Bacterial Vaginosis Treatment | Home Remedies
You should find comfort in knowing that treatments for bacterial vaginosis are typically fairly simple, and most are very effective. The key with using home remedies is that some will work for you, while others might not. Finding the ones that do work might be a trial and error process but is definitely recommended as part of your BV treatment plan. BV has been known to be a condition that can be recurrent as many women struggle with getting rid of it for good. If you find yourself going through multiple episodes of infection, it may have to due to your current treatment plan. Often the biggest cause for BV to become chronic is the use of antibiotics. Vaginosis occurs due to an imbalance of good and bad bacteria. Antibiotics is no respecter of bacteria – meaning, your vagina has both good and bad bacteria, and antibiotics kills both kinds, which does get rid of BV and its symptoms temporarily. However, if the bad then grow back faster than the good, the condition will likely return. Unfortunately many women rely solely upon antibiotics to get rid of the infection. It may be possible to get rid of bacterial vaginosis solely relying upon home remedies (using even items you have around the house now), but perhaps the most effective technique of treating BV is using a combination of both.
While antibiotics are doing their thing, it is important that you implement home remedies that will help restore the natural vaginal flora. As i mentioned before, because our bodies are all very different, some home remedies might work and some might not. A few past bacterial vaginosis sufferers have done years of research on home remedy treatments and put all their research into e-books (downloadable pdf files) that are available for a small price. You may be able to find some home remedies online for free, including here, but to have an immediate resource with numerous remedies as well as diet recommendations, health risks, herbal treatments, prevention techniques, etc., may well be worth the price (which is typically less than a co-pay at the doctor). Click here to view the most popular e-book, alternatively, view my review of the 3 most downloaded home BV treatment e-book programs.
It is unfortunate that there are not many over the counter products to treat BV directly. However, Femanol is a dietary supplement that has become very popular because it works well to get rid of the foul odor of vaginosis, as well as providing other health benefits. It is also very good at restoring the natural lactobacilli that get wiped out from antibiotics. Some of it’s natural ingredients include lactobacillus acidophilus, garlic, enema bark extract, vitamin B-6, and zinc.
Sometimes the symptoms of bacterial vaginosis can me confused for other vaginal infections. This is why it is very important to get your symptoms properly diagnosed before you take on a treatment program. Other infections that have similar symptoms are yeast infections and trichomoniasis. Even how intense your BV symptoms are will help to determine what treatment is right for you. For example, if you are suffering from mild symptoms, perhaps antibiotics might not be ideal since BV can reoccur worse than before.
What Antibiotics are Typically Used?
Antibiotics can either be taken orally or some are designed to be applied to the vagina. If you are given a cream, it is typically inserted using an application. It is done this way to make sure the correct dosage is given. The most popular antibiotic that is used is Metronidazole, but others include Clindamycin, Ceftriaxone, Tetracycline, and Ampicillin. Another antibiotic that is said to be effective in Europe is Tinidazole. It is currently being tested for use in the U.S. as a replacement for Metronidazole due to its lesser side effects. Clindamycin is not the ideal drug to be taken, as it has been linked to more serious side effects, including a severe intestinal condition.
What are Typical Home Remedies?
Tea tree oil, goldenseal and olive leaf extract, and garlic are popular home remedies for BV. Natural treatments have become very popular for treating BV, and while some may be skeptical, many women have testified of their effectiveness. In fact, a number of e-books, which are basically downloadable instructions of natural remedies for treating BV have been written and can be downloaded immediately. They do come with a small price, but the cost may be well worth the time you would save trying to find so many possible remedies as well as the cost of numerous doctor visits.
Even though it is typically the hardest to do (after all you can’t just take a pill and hope for the best), but changes in diet and activity can do wonders. Physical exercise and eating healthy foods will help to maintain good health and prevent BV from occurring. Also, it may be necessary to refrain from sexual activity for a time to reduce your symptoms.
Because a treatment program will depend of what type vaginal infection you have, be sure to read the bacterial vaginosis symptoms page and you may find this video from Dr. Oz on tips to avoid the gynecologist helpful. Make sure you get a proper diagnosis from a doctor if it is not obvious to you that you have bacterial vaginosis. Whatever you do, do not delay treatment, since unlike a yeast infection, bacteria vaginosis can lead to more serious complications.
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I am a 29 year old that has been fighting bv for almost 2 years now. I found “Rephresh” which is an over the counter pill and gel. I’ve been taking the probiotic pill now for 28 days and it seems to have started working. I cant tell you how bad my sex life was affected by the bv coming back over and over as soon as I would get off of the metronidozole it would return this has been a life saver for me and I’m proud to say that my sex life is once again thriving!!!
