[jewelscando]

LOL, JEWEL'S NEVER TOOK BIRTH CONTROL!! That's funny. Well, just cause I have 4 kids doesn't mean I didn't take B.C. I was on B.C. for a couple of years in between children. My children are spread apart, 19, 17, 13 and 7. So, I had to do something in between those times silly girls!! But, my problems didn't start til after the Hysterectomy. The last time I took B.C was before my last son was born which was 13 yrs ago. My B.V. came on about 4 yrs ago or so. Neverending, where did you get your suppositories??

OH BY THE WAY!!!! Did the HP Wash last night. Laid on the ground with towels under me. Used a medicine dropper. Slowly poored it in. Repeated about 3 times, then let it sit there for about 5 minutes. It was bubbling like crazy. Didn't Burn per say, but I could feel it working. Anyways, when I got up, I sat on the toilet, and ALL KINDS OF GRAYISH WHITE discharge started pooring out of me. So, I repeated the HP Wash a second time.

HAD SEX THIS AFTERNOON, AND NO SMELL!! NONE WHAT SO EVER!!

Going to repeat the wash again tonight. I will keep you all posted!!!

[klee]

Congrats Neverending!!

By the way, it's supposedly fairly easy to test your hormone levels to see if they're out of whack. Even dermotologists do it to see if that's a possible cause of skin issues. It would be a pretty good idea to make a visit to be sure your hormone levels are actually in need of balancing.

Especially with all the information about estrogen therapy causing breast cancer and worsening endometriosis. This was big in the news a few months ago and this article was in the NY Times a couple weeks back.

http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html...751C1A9609C8B63

I think smoking is probably making things worse for us smokers. Acetic acid levels are always higher in people w/BV. Guess what's in cigarettes?? You got it! As well as hundreds of other chemicals. My gyno says it's just not good for the vag in other ways - making you less able to fight off HPV and stuff like that.

It's a new year - let's kick it!!!

[neverending]

Eralc Alegna:

Here is something else I found:
UROGENITAL ATROPHY
The lower genital tract is exquisitely sensitive to estrogen. Proliferation and maturation of the vaginal epithelium depends on adequate estrogen stimulation. With reduction of estrogen production, genital blood flow decreases, leading to further decline in delivery of estrogen to those tissues. This reduction in microvascularity leads to vaginal dryness, mucosal pallor, decreased rugation, mucosal thinning, inflammation with discharge, and, ultimately, decreased vaginal caliber and depth. With progressive atrophy, the vaginal Pap smear–maturation index shows atrophic changes with a decrease in mucosal superficial cells and an increase in intermediate and basal cells. Many women experience dyspareunia, burning, and even vaginal bleeding in some cases (Figure 51.1).

These changes are readily reversed with the administration of local estrogen. The intravaginal use of estrogen cream, one half an applicator (1 to 2 g) as infrequently as two nights per week, allows topical estrogen therapy with minimal (if any) absorption, endometrial proliferation, or other systemic effects. The available prescription estrogen creams appear to be therapeutically equivalent. The estrogen ring may be used for 3 months per ring, and vaginal tablets are available for use twice a week. Estrogen cream is also an excellent lubricant for use during intercourse or for pessary insertion. (See also Disorders of Sexual Function.)

Birth control

They override your own hormonal production -- in effect, signaling your ovaries to take a breather and stop producing estrogen and progesterone -- and supplant it with the hormones in the pills themselves. In other words, you get just what is in the bcp. You’re not adding hormones on top of what you’re producing on your own, but literally replacing them.

This to me suggests that birth control either stops or lower the estrogen levels significantly. Thats why we have the problems with what the doctors CALL BV but it's not and they don't give a shit about helping us.THIS IS WHY SOME OF US HAVE SO MANY PROBLEMS WITH URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS.I honestly believe that this can be some of you guys problem but I'm not sure about Jewels because I don't think she has ever taken birth control. I've done years of research and this is the most valid and I have no more problems (except with the little tiny amount after my period) with BV.

[jewelscando]

I'm sorry for the swearing ladies. She just pissed me off!!!!!!!

[Eralc Alegna]

The estroil sounds promising and I'd really like to give it a shot too, so please let us know how you get ahold of it. However I'm not comfortable jumping into hormonal treatments until I have verified that it is indeed hormone related, or, specificaly a lack of estrogen. If hormones are what got us into this mess maybe we should think twice before messing around with them again. Even if it is in search of a cure...

