[lori]

Well, most of everything I understand. But what I STILL DON'T understand, is you've restored the good bacteria. I understand that. SO.... HOW DID YOU CONTINUE TO KEEP IT RESTORED??? My fear is, if I restore the good bacteria, how do I keep it good??? Does that make sense??

I can't explain it any clearer than I have, Jewels.

But here's an excerpt from Prevention Magazine that I hope helps you:

Top Medical Breakthroughs of 2007

Breakthrough that speeds treatment of vaginal infections

Probiotics--friendly bacteria that thrive in the body--are known to prevent or even cure yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis. Now there's an OTC supplement containing the two Lactobacillus strains documented to promote vaginal health. The probiotic pill Fem-Dophilus has erased up to 90% of vaginal bacterial infections and significantly reduced yeast growth in trials by coating the lining of vaginal tissues and producing acids that keep pathogens from gaining a foothold. When women take antibiotics, Fem-Dophilus doubles the drugs' effectiveness by recolonizing the vagina with healthy flora.

Heck I know we're not really supposed to douche, but i figure what do i have to lose? The BV already came back lol cant make it much worse.

Actually, you can make it worse. Douching can push the BV germs into the upper genital tract and cause PID.

[konphusion26]

MUCH LOVE FOR SPRINKLES!! Hey twin! The TTO douche does feel lovely. I just cant use the oil undiluted in the capsules. Heck I know we're not really supposed to douche, but i figure what do i have to lose? The BV already came back lol cant make it much worse.

I've tried yaz, but since i usually forget to take pills, I wasnt on any type of schedule with them. So that probably screwed me up and didnt get a chance to really work. But they were the only ones I've taken that didnt make me sick. Only side effect i had was my boobs got bigger. LOL With my insurance now though, they'll be $51 for a refill. YIKES.

[quietmadness]

............By the way did anyone see 20/20 on TV the other night?? It was about that disorder someone was speaking off, where the women can stink up a whole gymnasium with the fish funk. She taped it for me.. I havent had time to watch it yet.........

Hey ARJ---Do you happen to have a link to a video of that?? I'd really like to watch it.

Thanks,
--Quiet--

[jewelscando]

[

Thanks for telling me how you feel, Jewels. I'm not saying anyone needs to take Fem-doph. But you obviously didn't understand HOW it works, so I've explained it as clearly as I could. I hope it makes sense to you.
[/quote]

Well, most of everything I understand. But what I STILL DON'T understand, is you've restored the good bacteria. I understand that. SO.... HOW DID YOU CONTINUE TO KEEP IT RESTORED??? My fear is, if I restore the good bacteria, how do I keep it good??? Does that make sense??

[arj75]

Hi, Jewels...After using boric acid for a couple of weeks, back when I was having recurring bouts of BV & yeast infections, I then used tea tree oil suppositories that I bought at my local healthfood store (also available online) for maintenance purposes. I did this for about 2 months, using a piece of a suppository every other day.

The TTO was wonderful. I found a link via Google Scholar (I no longer have quick access to it) that tested TTO in vitro on strains of the good vaginal lactobacili. It showed that it did not kill off the good bacteria, unlike boric acid & most prescription meds. It does have effective antiviral, antifungal & antibacterial properties. (I read that it even will kill the MRSA antibiotic-resistant staph bacteria that has been much in the news in the recent past.)

I've been BV-free for about 2 years now. My method is to use either a blob of Estrace estrogen cream (Rx) or a blob of SYLK (pH=4.7) lubricant every day. I also take Fem Dophilus when I remember to! I'm 51 & am peri-menopausal.

Cheers!
Maggie

Thanks for sharing the info about the TTO Maggie MRSA is a big epidemic in the county in which I live. I actually did a research paper on it awhile back...and well, yep..MRSA and VRE? are being found in vaginal cultures. Really really sad...two deaths this year from MRSA in two young women (in their 20's) who were otherwise healthy..one woman was pregnant.

I haven't tried tea-tree oil yet, but I think I might. I did like the boric.