I was diagnosed with BV in my first trimester of pregnancy. My drs did not and would not prescribe any antibiotic or medication until I gave birth. I appreciate their concern for my safety and that of my child. I was put on ‘bed rest’. I eat quite a bit of yogurt-plain, not flavored or sweetened (sugar is a big component for ‘bad’ bacterial growth) and it helped a bit, but not entirely. I did, however, just start a daily dose of Olive Leaf Extract for possible pneumonia. It cured my pneumonia and in the meanwhile, I think it cleared up my BV too! You never want to douche, I certainly don’t want to take antibiotics, so Olive Leaf is a wonderful option.
BV is so frustrating. I have it recurring, I was diagnosed given an antibiotic.It kills both good and bad bacteria, so it’s a never ending cycle because it just keeps coming back. Every month on antibiotics is a real pain, having to time sex with your boyfriend is rediculous! I am in a committed relationship for four years now and have had no history of std’s, wear cotton, drink water and eat yogurt. This has to be the most aggrivating condition! I wish there was more to do than taking metronidazole to rid myself of this permanently.
I have had BV alot since haveing a baby. I have been in a committed relationship for four years, and I think we are used to the mess. I saw an OTC med in Rite-Aid but was not sure if it worked. Going back and forth to the doctor every monthe is a pain!! Women have enough issues to deal with, we don’t need anymore
Spinach spinach and more spinach. I’ve had an ongoing issue with this. I tried hygrogen peroxcide, yogurt, acidophylis (sorry don’t feel like spell check), acv, which one time I made the drastic mistake of drinking it and it made it worse, douching and garlic (I also keep this in my diet as well since it’s a natural antibiotic). Since I’ve been keeping spinach in my diet, I have not had it for about 4 months now. I used to get it faithfully towards the end of my monthly cycle. I would get a yeast infection from the antibiotics. I also had two uti’s (blueberries work way better for uti’s than cranberries) but anyway, it was a big circle of….mess. I noticed I was starting to get it and I ate spinach (frozen then steamed) for dinner and woke up and showered with dove unscented bar soap and by the afternoon there was no smell. It may take a day or two depending on how bad it is. I’m just saying I caught mine early. I’ve been married for almost 7 yrs and my husband was really understanding but it would still have me almost in tears from the frustration. I hope this works for many if not all of you.
I’m 28 years old and have been having BV so often that I’m ashamed of going back to the doctor. I’m thinking of having some test done to confirm that there are no other altercations. I’m in a serious relationship and scared of BV ruining my sex life. There are some days I feel like crying coz I don’t know who to ask and what to do…I have tried everything and feel completely help…Any suggestions would really help.
my mother has been a nurse for over 30 years and she reccomended trichotine powder.It is a douching item and you can get it at your local pharmacy. I havent tried it yet but I am going to have to. I have the same problem as everybody on here and its so embarrassing. I dont even want to have sex at times because I am uncomfortable. I am a very clean person, my house car, and desk at work have to be cleaned EVERYDAY! And I take pride in having good hygene. But this BV really sucks and I pretty much have almost given up. Im just gonna try this trichotine powder and see what happens.
i have bv.i keep getting it for the past 3yrs.i am so tierd of itthe ho remidies that are on line are not any good for me.i never use garlic in a day of my life and yogurt do’nt get me started on that.my doctor told me i should use the azo yeast and i have been using it but now it came back again.i have the medication for it but my birth control reguarlates my period and i can’t use it,i am in alot of pain from bv wht 2 do.(yeah i have been married for 3yrs)
U can get the rephresh gels from walmart and it works but it’s kinda pricey and isn’t permanent.
I have suffered w/BV for years. I have recently found this OTC suppository to work great.
http://www.walgreens.com/store/c/vh-essentials-bv-treatment-homeopathic-time-release-vaginal-inserts/ID=prod6028565-product.
The trick for me was to insert at night and then on 3rd morning after use, GENTLE intercourse (gets that med worked into places it needs to be) and then again the following two mornings. Don’t know if it will last, but for the first time in years, I feel no symptoms.
Ladies cranberry juice works and the drs will not tell you omg I was a the dr at least 2 or 3 timed a week I tried that cranberry juice the dr lost my files I think lol but you get instant relief oh and no thongs. Wear cotton undies .. I also noticed that I always get bv after sex semen triggers it and different soaps with perfumes and dyes use ivory or dove unsented
I’ve found that the rephresh gels are a good short term solution to the problem as well.
I really hate bv. I found out that I had that and a yeast infection all the first time I made a trip to the gyno. Now theyre giving me this tube to put up there and I really cant do it. I dont know how else im gonna cure it but it really hurts to put some tube filled gel up there so now idk what to do…
Wow, I think i finally found the reason for all my troubles!!! I have gone everywhere for some Dx but no one could find a reason for all my symptoms, pain on urination, vaginal pain, itching, discharge. I just hope that when i get to the Dr this coming week that i have caught it in time, I have learned that BV can cause Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PIV). Really Don’t want that!!!
