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 Ac (Columbia, Sc) on 06/12/2012
★★★★★
I had been suffering with BV off and on for about a year. I would take the antibiotics and it would go away only to come back within a few months. After reading various articles on this website, I decided to try taking 800mcg of folic acid in the morning and 800mcg of it at night before going to bed. I went to Walmart and bought their brand of vinegar douche and used that on day 1 in the morning and before going to bed I used A Rephresh Vaginal Gel which helps to eliminate the odor. On day three I repeated the douche, but this time I filled the bottle with distiller water and 1 tablespoon of _____s organic apple cider vinegar and repeated another application of Rephresh. I did the ACV douche and Rephresh every 3 days for 2 weeks. The folic acid I take twice a day everyday. Within 2 weeks the odor was completely gone. As of today I still take the folic acid, but I hadn't had to douche. After my monthly, sometimes there seems to be a slight odor and I just use an application of Rephresh and every thing is back to normal. I think the continuous use of the folic acid really helped.
Folic Acid
Posted by Grace (Irvine, Ca, United States) on 09/30/2011
I had my first encounter with BV around May right after I got off of birth control. At first it just started with little to no odor and then each month it progressively got worse. I researched online and bought some brand name vaginal gel that only masked the condition. Took brand name probiotic pills, but they werent refrigerated or anything so that didnt work. I thought it was yeast infection so I stuck anti fungal creams but that did not help.
Then I went to the doctor and got diagnosed as BV and prescribed flagyl. That worked for two weeks and it came back. I tried the yogurt on a tampon method but that didnt really help. Not too long ago I had to get some blood tests done for work and found out I was anemic as I was always tired, no appetite, and weak (symptoms of anemia). I was researching anemia and it said to take folic acid pills for iron deficiency. I went and bought folic acid pills, took two 400 mcg pills and few hours later the smell is surely but slowly going away.
Folic Acid
Posted by Chany2198 (Syracuse, Ny) on 04/06/2010
★☆☆☆☆
I have been taking 800 mcg of folic acid, vit D 3, and my prenantal and it is not helping at all so I am confused as to why so many women are saying it is their cure. I think the odor as gotten much worse since. I tried inserting the folic acid vaginally and that is not helping either. I am so deseprate for a cure. I am so sick of turning down my husband because I dont want him to smell me.
Folic Acid
Posted by Rs (San Francisco, Ca) on 04/06/2010
NO, NO........You need to be taking an acidophilus probiotic, at least 50 billion strength along with at least 1600mcg of folic acid.................you DO NOT insert folic acid into your vagina!! You can insert the acidophilus probiotic into your vagina or do liquid acidophilus douches. What helped me from this site (and I just finished doing my regimen right now). I douche with 1/4 cup of 3% hydrogen peroxide mixed with 1/4 cup of distilled water. Then douche with 1/2 cup of distilled water to rinse your vagina. Then I douche with 1/4 cup of liquid acidophilus. Tonight I also inserted 2 acidophilus probiotic capsules (5 billion each) because Im having a flare up of my BV from having sex over the weekend. This is a regimen that you will have to do for the rest of your life or until there is a cure for BV. There is NO CURE for BV right now. This combination of things will certainly give you instant relief and the smell will be gone instantly after the hydrogen peroxide douche. You can do it nightly until you feel better, but dont stop totally because it will come back. It always comes back no matter what you do. This is not a cure, just relief and it is a miracle that saved my sex life and my life. You also want to take a B-12 vitamin because folic acid deprives your body of B-12. Its all worth the time and money for relief. Trust me.
Step 1- BEFORE BEDTIME- douche with 1/4 cup 3% hydrogen peroxide mixed with 1/4 cup of distilled water.
Step 2- douche with 1/4 cup of distilled water to rinse vagina.
Step 3- OPTIONAL BUT GIVES RELIEF- douche with 1/4 cup of liquid acidophilus
Step 4- OPTIONAL BUT A GOOD IDEA- insert 1-2 capsules of probiotic acidophilus (made especially for vaginal health) before bedtime.
Step 5- take a probiotic acidophilus capsule (at least 50 billion especially for vaginal health) along with at least 1600mcg of folic acid and a B-12 vitamin.
You will have relief in an hour or 1-2 days. Every woman is different. You have to find the right combination for you. I took me 7 months to get my combination down pat and I douche 3-4 nights a week and you MUST take the probiotic, folic acid and B-12 EVERY DAY. Do not stop or it will come back. DO NOT STOP.