And Vaginal Atrophy? I'm not saying that couldn't be the problem for some of us, but damn! I'm 23. That's a pretty fucking grim idea.

** I'm so glad this board dosen't sensor! I wouldn't feel nearly as relieved after posting if I couldn't toss in a few fuck-shit-damns somewhere

[jewelscando]

Chachaheels: "What the Fuck?" What does that mean. First and for most, NOBODY FUCKING ASKED YOU. So, find another "Fucking" board to push your bullshit. NOT THAT IT'S ANY OF YOUR BUSINESS, I had a partial hysterectomy. THAT IS WHY THE FUCK I DON'T HAVE A CERVIX. After my last daughter I had my tubes tide and had 20 day periods for about 6 months. When I went to the doctor, they discovered that my Uterus was HUGE and I had developed Endometriosis. I NEVER HAD THIS PROBLEM BEFORE THE HYSTERECTOMY. I NEVER said I wasn't for trying "Alternative" doctors, or whatever the hell it is you call them. And if you think for 1 FRICKING MINUTE that EVERY SINGLE ONE OF US on here have NOT SPENT hours and hours of trying to get to a conclusion to this, you are wrong. THANK GOD OR WHO EVER YOU WORSHIP THAT YOU DON'T HAVE TO DEAL WITH THIS. Don't JUMP DOWN MY ASS, because I relayed info that my doctor told me. IT DIDN'T MEAN I wasn't going to find someone else who could do the testing for me. I was just making a comment on what MY DOCTOR SAID. I never said it was right or wrong.

YOU'RE NOT NEEDED HERE CHACHA. Please find some other board to piss off, because I have enough shit going on with this bullshit. I don't have time for your shit as well.

Ok, girls, I bought a dropper type thing tonight and am going to start the HP.

Neverending, thank you for the information!! Was the estroil suppositiores prescribed or can you buy it over the counter??

Let me know!! CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!

[chachaheels]

Really. My tone is discouraging? So what? If you really did care about your health, you'd take the information you got no matter what tone it's given in. I'd rather have correct information from someone who has a clue than incorrect information any day.

I "get" that people don't have a lot of money, but I also know alternative doctors are not all the same, not all forms of alternative treatments cost the same, and almost every single alternative medical doc I've ever met is ready and willing to make accomodations for those who don't have as much money. In fact, the only ones I've met not willing to do this have been conventional MDs who've decided to "cash in" on the effectiveness and attractiveness of alternatives, which is something they know makes them more "marketable". They are out there, but you don't have to choose to work with them.

As for costs, ALL medical treatments cost. If you can go to a doctor who just keeps prescribing you the same anti-biotic over and over again, and charges you each time you go and get no results yet get the same scrip, which also costs a lot of money, then you can pay for an alternative medical practitioner who is qualified and capable and probably save a boatload of money. In any case, you can either prioritize your health care over other expenses that are not as important and do something about it, take your choice of the treatments that are out there to help yourself, or you can keep making excuses and whine about how nothing cures you overnight. And blame others who tell you this, truthful as it is, at the same time. Your choice.

Shoot the messenger if you want, but the facts are the facts. Good luck with whatever you choose to do.

[neverending]

sassy: It worked! Sometimes I have a little bitty TINY amount after my period but thats nothing.Sex is great!No smell! I'm glad I don't have to smell that crap.I used estroil suppositiores(the plant kind).I'm happy I found it because I use to have hot flashes, Dry vagina, and watery discharge.My skin is even clear again so I know i'm on the right track. I wish the doc would prescribe estrogen(the real deal) for me so I don't even have to see that tiny amout after my period but they are a bunch of jerks.

Eralc Alegna:My skin is getting back to normal now that I used the suppositories.My face was horrible after I stopped the birth control.I had blemishes and huge bumps the size of a dime.It seems like we all have the same symptoms but it's not BV.I don't know what to say!

tanten: "but the discharge is still watery and annoying for me"

PLEASE READ THE WHOLE THING BECAUSE THIS HAS HELPED ME A LOT.I did'nt think I could have this but when I read the symptoms I thought "well maybe the birth control lowered my estrogen levels causing these problems."I'm not saying you have this! All i'm saying is maybe this could be the case for you also.Most Everybody on this forum said they started to develop this problem while or after birth control so that tells me that this is hormone related because if it were something else it would have been gone after we used the meds the doctor prescribed.