Im going to try the spinach, garlic, yogurt, and rephresh gel also. And see if those will work for a long term solution, don’t want to take any antibiotic unnecessarily.
I think I may have bv. I just recently got a pap a couple of weeks ago and the doc said everything came back normal. I hate having to time sex right after a shower because that is the time it doesnt smell. I have been thinking about trying the product rephresh and was wondering if anyone has tried it and if it has worked for them? Please let me know thank you!
i think i have bv i had it 4 quite some time & it’s really getting next 2 me i guess ill try some of these remedies & see how they work
Do not use any douches! I did and it just made it worse cit gets rid of all the good cells you have left. Maybe not all but most. Try more yogurt intake. I’m currently going through this so I’m in the process of trying to get rid of it.
I had recurring BV for months! Tried many things & this is what I found that finally seemed to have gotten rid of it:
Every night for 2 weeks I vaginally inserted “Yeastaway” by Boiron. It contains Borax, which is what killed the bad bacteria causing the BV.
Then, every night for 2 weeks I inserted a probiotic pill by Renew Life, called “Ultimate Flora vaginal support”. I also took one of these every day- still do!
Last but not least, since I was getting the BV right after my period or from semen, I figured my PH was off down there, so I used another product called “Alkalete” by Yoli. This stuff is seriously amazing in helping to maintain healthy PH levels!! I took about 5 of them a day as well as inserted one vaginally right after my period.
I am SO relieved to be free of BV & just wanted to share what worked for me. Hopefully this info is helpful to others! Best of luck.
I agree with the young lady about the spinach and also reading a website for bv natural remedy. I agree with the spinach due to bv has some relation of alkalinity. The Ph balance is off and there is something that causes it to become inbalanced. I am not a dr. I work in the health care field. I couldnt help but to respond. I too have come across this problem. I have been married for 19 years. I never had this problem before up until last year. I do know I am also a very clean person. So I think basically it is a cross between the spinach and using garlic pills. The use of those pills has a very high successful rate due to it’s antibacterial properties. I have taken garlic pills as a dietary supplement for a while now. There are myths with all such medicines. But whatever works for your body chemistry. I believe in the old fashion ways so my vote is between the spinach and garlic supplements. Best of Luck Guys.
I too suffer from VB for the last 6 years i dont know if any of you have the mirena (the vaginal birth control) but i read on another site that alot of woman that have the mirena are havin the BV alot.. i have been on the antibotics and to no avail it comes back i am going to try some of the home remedies that i have read on here. i cant take it anymore.. i knew if wasnt happening because i am dirty cause that is so not the case.. its nice to know other people have the same problem.. i will come back and let you know if and what worked for me i hope!!!
First, I’ve noticed some women are confusing BV with yeast infections. These are 2 different types of infections. Yeast generally does not have a foul, fishy odor whereas BV does. If it’s the first time you have had your symptoms, go to the doctor and get the correct diagnosis. Second, the article mentions Lactobacillus. That’s the good bacteria that’s missing or outnumbered when you have BV, but taking or applying Lactobacillus (Lactobacillus acidophilus, etc.) that is in most probiotic formulas and yogurt won’t fix it. It’s not the correct sub-species. You need L. crispatus and L. jensenii – these are found in healthy vaginas. Research is being done to product these in capsule forms. Stay away from douching – it messes up your pH and can wash the bacteria further up your reproductive system. Don’t use powders – they hold moisture and allow yeast to multiply and then you can have a yeast infection on top of everything else. Most women with chronic BV have low estrogen levels. Some with chronic BV and/or yeast have diabetes and this is their only symptom. Talk to your doctor. While treating BV at home is perfectly fine (I do), make sure your Ob/Gyn is aware of how frequently you have it.
Girls, i got a quick solution. Insert a yogurt covered tampon. You are directly putting good bacteria in where its missing. Tea tree douches are amazing. Look it up online to find out how much u mix with water. GOOD LUCK.
Hello I am suffering from bv I have garlic and vineagar at home and I was wondering what do I do with the garlic and could I put vineagar in a warm bath? Please help me please tell me what to do.
I wanna say I am only 19 years old an I have been suffering from all the syptoms for almost 2 years now and I thought it was a yeast infection but I did everything and it wouldn’t go away it has ruined my selfesteem and relationship with my fience what can I do to stop the odor and itching?
BV is caused by yeast. Any holistic doctor or health food store professional will tell you that. I have been fighting this stuff for months. When it gets bad I rub my private parts with cocnut oil. It’s messy but it literally breaks down the yeast. Then a put an ice pack on me where ever the heat is. I take acv 3 times a day. And I think I may have an iodine deficiency which may be the cause. I found out the seaweed used to wrap sushi is full of iodine. I hope this helps someone.one more thing you have to change your diet. NO polyunsaturated fats, no alcohol, no sugar or carbs. No excuses ladies. Eat right, exercise and avoid those unhealthy oils plus get a good vitamin from a health food store, not walmart.
