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
Posted by Danielle (Lexington, SC) on 03/19/2009
So for the 5 millionth time since last october i was diagnosed with BV. I took flagyl for 7 days and the odor is gone but I have an itching still that feels like it is in just one spot (not to be gross) inside me along the vaginal wall. I took 2 folic acid pills 800mcg last night and 2 today, but still feel that one spot of irritation. any thoughts to what might help this?
Folic Acid
Posted by Kathy (Brooklyn, NY) on 03/10/2009
Though Folic Acid seems to really help members of this site, I am wondering if it's really a true "Cure" if the symptoms come back if you miss a dose. Is it possible that it is masking a symptom rather than curing the infection?
Has anyone found folic acid to be a long term cure (no infection or symptoms for over three months)? Thanks for your insight. I've been suffering from BV for 9 months...
Folic Acid
Posted by Kelly (Los Angeles, CA) on 03/10/2009
★★★★★
Oh my!! What a blessing to find this website. I have had BV for almost 15 years now. I've been to the doctor several times and they always prescribe metrodonizole. It has never worked. I have also thought that it was a yeast infection and tried to cure it with over the counter meds, and countless types of probiotics, cleanses, yeast guard etc. Dealing with this problem for so long has been somewhat traumatic and disheartening. I was embarrassed and felt ashamed when becoming intimate with a new partner.
So I stumbled upon this site one day last week when I was googling the topic again. I read the reviews on Folic acid and decided to try 1 more remedy. I went to whole foods and bought 800 milligram capsules. I started on my first day taking 2 at once. Right away it seemed to work but I was apprehensive. I took 4 the next day and then 2 the day after. It had almost completely cleared up my discharge and odor. Only a very small amount appeared once in while on those days. I then read online that too much folic acid can be harmful, so I reduced to 1 800 milligram capsule a day. The symptoms are gone. It's totally amazing. I just can't believe that the western doctors prescribe antibiotics for something that a simple vitamin can cure. It's very frustrating.
I am so grateful to have fund this site and the folic acid remedy. I hope more women can discover this as well, as I know how awful it can be to deal with this problem. I will definitely be checking back here for future health concerns. I love it!!
EC: We found fantastic information on this website about importance of taking folic acid and B12 together:
http://www.thewayup.com/newsletters/041502.htm
Here's a snippet from the website, but please click on the above link for much more information.
"WHY ARE B12 & FOLIC ACID SO IMPORTANT?
These nutrients are especially critical for 2 reasons:
1 - There are so many conditions & commonly used drugs which deplete them or interfere with their absorption
2 - The deficiency of either can go undetected to cause great damage & suffering.
These 2 nutrients are addressed together because when supplementing one, the other must also be supplemented, again for 2 reasons:
1 - If there is a B12 deficiency & only folic acid is taken, it can mask some of the blood changes & clues that a B12 deficiency exists. Such masking can allow progressive & irreversible damage to take place in the brain, spinal column, & peripheral nerves. Further, folic acid must be present for the proper use of B12.
2 - Many of the same factors contribute to deficiencies of these 2 nutrients."
Folic Acid
Posted by Kim (Clinton, Maryland) on 02/26/2009
★★★★★
I have suffered with bv on and off for years and recently came across your site. I tried the folic acid only and within a couple of hours I noticed a drastic difference. I used 2- 400mcg in the am and 2 400 mcg in the evening and I have not had an issue since. Thanks for this site and thanks for sharing.
Folic Acid
Posted by CJ (Charlotte, NC) on 02/14/2009
★★★★★
Thank GOD for this sight...For more years than I want to remember I have been fighting with BV.... I read about Folic Acid and decided to try it...IN 5 HOURS!!! There was an improvement...I was suffering with depression, my relationship was on the edge and I just thought everyone knew of my problem....
I AM SO HAPPY!!!! FOLIC ACID, YOGURT and Also a better diet...One Happy Lady in NC
Folic Acid
Posted by Jessica (Trenton, New Jersey) on 02/11/2009
★★★★★
Hello, I've been dealing with Chronic Bacterial Vaginosis for about 8 years. I noticed it after I met my prvious boyfriend and had it chronicly through the years. Well I found out he was sleeping with other women. I know that BV is not a STD but I do think that sex plays a role. I recently found out I was pregnant and immediately started taking Folic Acid and pre-natal vitamins. I'm currently 4 months pregnant and have not had any sign of BV since I started taking the supplemnts. I'm shocked because I've been dealing with this for so long and now it's completely gone. Just wanted to add my story.
