[witsend]

I am delurking. You gals have been probably the most helpful sight that I have found to help me figure out just how I might be able to help my body from this seemingly endless hell. Yep you can add me to the list of women who are walking around in pure torture from this itchy gooey mess of a twat I've got. For me to my surprise this began during pregnancy. I went through IVF to get pregnant inwhich I was given a concoction of hormones and antibiotics and who knows how that messed up the balance. But of course antibiotics just dont cut it. I have tried tea tree oil, collidial silver, candaclear, acidophilus suppositories and hydrogen peroxide. The tree tree oil really made things funky, the collidial silver didn't give me a cure but did seem to take care of the itch for a little while as did the tea tree oil was really refreshing on the outside. But I am done with both of those since they don't work. The last time I went back for antibiotics the doctor stepped it up with a stronger antibiotic instead of flagl which actually helped. Now I just have a slight itch and discharge but it is still uncomfortable so I have been doing the boric acid on occasion because it seems to irritate my skin and the hydrogen peroxide which seems milder then the boric acid and then I've been following up with the acidophilus suppositories. But honestly I am getting really frustrated as you all are as there seems to be no end in sight and my husband has been a champ as our sex life used to be very fullfilling. What is worse is he wants to try IVF again for another baby and I wonder if it is really safe to be getting pregnant in my condition. ARGH. My daughter is 18months old. I think part of this bv is related to the fact that I am severely constipated and I seem to be having health problems in that regard. I am getting a hidascan due to my gallbladder next week cuz I've been in pain but there is also pain near the top of my hip bone on the right side. Trapped gas, bacteria? WHo knows? If I don't get my gallbladder taken out the next thing will be a colonoscopy. Anyhow I've been stepping up on some of the herbs, trying to get the pooper going and using Allicin and the Immuno whatever from the BV protocal too to see if that helps. I feel like I have spent a fortune to keep my nerves at bay.

[bvgirl]

Im seemingly under control still from the yeast arrest, but I think I got off of it a little too soon so Im gonna go back on it tonight. So far this has been the best for me

I have been doing well with the yeast arrest too. I have been off of it for four days and I am still monitoring down there. I have to go purchase more this week. I thought I caught a smell of the bv but cannot smell anything anymore but I may go back on it longer too starting next week. I may try using it for up to two months in a row and go from there. I was on it for 21 days and so I will use it longer next round if need be...

[bvgirl]

Yeah, I wanted to say that, but I was trying to be nice. I guess when new people come on, they are exactly that....New. They don't realize that the majority of us, have been on this board for over a year, and have been dealing with BV for YEARS!!

She was just trying to help, however, I think before anyone puts their "2 Cents" into any board, they should read the archives first. What she said, all you have to do is hit Search and type in Bacterial Vaginosis, and you get the same answer. WE ALL KNOW WHAT B.V. IS....That's NOT OUR PROBLEM!! The problem is...KEEPING IT UNDER CONTROL.

By the way, used 1 Flagyl, 500 MG Vaginally two nights ago, and the funk is gone. I have figured out what causes mine. My Boyfriend. Period, the end. I'm fine when we aren't having sex, and soon as we do, I get funk. His Sperm, is what's throwing me off. So, since we don't have sex very often, being that we are on again off again, have been for years now, I think if we do have sex, I will use a Flagyl the day after, just to kill off his fungus. lol.

Yes, I totally agree with you about the boyfriend thing. When I was in my early twenties my boyfriend at the time would cause me the same problems after sex. He was uncircumsized and I later learned that he has to make sure to really wash up good before sex because he was passing bacteria from his penis to my vagina altering my ph. Although, I truly believe that all men should wash up good before sex but as you know it does not happen like that all the time. Sperm is also the causing too. So I would do the same thing like you by using whatever works for you after sex or a day after sex to help get it under control again. Like we all stated before this is a process and manintaining a balanced ph is a constant thing.. Hang in there ladies I know I am..

[persona36]

Im seemingly under control still from the yeast arrest, but I think I got off of it a little too soon so Im gonna go back on it tonight. So far this has been the best for me

[jewelscando]

Yeah, I wanted to say that, but I was trying to be nice. I guess when new people come on, they are exactly that....New. They don't realize that the majority of us, have been on this board for over a year, and have been dealing with BV for YEARS!!

She was just trying to help, however, I think before anyone puts their "2 Cents" into any board, they should read the archives first. What she said, all you have to do is hit Search and type in Bacterial Vaginosis, and you get the same answer. WE ALL KNOW WHAT B.V. IS....That's NOT OUR PROBLEM!! The problem is...KEEPING IT UNDER CONTROL.