I am 46 years old and have been dealing with bv for over 2 years now. I think I had and didn’t know what it was and it probably just got to an uncontrollable level. I was prescribed the vaginal antibiotic gel-very messy and it does ruin your sex life. I would end up going back to the doctor once a month and they do std screens and I’m thinking these people must think I’m a hooker. Anyway it always came back with BV. I have also taken the pills which help while you’re taking them. I stumble upon this site yesterday after going to the doctor again and being prescribed the Flagyl pills. This time she told me to have my boyfriend take them too. I thought I can’t do that since this is not an std and he is symptom free. He has been a good sport about the whole thing, because it is messy. Anyway, after reading the advise, I ran right out bought a probiotic that says its for females and it has 5 billion cultures and I also bought garlic pills and spinach and raw garlic. I took all that last night and i took the garlic and the probiotic this morning. I will tell you that is more expensive than the antibiotics. I have also taken special care in the vaginal area. I use white bounty paper towels and soap and throw that away. So there’s no risk of bacteria on the wash cloth recontaminating, and I also place a paper towel there while i brush my teeth etc to get all the moisture. I feel great this morning. It was so bad yesterday before taking this that the discharge was just dripping in the toilet. I feel great this morning. Unfortunately, I’m using so many things. I cant’ really tell you what’s actually working. I’ll be eating spinach daily too. It feels good to get this out, I wouldn’t bring this up to my girlfriends. I’ll keep you posted.
I have had this BV for like 8 years now, Im so tired of this thing, OMG i tried EVERYTHING, it does not work!!!! I went to the doctor AGAIN and it was so embarassing!!! she told me I had a yeast infection, what???? BV too, i already knew that, she gvae me Flagyl in pill form, nasty medicine, yuck,I had my period, it is going away now, But I can still smell the bv still a bit,damn,I met a great guy and it is a shame I can not be intimate with him,I do not want the room to smell like a fish market!!! Im not a dirty woman, Im clean I dress nice I look good, But I smell like a fish,I cry so much, it is a shame, I feel for all of you here,Im gonna change my whole diet, which i think is good anyway, to a more alkaline one,”Spinach” Im tired of shoving things in my vagina,no more,8 years of this is enough to make one go mad.I admit I caught a STD 8 years ago, and I douched too much because I felt dirty and that is what triggerd this monster,Im just tired of being tired, I just want my friend back,my vagina!!!
Julie, BV stands for *bacterial* vaginosis. Bacteria and yeast are two different organisms. If treating it like a yeast infection is curing it for you, then you probably don’t have BV as killing off the yeast would allow the bacteria to grow even more. Also, health food store professionals are no more qualified to make treatment suggestions than anybody else. I’m sure there are lots of nice people in the business, but they are just there to sell you stuff.
Wow it’s nice to know I’m not the only one who suffers does any one know any over the counter things available in Australia I eat yogurt everyday and regulary have garlic and I’m sick of going to the doc paying a fortune and trying different antibiotics that do not work
BV is caused by bacteria, not yeast. They are two different organisms. One is a prokaryote, the other a eukaryote, which I’m sure is too much information for most.
At least you women smell like FISH some women believe it or not smell like rotting beef and there does NOT seem to be any help at all from any medical people. SOME BODY HELPPPPP!!!!!!!!
I have to tell you all I took cranberry juice, spinach and garlic pills I had bv for two years and it worked within two weeks it was gone! I couldn’t believe it! I took antibiotics also and nothing worked-but changing diet!!!!
Folic Acid(800mcg) 2 pills in the morning and 2 pills at night. Again, it may work for you, it may not. Worth a shot.
Look, I’ve been battling BV for almost 15 years. BV DOES NOT ITCH & BURN! If you itch & burn it’s probably a yeast infection. BV is NOT caused by yeast, it is BACTERIA. BV is only odor and discharge. I discovered that even tho I was in a committed relationship, SEMEN was the culprit for me. I’ve ordered flagyl pills from an overseas website, but they taste so disgusting to the point where you want to vomit, so I’d have to take them just before bed. Yes they worked, but I read that they cause cancer. Metronidazole gel prescribed by my Doctor combined by not allowing my husband to ejaculate in me was my permanent cure. The FIRST NIGHT of using the gel, the odor was GONE. I have been BV free for almost 4 years now. This is THE LONGEST stretch of being BV free since I first started getting it and it’s so freeing and amazing. Ladies don’t allow him to ejaculate in you. You will thank yourself later
P.S. I tried the cultured yogurt on the tampon trick…didn’t work :/
I used to have bouts with BV years ago during college. What finally worked for me back then was the introduction to acidolphilus (sp?) alongside half the amount of antibiotics prescribed -usually only two or three days worth.
