[swt simplicity]

I was using plain yogurt with sugar. I did not have yeast infection until I applied the yogurt. I do not know if it is extra Lactobacillus.

Can Lactobacillus from suppositories colonize inside the vagina?

You shouldn't apply yogurt with sugar inside the vagina. Or any kind of yogurt. Most of the bacteria would have died by the time you used it, and the warmth of the vagina will have killed the bacteria within the hour. Refined carbohydrates such as sugar from anything, including food and drinks will feed any kind of bacteria and yeast within the body, which is why its imperative to keep it to a bare minimum.

The thing about the probiotic suppositories is, there is no way of knowing if the bacteria is live when you actually use it. You might want to contact the manufacturer of the probiotic suppository you plan on using to see if it is guaranteed to have a certain amount of live bacteria up until it's expiration date. You may also want to check with the manufacturer about whether the bacteria is dairy sourced or human sourced, and whether they have research proving that it will colonize and adhere to the vaginal epithelium. If a company cannot provide that information, your probably better off trying something else. You don't want to waste your money on stuff that won't work.

The only product that I know of that hits all of those points is Gy-Na-Tren by Natren. It is a product that comes with vaginal suppositories for 14 days and it also comes with oral probiotics for 14 days. The vaginal suppositories contain boric acid, while the oral probiotic contains 5 billion colony forming units (CFU) of acidophilus NAS. You can learn more about the product (here). It probably isn't what your looking for since it offers boric acid suppositories. But, I personally think it's worth trying.

I think it would be a good idea to see your gynecologist just to be on the safe side. It's very likely that you'll misdiagnose yourself if you don't get examined. Even a gynecologist needs tests to be sure of what to treat you for. I think the yogurt you've been inserting has caused an imbalance so your vagina is shedding it's lining, which causes extra discharge) in order to get rid of the foreign substance that is inside of it.

If you really intend to do yogurt suppositories, you can make your own yogurt at home. All you need is milk, a yogurt starter (you can pick which bacteria you want in it), and a yogurt maker. You'll know that your yogurt is fresh and full of live and active cultures after you've made it.

[Rosaletta]

Are you using plain yogurt without sugar, fruit, flavoring, or coloring? Either way, the bacteria in yogurt will not colonize inside of the vagina because it cannot adhere to the vaginal epithelium.

I was using plain yogurt with sugar. I did not have yeast infection until I applied the yogurt. I do not know if it is extra Lactobacillus.

Can Lactobacillus from suppositories colonize inside the vagina?

[swt simplicity]

When I have bacteria vaginosis, I do not get white yeasty stuff on sides of vagina lips. Ever since I inserted plain yogurt into vagina, I get white yeasty stuff on sides of vagina lips that hurts a little. I thought yogurt helped to get rid of yeast infection instead of cause it?

Are you using plain yogurt without sugar, fruit, flavoring, or coloring? Either way, the bacteria in yogurt will not colonize inside of the vagina because it cannot adhere to the vaginal epithelium.

For wiping the outside of the vagina, the vulva, I think you should use Preparation H Medicated Wipes or Tucks Pads; they contain witch hazel which will soothe the itching and burning from the yeast infection you might possibly have. Witch hazel is also a natural antiseptic. You can also put a thin coating of boric acid around the vulva. Since you might be dealing with yeast, the boric acid should kill the yeast on contact with regular use. Try to give your vagina plenty of breathing room; no tight jeans, skirts, shorts or underwear.

Most remedies won't work for bacterial vaginosis. There are suppositories that you could try, such as boric acid suppositories for maintenance, and there is also a suppository for bacterial vaginosis called BalanceActiv that you can order from Amazon; it contains lactic acid which will lower the vaginal pH and create a hostile environment that will hinder the growth of the bad bacteria. With enough use, the vaginal flora should improve over time and clear up the bacterial imbalance. It has cured many women of bacterial vaginosis, and it can also be used for maintenance as well, like after your period, or after sex ... whenever you need it.

[swt simplicity]

hey canadian girl thnks so much for the post.

Ive been to the doctors and got a course of antibiotics so all is well down there now. Good to hear your tampon method works for you. Personally I dont use tampons, I have an irrational fear of them!!