[SpRiNkLeS]

Just wanted to say that I’m in the menopause club with my twinny twin Konphusion (hey twin! *waves*) and we are in our twenties yet our bodies are so hormonally messed up that it thinks we are in menopause. Anyway anyone with jacked up menopausal symptoms are welcome to join! We are a friendly bunch

This TTO douche is great so far and I really hope it continues to get rid of my symptoms BUT I know it probably won’t be MY cure (hopefully I’m wrong!). I am waiting for my hormones to balance out (through BC) and unfortunately because I’ve been so busy lately I forgot to set up an appointment with a new doctor I was recommended to over here so I ran out of birth control pills and it’s been a week now so I probably have to start all over! My last doctor said the birth control takes anywhere from like 2 to 3 months to 6 months to totally work in balancing out the hormones but you HAVE to take it continuously. Boo friggin hoo! So now I gotta start all over.

So I was thinking about changing to Nuvaring. I was horrible at taking the pills at the same exact time every day. Either that or I was reading up on Yaz and that particular form of BC is being targeted for pre-menopausal women SO that could be good for me too.

Anyone tried these?

[SpRiNkLeS]

Hey girls!
So I FINALLY tried the tea tree oil douche two nights ago. OH MY GOSH….can I say A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!! Quite an experience this was. My kitty has not felt THAT good in like….who the hell knows!!!!!!!!!!!! WoW. WOW. Like…WHOA. So I wish I tried this a month ago when it was all the rage here. Seriously Jewels is right it totally feels like someone is lightly blowing on you and yes your vagina DOES feel like the equivalent to when you gargle with mouthwash, um like you know in your mouth. There is just this overwhelming feeling of cleanliness and freshness that just feels so………………..feminine. Finally I was able to remember what my life was like BV free two years ago and this just motivates me to keep on keeping on. So I LOVE LOVE LOVE this douche and I will definitely douche again but I don’t want to overdo it so I was thinking of using it every other night.

I’d like to give a friendly welcome to all the newbies: lisabon, fustrated, Lucecita, Stressed43, LilMissStrange, Cynthia K…and JJ congrats on not being a newbie anymore! ;P Hehe I was totally excited when that happened to me. RN with BV I like your Jessica Rabbit avatar! Totally cute. Hi Lori! I know you’re not a newbie because I remember your name as one from way back but I just wanted to say hi to you too. Anyone else if I notice that I’ve left you out I’ll totally send a hug vibe. I may not know you but because you have BV I know what you go through seeing as I go through the same exact shit. What does not kill us will only make us stronger in the end so remember that!!!!!!

As always happens when I’m busy I finally check into this thread and there’s like a TON of posts to read. My goodness ladies! I don’t understand what’s going on but for some reason ya’ll are forgetting what we have all finally agreed upon in this forum and that is OUR BODIES ARE ALL DIFFERENT. I am so very happy for all you ladies whose BV has been cured but seriously it is pretty juvenile to say that if their BV was NOT cured by what cured you then theirs is probably not really cured at all. If someone’s BV was not cured by what you tried you know what that means? Ka-ching! *lightbulb flickers on* She has a totally different body than you do. I personally tried FemD for a while last year without using anything else but a multivitamin and acidophilus and besides spending a crapload of money it didn’t do a thing for me. I totally wish it did but it didn’t. I also think some girls are “lucky” too because seriously some just try one thing, like B-6 and then their BV is cured. We all read posts on here of girls who say they tried this one thing, which we have probably all tried, and for some reason their BV was actually cured just from that one thing while ours was not. I am very happy for them but obviously their body is very different from mine if it worked on them, yet not on me.

So anyway I’m lovin the TTO it is quite amazing. Even if it only works that once (and no discharge AT ALL for the next day!! SERIOUSLY and this is amazing in itself) it was well worth the experience for me. It felt SO GOOD to feel normal again!

[lori]

Well with all this talk about the Fem-D, I've been taking it for over 2 months now, and its not really doing anything for me. Probably because I keep bleeding and have a hormonal imbalance. that's the only thing I can think of that causes mine. I've been taking the B vitamins, regular multivitamins, folic acid, Fem-D and do the boric acid a few times a week, tried the TTO a few times.