However, low and behold nearly 7 years later, here it comes again. So I immediately purchased six things:
-Vagisil screening test: saved for after treatment
-Rephresh 3-day 2 part kit: I mixed the purified water douche with Peroxide to clean out the bad bacteria, used the gel too, and then everything else!
-VH Essentials BV inserts from the local pharmacy: Inserted half insert after the Rephresh gel on day 1, half insert on day 2, and a whole insert on day 3.
-Renew Life Ultimate Flora vaginal support capsules w/ 50 billion live cultures: I inserted 1 directly into my vajayjay each night right after the VH essential insert, and took one in the am and one before bed.
-A once-A-Day Vitamin w/ 400MCG of Folic Acid in addition to the rest of the B Vitamins (very important not to take Folic Acid as a single supplement): I took two of these in the morning and one at night. It apparently helps with the speedy replicatin of the Lactobacillus acidophilus.
- EmergenC Immune Defense Fizzy Drink: I drank two packets mixed with water in the am, two at lunch, and two at night.
Effects:
By the first morning after (less than 10 hours): no odor.
By Day 2′s application: No discharge.. but urine was bright yellow from vitamins!
By Day 3′s application: nothing except the capsule casings (doesn’t melt the same as when taken orally!), and same yellow urine!
Today is Day 4 and my PH level as indicated by the Vagisil test kit is 4.5. I plan to continue the Folic Acid for today and tomorrow along with the two Renew Life capsules taken orally. I will not insert anything else into the vagina unless symptoms reoccur.
After Day 5, I will continue with the Renew Life and Folic Acid by taking one capsule per day, as well as the EmergenC Immune Defense @ 2 packets in the morning- both until finished
I will keep every one posted.
Have your man treated too, as you are passing this back and forth, only he doesn’t have to worry about pesky symptoms the way we do, aside from the odor.
You can actually insert a whole garlic clove twice a day for a couple of days, then insert a probiotic pill (or two)for a few more days, meanwhile taking probiotics…
Do not take too many of anything, as you will once again disrupt the balance of your system. Eating unprocessed foods is key too, with a good balance of vitamins and minerals. For me, getting rid of milk and wheat products resolved a number of health issues I was experiencing, most importantly the thyroid problems that had been caused by taking birth-control for my entire youth. Nothing sets a body out of balance more than hormone changes. Still have some hormone irregularity and have to take thyroid treatment for rest of life, but things are so much better now with my system more in balance.
Very interesting to hear about the “Mirena” as I hadn’t had any problems since pregnancy with yeast or BV or anything else once Dr diagnosed me with the autoimmune disorder and I treated it with diet, that is until I got the IUD put in, now I have to spend time every particularly heavy period or after times I’ve had repeated intercourse with my love. In the distant past I could clear things right up with aforementioned insertion, but now I have to re-do and re-do. I plan to talk to Dr about the IUD…plus, I have been eating crap foods again because I got too busy and stressed from things. That doesn’t help overall health at all. Stress is a huge causative factor in a lot of health issues, and puts the body way out of balance.
Anyways…one DOES NOT want to risk a PID (pelvic inflammation),seriously…I almost lost the ability to have children when I had one from getting repeated infections from the guy who became my hubby, and did not know it for months until the symptoms of pelvic pain and problems with period and urination and stomach pain came on. Of interest, it went on long enough I now have an autoimmune disorder of the bladder called Interstitial Cystitis (thought it was UTI’s, but really was cellular damages from the previous infection)and it affects the whole pelvic region. Sex with my hubby became so painful after our second child that I had to cut him off. Things are better now that he took treatments at same time I did, plus Dr suggested I got all citrus and acidic foods out of my diet, and this worked wonders.
Now to tackle the bv once again, and possibly re-evaluate this whole IUD thing…as that what brought me back to the computer to look for natural remedies again
With all of these treatments are they effective at keeping it away after you have actually gotten rid of it ? even for a while, i understand it can obviously come back. But the pro biotics for example, i have found with this particular natural yogurt , it has all kids of good bacteria and so on, i can manage to get rid of it for a while, but only when i eat the yogurt daily. Im just wondering how long anyone has managed to actually keep it away?
I’m in tears right now.. My bf has been insulting me and saying mean things ab the odor, but I can’t
Help it. Even when I pee I can smell it . Please tell me what to do. I don’t have insurance and Im so upset!
