful so i modified the regimen a little bit.
1. I douched with povidone-iodine for 14 days straight with a clean douching kit.
2. Simultaneous to douching, I made a holistic approach to the disease. I strengthened my immune system by taking vitamins such as 8oo microgram of folic acid after breakfast, multivitamins or vitamin C after lunch or dinner.
3.I improved my personal hygiene.Like, always making my genitalia clean and dry. Ironing my panties before wearing and washing my genitalia twice a day with vaginal soap diluted with plenty of water.
4. I also started to appreciate the importance and goodness of yoghurt which specifically have Lactobacillus sp. especially the acidophilus sp. At first I took 2 (1 billion bacteria) capsules of acidophilus for a month but later on enjoyed eating yoghurt everyday of different brands.
These are the things I did that dramatically cured my bv. It took me quiet some time to eliminate this disease but its worth it. I dont have it now for four months and was confirmed by my ob not to have the bv anymore.
Of course, while i was on treatment, I did not forget the most important medicine above all, it was PRAYER that made things possible.
I am thankful to this site for giving people hope in treating themselves when EVERYTHING SEEMS TO BE HOPELESS.
I hope, this msg can help people all over the world and cure themselves of their bv and live a healthy normal lives. God bless.


Folic Acid and Acidophilus
Posted by Bex (Cambridge, England) on 06/02/2008
★★★★☆

just wanna say i think its amazing how many over sufferers there are of bv. i found this website the other night after 3 years with bv. i have tried everythin. everything docters have given havnt worked and a specialist even suggested douching with bicarbonate soda but that didn't work, prob even made it worst. im now trying acidophilus twice a day and 3 folic acid supplements 3times a day (400mg). i have also been inserting a tampon soaked in live yogurt and a few drops of cider vinegar and it seems to be getting better, only time will tell. does anyone no in the uk where u can get hydrogen peroxide? thanks.


Folic Acid and Acidophilus
Posted by Nikki (Atlanta, GA) on 04/16/2008
★★★★★

I'm so happy I found this site. I have been suffering from BV for about 2 years & the Flagyl prescribed by the doctor always made me sick. I came across this site while looking for alternative medicines. I stopped taking my Flagyl and starting taking 1 probiotic (5 billion) and 2 folic acid pills for a week. My symptoms were gone in two days!! Now I take 1 probiotic & 1 folic acid pill everyday for prevention.

Replied by Elaine
(Jersey Shore, NJ)
05/23/2008
★★★★★

I have been suffering with BV for some time now and decided I am tired of going to the Dr., paying the copay and then getting a perscription for Flagyl with makes me throw up and doesn't work most of the time anyway. I stumbled upon this site and decided to give the Folic Acid and Acidophilus a try. I took 3x800 mcg of Folic Acid and 1 acidophilus capsule before going to bed last night. I woke up this morning with no signs of discharge and no odor!!!! yay!! THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU! I think I found 2 new friends to add to my daily routine!

Replied by Ann
(Los Angeles, California)
06/02/2008

This is finally making sense to me now!!! No wonder when I was pregnant, my BV miraculously went away....I was taking 800 mg a day of folic acid in my prenatal vitamins!

Since I've had my baby, 1-1/2 years ago, my hubby and I have been using condomns and I'm finally on the pill as of a month ago. And wouldn't you know it, the BV returned! I'm going back on the folic acid and going to take the acidolphilus starting today. Thanks to everyone for sharing their story. I'm really believing this is going to work for me!!!

Replied by Tonya
(Montgomery, Alabama)
08/27/2009

you are so right Ive had BV now for 13 yrs. And I have had 3 children within that time. And I have always wondered why when I get pregnant I dont have the smell anymore. Our bodies are producing more hormones when we are pregnant and we are also taking prenatal vit. True, true, true. Now that makes you wonder why Dr's don't tell you that all we need are simple vit to keep this away. I have no respect for Dr's anymore they are only out for more money, because they know we are coming back. LOL, not any more.....Tonya from AL

Replied by Petal
(Dunedin, New Zealand)
06/01/2012

Greetz ladies, Its been so interesting reading your comments and experiences, thankyou. I've suffered on and off from BV for many years ( I'm in my 40's). Only once was it diagnosed ( at a time I had no symptoms ironically) but I know now exactly what triggers it and moves it on. Yes being run down and not eating enough fresh raw food, too much sugar and alcohol, not enough water make for an imbalanced internal system which leaves one vulnerable however there is something that has become more and more important in my eyes after years of research, failed relationships, accusations of STD's etc and is something that I have seldom read about.. Its more putting all the pieces of the puzzle together... And that is this: When the pH in your vagina goes out from the slightly acidic perfered state, BV blooms.. Things such as antibiotics, sugar disturb the fine balance. AND SO CAN SEMEN.. Semen is alkaline and will alkinalise the vagina AND post-vasectomy, semen is even more alkaline! .. So many women posting here say their BV started, returned or got worse when the went on the pill or got an IUD, or were pregnant, , , for me it really blew up when my ex-husband and only sexual partner for years had a vasectomy!! When men (with their own internal imbalance perhaps) ejaculate inside of women, women are more vulnerable to BV.. Vinegar and these other acidic compounds help to restore balance.. Also, If you are menstruating and having sex not only is your vagina more vulnerable to BV by virtue of low levels of beneficial mucus but also, your man is more likely to ejaculate inside of you... Hence.. Double whammy.... When my current sexual partner ejaculates outside of me I DON:T GET BV after sex.. When he does ejaculate inside me, I GET BV BIGTIME..

What I want to know is WHERE IS THE RESEARCH BEING DONE ON THIS AWFUL MALADY WHICH ONLY SEEMS TO EFFECT WOMEN??? HMF!

ps. all the best with your resolution dear women ... Be strong and keep remembering to treat your body as your temple

petal


Folic Acid and Acidophilus
Posted by Kari (Fort Smith, AR) on 01/04/2008
★☆☆☆☆

I just tried the Acidophilus and Folic Acid. Today I am alot worse than before I tried it. Not sure what I did wrong but am afraid to do anything now! help!!


Folic Acid and Acidophilus
Posted by Hime (Washington, DC) on 12/17/2007
★★★★★

I just wanted to thank all the women out there who shared this embarrassing yet common problem that women (of course women) must deal with. I have had this problem not that long and it goes then comes then goes. I got so sick of it and the crap my GYN was telling me that I started searching on my own. It has been 5 days since I have been taking Folic Acid (400mg) and Acidophilus (500 million live cells per tablet) two of each a day even though one says once a day I have been taking two and my problem is definitily subsided since starting these vitamins. I must say I'm very exciting to have found something that seems to work. The medications metrogel everything they were prescribing me was not the long term result I was looking for. So ladies thank you so much and for those of you who are experiencing this problem be patient and truly take my advice and try these vitamins. It may be the result you're looking for.



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