[yme]

I hope you are still hanging in there better yet I hope you are well by now. I use boric acid but didn't work for me hope all goes well for you. I cant remember if my doc said to use it during my cycle or not but I do recall the Doctor telling me to use the antibiotic cream for seven days straight even on my cycle. I guess they are both the same and should be used straight through but I'd double check with the Doc. Keep us posted. Good health to you and Welcome!!!!

[yme]

So I cant believe Im actually posting to one of these forums. I have been reading them for the last 3 years and Im finally going to do it. It so encouraging to know that other women stuggle with this as much as I do. I work in the healthcare/clinical industry and let me tell you...that still doesnt help me. I am about to embark on the boric acid suppository treatment once at bedtime for 2 weeks.

BV and YI have been part of my life for way too long. Im tired, emotional, fed up, and thankful to have a boyfriend that understands that us not having sex when these break outs happen, is not because im not in the mood....its because these infections are assholes!

The last straw....I have been at the ob/gyn 6 times in the last two months dealing with infections and negative tests of pretty much everything under the sun and more. Last visit we talked about vulvodynia, pretty crappy burning sensation. They gave me some lidocaine jelly to stop the pain and to help with intercourse. Well, its a week before my period and my symptoms are a firey hell. Of course, I get an infection with the onset of each menstrual cycle every month. So Im trying the boric acid, have a follow up with my doc in 4 weeks. Nervous abou the boric acid, is it safe to use while menstrating? I take probiotics everyday, eat yogurt everyday, clean well, no soaps, blah blah blah.

So here we go...wish me luck


I hope you are still hanging in there better yet I hope you are well by now. I use boric acid but didn't work for me hope all goes well for you. I cant remember if my doc said to use it during my cycle or not but I do recall the Doctor telling me to use the antibiotic cream for seven days straight even on my cycle. I guess they are both the same and should be used straight through but I'd double check with the Doc. Keep us posted. Good health to you and Welcome!!!!

[jpeb808]

So I cant believe Im actually posting to one of these forums. I have been reading them for the last 3 years and Im finally going to do it. It so encouraging to know that other women stuggle with this as much as I do. I work in the healthcare/clinical industry and let me tell you...that still doesnt help me. I am about to embark on the boric acid suppository treatment once at bedtime for 2 weeks.

BV and YI have been part of my life for way too long. Im tired, emotional, fed up, and thankful to have a boyfriend that understands that us not having sex when these break outs happen, is not because im not in the mood....its because these infections are assholes!

The last straw....I have been at the ob/gyn 6 times in the last two months dealing with infections and negative tests of pretty much everything under the sun and more. Last visit we talked about vulvodynia, pretty crappy burning sensation. They gave me some lidocaine jelly to stop the pain and to help with intercourse. Well, its a week before my period and my symptoms are a firey hell. Of course, I get an infection with the onset of each menstrual cycle every month. So Im trying the boric acid, have a follow up with my doc in 4 weeks. Nervous abou the boric acid, is it safe to use while menstrating? I take probiotics everyday, eat yogurt everyday, clean well, no soaps, blah blah blah.

So here we go...wish me luck

[hopeful143]

Take my word as someone who has been battling this miserable curse for the past 2 and half years! I would go to the gyn and cry to them, and they would just tell me the same thing..to pick up a prescription of mterogelor clandisse, flagyl etc etc etc blah blah blah. None of that stuff is permanent bc it is killing the bad and GOOD bacteria. NO GOOD! Your problem is back in a matter of weeks if not days. I, like everyone other female that suffers this hell researched all the time googling cures and treatments going on blogs to see if there were any natural remedies...I tired a bunch. It wasn't until last year that I tried a different type of probiotic called kyo-dophilus that I stopped getting those infections. The first time I tried it I would take 2 capsules a day (sometimes 3 becasue I really wanted to see if it would work) And I would open one up and empty the powder vaginally as well. After a day, I already starting noticing the difference. It was still itchy and there was still a slight smell, but I continued and after a week It was completely gone!!! THANK GOD! I would continue taking it for another week, and after while I would become cocky and not take them anymore. About 8 months later I started getting symptoms again and immediatley started taking the probiotics again and they would disseaper withing a few days. The MAIN trick I believe is inserting it vaginally for quicker healing. I noticed if I just took it orally, The symptoms wouldnt go away as quickly. I would only insert max 3 capsule (the powder of course, i never inserted the whole capsule) whenever I had symptoms.

I am SO SO SO glad I can come on here and share my success cure with everyone, bc for years I was coming on here and everytime, I said to myself I couldnt wait for the day till I can come on here and share something that actually works!!

kyo-dophilus!!! Wooo

[yme]

Thanks Yme. So u say u have tried the boric acid?? I am thinking of trying it...Im hoping I can figure this out...Im soooo sick of it...it only started when I changed partners..never had this problem before.