By the way, used 1 Flagyl, 500 MG Vaginally two nights ago, and the funk is gone. I have figured out what causes mine. My Boyfriend. Period, the end. I'm fine when we aren't having sex, and soon as we do, I get funk. His Sperm, is what's throwing me off. So, since we don't have sex very often, being that we are on again off again, have been for years now, I think if we do have sex, I will use a Flagyl the day after, just to kill off his fungus. lol.

[persona36]

thats kind of like tell me something i dont already know.....

[bvgirl]

BV (bacterial vaginosis) is a common infection for women that is associated with a heavier vaginal discharge and odor. It's been described as not really an infection as much as an overgrowth of the natural bacteria that inhibit the vagina. Similar to the overgrowth of normally occurring yeast, known as a yeast infection. Lots of docs seem to associate the onset of BV with lower vaginal ph levels, although once a bv infection occurs, vaginal tests show a higher than normal ph level.

Based on what I've read, fluctuating hormones (esp. premenopause- 10 years prior to stopping menstruation), semen and blood all lower vaginal ph. Lots of women have found that using RePhresh, (an otc gel) after menstruation, condoms, vaginal hormones, Acigel (Rx), Yeast Arrest (OTC online) or oral acidophilus seem to raise/maintain vaginal acidity which equals a lower ph.

Metrogel for treating BV may be preferable to oral antibiotics which can lead to yeast infections. Maybe treatment followed-up with the above methods of maintaining ph offers the best hope for addressing recurring BV.

Like most of the ladies on this board including myself we have been suffering with bv for years me for 10 years .. So many of us are somewhat like experts at what this imbalance is all about backwards and forwards because of researching and reading what others have said and are experiencing while dealing with this bv.. I myself since I have been on this board learned so much more about bv and about the fact that there are many other products online(not just prescribed medicine) that can help us. It is all about trial and error finding a product that works for us not just relying on prescribed medicines oral and vaginal (because many of them have proved to be not effective at all). Many of the products we are researching and or trying are products most doctors will not inform us how they may be helpful. Doctors continue to be baffled with us women who do not get any relief from the prescribed traditional medicines. Some of my doctors would inform me that it is a ph imbalance(no kidding) but will not mention what would or could help just leave us hanging. So what they do is continue prescribing to us medicine that does not work and so we are fed up with this systematic problem.The problem is not just as simple as one particular medicine oral or vaginal. Many of us have tried the "text book" traditional medicine but it does not work for us and or it only works for a lilmited amount of time.. So we have all taken this matter upon ourselves as a group to try to find a product that will provide us relief from bv. We pass on informative websites and products because they may help someone down the line..Simply put, most of the medicines we have been prescribed for this bv has not worked and so we come together here to find relief through bonding and passing on a possible product that may help us.. I used yeast arrest and it has done great for me also I take Primadophilus and so I am not having any bv problems right now but that could change and to be prepared I will continue researching and coming to this board because afterall there is no cure for bv so finding relief and possible products will always remain with me and many others here.. I can safely say that we are all frustrated and this is a process but eventually we will find relief...
LADIES CONTINUE WITH THE FIGHT...

[jewelscando]

REALLY? Hmmm...

[itainteasy]

BV (bacterial vaginosis) is a common infection for women that is associated with a heavier vaginal discharge and odor. It's been described as not really an infection as much as an overgrowth of the natural bacteria that inhibit the vagina. Similar to the overgrowth of normally occurring yeast, known as a yeast infection. Lots of docs seem to associate the onset of BV with lower vaginal ph levels, although once a bv infection occurs, vaginal tests show a higher than normal ph level.

Based on what I've read, fluctuating hormones (esp. premenopause- 10 years prior to stopping menstruation), semen and blood all lower vaginal ph. Lots of women have found that using RePhresh, (an otc gel) after menstruation, condoms, vaginal hormones, Acigel (Rx), Yeast Arrest (OTC online) or oral acidophilus seem to raise/maintain vaginal acidity which equals a lower ph.

Metrogel for treating BV may be preferable to oral antibiotics which can lead to yeast infections. Maybe treatment followed-up with the above methods of maintaining ph offers the best hope for addressing recurring BV.

