[melis19750]

Nope, none. Did you use a gelatin 00 capsule? And did you use the right BA? There are some that aren't pure BA but are sold as roach killers. That's not the right one. It has to be pharmaceutical grade.

OH DUH you meant boric acid. ha ha funny. I thought you meant "BA= Balance activ"

yeah I never had problems with boric acid. But I supposedly do not have any issues with yeast. all my cultures come back negative for everything.

however, ever since i used that balance activ I seem to be more sensitive on the exterior of my vagina
and have been prescribed hydro-cortisone cream 2% to use for a few days. not sure if its helping

I dont seem to have discharge or any odor
so i think its just simply irritation

I switched to unscented lotion and unscented/sensitive skin dove
all are glycerin free- as Ive been reading glycerin can cause yeast infections

I am however going to try sliquid vaginal wash (for exterior only) which is pH balanced and glycerin free =)

I dont seem to have irritation that much on the inside of my vagina
just a little at the opening and more exterior

I even use unscented arm and hammer laundry detergent
and no fabric softner

ahh so boring
hopefully i can figure out what works

but i do have some boric acid capsules on hand that my OBGYN had made up for me to use incase of a yeastie beastie
which i really dont think i will get

and i have been BV free since October 2010 (so 4 months now)

I take fem d every day, folic acid/ b-12 combo from trader joes
vitamin d-3 from trader joes

another probiotic- RAW garden of life probiotic/prebiotic combo for women
and a good omega 3/6 flaxseed/borage oil combo (its cold and comes in the fridge)

I was taking a different omega that is good- it also came in the fridge in some yummy flavors
but they add glycerin to it, so decided to try a glycerin free one...

and i also did a yeast detox with candex and candigone by renewlife
i still use candex for maint.

=)

[melinda7]

Melinda
so BA never caused you any irritation?
odd it happened to me- but not you???

Nope, none. Did you use a gelatin 00 capsule? And did you use the right BA? There are some that aren't pure BA but are sold as roach killers. That's not the right one. It has to be pharmaceutical grade.

[melis19750]

Melinda
so BA never caused you any irritation?
odd it happened to me- but not you???

Hey, just wanted everyone to know that I am doing well. No flare ups. I did use BA a few times last week, but maybe even longer ago than that.

I was taking a probiotic -- the one I mentioned made by my local shop that seems to help in general. But I actually ran out about a week ago and I'm ok.

I'm at a loss for why this is. It's like a miracle or something, because I can't tie it to anything. I've been eating whatever, even sugar at times. Weird.

Maybe I had a hormonal imbalance and they've gotten back into balance on their own somehow. That really doesn't happen so I have no idea.

I'll be going back on the probiotics when I go to buy them and will rotate with a different one I read about. I've given up on Fem-D pills and think they are worthless. I still have some sitting in my fridge. I don't want to take them bc I don't want to change anything I'm doing. I have no idea how long this will last but I don't have BV right now.

I actually think the musty odor is something else -- foot sweat because I could seriously never tie it to my privates..

[melinda7]

Hey, just wanted everyone to know that I am doing well. No flare ups. I did use BA a few times last week, but maybe even longer ago than that.

I was taking a probiotic -- the one I mentioned made by my local shop that seems to help in general. But I actually ran out about a week ago and I'm ok.

I'm at a loss for why this is. It's like a miracle or something, because I can't tie it to anything. I've been eating whatever, even sugar at times. Weird.

Maybe I had a hormonal imbalance and they've gotten back into balance on their own somehow. That really doesn't happen so I have no idea.

I'll be going back on the probiotics when I go to buy them and will rotate with a different one I read about. I've given up on Fem-D pills and think they are worthless. I still have some sitting in my fridge. I don't want to take them bc I don't want to change anything I'm doing. I have no idea how long this will last but I don't have BV right now.

I actually think the musty odor is something else -- foot sweat because I could seriously never tie it to my privates..

[swt simplicity]

While on the topic of refined sugar and wheat products, I want to mention that healthier alternatives to eating refined carbohydrates like white breads would be barley bread and rye bread. There's actually a claim by the USDA scientists that "barley bread could reduce obesity levels." You can view the article (here). Barley is said to balance blood glucose levels. Another option is rye bread. An article titled "White Rye Bread Healthier Than Whole Wheat?" will explain why. And, there is also the option of oats too.