Hi. I tried boric acid early last year and it was a total mess, it didn't work for me. But please dont let that discourage you, it just might work for you. I dont understand why nothing ever works for me I must have the MOST severe case of BV in the world and I truly mean it. My gyno gave me a script for Boric Acid but I have read you can buy it over the counter or online, I never done it before and I dont know how true it is but if you wish to save a few dollars going to the doctor do some research on Boric Acid online. Keep healthy.

[Iamtrouble]

You mentioned it started when you changed partners, have you had a regular check up to make sure it's not something else? Or is your doctor the one who diagnosed you with BV? Have you tried any antibiotics to try to kill whatever bacteria is causing it? Have your tried changing bath soaps and shampoos to make sure you aren't irritating or complicating the matter?

ive been checked for everything!!!! it all comes back negative...doc has said i have BV and have been on meds for almost 2 yrs. i have not tried to change bath soaps..only becuz i have used that way before my new partner and never had this...so im really not sure what to think!

[Vega]

Thanks Yme. So u say u have tried the boric acid?? I am thinking of trying it...Im hoping I can figure this out...Im soooo sick of it...it only started when I changed partners..never had this problem before.

You mentioned it started when you changed partners, have you had a regular check up to make sure it's not something else? Or is your doctor the one who diagnosed you with BV? Have you tried any antibiotics to try to kill whatever bacteria is causing it? Have your tried changing bath soaps and shampoos to make sure you aren't irritating or complicating the matter?

[Iamtrouble]

Thanks Yme. So u say u have tried the boric acid?? I am thinking of trying it...Im hoping I can figure this out...Im soooo sick of it...it only started when I changed partners..never had this problem before.

[yme]

Hi everyone. Where is everyone? This board use to be so popular now its just flat out dead, can someone please bring her back to life???

Anyway, I still have BV and its depressing I am looking for new meds or remedies to try instead of the usual Flagyl or boric acids, probiotics, tea-tree oil, and vitamins. I have tried it all and nothing seems to work.

Any new findings about BV and potential cures. Please share if you can. Thanks to everyone and may God bless you all.


ps. Hang in there Lisa hopefully we can get rid of this monster soon.

[Iamtrouble]

Hi! I have been researching BV for quite some time...I have had this for about the past 2 yrs now..got this same time I changed partners. Ive been to numerous doctors...prescribed me on meds for bv then yeast then bv again then yeast then a new doc tested me for ureaplasma...meds for that 4 times also ..gave meds to boyfriend for ureaplasma and bv and still nothing has worked!!!!!!!!! Im sooo sick of this. Makes me depressed. I have been tested for every std that there is.. and all are negative! I found this site and have come across a couple new things that I am going to try all natural...

I wanted to list some of my symptoms that i deal with on a daily basis...
-----breast tenderness..feels like right before u get ur period..and to mention i have a partial hysterectomy so should not be happening!

----frequent urination--doesnt burn..just have to pee constantly and lots of it. have now been put on detrol la to control this

----lower admonial pain--right where there should be an ovary but isnt...

-----lately lower back pain---its increasing! bought new matress ..still doesnt help

----smell of my vagina---it stinks and i NEVER use to have this problem...makes me feel embarrassed!

-----not so much of a discharge

-----itchyness in the vagina---i can always tell bv from yeast..they are very different itching!


----CONSTANT BODY ACHES...TAKE IBUPROFEN DAILY!!!


I need some input...ive read maybe this can be leucorrhoea that really has been causing all of this..makes sense!!! or just maybe is my hormones all out of wack...

I NEED SOME INPUT...MY DAY IS HELL.

any info someone can give me would be much appreciated!

Thanks!

Lisa

[antonia]

Hi everyone, I too am a BV sufferer. I have utilized this thread for so much information : ) Thank you everyone, for sharing. I am writing with an update. I have been BV free for over a year now! I posted way back on 2/25/2009, reporting the following:

I finally found a regimen that is working for me to prevent BV.

Supplies - 800mcg Folic Acid (grocery store), Sliquid Feminine Wash unscented (drugstore.com), ph test strips 1-14 (got these at a local children's science museum gift shop), Astrogide gel (Walgreens), 10ml medicine syringe (local pharmacy) this is a oral medicine syringe and does not have a needle

• Daily: 800mcg supplement of Folic Acid
• Daily: the last thing I do in the shower, I wash my vulva with Sliquid Feminine Wash, unscented (ph of 4) and rinse with water
• After period and as needed: I check my ph by putting a litmus paper inside my vagina. If it reads anything higher than 4, then I do a ph treatment
• After sex: stand up afterward to dump out semen (ph 7-8). (Condoms are probably the best bet, but my bf and I are monogamous and I use an IUD, pulling out would be a second but he and I are really good at and enjoy coming at the same time) followed by ph treatment
• ph treatment - fill a baby oral medicine syringe with 2ml of Astroglide gel (ph of 4), insert and dispense into vagina. I always do this after sex and any time vaginal ph is higher than 4.