Folic Acid
Posted by Chany2198 (Syracuse, Ny) on 05/03/2010
I am not sure that I can take Probiotic acidophilus since I am breastfeeding. I asked the pharmasist and she cannot say if it safe or not. I take pre-natals and I heard that taking folic acid for long term use is not good for you. I have been using betadine douches but it is so darn expensive but it does work.
Folic Acid
Posted by Bibi (Nashville, Tn Usa) on 05/03/2010
Go to the grocery store and buy some extra virgin coconut oil. I buy coconut oil at my local grocer. I put some in a separate jar at home to use on my body. I cleared up a yeast infection in record time with it (applying directly to the vagina). The itching stopped almost immediately and, within 48 hours, it was gone. Of course, I kept applying the coconut oil daily for a few months. Also, I knew somebody with your problem (BV) and recommended coconut oil to her, and it worked. Good luck.
Folic Acid
Posted by Mel (Sydney, Nsw Australia) on 05/14/2010
Hi Tis, I took your advice, didnt douche and I STILL take 2 x Acidophilis and 2 x F/Acid and I still have feral white discharge. No more smell though. I've had this problem since April (well I've had BV on and off since 2007) and I am sick of spending money at the Drs and getting useless antibiotics that cause MORE discharge!
Folic Acid
Posted by Chany2198 (Syracuse, Ny) on 06/11/2010
Just because this worked for you does not mean it will work for everyone. Sounds like it did not work for the lady who did try it. Now where do you find the live one million acidophilus?
Folic Acid
Posted by Silvermist (Downeast, Maine, Usa) on 05/28/2012
Probx are definitely safe to use while breastfeeding. Small amounts of your intestinal bacteria are found in breastmilk, so it may be that you WANT to take probx while breastfeeding. I am a pharmacist.
Folic Acid
Posted by Mo (Colorado Springs, Co) on 08/04/2009
I started taking the folic acid first. Within the first day I got diarrhea and within five days I was sick to my stomach. Has anyone ever heard of side effects from folic acid?
Folic Acid
Posted by Diamond (Ma., US) on 02/05/2015
★★★★★
I some times take ACV in my breakfast juices, either OJ or grapefruit, it cuts down on too much acid.
Folic Acid
Posted by Ladyb (Reston, Virgina) on 01/21/2011
You cannot overdose on folic acid, your body flushes out the excess. I currently take a vitamin with 400 mg, my BV is still on. I would stick to what your doing if it works. I'm going to try it myself. I hope this works b/c I'm sick of this condition.
Folic Acid
Posted by Thsh967 (Union City, Nj) on 10/13/2011
For me, BV gets worse after sex, so this past weekend, it was flaring really bad. Actually, it got to the point that my sister could smell it, and she told me because it smelled like really bad fish. So yesterday I went to the Pharmacy and got 800 mcg of Folic Acid, Probiotics, VH Essentials for BV. Once I took the Folic Acid and Rephresh Probs, the smell lessened. When I got home that evening, I did the VH Essentials and the smell went away completely. By this time yesterday, I could smell it through my clothes, now, I can't smell it at all. I just hope it stays that way for the whole day. I've been trying to resolve this issue with the Probs a month before, and it seemed to work, but always came back. So maybe with this combination, there's a better chance that it might stay away.
Folic Acid
Posted by Julie (Los Angeles, CA, USA) on 06/18/2009
BV and Folic Acid - I have also been SUFFERING with BV for about a year, after a new relationship (still in the same relationship) and have had several treatments with Flagyl. Worked the first time, but not after that. I am also taking Probiotics in hopes that it will work but it hasn't. It did at first but once I had sex it came back! I have a doctor's appt tomorrow. I am going to buy some Folic Acid. Question: do we need any particular dosage or kind? Can we take antibiotics along with the folic acid and pro biotics? I AM DESPERATE. It's making me very depressed. Thanks
Folic Acid
Posted by Mel (Kobe, Hyogo, Japan) on 08/10/2009
★★★★★
In reply to Julie - I was in a very similar situation and tried multiple remedies. The only thing that worked was the folic acid - I recommend you start using it immediately if you haven't already!! It won't interfere with the probiotics and in my opinion the antibiotics are a waste of time!! I took about 1200mg the first couple of days with a vitamin b supplement and then decreased to 800mg. I've since stopped taking the folic acid, and haven't had it back again. Thank god!! BV is sooo nasty and embarrassing and I feel for anyone that is suffering with it.