I have had bv for about two years now and been to the doc.about6 or 7 times.I dont want to go back because I have been there so many times and it is just a problem.. I have had the pills and the gell and after a while it always come back agian! My boyfriend of 6 years is tiered of it and thinks I cheat on him all the time.we both have taken the pills at least 6 times and i am sick of going to the doc. and it never works!I dont even know how it came about!I just know that if it is not takken care of soon I will just die!so I am going to try a few things that I have found on here and will keep you updated!!!!!THANKS!!!!!!!
so i have been having symtoms for 3 years now. Docs have told me (uti), (piv) all kinds of stuff but the thing is all these things they claim i have does not have all the symtoms i have i’m so sick of the pain the odor the whole thing just makes me feel so nasty I’m a very clean person i tryed cranberry pills, water, all kinds of stuff and i’m in tears not knowing what to do. I cant go to the doc have not been able to go for 2 years now have no insurance so i dnt knw what to do. I have every symtom for (BV) so i really belive this is what it is i’m gonna try spinach i dnt knw what else to do I’m in a new relationship been together 3 moths now we live together i’m so inbarressed to tell him or to even have sex with him cause of the odor i do everything to get rid of it but nothing works if anyone has anymore great ideas please im begging you let me and the other women who are badly suffering this knw. thanks
Thought I’d add my experience, I am 46 and used to get yeast infections and bacterial vaginitis in my 20′s a lot! Now I am having symptoms of b.v. the last couple of days right after my period ended. I was reading it can also be caused by fluctuating hormone levels, I.e. drop in estrogen? What can I do about that? I don’t have health ins. So want to fix this problem as cheaply as possible! Sounds organic spinach, raw garlic and lay off the alcohol. How bout a vinegar or baking soda bath?
Thanks ladies 4 sharing.
First of all- if your man is not supportive and making you feel terrible about your BV, you need to find a more respectful partner.
I suggest ordering pH strips online (they are cheap) and testing your vaginal pH. If it is too alkaline, this can cause an imbalance and an apple cider vinegar bath works well to restore the natural vagina pH (which is slightly acidic). I also suggest drinking water with apple cider vinegar. You can add honey to help the taste.
It is also important to remember that infections are caused by underlining issues, possibly hormonal imbalances. Evening primrose oil and Omega-3 EFA daily can also help restore your bodies hormones. Eating whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and staying toxin-free (laundry soaps, etc.) is also extremely important.
I used to have re-occurring BV episodes for years. A naturopathic doctor helped me treat holistically and I have been improving ever since!
I suffer with bv an am 25 i hate the smell an have used active gel ok sometimes an have been given 400mg of metronidazole for 14 days am nearly finish but my period has start an am gonna have to take 7 days of antibiotics for a water infection an now it will just repeat , am so sick of it, i was advise to wash withacqrious cream an not shower gel not even simple this is a nightmare can anyone help please thankyou, an desaree your boyfriend seems so mean it made me cry i feel for you.
I found a homeopathic treatment at Rite-Aid, they have a whole new line of treatments for BV, pills and all. I have used the Rephresh pill the last 3 days and used one treatment of the vaginal inserts and ALREADY have notice the odor is GONE less then 24 hours after the first treatment!! I am psyched!!! : )
So I’m only 20 had the problem for over 2 years now. I can’t yave normal relationships and it is really ruining my life. Ugh. After reading everyones comments I know this has got to be what’s wrong with me. I always thought it was a yeast infection so I’ve takin monistat one after the other and never end in good results. I’ve staeted wearing cotton I don’t use tampons nomore, I’ve followed all the rules my doctor has said and nothing. I’ve even had doctorels tell me its nothing. I honestly thought I was like the only person in the world going thru this, but it is such a relief seeing that its a pretty normal girl thing.
Ladies, i too have had BV for years now. It is embarresing.
After my boyfriend noticed the smell after sex i have become more determined than ever to find a cure. I really hope we can find something that works. What i can say is that the pills and gels the doctors give do not work. Im thinking diet has alot to do with it. Ill try and let you ladies know.
hello all, I’m writing in again. as i stated in the past i have this problem for awhile. i think initially, I didn’t know what it was and then the discharge got heavier until finally, i got that terrible fish odor and thats when i went to the doctor. I thought it was yeast and that insert burned so bad, because i had become so irritated down there, I had to douche to get rid of the monistat. I went to the doctor and they ruled out all the std’s, so it must be BV. They said. I went to the doctor recently and there is a special machine that will specifically diagnose BV. so what i have done recently is take 25 billion of probiotics when lessened it, but didn’t not completely get rid of it, so I upped it to twice a day. So far no discharge which was most problematic for me. Oh, i did use the antibiotics first and was taking the probiotics once a day anyway to prevent the stomach upset.
so my advise is to take probiotics, it is more expensive than the prescriptions at least for me any way. who wants to take antibiotics all the time? The probiotics will cost about 50 to 60 dollars a month. I plan to take them for a good 3 months like my doctor said. I couldn’t bring myself to ask my boyfriend to take the antibiotics. I wasn’t convinced it would work, because it is an issue with me and not him. Does anyone know of a doctor who might be doing a study. None of my friends have these complaints nor have I asked them.