By the way, I get recurring BV that usually clears up before my period and then comes back after. My main symptom is odor, but also some increased wetness is usually the first sign of raised ph, sometimes I get some swelling. Since I started folic acid and fem wash three months ago, I have had very little odor. Since adding the ph treatment I have had no odor and minor increased wetness.

It has been over a year and I have been able to eliminate almost everything on the list. All I do now is right after my period, if I notice any increased wetness I do a "ph treatment". Which for me is the Astroglide Gel, administered through the oral syringe. You can put it in there on a sex toy or finger, but it is not as effective in getting the full "dose" to stay in ... but way more fun ; )

For about 2 months I did everything on that list, then I eliminated the ph strips (I was able to tell if I had a ph imbalance by the increased wetness). Then after about 3 more months I stopped the post sex ph treatments. Then after a few more months I stopped the folic acid (well there's 400mcg folic in my multivit that I try to remember daily). A few months after that I stopped the fem wash opting for water only with the occassional femwash if I want it.

• So, all I have to do now is be aware after my period for increased wetness, if I get that symptom I do a ph treatment (Astroglide Gel). Lately, this ph treatment has only been necessary every other month or so.

I don't even remember the last time I had BV odor. I am so happy ... hope this helps someone else since it is so cheap and easy to get my "ph treatment".

I've wanted to try a more natural or organic lube, but this has worked so well I don't want to try anything else. If you wanted to try another lube, test it's ph (the Astroglide gel is ph4) and consistency. Since the one I use is a gel, it is thicker which may be a contributing factor.

[swt simplicity]

Just because you have a "problem" with your ph does not mean you are not intelligent, beautiful or even sexy.

I really like that you said that. A lot of women develop a low self esteem and avoid social settings and avoid social activities, it's really sad; I've been there and I would know. It's very difficult to feel confident when you have an odor that makes you feel "dirty" and "unclean" (which others may smell if they sit close to you or near you) even though you probably have excellent hygiene. Something I learned for sure is poor vaginal hygiene is hardly ever the cause of a vaginal odor. It's usually caused by infection, your menstrual cycle, sex, vitamins, and other factors that usually don't involve hygiene, and of course you mentioned the pH being unbalanced.

I remember one time I tried to cover up my vaginal odor with baking soda (which by the way burned like crazy), deodorant, and perfume. The odor just became unbearable because it was mixing with the scents I think about that moment and I laugh because I was so desperate to cover up the odor that I ended up making the situation much, much worse.

Thank goodness there are more shows being done about vaginal health. I know Tyra did two of them, Oprah did one or two, and then there's the show The Doctors that also has a lot of segments on gynecology. Yay! People are being educated about vaginal health more and more these days. And oh my God, I can't believe how many women will go to a gynecologist complaining about a vaginal odor and the gynecologist will simply dismiss the problem and say it's all in their heads. Dr. Stewart actually says in her book to go in when the odor is at it's worst and consider not washing the day of your appointment just so the odor is more detectable and present.

[neverending]

I feel your pain the same thing happened to me "several times" with different doctors. They'd pat me on the shoulder and say "theres no smell you are fine" They treat me like I am a moron with crazy cell brains that only detect my smelly vagina. I know I smell bad, I know because when I get up its awful or when I too open my legs its smells so bad.

I'd take with the doctor prescribe and seek another doctor, its your body not theres only you know for sure and it sounds like to me that you are being honest about your symptoms they just refuse to listen!!!!

I went to docs who made it seem like nothing was wrong. Yes, they will make you seem like you are crazy but still give you a prescription so they get the commission, parties, etc off of the many meds you buy and take.

[neverending]

I use a regular birth control pill everyday, it was given to me by my doctor to make my periods light

Same here. I started because I use to vomit, have horrible pain, and all kind of discomforts. It worked for that but who knew it would cause years of confusion and 100's of doctors appts.

[neverending]

Yes nothing new, but Jeanne is from the clincal trails and Dr. Paul Nyrijesy runs the vaginitis clinic where he is specialized in BV since 2003..I have never heard of a Doctor thats know this much about bv..so I think I will give him a try..Hey I have nothing to lose at this point....

I did a clinical trial and the B specialist in my city, at the time, told me I did not have clue cells and that I did not have BV but she could not diagnose me either. She sent me home. Try it. Know what you are getting into before you sign up and read ALL fine print. Look up everything and ask questions.