As I posted before, I think the boric acid and the TTO may be inhibiting the growth of the good bacteria. I.e., using those is counter-productive to what you're trying to achieve with the Fem-doph.

[konphusion26]

Well with all this talk about the Fem-D, I've been taking it for over 2 months now, and its not really doing anything for me. Probably because I keep bleeding and have a hormonal imbalance. that's the only thing I can think of that causes mine. I've been taking the B vitamins, regular multivitamins, folic acid, Fem-D and do the boric acid a few times a week, tried the TTO a few times. I'm getting to the point where I'm angry as hell at the doctors, all they want to do is pump you full of antibiotics and hormones that do nada. Nothing seems to be working long term except the boric acid. Soon as I stop that though, the symptoms come right back almost immediately. This is unbelievable.

I feel like a friggin broken record in this thread lol Congrats to all the BV free busties, I'm happy for you!

HEY JEWELS!!!!

[lori]

Hello everyone!

Lori, I'm really happy for that you have had sucess with the fem!

I'm working at an STD clinic now..and I have witnessed several woman that were diagnosed with BV..but when their pap smear came back bam! They got the bad news that they have Trich. The lab techs are very busy..and if the wet mount isnt prepared right (using too cold of a solution )(which they don't give a crap about if they do or don't) to prepare the slide..it stops thier happy whipping tails and makes them harder to see. (They like it hot lol) If only I could be that lucky, sad to wish for an std instead of BV lol

I didn't know this, maybe it has already been said..men just carry trich, and usually have no symtoms. The men are never tested for it, they only find out they have it when the partner is diagnosed. The flagyl is used to kill trich as well, but the doctors have the partners infected take 500mg every 6 hours over a 24 hour period.

Hi arj75. Thank you for sharing that.

I wrote previously in this thread (and in my blog) that I think it's possible that some women have Trich, instead of BV.

- According to my research, only 40-60% of Trich is caught by wet mounts
- The symptoms are similar (odor and discharge color)
- The cure is similar (1 week of oral Flagyl), so a lot of women don't know they even had Trich, they just think it was BV
- I think only 10% of men show symptoms

Based on these facts, I think it's very easy to have Trich, but think it's BV.

Arj75's experience confirms that this is definitely something to watch out for. One more reason to get a thorough GYN checkup.

At least two posters in this thread ended up having Trich, too, when they thought it was just BV.

So if you always get BV again after unprotected sex with a partner, definitely get a Trich culture, don't just rely on a wet mount. Your partner needs to be treated, too!

[mfc10]

Well, just like anything, what works for you, is what you need to continue to do.....
I am I'm sure getting close to starting menopause, which I'm sure your V Book states that this can trigger the imbalance in the vagina which might cause BV.

Hi, Jewels...After using boric acid for a couple of weeks, back when I was having recurring bouts of BV & yeast infections, I then used tea tree oil suppositories that I bought at my local healthfood store (also available online) for maintenance purposes. I did this for about 2 months, using a piece of a suppository every other day.

The TTO was wonderful. I found a link via Google Scholar (I no longer have quick access to it) that tested TTO in vitro on strains of the good vaginal lactobacili. It showed that it did not kill off the good bacteria, unlike boric acid & most prescription meds. It does have effective antiviral, antifungal & antibacterial properties. (I read that it even will kill the MRSA antibiotic-resistant staph bacteria that has been much in the news in the recent past.)

I've been BV-free for about 2 years now. My method is to use either a blob of Estrace estrogen cream (Rx) or a blob of SYLK (pH=4.7) lubricant every day. I also take Fem Dophilus when I remember to! I'm 51 & am peri-menopausal.

Cheers!
Maggie

[arj75]

Hello everyone!

Lori, I'm really happy for that you have had sucess with the fem!

I'm currently taking one fem a day in morning and one ultimate flora at night. I also am taking flagyl (3rd time?) I usually use the metro-gel because that is what I have the neverending script for, but it's like $70 per script.