These are just a few healthier options for anyone who has a hard time totally cutting out refined carbohydrates but still want to make healthier choices.

P.S. Read labels carefully for hidden sugars and check to see if the product is labeled "gluten-free".

[melis19750]

BTW
be very careful when using grapefruit seed extract.

You need to make sure you get the liquid form- as my doctor stated the pill form contains other additives
as well as... if you use it make sure to take a good probiotic along with it.


However I will say this much on it
when I have overgrowth of group b strep many years ago
I tried GSE for it... and did it as my OBGYN directed. It did NOTHING for the strep.

I ended up having to use ampicillin instead.

Personally for yeast infections- treating them naturaLLY
I found these products work well- CANDEX (2, twice daily as directed)
as well as either Candigone by renew life taken with the candex
or Gaija herbs candida cleanse taken along with candex

both work great!
I had a bit of candida overgrowth intestinally after using tindamax, (figured it out by white coated tongue and some anal itching) and used all of those products
as well as fem dophilus along with another good refrigerated probiotic from the vitamin shop
a new womens raw probiotic/prebiotic formula.

now my only issue is some vaginal irritation off and on
but all and all im better
no more infections
and feeling pretty much back to normal

I think the "balance activ" really damaged my vaginal tissues and its been healing since
its def better now

I also use SLIQUID fragrance free vaginal wash
or "sweet spot unscented"- which does have some glycerin but in small amount and doesnt seem to bother me

[melis19750]

so I have been doing a lot of research on vaginal pH etc;

It seems that from much of what Im researching- products with glycerin can cause yeast over growth and irritation leaving the vagina imbalanced. Im not sure how true- untrue this is... but sooo many products have glycerin.
and guess what RePhresh has glycerine
so does Replense

I did find another product claiming to help with vaginal issues Luvena Prebiotic Vaginal Moisturizer which has no glycerine in it.

sheesh even my omega fatty acids have glycerin. and im using a great one


here is some info i found: http://www.livestrong.com/article/87361-gl...ast-infections/

Glycerin

Glycerin is used to provide preservation and sweetness to many processed foods, including low-fat commercially baked foods, candy and fudge. It is also used in cosmetics and personal lubricants to provide preservation and for its humectant qualities, used to draw moisture to the skin. It is derived from the chemical element glycerol, an alcohol, and glycerin is the byproduct of either animal or plant sources. (In the 1800s when candles were made of animal fat, glycerin was a byproduct of candle-making.)
Avoid Glycerin in Foods

To help avert yeast infections, many gynecologists advise staying away from a diet rich in refined sugar. Yeast in the vagina feed off of sugar, so any access to excess sugar provides a possible food source for the already present yeast. Not only is too much sugar a risk for yeast infections, but it is also hard for the body to digest and can lead to obesity, diabetes and heart disease. Sugar can be found in more places than people think; all-purpose enriched wheat flour is one of the most common ingredients in commercially processed foods. The "wheat" in this ingredient is only part of the actual grain, the part that breaks down in the body exactly as raw sugar. Whole-wheat flour and products are best for avoiding yeast infections and for overall health.
Avoid Glycerin in Lubricants

Many gynecologists warn if women are already susceptible to recurring yeast infections, they should steer clear of personal lubricants containing glycerin. Since it is processed exactly as sugar in the body, and applied directly to the vagina, it is assumed vaginal yeast benefits from its addition. If women do not get frequent yeast infections experts say using lubricants with glycerin is okay; KY Jelly, the No. 1 brand in America, is full of glycerin. Some people may be more sensitive to glycerin's effects than others.
Glycerin is found in most water-based lubricants, but there are some water-based brands free of glycerin. The other choice, silicone-based lubricants, do not contain glycerin, but many complain about the bad taste and dislike their resistance to water for cleaning.
Glycerin-Free Lubricants

Although the popular brand KY contains glycerin, other big brands like Astroglide make a glycerin-free version. Simply check the ingredients listed on the back of water-based lubricants for glycerin.Natural lubricants that have stood the test of time are extra virgin olive oil and coconut oil.

Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/article/87361-gl.../#ixzz1BMiVzRlE

[konphusion26]

I've done some research on it and it definitely does have antimicrobial properties. How do you plan on taking it?

*gse=grapefruit seed extract*

Again, I suggest before buying/trying this that you research it for yourself. It may not work for everyone.

I bought the liquid kind, so I'm going to be mixing it with juice (its extremely bitter!!)! I also plan to try a vaginal rinse - although I know douching is bad. I have read on many sites though that douching with diluted GSE as well as taking internally by mouth will clear up an infection within a few days.

DO NOT TAKE UNDILUTED! Even diluted in juice or water, the taste is NOT pleasant ladies. I just want to warn you in advance. You will probably not ever get used to the taste of it. But if you can get past that, it may actually work pretty well. Just follow up with your Femdophilus or whatever probiotic you use for vag health after you begin seeing results.

Alot of my research was done on sites devoted to women, also sites done by midwives, etc. So if this stuff is safe to use during pregnancy, it should be just fine if you're not preggo.

[swt simplicity]

Hey lovies, I'm not sure if anyone has ever suggested this. But look into liquid grapefruit seed extract. I'm having some yeasty issues and just bought some. But I have read that grapefruit seed extract is an excellent antimicrobial/anti bacterial/antifungal, etc. here's a lil linky grapefruit seed extract

and iherb.com

or you can google it for more info.

Let me know how it works for you. I'm about to go take my first dose now. Blessings!

I've done some research on it and it definitely does have antimicrobial properties. How do you plan on taking it?

[konphusion26]

Hey lovies, I'm not sure if anyone has ever suggested this. But look into liquid grapefruit seed extract. I'm having some yeasty issues and just bought some. But I have read that grapefruit seed extract is an excellent antimicrobial/anti bacterial/antifungal, etc. here's a lil linky grapefruit seed extract

and iherb.com

or you can google it for more info.

Let me know how it works for you. I'm about to go take my first dose now. Blessings!

[swt simplicity]

Just wanted to share a bit of encouragement.

I have been completely BV free for the past month and have not had to do any maintenance whatsoever. The regimen I followed was to finish an entire box of Dr Ohhira's Probiotics (just 1 because they're a bit too expensive for me), drink tons of water, eat less sugar and keep fingers, unwrapped winkies and anything else out of my vagthat may throw off my flora lol. I also bought all new cotton underwear. All things that we already know to do, but honestly I never actually followed through with it. Shame on me.

So far things are great. I'm having sex (protected and unprotected) and the smell doesn't return. I had a few days of spotting (I have a Mirena IUD so this constitutes my period) and all was fine and dandy afterwards as well. I'm so happy!! I really hope that this is the end of this long and embarrassing struggle.

I'll keep everyone updated! ***fingers crossed***

I'm so glad you posted an update on your status I was personally wondering how well those probiotics work considering their so expensive. I've heard good things about them and it's great that they work for you. Maybe someone who is in the same situation as you can try them and it'll work. Wow! Your bacterial vaginosis must really be gone if you can have unprotected sex without any flare-ups. It's good your not doing any overwhelming daily routines.

I plan on reading up on those probiotics. They've been recommended on a few health shows in the past, so they must be good.

[jularee]

Just wanted to share a bit of encouragement.

I have been completely BV free for the past month and have not had to do any maintenance whatsoever. The regimen I followed was to finish an entire box of Dr Ohhira's Probiotics (just 1 because they're a bit too expensive for me), drink tons of water, eat less sugar and keep fingers, unwrapped winkies and anything else out of my vagthat may throw off my flora lol. I also bought all new cotton underwear. All things that we already know to do, but honestly I never actually followed through with it. Shame on me.

So far things are great. I'm having sex (protected and unprotected) and the smell doesn't return. I had a few days of spotting (I have a Mirena IUD so this constitutes my period) and all was fine and dandy afterwards as well. I'm so happy!! I really hope that this is the end of this long and embarrassing struggle.

I'll keep everyone updated! ***fingers crossed***

[swt simplicity]

I been researching this Tindamax stuff and I am reading good things about it, it doesn't kill off the good bacteria and the cure rates are fairly decent I am on my 1 1/2 day and also on my period which is really disgusting.