[neverending]

How can I be satisfied with the whole"she nasty her pussy stank like fish lololol" trash talk".That's how men act,it's not my fault that men act like that.They talked trash behind my back and in my face,I don't plan to explain anything to those jerks.
I went to school with this problem,so you think that I should of explain in front of everybody why my vagina smells,to my teachers and to the whole class and those stupid jerks that made my highschool living hell.
I have my dignity and my pride and I know how much I worth and I don't plan to explain my self to nobody.

In the black community, it's rough! Its harder trying to explain to someone something that some will not get. Try to educate those and it will get better. Let them know it is out of your control and you are trying to do something about it. Sometimes our people can be NEGATIVE but it will get better. Just educate!

[neverending]

This is getting interesting because we are now talking about how to live with BV and have confidence in doing so, which has been very difficult for me.

I am a single female and I live with BV for 10+ years now it’s been hard to get into a relationship because I am afraid of the BV. Now I am slowly starting to see that shouldn't be a reason why I deprive my self of happiness. Is not just about sex for me ladies I want to go out with my friends and relax and not think about BV, I want to live one single day and not think about BV. I would like to meet a good and decent intelligent man and not think about BV while with him.

If I start working on my self-esteem and self confidence little by little maybe I can learn to live with BV until I am able to get rid of this beast. I think about all the years that I have fret away I can never get them back I just pray to God for support and I pray for you guys as well. Maybe it is time I came out of the closet and stop hiding.

Have you heard of Vaginal Atrophy? 10 yrs is a long time to live with BV. Really, if you take meds and your "problem" does not go away. Then it is not what/ was diagnosed if you get what I mean. You don't have BV. Try oatstraw tea, fem-del, and the Nuvaring. They Nuvaring does not work over night it will take up to one year but you will not even know it is there.
Good luck and books a million have great books to help you work on your self esteem. Positive thinking is great.

[neverending]

Hey ladies, I'm cute, even sexy, nice shape, good personality, petite. I'm beautiful, but I want to tell this guy "Hey I'm not a dirty girl, by no means. I've not had unprotected sex in a year. I'm glad we're talking about this. this is another case of women suffering in silence from something out of our complete control. Men do need to be aware. I had a daydream that the guy I was with called me back. He hasn't called but once since the encounter (sympathy call) and he says to me " are you alright? Well, I'll wait until you get alright." What a dreamer I am! I don't think I can blame him tho. This is a new experience for me . . . it happening with a partner. The discharge is usually mild without the odour. And my odour is never an outerbody experience. It's only around my period or when I have and extremely vigorous encounter. My system goes haywire. The embarrassment comes and goes. I should have resisted the urge knowning I wasn't 100%. If he doesn't call me to even find out how I'm doing, I'll just forget about him display more self-awareness and control. Ladies, don't let it get the best of yous. There are men who understand these things and are willing to work. I haven't met him yet,but i'm full of hopeful optimism and pride.

Yes, You are! Once men are aware and I mean aware as in know everything, if they really like you inside and out they will hae no problem. One guy even came here and explained what he did for his wife or girlfriend. Just because you have a "problem" with your ph does not mean you are not intelligent, beautiful or even sexy.
Good luck!

[neverending]

OK, I WENT TO MY APPOINTMENT AND GUESS WHAT, SAME SHIT DIFFERANT DAY,aLL MY TEST CAME BACK NORMAL,YET AGAIN...WELL WHAT THE HELL IS THIS SMELL....
HE SAID SOME WOMEN JUST HAVE A STRONG SMELL AND DISCHARGE AND HE SEES THIS ALL THE TIME WAIT SO I DROVE FOR 3 HOURS TO HEAR THIS!! THIS ***** TOLD ME TO SPRAY PERFUME ON MY UNDIES AND TO USE DAIL SOAP

T I DID ASK IF HE DID FIND BV, WHAT IS THE NEW TREATMENT.....HE SAID, LONGER PIERODS OF METRO GEL, BORID ACID, ETC...JUST LIKE i SAID SAME SHIT DIFFERANT DAY

SEA STAR YOU WERE RIGHT!! :

What Doc did you go to. Yikes, Yeap! You will get the run around from many many docs. Do the research yourself and find your cure. Alot of them just have no clue. Just my thoughts. Hope this helps. If they men) had any LITTLE problem with there stuff they would have a cure the next day but us NOT SO MUCH. Anyway, try the Nuvaring to see if it may be hormonal. While on the Nuvaring take a pro boti (sp?). lol GOOD LUCK!

[neverending]

Isn't this just another douche? It would still wash out good bacteria along with the bad, wouldn't it?

Maggie C.

Maggie:

You know as well as everyone here on this board that Douching is never OK. Especially with the problems most ladies experiene on this board. Continue the research you were doing before. I thought/ think you were/ are in the right direction. I have been "clean" LOL for years now. I think three. Discar the last entry. Glad to see ya still here hun. Good luck.