Must admit im really struggling with this whole work issue. I am so down, ive been having suicidal thoughts. Although think im too much of a coward to go through with it or i would have done it already. Im not sleeping at night cause im panicking about going into work. All day i just sit there and barely say a word so i dont draw attention to myself. And i just have to sit there and listen to the comments, and hear the smirks and see the emails flying round the office. And i know they will just tell teir friends about it ad more and more people will know about it. I got the courage to speak to a very good friend abot it and she is convinced im just being paranoid and not to b so silly, but she doesnt know cruel people can be. Its just so awful, nobody takes me seriously anymore, I cant bear when people look at me cause i know what they are thinking. Dirty bitch. And im not. But i understand why they think that. Considering not going back to work on Monday. I think I need to for my mental health.

Sorry for rabbiting on, but this is the only place i can vent. I really just want to die right now :-(

Your very lucky to have the infection clear up so quickly. If the infection is gone, then your situation should drastically improve from here on out.

I also remember talking to my gynecologist about my odor and she also thought I was being self conscious. My only explanation to that is some people can pick up on the smell while others cannot. Another possibility is maybe the person is lying to avoid an awkward situation or avoid hurting your feelings. But if it is someone who is very comfortable with you, then they probably would be honest about it.

[Rosaletta]

When I have bacteria vaginosis, I do not get white yeasty stuff on sides of vagina lips. Ever since I inserted plain yogurt into vagina, I get white yeasty stuff on sides of vagina lips that hurts a little. I thought yogurt helped to get rid of yeast infection instead of cause it?

[Desire]

Geez, you ladies are really suffering. I can relate; it took me 20 years to figure it out! Every woman's pH balance and vaginal ecosystem are so super delicate and unique. I don't profess to know it all, but I literally just registered on Bust today to offer my routine.

Keep in mind, it may sound like a crazy regimen, but it's what works for me. Then again, I've read some pretty wild remedies on here, so maybe mine won't sound so strange!

I do all the normal things, like wear cotton panties only and use tampons. But here's where I get a little jazzy:

REDUCE BAD BACTERIA AND DRY OFF EXCEPTIONALLY WELL AFTER BATHING

Once a week BEFORE showering (and especially after my period is fully over), I squat and wipe down my vulva and bum with Listerine Zero (the one WITHOUT alcohol, so no worries about insane burning; just a cool minty tingle ) on a few flat, square cotton pads. I really saturate the cotton pads and thoroughly wipe all over those areas with it. Put a towel under you on the floor, in case of dripping. Listerine Zero has no sugar in it (well, sucralose), and it does not give me a yeast infection, and here's why: I let it "marinate" and really do its job for five whole minutes, THEN I take a shower. I never insert it in my vagina; only ON my vulva and anus. To be honest, I've even used the plain Listerine Antiseptic kind (unflavored, the amber formula with alcohol), and have had no problems. For me, it's all about reducing the bad bacteria on the outside; that's what causes the odor. And showering five minutes after ensures no real damage is done; it all gets washed away. I use pretty much any kind of suds when showering; I actually use TWO body washes for a more thorough clean. And dry, dry, dry off super well. That means going over my vulva with a towel five minutes AFTER I've already dried off, before I put my panties on.

REDUCE YOUR VAGINAL pH

Once a month, after my period, I fill up a really, really clean tub of warm lemon water for a pH soak. Just pour in a cup of fresh-squeezed lemon juice (or cut up a cleaned lemon and place the halves in the tub) and soak that baby for 30 minutes to get the pH just right, drain the tub, and shower like normal. DO NOT ADD ANYTHING TO THE BATHWATER EXCEPT LEMON! The lemon bath is also ideal after sex; lemon water also makes a great sitz bath! I'm not above buying the ideal storage container specifically for this purpose.

KEEP IT DRY

During the day, moisture is my enemy, so I always use flushable wipes after using the restroom (and keep a pack in my purse) and dry off really, really, REALLY well with toilet paper. Then, I wad up extra toilet paper and wrap my entire vulva (especially the creases on the sides where the vulva meets the thigh) and pull my panties up. Bacteria and yeast breed like crazy in moist environments. I don't bother with pantiliners; toilet paper is plentiful and is more absorbent. Plus, you can position it perfectly and it's flushable. No one has to know.