I did break down and try the boric acid even though it scared the crap of me, and it did kill the smell, and if the stinch comes back after my cycle, I will use it again. Anyways, someone asked about finding the boric acid? The pharmacy I go to has it behind their counter - you just have to ask for it.

I'm working at an STD clinic now..and I have witnessed several woman that were diagnosed with BV..but when their pap smear came back bam! They got the bad news that they have Trich. The lab techs are very busy..and if the wet mount isnt prepared right (using too cold of a solution )(which they don't give a crap about if they do or don't) to prepare the slide..it stops thier happy whipping tails and makes them harder to see. (They like it hot lol) If only I could be that lucky, sad to wish for an std instead of BV lol

I didn't know this, maybe it has already been said..men just carry trich, and usually have no symtoms. The men are never tested for it, they only find out they have it when the partner is diagnosed. The flagyl is used to kill trich as well, but the doctors have the partners infected take 500mg every 6 hours over a 24 hour period.

Hope we all feel better soon!

By the way did anyone see 20/20 on TV the other night?? It was about that disorder someone was speaking off, where the women can stink up a whole gymnasium with the fish funk. She taped it for me.. I havent had time to watch it yet.

www.femalepatient.com Trimethylaminuria; a noninfectious cause of vaginal odor enzyme disorder? hmmm
Here's a good link...maybe it is not as rare as they think..I'm sure some cases are not quite as severe as others.

[lori]

I want to add that fem-dophilus alone isn't the cure. If you want, you can just start taking it and see if it helps you.

But this is the plan of action I would recommend:

1. Start with a GYN exam. Everyone woman should have one regularly, so get yourself to a doctor and get a checkup.

2. Make sure it's BV, and not something else, esp. an STD. If you read this entire thread, you'll see that there are plenty of posters thought they had BV, and went to the doctor and found out that it was an STD. So get an annual check-up and make sure that your problem is BV.

3. Get your prescription. If your doctor gives you a choice, I think oral flagyl is the best option. (I've explained in my blog why I think that. I've tried everything - oral/vaginal flagyl, and oral/vaginal clindamycin.)

4. Start using Fem-doph while using your prescription. Take 2/day.

5. Drop down to 1/day after 2 weeks at the earliest.

[lori]

And you were able to get your vagina to the right balance and STAY in the right balance. That is what confuses me.

I know.

Because, Flagyl is supposse to do that.

No.

I've explained this in my blog, and also in many posts in this thread. Flagyl doesn't help restore the balance.

This is why:

As you know, there is GOOD bacteria (lactobacillus) and BAD bacteria (gardnerella) in your vagina. In a healthy vagina, the GOOD outnumbers the BAD, and keeps the BAD from taking over. But when the BAD bacteria takes over, that's when you get BV.

Right?

So we take flagyl, and that kills the BAD bacteria. But it also kills off the GOOD bacteria, and does nothing to help the GOOD bacteria grow back.

Get it?

This is why so many of us have recurrences. Flagyl kills the BAD bacteria, so we feel better for a little while. But because it also killed off the GOOD bacteria, the BAD bacteria grows back again.

And we all have been on several doses of Flagyl, to no avail, it continues to return.

I know. Me too.

So, WHY after taking the Fem for 10 months or whatever it was that you took, how did that, and that alone, keep your vagina in the right balance?? That is what confuses me.

Because Fem-dophilus contains the good bacteria! Ta-da!

And it's designed to make sure that good bacteria ends up in your vagina when you take it orally.

Do you understand now?

Mine is out of balance. Regardless of what "ADVENTUROUS" things I try to do, it continues to stay out of balance. So, by you taking the Fem, it allowed you to get back in to balance BUT HOW DID IT STAY IN BALANCE???

Fem-doph replaces the good bacteria I lost.

Obviously, Fem-doph is making sure that I have enough good bacteria in my vagina that's keeping the bad from taking over.

That's my fear of trying the Fem. I'm horrible at taking pills, and I know I won't take them like I'm supposse to, because I will forget.