Okay ladies…. Here’s the deal. You have essentially two things living inside your vagina. Bacteria(there are many types) and yeast. these two things keep each other in check. If the yeast population explodes for some reason (i.e. antibiotics killing off the bacteria that keep them in check), you get a yeast infection. If the bacteria population explodes, you get a bacterial infection. So my advise is…. if you have a yeast infection, eat some bacteria. If you have a bacterial infection eat some yeast.
I’ve had bv in the past and antibiotics works. However, they stopped working about 2 yrs ago on Nov of 09-the crap just came back and then I’d go back to my Dr every month and get more. I’m very Infineon with my body and so when I got pregnant in June of 10 I was very concerned about having bv while pregnant, but thankfully I didn’t. It went away! I was so happy. And since the birth of baby in march of 11 I’ve been normal! Oh how I love the feeling. However, earlier this week I’ve felt and started to smell the symptoms of bv. I’m so sad. I have Mirena and am breastfeeding so I don’t get my period…..usually until last week and after that the symptoms started. I’ve also noticed seman affects things. It’s a tricky combo which is so frustrating for those of us that suffer. So here’s my two cents and a few things that I think may have helped me…..increased folic acid,iron, water, and don’t eat a lot of sugar (like deserts) and lay off the booze (even wine), obviously wear cotton panties and wash them in a ‘free’ detergent (like all free and clear, or tide free). I can’t tell you if that works or everyone but I know that I stopped following some of the above (detergent, sugar, alcohol, and iron) and that’s when I noticed a difference along with the pesky period. I’ve tried .5 of vinegar and water on a tampon but I’m not so sure about it. Oh I also used tampons for the first time since being pregnant…..maybe it added to things?
So if I want to try the yogurt and tampon thing…how long do i keep it in there? do i need to rinse after, or just leave the yogurt that is left over in there?
Use brilliance tampons. From walgreens
I am a vegan and apparently my BV is caused by lack of Iron, I have never had BV before, I am 40 years old and married. The most natural way I have been told to get rid of this is to eat spinach and garlic (spinach of course contains iron). I am going on a spinach binge right now !
I have been using the BV pills over the counter treatment from Rite Aid. I have not tried the suppositories, but I have them. I use baking soda for the smell. Actually lately, i just have that musty order like you have in your pits. I just think I sit too long at work. Probably a separate issue. If you smell like fish, you really should get that treated with the antibiotics and continue to take the probiotics and the the home remedies. The probiotics in large doses seem to work. so far so good for me.
I have been diagnosed with BV an have bought like three different types of prescriptions n tha last three months. I still have the problem and cant seem to find anything that wants to work. Im starting to cramp real bad and I am worried all these medications might do some serious damage. I cant have a sexual, or any other relationship because I am not comfortable with myself. Been goin on for about 6 months now and i really would love to find a way to get rid of this because the doctors doesnt seem to be helping much. Any ideas???
I might have bv too cus my underwear is always wet like I peed in it. My bf broke up wit me cus he thinks I’m sleeping around and he complains of reaction everytime we have sex..can bv cause his reaction???
I have been getting bv since I was 16.. I’m 27.. I found that yes a bf can become irritated after sex because of it but it depends on the guy.. I have been using vinegar as a vaginal rinse for this time around.. It’s working
I mix it with water and it is great .. I go to the gym often so that is one of my causes.. I do notice if I don’t eat yogurt when I am on amoxicillin I get bv.. And semen does cause issues with the ph.. It CAN cause itching after a while because the ph change but it is less common.. I have been told by the drs that it was yeast because it itches and after them testing me they say oh no yeast it’s bv.. So ya.. I get the discharge but the itchin is what kills me.. Vinegar is working.. U can drink pickle juice too as it contains vinegar … Douche with vinegar .. It will burn at first and then.. No symptoms of bv.. Dilute it less for sever cases..
MY CURE:
In my case it turns out I was deficient in Vitamin D. I had been working in a dark environment for about a year and my body wasn’t getting enough sunlight(D) to have a strong immune system and fight off the bad bacteria causing the BV.
The BV was so persistent! Before I realized there was a lack in D my Gyno and I had gone through 5 treatment cycles because the BV just kept coming back even after the antibiotics (Flagyl). I was getting sick a lot too. So, the total treatment went like this:
After a full cycle of Flagyl the Doc put me on “suppression therapy” with Flagyl 500mg once a week to keep the bacteria at bay(ask your doctor about this). In the meantime I was taking 2,000IU of D a day without skipping. It took me about 2 months for my body to build up my immune system. I haven’t had an infection for about 6 months now not to mention everyone around me is getting sick and I haven’t been touched. I’m so grateful to never again have an infection!!!!