Folic Acid
Posted by Betbizpartner (Watertown, NY) on 04/23/2009
★☆☆☆☆
Have been diagnosed with BV twice. Before and during pregnancy. have been living with it for about 2 yrs. now. It is killing my relationship as my husband is very sexual person and sex has become extremely uncomfortable, physically and emotionally, for me. I find myself starting fights with him for made up reasons just to avoid sex. I did not have BV, that I noticed, before I met him. Now, I am pregnant and just finished the metro gel. It gave me a yeast infection, a bladder infection, and my UTI that i just got rid of came back. Have taken Flagyl previously with only slightly better results. It will not go away. But i must try, so i am taking a prenatal which is full of folic acid, seems to be doing nothing. I will now try garlic and cranberry pills and baking soda baths and anything i can get my hands on that I don't fear endangering my pregnancy, I think the BV is doing a fine job of that on it's own.
Folic Acid
Posted by She (Bl, Ca) on 12/17/2009
I have had bv for 5 years starting after the birth of my child. I have been having a lot of blood tests lately in pursuit of an answer to this problem. Although I have never really had a terribly low hematocrit or hemoglobin I just had my iron level tested and it was extremely low! According to my internet research there is a correlation between iron deficency anemia, especially in pregnancy, and bv. So, you may have never been diagnosed with anemia based on a cbc blood test it still may be worth looking at your actual iron level. I am not sure if this is my bv answer, although I am hoping it is,it may be the answer to my fatigue. Good luck.
Folic Acid
Posted by Che (Arcata, Ca) on 12/17/2009
Get your iron level checked. Although your hematocrit and hemoglobin, both part of a cbc blood test, may be ok you may still have a low iron count. My internet research shows there may be a correlation, especially in pregancy. Good luck!
Folic Acid
Posted by Luckylee (Cleveland, Ohio) on 06/02/2009
I have been suffering with BV on and off for several years, and it's only now that I thought to look up a home remedy. I am so relieved to see that I am not alone in this personal battle I face that comes with being a woman. Before I invest time and money into this home remedy though I would like to ask: Is this something I will have to take/do every day for the rest of my life? Or is this a treatment for 3 days, maybe 7-10 days then stop, and the BV is gone? I also see that there are so many different options as far as dosages, and route. What's the best dosage, and what's the best route? I need to do something TODAY!
Folic Acid
Posted by Confused One (Gso, Nc) on 08/02/2009
Im trying to figure out how folic acid and b-12 which are for heart health can help with vaginal odor.
Folic Acid
Posted by Gommaril (Harpers Ferry, Wv) on 09/09/2009
If you dont tried how would you know, obviously is working for another womans just try!
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 Jane (Seattle, WA) on 03/20/2009
you need to give the remedies more time. if the irritation doesn't go away, you may want to get checked for herpes or vaginal warts. Good luck!
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 Luckylee (Cleveland, Oh) on 06/02/2009
How long did you have to take Folic Acid, or is it something you have to always take in order to keep BV at bay?
Folic Acid
Posted by Denise (New Jersey) on 11/05/2015
I am wondering the same thing?? It does work but do I have to take it forever?! And do I still have an infection and the folic acid just masks it? I hope someone can answer.
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 Angela (Jacksonville, Fl) on 11/29/2009
I just read how a lady thinks sex plays a role in BV. I have been married for 12 yrs in a monogamous relationship and started having BV symptoms after our child was born. Around that time my husband was visiting "clubs" and became interested in one of the girls there. He said that nothing ever happened and even took all the STD tests to prove it to me. I still have trust issues and wonder if he might have come into contact with something that caused me to get BV! He is the only man I've been with - ever. I was prescribed "Met gel" which got rid of the itch, but as soon as it was done, the other symptoms returned. I never had discharge/odor before BV, and I want that gone too! Doc says to try H2O2/water douche, but that only works for the day if I'm lucky. I've been suffering with this embarrassment for 4 years! Will try some folic acid tomorrow.
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 Luckylee (Cleveland, Oh) on 06/02/2009
Your comment was very very helpful and informative because you used both, described your symptoms, then you went to one, described those symptoms, then you changed your dose and described THOSE symptoms. I think I will try the Folic Acid 400 mg bid and see how that goes. My only question is you mentioned that you have "been doing this for a month". Have you ever stopped taking the Folic Acid and if so, are you still symptom free?
Folic Acid
Posted by Anonymous (Rock Hill, Sc) on 01/24/2010
I just wanted to ask if you took 400 MG or MCG. Folic Acid is usually taken by micrograms. And I was going to try this remedy and I didn't want to take the wrong dose. Thanks.
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 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 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!