I think swallowing pills once a day is easier than making TTO capsules and putting it in your vagina. (Get one of those week-long pill cases. That always helps me remember.)

So, after I take them, at what point will I be 100% positive that it won't come back?

According to the research, it's clinically proven that the good bacteria begins to colonize in 2 weeks.

Point is, theres got to be more then just taking the pills that you have done Lori, to keep it away. Changed eating habits? Stopped smoking? Whatever the case may be....

No.

I'm confused at why now, your vagina has decided to NOT have a bout with BV, just because you took the Fem for 10 months straight.

I hope I've explained the good-bad bacteria situation above.

My vagina didn't magically decide to stop having BV one day. I just made sure that I replaced the good bacteria. Fem-doph helped me do that.

--

Thanks for telling me how you feel, Jewels. I'm not saying anyone needs to take Fem-doph. But you obviously didn't understand HOW it works, so I've explained it as clearly as I could. I hope it makes sense to you.

[jewelscando]

I disagree that I've just been "very lucky." Fem-dophilus has been working for me for over a year. I began taking it in 2/2007, which is when I first started posting in this thread. I've described time and time again why probiotics is the best solution, and I've backed it up with research. And Fem-doph has worked for many people in here, not just me. It's the only reputable product specifically targeted for repopulating the good bacteria in the vagina.

Just lucky? No.

And I think trying to "kill the BV" is the wrong approach. It's not just about killing bacteria. Lots of things kill bacteria (including antibiotics, peroxide, boric acid, soap, TTO) but they don't prevent BV from coming back. Simply wiping out the bacteria just doesn't work.

This thread has been around almost 2 years, and many ladies have posted many ideas (some of them dangerous!). I'm just glad no one is telling anyone to buy illegal prescription flagyl over the net and sticking them straight up their vaginas anymore. You know I like you Jewels, but you are definitely ... um, adventurous.

Anyway, TTO has been tried before, and it hasn't turned out to be the cure-all everyone hopes for. Everyone gets excited about something for a few weeks, and then everyone tries it, and then a few weeks later, everyone is disappointed.

Anyway, to put it simply- instead of trying to "kill the BV" ourselves - we have to grow the good stuff, and let IT get to work "killing the BV" and other bad stuff (like yeast) all the time. Let the good bacteria take over the vagina, and let it do its job of protecting your vagina, rather than us trying to fight the BV on our own with topical antiseptics.

As I said before - I think that if you have the right balance in your vagina, you won't have to worry about normal low-pH events anymore, like sex with a healthy man or getting your period. These are NORMAL things that happen, and even though they might throw off your pH, they shouldn't trigger new BV, because your vagina will regain its balance.

I understand what you are saying, and what I meant by "Lucky" is that you have been able to stop using the Fem-dophilus. And you were able to get your vagina to the right balance and STAY in the right balance. That is what confuses me. Because, Flagyl is supposse to do that. And we all have been on several doses of Flagyl, to no avail, it continues to return. So, WHY after taking the Fem for 10 months or whatever it was that you took, how did that, and that alone, keep your vagina in the right balance?? That is what confuses me. Mine is out of balance. Regardless of what "ADVENTUROUS" things I try to do, it continues to stay out of balance. So, by you taking the Fem, it allowed you to get back in to balance BUT HOW DID IT STAY IN BALANCE??? That's my fear of trying the Fem. I'm horrible at taking pills, and I know I won't take them like I'm supposse to, because I will forget. So, after I take them, at what point will I be 100% positive that it won't come back? I didn't do anything to bring it on in the first place. So, how do I know not what to do, to bring it back on.

Point is, theres got to be more then just taking the pills that you have done Lori, to keep it away. Changed eating habits? Stopped smoking? Whatever the case may be.... I'm confused at why now, your vagina has decided to NOT have a bout with BV, just because you took the Fem for 10 months straight. How are you keeping the vagina under control? I don't have periods, so I don't have that mess to worry about, in changing the PH in my vagina. You do... So... anyways, I'm just confused. hahaha

[lori]

What she's using, has killed her BV, however, I personally feel she's been very lucky that it has not returned, and does not have to continue with the pills.