My Cure: continued
Allow me to be clear that I only went on the Flagyl suppression therapy for about a month. After that month I have been taking 2,000IU Vitamin D supplements every day.
The best treatment for me has been the probiotics. If i don’t take them, it comes back. I am currently taking 50 billion cultures in the am. I take the bv treatment that they sell at rite aid and then i take another 50 billion culture probiotic at night and I have done well.
symptoms are a white discharge and it is a wet feeling. If you allow the wetness to remain in constant contact with your vagina, it eventually does cause irritation and then a fishy odor. Be sure to have it diagnosed specifically rather ruling out everything else. I have had to change my underwear midday and shower at night etc. So the answer for me are probiotics/ yogurt. once treated with the antibiotics it just returns. Probiotics can be expensive, but they do work for me. I hope this helps.
I have had this problem on& off for several years. I am constantly given metronidazole by my doctor. I have found semen is a culprit. Washing with dove unscented & baking soda helps a lot. No thongs or tampons. Also only cotton undies. I will try spinach & yogurt. (Thanks ladies) I understand it is a Ph balance issue. Very annoying & embarrassing.
Hey ladies,I was diagnosed with BV last wednesday and let me tell you it REALLY cramped my style, I finally found a good guy and we only got to have sex twice before I got BV. I have had previous sex partners and have never had BV, I just don’t understand what is so different.. yes this is a new partner but how did my bacteria can unbalanced? I’m just confused and now I’m scared I am going to get it again because now I know it can reoccur… What should I do??? I am on flagyl and I’m only 2 days in on taking it, but I am going to watch what I eat starting today.. Any advice would be appreciated greatly. Thanks ladies and good luck to all of you!
well i have to say ive had this for about 3 yrs thought it was normal…but it got worse and it was because i was douching.. so i had stopped…the smell was so bad that i could smell it through my jeans and it was embarassing so i started googling and tryed doing the yogurt thing which i know sounds weird but it worked! ill tell you what i did…i went to walmart and bought some vanilla yogurt with live cultures in it and put it on a tampon and inserted left it in there for about an 1hr took it out..showered and i was amazed because before even after i showered you could still smell it…no its gone away and its been a week….pretty amazing!
I wrote here before,I still have BV, I sit here and I can still smell it(fish) damn, I do not know what to do, I have tried it all and Nothing is working for me, Im ashamed and embarassed,never in my life have I had a problem down there like this,this is a terrible thing to have,I bought the home treatment VH essentials, waste of money,Im so depressed,I met a nice guy and no we have not had sex, I want to but we can not as long as Im like this,no more doctors for me,someone please help me,I feel suicidal,I used to be fun outgoing but this monster is holding me back,fish fish fish,I used to smell like my fave perfume,I have had this 7 years and Im dying inside,I have low self esteem,Im not working right now,but Im in school and the class smells like fish,:( something has to be done about this before I lose my mind,I think my diet is good,but I do drink(wine) is that adding to the problem? because wine is yeast and yeast feeds off of bad bacteria?I do not know what esle to say,i feel really down, I feel like a nobody….
Roxanne I feel your pain in your comment and i am right now in tears because i fell the same way reading all of the ladies comment we all feel this way. Ive had Bv for 23yrs. I am still fighting this . how i got bv i was in a very abusive relationship when i was young and after sex i douched because he made me feel dirty and i just want to cleanse and i douched to much and messed up my normal flora. im not working right now so i stay in my house i try not to go out in public so much because of the fish smell and people look you right in the face and you have to pretend to be invisible and you just want to get the hell away crawl up in a corner hide behind locked doors. i have seen my gyn doctor i know over15 or more times she has tried everything. gels,creams .,pills i have purchased the e-books , acv douches, peroxide , boric acid, tea tree oil vh essentials, acidophulus pills it get better but not cured so now im going to try the spinach and garlic . im not in a relationship because of the hot fish smell,and i one time i wanted to commit suicide/ and i feel like a nobody but you know what i keep saying there is a cure and one of these remedies will work.i tried the vagilen stuff waste of money once again . so i am reading everyone blog to see if there some thing i haven’t tried til next time
Rephresh now has tampons. They are in a bright yellow box. i found them at CVS. They are supposed to control vaginal ph. I’ll keep you posted. Just started using them. If that doesn’t work, looks like I’ll be trying the yogurt. My problem was mainly the discharge. when the fish smell rears it ugly head, I have to douche. I also have the clindamycin gel. I haven’t tried that yet. I will try it if comes back. I am very interested in these tampons for now.
I agree with the yogurt on the tampon. It has worked for me. I’m just not sure how often I should it or if there are side effects. Please comment if you have more info regarding the yogurt.