Folic Acid
Posted by Shalona (Savannah, georgia) on 02/08/2009
★★★★★
I want to let everyone know folic acid does work! Thanks to this site I gave it a try. To all of the woman that says it doesn't work You must be persistant with it. I take 400mg per day and it works for me. Woman must understand everyone's bodies are different so what may work for one woman may not work for another. You may have to be more aggressive so don't give up. It really depends on your body. Use a bigger dose. I have read that it's okay to take large amounts of folic acid so it's worth a try. I have used folic acid for the last two months and no smell or discharge even after my period. I can't believe it. I keep sniffing for the smell and waiting for it to come back after me and my husband make love but it's not there, no smell! After 13 years of struggling I believe I'm finally free. I know your pain, thank GOD for all of the doctors on earthclinic- you guys! MUCH LUV
Folic Acid
Posted by Blessed Child (Unknown, Arkansas) on 02/03/2009
I was diagnosed with BV today. I have had this problem for about 5 months and have been worried. It came right after I had sex with my last sexual partner. The doctor didnt run test but could tell by the rash and the discharge that it was BV. He said that it could be a 2% chance that it was something else. He prescribed me some Metronidazol and I am on my second one. I see that the Folic Acid is seeming to help everyone. In the morning, I am heading to the drug store to get some. I hope and pray that we will all be okay.
Folic Acid
Posted by Tanya (New York City, New York) on 01/13/2009
★★★★★
I first came across BV about 6 months ago and began noticing the signs of discharge, foul odor, constant irritation, and pain when sexually active. I immediately contacted my GYN and she subscribed medications after medications. I did not know what to do, all I knew was nothing was working, until now. I am blessed and thankful to God that I have come across this website and have had the opportunity to read the stories of women suffering from this ugly condition. I went straight to my nearest drug store and brought folic acid (400mcg) and within that same day I saw results. I WAS SHOCKED!!!! It was amazing to feel "CLEAN" for once and not embarrassed for a change. Now each day, I wake up and take 2 folic acids in the morning and at night.
Folic Acid
Posted by Lisa (New York, NY) on 01/09/2009
★★★★★
Hey Everyone, so i was on this site about a month ago, because i tried the acidophilus 2(2.5 billion)supplement pills, and 2 400mg folic acid pills. This worked right away! i wrote saying that i would keep everyone posted on how things were going, but only finally got the time. So, i was doing this for a week and even though everything had gone away, like that smell, and the ever flowing discharge, the burning, and iching, you know what im talking about, my discharge was now thick. no other symptoms what-so-ever though. just no scent thick discharge. it wasnt clumpy, or runny, just thick. it looked a little tiny bit yellow, but white for the most part. So i stopped taking the acidophilus, and started to take only the folic acid, and instead of taking 2 (2 in the morning, 2 at bedtime), i took 1 400mg pill in the morning and at bedtime for 1 week. the week after that i then dropped the dose to only 1 400mg folic acid a day.i have been doing this for a month, the discharge finally stopped, and is completly normal. i had sex, and i have gotten my period, and it did not come back. it is gone!!! i hope this helps someone. Thank you so much earth clinic and all the women who post their very helpful comments and feedback. thank you, i finally feel like myself again. you are the real doctors. haha. god bless.
Folic Acid
Posted by AR447 (Austin, TEXAS) on 01/09/2009
are you washing your hands and toys before you masturbate?
Folic Acid
Posted by Kim (Atlanta , Georgia) on 01/01/2009
★★★★★
I read earlier that 1600mcgs of Folic Acid would really help a lot if you had real bad BV infection, I tried it and after about an hour I noticed a huge difference.
Folic Acid
Posted by Holly (Philadelphia, PA) on 12/23/2008
★★★★★
I want to say that earthclinic is an abosolute gift from God. I have suffered with BV since I was 20 years old- with off and on mild to moderate battles (moderate after having intercourse, but I wasn't sexually active until 24). Now at 26 I had to pray to God to find an internal cure as I recently douched for the first (and last) time with a wicked BV inflammation to follow within 48 hours. I was horrified yet faithful that God had a cure for me. I came on here and read through each review and decided to try the folic acid only. I dashed out to Walgreens, bought a bottle of 400 mg and downed 2 in the car. Within a half an hour I was feeling relief- my period started the next day and there has been almost no odor. While douching and antibiotics are not for me I do blot my external vaginal area with peroxide and I wash with a feminine hygeine sensitive skin cleanser. I have used feminine spray products, but never beyond the bikini line. Also I use wipes as often as possible. I'm not a fan of yogurt but I am eating it daily along with drinking cranberry juice often. It seems like a lot but the folic acid is the key- I thank God for it, He has really blessed me with the knowledge of His healing power even within a simple drug store. BV is a disease, often chronic, but one that just may require preventative measures on a daily basis. I pray that you all may be blessed by this cure- try it alone first (w/o antibiotics, douche and acido) to see if it won't heal you. God bless.