I disagree that I've just been "very lucky." Fem-dophilus has been working for me for over a year. I began taking it in 2/2007, which is when I first started posting in this thread. I've described time and time again why probiotics is the best solution, and I've backed it up with research. And Fem-doph has worked for many people in here, not just me. It's the only reputable product specifically targeted for repopulating the good bacteria in the vagina.

Just lucky? No.

And I think trying to "kill the BV" is the wrong approach. It's not just about killing bacteria. Lots of things kill bacteria (including antibiotics, peroxide, boric acid, soap, TTO) but they don't prevent BV from coming back. Simply wiping out the bacteria just doesn't work.

This thread has been around almost 2 years, and many ladies have posted many ideas (some of them dangerous!). I'm just glad no one is telling anyone to buy illegal prescription flagyl over the net and sticking them straight up their vaginas anymore. You know I like you Jewels, but you are definitely ... um, adventurous.

Anyway, TTO has been tried before, and it hasn't turned out to be the cure-all everyone hopes for. Everyone gets excited about something for a few weeks, and then everyone tries it, and then a few weeks later, everyone is disappointed.

--

Anyway, to put it simply- instead of trying to "kill the BV" ourselves - we have to grow the good stuff, and let IT get to work "killing the BV" and other bad stuff (like yeast) all the time. Let the good bacteria take over the vagina, and let it do its job of protecting your vagina, rather than us trying to fight the BV on our own with topical antiseptics.

As I said before - I think that if you have the right balance in your vagina, you won't have to worry about normal low-pH events anymore, like sex with a healthy man or getting your period. These are NORMAL things that happen, and even though they might throw off your pH, they shouldn't trigger new BV, because your vagina will regain its balance.

[jewelscando]

Well, just like anything, what works for you, is what you need to continue to do.

I found another website that might be helpfull to some of you newbies.

Here's a clip from it:

Tea tree oil suppositories or douches. With this Bacterial Vaginosis remedy, you insert diluted Tea tree oil or tea tree oil suppositories directly into your vagina for up to 6 weeks. Apparently tea tree oil is thought to have antifungal properties that attack the “bad” bacteria that cause Bacterial Vaginosis. Please note that you should never apply tea tree oil directly to the sensitive vaginal lining as it can cause an allergic reaction.

http://www.bacterialvaginosisrecurrent.com..._that_work.html

Again, I really believe in what Lori says. I think BV must be treated from the inside out. What she's using, has killed her BV, however, I personally feel she's been very lucky that it has not returned, and does not have to continue with the pills.

I know with myself, there's lifestyle things that cause mine, IE smoking. And once I give that up, I might not have to continue with the preventative. I also had a hysterectomy, so I do not have periods like most of you. I am I'm sure getting close to starting menopause, which I'm sure your V Book states that this can trigger the imbalance in the vagina which might cause BV.

So, for now, I will continue with the Tea Tree Oil, because it's working. If it stops working, then I will spend the money on the other stuff Lori suggests!!

Thanks for all your input!! Especially yours Lori!! I love hearing what you have to say!

[ellie-a]

BV and fungus are not the same thing.

Also, the V Book says that TTO has no activity against BV or yeast.
You're welcome, glad to help.

Yeah, I would use the prescription, and then use Fem-doph as maintenance. Take 2/day for at least 2 weeks - that's my suggestion, and then take 1/day.

Hi Lori,

True, BV IS bacterial, however apparently TTO is anti-fungal, anti-viral AND anti-bacterial. It's magic stuff, and in my case (and many others) it works.

By the way, a quick search on the web a few moments ago revealed the following info:

Tea Tree oil displays a number of remarkable properties making a very effective oil for a wide range of complaints. Foremost and what makes Tea Tree outstanding in comparison to other remedies, is that it is active against all three varieties of infectious organisms: Bacteria Fungi and Viruses. Independent microbiological testing has confirmed the effectiveness of Tea Tree oil in fighting infection is further backed up by its ability to protect itself and to respond appropriately.