Are your symptoms worse when your menstruating (on your period)?

[yme30]

Whoa! $50 for a prescription. The most I've ever paid for a prescription was $10, and I think that was a one time thing. What kind of health insurance are you on?

Its pretty fair insurance the pharmacy tech said it would have been $116 without my insurance and the PA told me because Tindamax has no generic form expect to pay a higher cost as oppose to the usual Flagyl or other antibiotic in generic forms out there but I wasn't expecting to come out of pocket $50 that hurt like hell!!!


I been researching this Tindamax stuff and I am reading good things about it, it doesn't kill off the good bacteria and the cure rates are fairly decent I am on my 1 1/2 day and also on my period which is really disgusting. So I pray to God that this fairly newer antibiotic will kill off those resistant bugs or yet again I waisted time and $50 dollars
I hate given money to doctors and pharmacist and still left feeling sick. I am praying to God that in the next day or so I get my life back and that smell I use to have when I was 13 years old and able to get up and sit down where I please because I know I didn't stink. Now its been like every place I go I am on a stake out trying to sit the furthest from anyone so they too won't have to endure this smell.

Anyway keep yal posted pray for me. Thanks for your support.

[swt simplicity]

I got my script for Tindamax 500mg today and with insurance it cost 50 dollars

Whoa! $50 for a prescription. The most I've ever paid for a prescription was $10, and I think that was a one time thing. What kind of health insurance are you on?

[yme]

Sometimes another health care professional will step in and take over for what ever reason if the gynecologist isn't in. I'm pretty sure your P.A. looked over your test results and your appointment notes and knows what's going on. A nurse practitioner has stepped in sometimes for me if my vulvovaginal specialist wasn't in her office or not available. It didn't make a difference in my case since she knew exactly what was going on.

We're generally so used to thinking yeast infections are associated with burning, itching, irritation, and a cottage cheese discharge. We can thank those Monistat commercials for that. Just like you mentioned, your yeast infection has an odor; I've always read that yeast infections aren't associated with an odor. Your discharge probably isn't cottage cheese like either. It's better that we just throw those assumptions out the window since not all yeasts behave the same way.

My main concern for you is you mention that you have taken antibiotics pretty often in the past for bacterial vaginosis. If your dealing with a resistant infection then the antibiotics that you've taken already won't work since the yeast or bacteria have built a resistance to them. It's also a concern of mine that the people working in the clinic that are treating you probably don't have the medical knowledge, experience, or maybe even resources to treat resistant infections. So, I'm just keeping my fingers crossed that by chance the antibiotics work for you this time around.

Swt that is exactly what happened the other PA was off and this clinic has three locations and when I returned the call the next day the PA was at a different location without my chart so I guess she just pulled up the notes that the other PA wrote on the computer and went from there.

I got my script for Tindamax 500mg today and with insurance it cost 50 dollars

You said since I have taken antibiotics before this new drug might not work and I don't feel to good about this either. I am just going to pray on it for the next five days.


Also these doctors need to go back to the lab and figure out what is the problem and work diligently to find out what is what and what will cure it for once and for all. The same methods they have been using, women are becoming resistant to like in my case. They know this but since antibiotics probably works for 80 percent of the population they forget about the other 20 percent and keep feeding them more antibiotics which makes things worse for most women. Their not stupid they know mutations can occur in our bodies fighting off every antibiotic that comes our way. We are left with wasting money and time, the same symptoms, and shear frustration.

Before long their "go to" flagyl is gonna give out just like penicillin did and maybe than they will try a new approach of trying to tackle the various vaginitis women across the world are dealing with.

[swt simplicity]

You know that makes a lot of sense, I am not sexually active either so thats gotta be why I don't get the itching and irritation because no man is constantly up in there poking and prodding around in that area . Man this board is more helpful than all the doctors and nurses put together in the United States.

So my nurse calls me at 7pm yesterday evening, of course I wasn't available I was sleeping, so I called her just a while ago and she said the other PA saw a mixture of BV and Yeast on the slide so she was going to give me the flagyl so I told her that I was given that before and it didn't work. So now she is calling the pharmacist for me to take some kind of antibiotic that isn't generic and she claims it will knock whatever I have right out.