Folic Acid
Posted by Verena (Burlington, Vermont) on 12/02/2008
I have gotten BV for the first time in my life a couple of months ago. I got the micrazoale gel or whatever it is called, and it caused me to develop my first yeast infection. Hurrah! Anyway, I'm going with the homeopathic-attack-the-problem-at-it's-root method now.
my daily vitamin has folic acid in it (400mcg) and i have been taking it this whole time. Maybe it's not enough? i'm going to get an additional folic acid supplement. What does "mcg" mean anyway? is that different than "mg?" recently started the acidoplous, seems to be helping. garlic too, i just swallow a couple of small cloves everyday. Keeping my fingers crossed, I really miss my happy vag!
I noticed a couple of women who are say they are using antibiotics regularly as "preventative" medicine. Ladies, this is a TERRIBLE idea. not only will it not help, but you will also become resistant to the antibiotic and you will continue to kill off your "good" bacteria. you can also make your self more susceptible to disease this way.
Folic Acid
Posted by Carol (Atlanta, GA) on 11/15/2008
OMG, I am having the same problem with my back. I didn't suspect it could be bv causing my back pain. I am happy I read your post. I wish these doctors would take this more seriously, and find out how to really prevent this from reoccuring. I have a pain in the middle of back. Not the lower back but just below the middle. It started last year and now it just comes and goes. I found a regemin that works for me using acidophollis (4million tab) and yogurt. I also had to stop smoking and started a whole body cleansing (detox) program with teas and colon cleansing. I also heard that chlorophyll works for deodorizing odors and charchoal tablets could remove toxins. Haven't tried them but hey if this doesn't work I'll have to. Got to keep my job, can't keep this problem from effecting my life. You know what I mean.
Folic Acid
Posted by Sunny (NY, NY) on 11/14/2008
For your doctor to tell you BV is common in black women is wrong. It is present in ethnic groups across the board.
Firstly, diet & hygiene plays a MAJOR role in combating any disease. The vagina should be cleansed with a unscented, mild soap..i.e. Dove. After showering thoroughly pat dry vaginal area,...with non-colored toilet paper, blow-dry on cool if x-tra assurance area is thoroughly dry. Towel-drying can harbor bacteria and one can re-infect one's self.
Curtail sweets as BV + yeast thrives off them. Increase vaginal acidity via Vitamin C (500 mg -twice a day )daily as well 800-1000 mgs of folic-acid.
Oil of oregano, and acidophilis probiotics to keep "good bacteria" intestinally/vaginally in check.
Less or no dairy except plain yogurt. Less red-meat, more fish i.e. wild-salmon, snapper, sardines,not shellfish ought to help. More spinach/mustard greens can help. No white flour, white rice, alcohol...
Wearing cotton underwear on a daily basis will help as well.
Excercise, yoga, omega -3 fish-oil pills as a mood enhamcer, stress tamer works well.
Folic Acid
Posted by Janie (Amarillo, TX) on 11/08/2008
★★★★★
I have had BV for about a month until tree days ago. I tried the folic acid (800mg 2x/day) and my BV was GONE! I tried boric acid suppositories for two weeks, and they helped for the first couple of days, but then my condition plateaued. I was not getting worse, but I was not getting better either. One dose of folic acid and everything was okay again! Not a single itch since I took it! I was incredibly skeptical that something so simple could be the answer, but I was desperate. This website is a Godsend for me! Thank-you so much for all the information!
Folic Acid
Posted by London (Sandusky, Ohio ) on 10/20/2008
★★★★★
Folic Acid does work!! I was so surprised. Something that costs $4 at the store. I had a SEVERE bacterial infection, that I originally thought was a yeast infection. Extremely itchy, and uncomfortable, and I had the dread fishy odor. I had chunky, snotty green discharge. I honestly didn't think anything would help. I did the hydrogen peroxide douche, the first two days, which helped a lot, and made me feel a bit better, but it dried me out, so I put a bit of castor oil in there, to help combat this uncomfortable dried out feeling. I've had good results using castor oil to heal cuts, and various other things, so I figured it would be excellent.
By the third day, I still felt awful, and still had the odor. I was convinced it didn't work, but I trekked on with it,( I had nothing to lose) and by the 4th day, I could feel myself beginning to heal. I began discharging normally, ( a puss, yellow color)and little by little that burning, itchy, God awful feeling was going away. I'm on my seventh day, and I feel great. It's almost gone, the smell is gone, the discharge is clear, It works!!!
Folic Acid
Posted by Linda (Tacoma, Washington) on 10/17/2008
★★★★★
I have been suffering from BV for about 5 months, went to Dr he prescribed antibiotics, oral, that did not work than vaginal that did not work back to oral that did not work so now on my 3rd set of vaginal antibiotics. I found this site and am so glad other women are having the same issues and I'am not alone with this terrible BV. Have been taking Folic Acid with the vaginal and this seems to help. I am not sexually active so have not figured out how this keeps coming back. Has anyone got an information if lack of hormones might cause this..I am post menopausal..