PROBIOTICS

I eat yogurt like most women and I occasionally take acidophilus, if I've been eating too much sugar or bread. I don't get all dramatic about probiotics; just eat yogurt when I feel like it, including frozen yogurt instead of ice cream. Greek yogurt is amazing!

KEEP IT HAIR-FREE OR LESS HAIRY

I'm a shaver. Not 100% bald, but more like 90%. Hair traps moisture, and as we know, that is not what we need. I really only care about moisture during sex!

So, there you have it, ladies. Cut the bad external bacteria + lemon baths when needed + keep the vulva dry with toilet tissue + take your probiotics + keep it trimmed. I'm not saying this is the holy grail solution for all of womankind, so please don't take my regimen as gospel. It's simple, and it works for me. Hope that helps someone!

[embarrassed10]

hey canadian girl thnks so much for the post.

Ive been to the doctors and got a course of antibiotics so all is well down there now. Good to hear your tampon method works for you. Personally I dont use tampons, I have an irrational fear of them!!

Must admit im really struggling with this whole work issue. I am so down, ive been having suicidal thoughts. Although think im too much of a coward to go through with it or i would have done it already. Im not sleeping at night cause im panicking about going into work. All day i just sit there and barely say a word so i dont draw attention to myself. And i just have to sit there and listen to the comments, and hear the smirks and see the emails flying round the office. And i know they will just tell teir friends about it ad more and more people will know about it. I got the courage to speak to a very good friend abot it and she is convinced im just being paranoid and not to b so silly, but she doesnt know cruel people can be. Its just so awful, nobody takes me seriously anymore, I cant bear when people look at me cause i know what they are thinking. Dirty bitch. And im not. But i understand why they think that. Considering not going back to work on Monday. I think I need to for my mental health.

Sorry for rabbiting on, but this is the only place i can vent. I really just want to die right now :-(

[swt simplicity]

hey guys. I've been struggling with BV and want to try boric acid. This is the one I got: http://i1323.photobucket.com/albums/u588/s...zpsf74366ed.jpg If it helps, this is where I ordered it, though that picture's a little different: http://www.amazon.com/BORIC-POWDER-HUMCO-H...y/dp/B001V9WY0S

I just want to make sure I got the right one? I thought I did but now all those warnings about not even letting it touch your skin are really scaring me!

Yes. That is the right kind of boric acid. I think all of the bottles carry the same warning because it is required to by the FDA, just like how a lot of medications come with warnings and side effects.

Did you also purchase the "00" size gelatin capsules to put the boric acid in?

I also want to add that boric acid tends to work on the short term for bacterial vaginosis. It's good for maintenance, but it will also kill any healthy bacteria as well. I took it for a few weeks when I had a non-albican yeast infection, and I went in for a follow up exam and my gynecologist said she didn't see any lactobacilli or yeast under the microscope, which is totally normal when using boric acid suppositories. I wonder why it isn't successful with bacterial vaginosis. Maybe because bacteria tends to multiply and grow faster than yeast because they are smaller, prokaryotic cells, while yeast cells are larger and eukaryotic, thus take longer to multiply and divide themselves.

You should take a probiotic while your doing the suppositories just to be on the safe side.

[canadianGirl]

Sorry for delayed response. Yes it usually does clear up with antibiotics which is great. Ive now completely swollen up and have terrible lower abdomen pains :-( I have a feeling i have another case of PID. TOday was the worst day of my life at work. I just wanted tht ground to open up and swallow me. Kept thinking ill just jump in front of a bus on my way home and then this will all be over!! Its the only thing that got me through the day.

I know changing jobs seems very extreme, I am only a temp at the moment and keeping thinking, i just wont turn up to work tomorrow, kind of disappear into thin air!

You know you could be on to something with alcohol triggering it, it is the only time it has ever been noticed come to think of it. Something to look into anyway.

So do you still suffer? Sorry to hear youve had a tough time of it too. You must be a better person than me to forgive them, i actually want to punch them all in the face. Why do bad things happen to good people.

I'm already dreading tomorrow at work, I just sat there all day on the verge of tears/panic attacks as soon as someone opened their mouth. I didnt eat all day cause i just felt sick to my stomach. They cracked out a fair few jokes at my expense. This is going to be the death of me.