Atrophic vaginitis (also known as vaginal atrophy) is an inflammation of the vagina due to thinning and shrinking tissues and decreased lubrication of the vaginal walls. It is caused by a lack of estrogen. The most common cause is the decrease in estrogen after the menopause although it can be caused by other conditions. Symptoms include vaginal soreness and itching, as well as painful intercourse, and bleeding after sexual intercourse.

Symptoms and signs
Genital: dryness, itching, burning, soreness, pressure, thick yellow white discharge, malodorous discharge, watery discharge, infection, painful sexual intercourse, bleeding after intercourse. In addition, sores or cracks may occur.
Urinary: painful urination, blood in the urine, frequency, incontinence, and infection.

Treatment
Topical estrogen creams or tablets may be used vaginally. Oral or transdermal estrogen may be used. See Boxed Warning about estrogen theraphy below.

Sexual activity is also helpful. A water-soluble vaginal lubricant may be useful.

[sassy]

Chacha: Just for the record, many girls on here are open-minded about ALL forms of treatment. However, many holistic doctors are insanely expensive and some girls have tried them without getting any real help for their BV. I am 21...I can hardly pay for college, let alone specialist doctors. If I had money, don't you think I would go and get every test imaginable?? You offer information that can be helpful but the tone you put it in is demeaning and discouraging.

[chachaheels]

Okay, I have to say something here because there is information on this thread which is just, simply, wrong:

There are ALL KINDS OF tests to gauge hormone levels in the body. You can take a salivary hormone test as well as blood tests which will help a qualified doctor understand what is taking place in your body hormonally.

You need to speak to a doctor whose specialty is hormones, particularly one who is familiar with the impact of bioidentical as well as artificial hormones used on women (through things like the birth control pill, IUDs, hormone replacement therapies, sports medicine, and things like treatments for sex organ pathology and glandular dysfunction). That means, you need to see an endocrinologist--and for your own sake, be choosy and find one who has a lot of experience working with women who experience illnesses and symptoms such as the ones you're all calling BV. You do not ask a bricklayer to put in your plumbing: just as you do not ask a gynecologist to tell you about the endocrine system. Oh, I know it sounds like they should know about hormones since they prescribe so many of them, but for reasons I don't want to get into here, just know that they do not know about them further than that.

And, I also posted here that there are all kinds of links between all kinds of internal pathology in the sex organs that commonly gets labelled as BV or even yeast infections by doctors who refuse to do full work ups on their patients. The links between PID and BV, cervical health and BV, they are many and well established but you must see (again!) someone who is skilled and experienced and is willing to go out of the way to do a differential diagnosis, and not just keep prescribing the same anti-biotic over and over again. If your doctor keeps prescribing this, and the symptoms return, or if you do not have a cervix (!!why the fuck not?!!!) then your problem is not BV. It is something else and you should be trying to find out what it is with a qualified doctor who is willing to leave no stone unturned to find out why you are still ill despite treatment.

And, for the record, in response to someone's question a few weeks ago: yes, I am a doctor, though not a conventional medical doctor (however I did receive the same training as MDs do in medical sciences, just no training in surgery; and my training in drugs is in a different pharmacoepia--but since then I do educate myself often on conventional medical drugs because all my patients come to see me after their conventional treatments have failed. I need to know exactly what conventional medical drugs do in the body so that I will know what MY medicines are doing once I give them). I do have experience in my own practice treating women for a variety of women's health concerns; and I do have my own practice in Homeopathic medicine and in nutritional consultation. I've done this privately for 6 years; before than I did this under supervision for two years. Thanks for asking, even though the question was asked rudely.

In addition, I also posted vast amounts of information on this board on how to choose a qualified homeopath as well as other qualified holistic practitioners, so if you want to go into the archives and find out how to get good quality alternative treatment, I've spent a great deal of effort trying to explain how to do it. I know for a fact that at least one person on this forum didn't bother to even read that information, yet now considers all holistic treatments ineffective because they decided not to bother to do the necessary thing to find good treatment, and is now somehow holding me responsible. Tut, tut. In any case, don't rule out alternatives: they work, they cost less in the very short run, and the improvement in overall health is worth the committment required in making the changes which are necessary. As in all medical treatment methods--educate yourself about what is involved, choose your practitioner/doctor carefully, and if you're not getting results, keep looking.