GENITO-URINARY SYSTEM: Thrush, vaginitis, cystitis, pruitis.

Antiseptic / Bacretrial Properties of tea tree oil
Treatment of cuts, burns, insect bites, infected splinters and all kinds of
wounds, especially dirty or ones which contain puss. As an antiseptic it is
valuable for general skin care, spots, acne and blackheads etc. As a general
disinfectant it is especially useful for respiratory or genito-urinary tract
infections i.e. bronchitis and sinusitis or cystitis.

Anti-fungal Properties of tea tree oil
Tea Tree's effective treatment for ringworm, athletes foot, thrush (candida). It
has also been used to combat fungal diseases affecting animals fish and plants.

In light of the above, I'm surprised the V Book would make those claims.

Having said that, we're all in the same boat and just trying to find a solution to this evil BV problem on our own....it's all about whatever works, and I think everyone on this forum is doing a great job of trying to nut this one out. Lots of support here...very heartening indeed!

[lori]

Hey Jewels, you took the words right out of my mouth. As we know, there are numerous triggers for BV, but it always comes down to one thing and that is, the vaginal flora or pH being altered from it's natural balance, thus allowing normal levels of bacteria to take a hold and (as in BV) take over. The TTO seems to normalise the vaginal flora, not just 'mask' the symptoms, and this stands to reason, as TTO is an anti-fungal agent. so it seems that by reducing any fungal overgrowth, the TTO facilitates the return of normal vaginal pH (and fungal and bacterial) levels.

BV and fungus are not the same thing.

Also, the V Book says that TTO has no activity against BV or yeast.

Thanks Lori you know your shit! What are your office hrs?? LOL!!!! I truly appreciate your comments and I'm not confused anymore. Oh wait maybe I still am :-) Should I take the Clindesse again just to be sure and then use the Fem D as maintenance? According to the tracking # should be at my door when I get home. I will take according to the package directions. Yeah, I thought so with the Culturelle. Thanks again!

You're welcome, glad to help.

Yeah, I would use the prescription, and then use Fem-doph as maintenance. Take 2/day for at least 2 weeks - that's my suggestion, and then take 1/day.

[ellie-a]

Lori,

This came from Morphia back in December. Her doctor stated that the TTO would HELP restore the natural Flora in the Vagina. That is what it's done for me. I'm not masking anything. My BV is gone. I don't use the TTO, unless I have sex. And that's only because of fear of it coming back. Same thing goes for you continuing to take the pills, in fear it would come back. As I've stated before, sperm and I, don't get along. And it throws off the PH in my vagina. The TTO, restores the ph, and prevents me from the re-occurance of BV.

So, I'm not just shoving stuff up my vagina. I've naturally healed the imbalance of the bad bacteria taking over down there. And there's no masking the smell. It's normal now. Masking would be if I had to use it daily, which I don't. In fact, I haven't used it now, in over two weeks. And there's nothing going on down there. So, again, maybe I'm using the wrong verbage when I say there is no cure. I don't believe Cure is the word. I believe now, that it's all about preventative maintenance. If you can prevent the bad bacteria from taking over, then you have found yourself a cure.

Hey Jewels, you took the words right out of my mouth. As we know, there are numerous triggers for BV, but it always comes down to one thing and that is, the vaginal flora or pH being altered from it's natural balance, thus allowing normal levels of bacteria to take a hold and (as in BV) take over. The TTO seems to normalise the vaginal flora, not just 'mask' the symptoms, and this stands to reason, as TTO is an anti-fungal agent. so it seems that by reducing any fungal overgrowth, the TTO facilitates the return of normal vaginal pH (and fungal and bacterial) levels.

Personally, I've used the TTO twice now, with tremendous success. Admittedly in each case it took two applications over the course of 48 hours to work, but I still think that's a pretty damn good trade-off for the alternative. The only mistake I made the second time was waiting about 5 days after sex to 'see' how I'd go. Sure enough, my BV symptoms started returning, so definitely treatment straight after sex is the way to go.