Thanks so much for your advice etc, I really do appreciate it. I cant even talk to my friends about what is going on at work - i tried at the weekend but i couldnt bring myself to even say it - so its good to chat with someone

You Poor Girl! I feel so bad for you, and others (as well) who have been ostracized due to the smell... I too have been dealing with BV for a long, long time--more on that later, as it is late and I just wanted to reply to you with moral support.

I don't know if this is right or wrong (others may criticize me for even suggesting this..) But what I have done is, when I have a BV flare up that is overwhelming with odor, is I USE a tampon. This blocks any discharge of course and therefore, SMELL.

I have never had any problems with doing this and because of my self treatment I can usually get the problem under control in a few days.

I know how devastating this problem can be, and some days we feel so low, it's all we can do to face the next day. It has ruined my personal life, which includes hopes and dreams for the future since I am reluctant to have any intimate contact, and refuse straight out during bouts. I CAN'T IMAGINE being ostracized by my "friends" or co-workers because of this problem, that could just be too much too handle. I just feel so bad for those who have had to deal with this. I wish I could just HUG you!

Seriously, I know it may be wrong, although it hasn't caused me any further problems (than I already have) but I just use a tampon at those times, til I get through. No one is any wiser and to them I am a fresh smelling, happy, healthy girl (on the outside).

Actually, those with re-current yeast infections are actually recommended by gynecologists to use tampons during their periods because it is cleaner & drier with inhibits the moist environment which yeast loves. This is just to ease any worries some may have about the tampon/pad debate. Tampons are perfectly safe when they are used properly within their time frames.


---Also, this may be long, but to the girl who is afraid of douching, I have had good results with just soaking a tampon in "chosen" remedies instead of douching. I do think that it could flush bad stuff too far up into the cervix, but for just the area we are trying to alter/balance the climate of, I think a tampon soaked in your choice remedy is a better solution to douching.

PLEASE see a doctor....So you know what you have, AND in case you are trying hard to cover up the smell with perfumes/soaps--those things will just make your problem WORSE! Use unscented soap down there, like DOVE, or preferably NOTHING at all- just water. Our vaginas are sensitive ecosystems, and is supposed to be self cleansing. But especially at times like this it is extremely sensitive to disruptions and it needs time to balance out.


----Now I'll just mention quickly about my story and what I do to "manage" the problem---

After being put on Metronidazole (Flagyll) orally many, many times in the beginning..(I would say over 30 times) I'm sure I'll be screwed up for a long time with my re-current problem. Not to say it isn't a good solution for a one/two time problem if it goes away, but if it doesn't...you'll have hell to pay. Also, I was never told about the probiotic theory at the same time either, which surely would have helped then...

After (much) reading, I came across the medical study about peroxide douching and that is what I use to manage my problem. Except I don't douche, I just soak a tampon and use that. (Once/twice a day for 5-10 minutes til it's gone--smell 3 days, whole thing 7 days) It works for me, but unfortunately it does come back if I even attempt sex. None the less, at the time, I realized it was preferable than (expensive, humiliating) trips to the dr, over & over & over again....I swear I was losing my mind and my wallet, and my dr's thought I was prob crazy too. Now I know it is them who are NUTS

I have tried probiotics (RePhresh pro- but it was very expensive and took too long. Although, I think I will try again after reading more....it takes 28-something like 60 days to recolonize the vagina. I will pay anything to fix this problem for good!

I also think part of my problem is while the peroxide soaked tampon worked, it still left my vagina lacking the good bacteria to re-balance. Thus reoccurring after attempted sex. Also, it didn't raise the ph in order to make that re-establishment friendly.

So after much, much, much more reading, what I think I will do is stay on the pro-b LONGER. I read a study that said some women with recurrent problems may need more than one plan of remedy at a time. Like 3 or 4.

So here is what I will try next...

Peroxide soaked tampons 1 or 2x day 5 mins, 7 days (which always worked) to rid the problem
Vinegar tampon after peroxide, then periodically to make Ph more acidic (like a healthy vag is)
Probiotics FOR a long, long time(like RePhresh Pro-B-- to recolonize with good stuff)
And multi-vitamin formulated for women (which has over 500mgs of FOLIC Acid)

I have always been able to cure myself, but now I am attempting to keep the problem away for good.
I will update the situation, and let all know how it's going. I have been using this system for two days after a bout and so far, smell good!