Yup, the post is long, and yeah, it's not what you want to hear, but there is a ton of misinformation on this thread and if people want to seek help I think they should know it is out there and there are means by which they can get answers and restore your health.

[jewelscando]

According to my doctor, there really is not "Test" per say to determine if your hormone levels are to high/low. That's what she told me. And she basically told me, that I wouldn't go into menopause until the age my mother did. Well, my mother didn't have a hysterectomy either. I still have my ovaries, which produce the hormones, so, I'm not sure if I will go into menopause earlier or around the same time as my mother.

What makes no sense to me is, why the hell can't we find something to make it go away. The antibiotics work, but then it returns. Which tells me, it's something I'm doing on a day to day basis, that's causing the funk to return. #1. I smoke #2. I drink Coffee every monring without fail. #3. I wear jeans #4. I don't eat vegtables. #5. I don't eat fruit very often. #6. I don't have periods. #7. I do not have a cervix or uterus. #8. I rarely have sex, and when I do, it's been with the same partner for the past 5 yrs. #9. I only eat 1 meal a day. #10. I'm not over weight, I only weigh 125 lbs, and am 5'4 inches tall. #11. I have 4 children and never had B.V. with any of my pregnancies.

So, this is my life, in a nut shell. What from this list is causing this? Smoking is the only thing I can think of. However, I know most of you are not smokers.

I'M SO FRUSTRATED!!!

[tanten]

Hi everyone, I finally decided to post after reading all your threads. Whew! That took forever.

I am too a chronic bv sufferer. I have had it since high school, and I am now almost 30. I have tried most everything, and nothing has worked. I can say the smell has improved over the years, but the discharge is still watery and annoying for me. I have seen many doctors, and they don't know what to do with me when I tell them their medicines don't work. They think I am paranoid, and the smell is probably my normal smell. Seriously, that's the worse. I certainly didn't come into this world smelling like that, so it ain't normal by any means.

What worries me the most is that BV at first wasn't thought to be harmful to women, except for the annoying smell. But, I have been doing research online, and have read that BV is now believed to cause some complications in women-- namely miscarriages, PID, pre-term labor and others.

I am currently recovering from an ectopic pregnancy, of which the doctors don't know why it happened. It was very heartbreaking for me because my husband and I really want to have children. It is known that most ectopic pregnancies are the result of tubal scarring/damage from PID. I have never been officially diagnosed with PID or had symptoms of it that I know of. But, I do know that researchers believe that there could be a link to PID and BV. This has caused me great concern, because now I am thinking the BV could have contributed to my ectopic pregnancy. I keep thinking that I have had this BV for so long that maybe it has spread into my cervix and tubes. There really is no way to know for sure (except for exploratory surgery), but I am in dire need of some explanation for this and would love to know if I can ever be cured of this BV. I think I am going to now try some of the natural remedies so many of you have tried. I guess it can't hurt at this point since doctors can't do anything for me.

Anyone on the board have kids while having BV? Or heard of the PID issue? I am freaking out.

[Eralc Alegna]

I really want to get mine checked out once i can get insurance again. I'm convinced this is diet or hormone related. not only has the BV become constant in the last year, but I'm breaking out more often and worse than I ever have my whole life. I dropped $150 on a zeno the other day cause i have a zit on my chin thats trying to eat my whole face. seriously. never had one this big. And my skin used to be damn near flawless! That's gotta point to a hormone inballance, right? Why are docs so reluctant to approach it from this angle??

[sassy]

Who was it that used the hormones on here? Neverending? Is your BV still gone? I'm beginning to think mine could be hormone related. I feel like my sex drive is very low lately. Of course, having BV doesn't help anyones sex drive but I'm wondering if my testosterone or estrogen levels are low. Has anyone ever had their hormone levels tested? I know a few of you asked your doctors but they refused to test.

[kiwigirl]

Hi ladies

I just discovered I had BV back in August of this year. I was prescribed Fasogyn and it cleared it up...until the next time I had sex and then it came right back again. Unbelievable, and so embarassing. After doing a search online I came across this forum and was shocked to find out that it could possibly stay with me for years.

I went to a gaeno who seemed very blase and put me on the same antibiotics. Cleared it up again, but I'm single and am now too scared to even meet anyone in case this cursed thing comes back.