I am skeptical because this isn't the same PA as last time who performed my exam, that PA said I had yeast and now this PA says I have both yeast and BV
I have been taking antibiotics all my life seems like I am afraid if I take this script it wont work or things will get worse and my insurance is almost to the max so I am totally running out of options here. Why wont this bug(s) die, why does it insist on ruining my life. I could cry right now, ya know what I think I am.

Sometimes another health care professional will step in and take over for what ever reason if the gynecologist isn't in. I'm pretty sure your P.A. looked over your test results and your appointment notes and knows what's going on. A nurse practitioner has stepped in sometimes for me if my vulvovaginal specialist wasn't in her office or not available. It didn't make a difference in my case since she knew exactly what was going on.

We're generally so used to thinking yeast infections are associated with burning, itching, irritation, and a cottage cheese discharge. We can thank those Monistat commercials for that. Just like you mentioned, your yeast infection has an odor; I've always read that yeast infections aren't associated with an odor. Your discharge probably isn't cottage cheese like either. It's better that we just throw those assumptions out the window since not all yeasts behave the same way.

My main concern for you is you mention that you have taken antibiotics pretty often in the past for bacterial vaginosis. If your dealing with a resistant infection then the antibiotics that you've taken already won't work since the yeast or bacteria have built a resistance to them. It's also a concern of mine that the people working in the clinic that are treating you probably don't have the medical knowledge, experience, or maybe even resources to treat resistant infections. So, I'm just keeping my fingers crossed that by chance the antibiotics work for you this time around.

[yme]

I rarely get itching and irritation and they say it doesn't look like I have it on exam. It's only when they send it out that they find out. i don't present normally, which makes me hard to diagnose. The only thing I can think of is that I am not sexually active so there's no aggravation and it's probably very healthy so it's able to not get like other people's....idk. That's all I can think if bc mos t people are sexually activeand have some sort of intercourse/insertion regularly.

You know that makes a lot of sense, I am not sexually active either so thats gotta be why I don't get the itching and irritation because no man is constantly up in there poking and prodding around in that area . Man this board is more helpful than all the doctors and nurses put together in the United States.

So my nurse calls me at 7pm yesterday evening, of course I wasn't available I was sleeping, so I called her just a while ago and she said the other PA saw a mixture of BV and Yeast on the slide so she was going to give me the flagyl so I told her that I was given that before and it didn't work. So now she is calling the pharmacist for me to take some kind of antibiotic that isn't generic and she claims it will knock whatever I have right out.

I am skeptical because this isn't the same PA as last time who performed my exam, that PA said I had yeast and now this PA says I have both yeast and BV


I have been taking antibiotics all my life seems like I am afraid if I take this script it wont work or things will get worse and my insurance is almost to the max so I am totally running out of options here. Why wont this bug(s) die, why does it insist on ruining my life. I could cry right now, ya know what I think I am.

[melinda7]

Hi everyone I am still waiting for a call back from the clinic to give me a refill or something stronger because I am still having the same symptoms, the usual lots of discharge and this awful yeasty smell. The PA said it was yeast when she look under the microscope so I have to take her word for it but I just don't get why I have no itching, or irritation associated with a yeast infection and why won't this discharge and smell go away even with treatment.

Has anyone ever had a yeast infection with no irritation or itching and a smell that is so disturbing or am I just a rare case?

I rarely get itching and irritation and they say it doesn't look like I have it on exam. It's only when they send it out that they find out. i don't present normally, which makes me hard to diagnose. The only thing I can think of is that I am not sexually active so there's no aggravation and it's probably very healthy so it's able to not get like other people's....idk. That's all I can think if bc mos t people are sexually activeand have some sort of intercourse/insertion regularly.

[yme]

Hi everyone I am still waiting for a call back from the clinic to give me a refill or something stronger because I am still having the same symptoms, the usual lots of discharge and this awful yeasty smell. The PA said it was yeast when she look under the microscope so I have to take her word for it but I just don't get why I have no itching, or irritation associated with a yeast infection and why won't this discharge and smell go away even with treatment.

Has anyone ever had a yeast infection with no irritation or itching and a smell that is so disturbing or am I just a rare case?