Anyway, much later and longer post than I had intended, but I know you all deserve as much help as possible and one more story can help. Take care all and I will be back to update. xoxo

[so_confused1]

hey guys. I've been struggling with BV and want to try boric acid. This is the one I got: http://i1323.photobucket.com/albums/u588/s...zpsf74366ed.jpg If it helps, this is where I ordered it, though that picture's a little different: http://www.amazon.com/BORIC-POWDER-HUMCO-H...y/dp/B001V9WY0S

I just want to make sure I got the right one? I thought I did but now all those warnings about not even letting it touch your skin are really scaring me!

[swt simplicity]

Sorry for delayed response. Yes it usually does clear up with antibiotics which is great. Ive now completely swollen up and have terrible lower abdomen pains :-( I have a feeling i have another case of PID. TOday was the worst day of my life at work. I just wanted tht ground to open up and swallow me. Kept thinking ill just jump in front of a bus on my way home and then this will all be over!! Its the only thing that got me through the day.

I know changing jobs seems very extreme, I am only a temp at the moment and keeping thinking, i just wont turn up to work tomorrow, kind of disappear into thin air!

You know you could be on to something with alcohol triggering it, it is the only time it has ever been noticed come to think of it. Something to look into anyway.

So do you still suffer? Sorry to hear youve had a tough time of it too. You must be a better person than me to forgive them, i actually want to punch them all in the face. Why do bad things happen to good people.

I'm already dreading tomorrow at work, I just sat there all day on the verge of tears/panic attacks as soon as someone opened their mouth. I didnt eat all day cause i just felt sick to my stomach. They cracked out a fair few jokes at my expense. This is going to be the death of me.

Thanks so much for your advice etc, I really do appreciate it. I cant even talk to my friends about what is going on at work - i tried at the weekend but i couldnt bring myself to even say it - so its good to chat with someone

Ever since I've cleaned up my diet and started taking probiotics, my symptoms improved considerably. Compared to how I was doing years ago, it's like night and day. The odor was bad enough to stay in a room even after I've left. I'm now on the path of strictly staying on the Specific Carbohydrate Diet for 6 months and going on VSL#3 in order to re-balance my intestinal flora and give my intestines plenty of time to heal. I'm currently transitioning; but I am sticking to the diet for the most part.

I think it would be really helpful if you talked to your friends about it. You'd be surprised at how understanding and supportive some people can be. Be careful to not confide in people you don't completely trust. At the very least, you can always talk to someone on this forum.

If you plan on looking for another job anyway, you should find a job where you don't have to be in close proximity of other people. That will probably help you cope while at work better.

[embarrassed10]

Sorry for delayed response. Yes it usually does clear up with antibiotics which is great. Ive now completely swollen up and have terrible lower abdomen pains :-( I have a feeling i have another case of PID. TOday was the worst day of my life at work. I just wanted tht ground to open up and swallow me. Kept thinking ill just jump in front of a bus on my way home and then this will all be over!! Its the only thing that got me through the day.

I know changing jobs seems very extreme, I am only a temp at the moment and keeping thinking, i just wont turn up to work tomorrow, kind of disappear into thin air!

You know you could be on to something with alcohol triggering it, it is the only time it has ever been noticed come to think of it. Something to look into anyway.

So do you still suffer? Sorry to hear youve had a tough time of it too. You must be a better person than me to forgive them, i actually want to punch them all in the face. Why do bad things happen to good people.

I'm already dreading tomorrow at work, I just sat there all day on the verge of tears/panic attacks as soon as someone opened their mouth. I didnt eat all day cause i just felt sick to my stomach. They cracked out a fair few jokes at my expense. This is going to be the death of me.