It's great that this forum is there to support us all.

x

[herekittykitty]

Hi,

Thanks ladies for all your support!

I was wondering if Boric acid is prescribed? if not, where do I get it?
My GYNO gave me a gel to use once a day (at night) called AVC (sulfanilamide cream) for a month. Has anyone ever tried this before? If so, what were your results?

Piano Girl,

Def let us know what happens with your specialist. Sounds interesting.
herekittykitty,

What's in the HP wash and how do I do it?

JWO: I posted my personal HP douching method a few days ago..I've cut and pasted it here for ya:
------------------------------------------------------------------
Hi there Jewel....so I simply purchased a "spoon dropper." It's like a mini baster that is used to extract medicine from a bottle and onto a spoon. Also bought a huge bottle of Hydrogen Peroxide (diluted so only 3% Hydrogen Peroxide, you can buy this at any pharmacy or grocery store)

Anyhow, I do the wash after I take a shower or sometimes with a thick towel on the floor. I lay down and kind of prop my legs up so that my pelvis is at an angle. I then use the dropper to extract the HP and gently insert the full dropper into my vagina as far as it can go. I then squeeze the dropper gently and I can feel the liquid flow out and also trickle out of my vagina. I then pull the dropper out slowly and squeeze my legs together immediately remaining in that propped up position. I hold the HP like this in me for about 30 sec and then drain the liquid. I repeat this about 5 times holding the HP in for about 3 minutes on the last wash. Make sure to also drench the outside of your vagina as well a few times.

If properly held in your vagina, the HP should feel warm to hot (since it's been warmed up in your vagina) when you let it drain and after you've held it in for at least 30 - 60 secs. The first time I did this, I felt a bit of burning...but I was encouraged as it indicates that the HP is reacting to the bacteria in your vaginal cavity. Let the HP air dry and try not to blot or rub the area with a towel or anything. I immediately saw results as soon as I completed my first series of washes.

Try my method....and see if it works for you! If you're having issues with keeping the liquid in you should also try dipping a tampon in the HP and then inserting it in your vagina for up to 3-4 hours.
------------------------------------------------------

ALSO... I found this link for pre-measured and prefilled boric acid suppositories (which is also filled with other "beneficial" herbs): http://www.evitalhealth.com/index.cfm/Fuse...ductid/225.html

Good luck and keep your heads up!!!

[cajungirl]

Unscented detergent seems to work well for me. As long as I'm wearing underwear that has been washed in unscented detergent, I don't have a problem. The couple of times I wore underwear that I did not wash in unscented detergent, the smell came back.

I don't know if this would be the case for everyone, but it's worth a try.

I'm always for trying more natural remedies before using anything unnatural. You just never know what can screw up your body and imo, your body is too precious to take a chance.

Hope this helps...

[jewelscando]

You can buy Boric at Walmart, by the Peroxide. If not, ask a pharmacist. You then have to buy the Gel Caps to fill them at a Health Food store.

Well everyone, this weekend I'm going to start the HP treatement. See if that helps. It sucks so bad that I'm alergic to the Boric, because it's the only thing that has worked. I'm almost willing to take the chance!! I ordered a prescription online of Metro, only because I can't use the Boric and I'm telling you, stop taking the boric.....and the smell comes back 10 times worse.

I read an article yesterday online about B.V. and they were discussing how the kitty produces a certain amount of HP which is what it needs to stay healthy. So, I'm hoping I will have some success with it.

Anyways, welcome all you newbies!! It's great to have new ideas on board!!

[shendy]

[quote name='jwo1880' date='Jan 3 2007, 10:30 PM' post='126152']

I was wondering if Boric acid is prescribed? if not, where do I get it?
My GYNO gave me a gel to use once a day (at night) called AVC (sulfanilamide cream) for a month. Has anyone ever tried this before? If so, what were your results?


Hi jwo1880 - I had to find a Mom and Pop pharmacy / formulary (tracked one down in my hometown and had them FedEx it to me) and they did require a prescription. You can also get it off the internet but I didn't trust that as much.

[neverending]

tweetykc:WELCOME!

deprime:1. I've had pierced ears since I was 16 -- they are continuously infected; my body is trying to reject earrings all the time. My chronic BV started when I was 17. Perhaps the infection from my ears contributed to a delicate flora?
You know this might be the problem too! Have you tried going without your earrings? Try it and see! I hope everything works out for you!