Thanks so much for your advice etc, I really do appreciate it. I cant even talk to my friends about what is going on at work - i tried at the weekend but i couldnt bring myself to even say it - so its good to chat with someone

[swt simplicity]

Hey thanks so much for your response. Its such an awful situation to be in. Nothing has ever been mentioned before, ive never even noticed a smell when im at work or on previous nights out with them, thats why im surprised its happened now. I'd also had quite a few drinks that night and cant pin point when it all came about or how which is driving me insane. Ive been in this situation before a few years back and it was also on anight out when ive not remembered whats happened. I did have my period at the time and usually find that doesnt help. I just cant take sitting there listening to all these little jokes that they think I dont notice, but I do. I cant relax for a moment and just sit there waiting for the next comment. I got on with everyone so well before and now they just laugh in my face. People can be so cruel. And your right if they actually looked it up they would realise itsnot because im dirty, its a very common infection. The girls in my work should know better I think! Im considering leaving my work and getting anew job, which i know is a bit extreme but then i think it will be really obvious as to whats going on. But I think for my mental health it a good idea. Im so paranoid that people are talking about me everywhere I go. Its really getting me down ive been so low this week and called in sick one day as i couldnt bear it. I just want to run away and hide from everyone. Lifes a bitch eh!

I gather you have experienced the same thing?

Thanks for the tips, will certainly look into it. Think ill get an appointment with my doctor and get a check up as its been a while. Ive had this on and off since i was 19 so thats been 10 years now, I was also diagnosed with PID a few years back and dont know if that's got anything to do with it ....

Maybe the alcohol is what triggered the onset of BV. And alcohol can actually affect reproductive hormones in men and women, causing an imbalance of estrogen in women and testicular injuries in men. It's totally not impossible the alcohol contributed in some way. People often forget that alcohol is a very toxic substance that is very harmful to your liver and bodily organs, including your brain. Women tend to get drunk faster since they don't produce a lot of alcohol dehydrogenase, a substance that the body produces in the small intestine that breaks down alcohol. It's recommended that women not have more than one small drink for this reason. Men can get away with drinking two drinks since they produce more alcohol dehydrogenase. I think vodka has the least amount of sugar/carbohydrates, but it also has the highest alcohol content. It also helps to eat fatty foods when you drink since it helps the alcohol absorb more slowly into your body; so you won't get drunk as fast.

Changing jobs probably won't help since the BV may not have cleared up, so people in your next job will probably notice eventually. It would make more sense to change jobs after it clears up to give yourself a fresh start. I personally wouldn't change jobs though since that wouldn't solve anything. I can totally understand how you feel.

The stress of constantly thinking about what others think of you can affect your mental health and cause anxiety in the long term ... I would know. People would often comment about my odor. Things I experienced was loud coughing, sniffling, whispering, snarky comments such as "what's that smell?", "do you smell that", laughing, snickering etc. Someone once told me "you stink" to my face, in the middle of my class mates. Somebody else who was sitting within a few feet of me was talking about me with someone else and said "she reeks". Nobody wanted to sit next to me. And there was this awkward inside joke that people had going on when I was around, like they were in on something, that something being the odor.

Women are usually the worst about it as women like to judge other women to feel better about themselves. Women are biologically more sensitive to smells than men.

Dealing with that off and on a daily basis can emotionally wear you down. I know I had to constantly remind myself when I experienced those things that they wouldn't act like that if they were in my shoes and experiencing the emotional distress that I had to deal with on a daily basis. So I forgave them in my mind and didn't take it so personally.

I can completely understand your situation, but try to be logical about the decisions you make and how it will affect you in the long term.

It's definitely a good idea to schedule an appointment with your OB/GYN soon. The pelvic inflammatory disease sounds like something that could be contributing as inflammation can affect the balance of bacteria. Does your BV normally clear up with a round of antibiotics?

[embarrassed10]

Hey thanks so much for your response. Its such an awful situation to be in. Nothing has ever been mentioned before, ive never even noticed a smell when im at work or on previous nights out with them, thats why im surprised its happened now. I'd also had quite a few drinks that night and cant pin point when it all came about or how which is driving me insane. Ive been in this situation before a few years back and it was also on anight out when ive not remembered whats happened. I did have my period at the time and usually find that doesnt help. I just cant take sitting there listening to all these little jokes that they think I dont notice, but I do. I cant relax for a moment and just sit there waiting for the next comment. I got on with everyone so well before and now they just laugh in my face. People can be so cruel. And your right if they actually looked it up they would realise itsnot because im dirty, its a very common infection. The girls in my work should know better I think! Im considering leaving my work and getting anew job, which i know is a bit extreme but then i think it will be really obvious as to whats going on. But I think for my mental health it a good idea. Im so paranoid that people are talking about me everywhere I go. Its really getting me down ive been so low this week and called in sick one day as i couldnt bear it. I just want to run away and hide from everyone. Lifes a bitch eh!

I gather you have experienced the same thing?

Thanks for the tips, will certainly look into it. Think ill get an appointment with my doctor and get a check up as its been a while. Ive had this on and off since i was 19 so thats been 10 years now, I was also diagnosed with PID a few years back and dont know if that's got anything to do with it ....

[embarrassed10]

From my personal experience, as long as your colleagues can smell the odor coming from you, they will continue to alienate you. That is what people will naturally do as they probably find the odor repulsive. Try not to take their comments personally since they don't know what your going through. I'm sure they would be a lot more sympathetic and understanding if they knew that your dealing with a chronic health condition, but understandably, talking about something so intimate is very difficult, especially with people you may not be very close with.

Try to just relax (chamomile tea is very helpful for this) and think of your situation constructively. Think about your plan of action for your sudden onset of bacterial vaginosis. I don't know the kinds of things your doing on a daily basis to prevent a recurrence of bacterial vaginosis, but RepHresh Pro-B is tremendously helpful for taking everyday. It's clinically proven to work and it comes with a $2.00 coupon inside for your next purchase. There is another probiotic that came out called Provella which has a $6.00 coupon on their website, and an $8.00 coupon if you take a survey. It looks promising so I personally plan on trying it out at some point to see if it may work even better than RepHresh Pro-B since it has more strains of bacteria in it. It's available over the counter, so it's definitely not a sketchy product.

Removing refined grains, as well as all grains and all added sugars has drastically improved my vaginitis. I'm on the Specific Carbohydrate Diet. I guess in my case it has to do with my intestinal flora being imbalanced as well. Grain products and sugar is notorious for exacerbating imbalances in people with digestive disorders. It improved so much to the point where people who were so used to noticing the odor would discretely come close to me to see if they could detect it, which they couldn't. Many women have gone grain and sugar free and noticed drastic improvement, so I don't think this is exclusive to people with gastrointestinal disorders.

Not wearing pants and jeans helps too. I've noticed the thicker material of jeans tends to exacerbate things, probably from the lack of circulation to the vulva and vagina.

Stay strong; I'm sure things will improve for you since your bacterial vaginosis seems to clear up occasionally.
Your welcome!

[swt simplicity]

just come across this forum and need some advice. I have suffered with bouts of BV on and off for years. My recent bout has been discovered by some work colleagues on a night out and now i am the butt of office jokes, as if im not even there. No one wants to talk to me anymore. Im absolutely devastated and mortified I just cant face going in there every day. Any advice?

From my personal experience, as long as your colleagues can smell the odor coming from you, they will continue to alienate you. That is what people will naturally do as they probably find the odor repulsive. Try not to take their comments personally since they don't know what your going through. I'm sure they would be a lot more sympathetic and understanding if they knew that your dealing with a chronic health condition, but understandably, talking about something so intimate is very difficult, especially with people you may not be very close with.

Try to just relax (chamomile tea is very helpful for this) and think of your situation constructively. Think about your plan of action for your sudden onset of bacterial vaginosis. I don't know the kinds of things your doing on a daily basis to prevent a recurrence of bacterial vaginosis, but RepHresh Pro-B is tremendously helpful for taking everyday. It's clinically proven to work and it comes with a $2.00 coupon inside for your next purchase. There is another probiotic that came out called Provella which has a $6.00 coupon on their website, and an $8.00 coupon if you take a survey. It looks promising so I personally plan on trying it out at some point to see if it may work even better than RepHresh Pro-B since it has more strains of bacteria in it. It's available over the counter, so it's definitely not a sketchy product.

Removing refined grains, as well as all grains and all added sugars has drastically improved my vaginitis. I'm on the Specific Carbohydrate Diet. I guess in my case it has to do with my intestinal flora being imbalanced as well. Grain products and sugar is notorious for exacerbating imbalances in people with digestive disorders. It improved so much to the point where people who were so used to noticing the odor would discretely come close to me to see if they could detect it, which they couldn't. Many women have gone grain and sugar free and noticed drastic improvement, so I don't think this is exclusive to people with gastrointestinal disorders.

Not wearing pants and jeans helps too. I've noticed the thicker material of jeans tends to exacerbate things, probably from the lack of circulation to the vulva and vagina.

Stay strong; I'm sure things will improve for you since your bacterial vaginosis seems to clear up occasionally.

hi swt!
LOVE the Pro B!!!!! I happened to see it at Walmart so I picked it up, it was 30 damn dollars tho that kind of blew me but its so good i won't complain ill just load up on coupons and stock up during the sales. I have only been using the pro b for 5 days but so far I like it even more than the fem d! I hadn't used fem d in over a month and my bv was back full force but the pro b started to work the first day and now I'm totally back to norm!!!! Normal discharge and no smell. I really agree with you about the refrigeration thing, just because I get it cold doesn't mean that it didn't sit on a warm truck from the distributor to the iHerb warehouse so it's just not worth it to go through all the trouble and expense of ordering it. Thanks for ur suggestion

Your welcome!

[embarrassed10]

just come across this forum and need some advice. I have suffered with bouts of BV on and off for years. My recent bout has been discovered by some work colleagues on a night out and now i am the butt of office jokes, as if im not even there. No one wants to talk to me anymore. Im absolutely devastated and mortified I just cant face going in there every day. Any advice?

[princessmombi]

That's one of the main reasons why I switched from Fem-Dophilus to RepHresh Pro-B even though it's generally more expensive. RepHresh Pro-B is freeze dried. I don't really trust refrigerated probiotics anymore. RepHresh Pro-B has been on sale for around $20 at my local Walgreens lately, but, I don't expect that to last very long.

hi swt!
LOVE the Pro B!!!!! I happened to see it at Walmart so I picked it up, it was 30 damn dollars tho that kind of blew me but its so good i won't complain ill just load up on coupons and stock up during the sales. I have only been using the pro b for 5 days but so far I like it even more than the fem d! I hadn't used fem d in over a month and my bv was back full force but the pro b started to work the first day and now I'm totally back to norm!!!! Normal discharge and no smell. I really agree with you about the refrigeration thing, just because I get it cold doesn't mean that it didn't sit on a warm truck from the distributor to the iHerb warehouse so it's just not worth it to go through all the trouble and expense of ordering it. Thanks for ur suggestion

[swt simplicity]

And one thing i wanted to share, i have a family member who works for whole foods and he stated to me that femd does not come to them refrigerated. He gets it off the truck himself and it arrives in boxes, warm So keep in mind these stores might have them in the fridge at purchase but you dont know how long it spent on a truck and in the warm months that could mean that its lost potency quite a bit by the time you take it.

That's one of the main reasons why I switched from Fem-Dophilus to RepHresh Pro-B even though it's generally more expensive. RepHresh Pro-B is freeze dried. I don't really trust refrigerated probiotics anymore. RepHresh Pro-B has been on sale for around $20 at my local Walgreens lately, but, I don't expect that to last very long.

[princessmombi]

Hi everyone.
I was wondering if anyone else experienced vaginal dryness with the use of femdophilus (oral). I know this is tmi but my stuff was never dry before during sex and now it is :/ i just want a normal pum pum ! And on top of that whenever i stop the femd my smell comes back. Swt simplicty i think the fruit and veggie thing is excellent advice im gonna start eating more nutrients and see if that makes a difference with my vaginal mucous. And one thing i wanted to share, i have a family member who works for whole foods and he stated to me that femd does not come to them refrigerated. He gets it off the truck himself and it arrives in boxes, warm So keep in mind these stores might have them in the fridge at purchase but you dont know how long it spent on a truck and in the warm months that could mean that its lost potency quite a bit by the time you take it. I prefer toget mine from iherb because it is kept refrigerated and arrives packed cold and before 10 am the next day and if u buy a few at a time the $12 extra it cost to get priority next day shipping pays for itself!! Just my two cents! Happy labor day errybody be safe!!