[alwaysonmymind]

I haven't been on a while but I haven't forgetten to what it feels like to have BV. It's funny what our bodies will do and how little doctors can help us. I just got into a new relationship and it is fine "no bv" with unprotected sex. However, in other relationships it has been a big problem. A problem that really takes an effect on your mind and body. I don't know... I just wanted to let you girls know that your bodies may not mix well with your partner ( for some of you) Check to see if your partner is circumised or how big he is. That may make the difference. Although, I don't recommend sleeping with different guys until there is no "problem" Be with the one you love and make it work. Good luck!

[Morphia]

What do you all use in the laundry to make sure that all the bacteria is gone. I'm reading that white vinegar is a good disinfectant for the laundry. Any suggestions?

[bvgirl]

Hey guys. Now I'm starting to take on some what of a cheesy odor down there. Or maybe it smells kind of like a sweaty gym sock or a mixture of both. Kind of salty smelling too... I really can't describe it. It's not STRONG. You can't smell it through my clothes, but I can smell it when I have no pants/undies on and my legs are spread. Anyone else experience this. I've read one article that says that a high cheese odor is usually predicitive of bv. :'( I think its back. But I still don't really see any discharge? Still dry. WTF?

Hello Morphia..
I can tell you this that when I have the bv smell it is crossed between a strong salmon/tuna like smell. Just an overall foul smell that tells me that it is not normal. You say that you have a cheesy odor, well I believe that if what you are smelling down there is not a normal smell to you as far as how you smell down there then it sounds like bv. This is what I do, I smell myself constantly and become aware of what my normal smell is and use that as a guide so when I think or feel bv coming on then I can differentiate on two smells one being normal and the other foul odor from bv. So just become aware of your normal smell. This is a process and getting to know your body and what works for your body. Yes, it is time consuming and as we all know at times can be down right unbearable and frustrating. Not an overnight resolution but for me any product that can give me some type of relief is a plus.. Keep on it and you will find what works..It may take some time but it will be worth it and if that product fails or stops working like for me(the metro-gel,flag,metro pills) then research and try another product until you get the desired relief... Hang in there Morphia..Dont give up

[bvgirl]

Hi all, well, I have been working with this for a while now... I have been using the yeast arrest during my period...but my period had just ended and I had run out of it. I went to dance class yesterday and when we were doing warm ups. I got a blast of smell...I was so embarrased, but instead of running out of class in tears, I stuck it out . As soon as I got home I started the aci-jel again and used an acidophilus suppository. I really had to be kind to myself and think positive...I am waiting for the flagyl by mail..it's taking FOREVER!! But I am trying to be patient, I hope it will work.. Just had to share with those who understand....thanks.

Hello sciongal..
Just hang in there.. I used the yeast arrest for 21 days straight and been off of it for a few days and so I am really really monitoring and smelling myself so when and if it comes back I will just get back on the yeast arrest and use it longer than the first time. I read where they say that it could take up to a full two months( of using it everyday twice a day) to get your ph in order. Like we all stated before we are all different so it may or may not work for us all. I too have the aci-jel but I really do not plan on using it until I go a second round with the yeast arrest which would mean using it for two months straight. I am glad to hear that you stuck it out and continued to stay positive. We all NEED to hear that...May I ask how long you have been using yeast arrest? I feel like since it states that we use it during our period after the initial
use that it would be like a preventative product not a cure but a way for us to get some type of relief for a bit.. I am also taking a form of acidophilus orally. I have been dealing with bv off and on for 10 years and so I believe because it has been a problem with me for so long it will just take longer to get relief but so far no smell no discharge... Hang in there ladies...

[Morphia]

Hey guys. Now I'm starting to take on some what of a cheesy odor down there. Or maybe it smells kind of like a sweaty gym sock or a mixture of both. Kind of salty smelling too... I really can't describe it. It's not STRONG. You can't smell it through my clothes, but I can smell it when I have no pants/undies on and my legs are spread. Anyone else experience this. I've read one article that says that a high cheese odor is usually predicitive of bv. :'( I think its back. But I still don't really see any discharge? Still dry. WTF?

[sciongal]

Hi all, well, I have been working with this for a while now... I have been using the yeast arrest during my period...but my period had just ended and I had run out of it. I went to dance class yesterday and when we were doing warm ups. I got a blast of smell...I was so embarrased, but instead of running out of class in tears, I stuck it out . As soon as I got home I started the aci-jel again and used an acidophilus suppository. I really had to be kind to myself and think positive...I am waiting for the flagyl by mail..it's taking FOREVER!! But I am trying to be patient, I hope it will work.. Just had to share with those who understand....thanks.

[bvgirl]

Hello Ladies.. Just here to report that I have been off yeast arrest for two days and I have no smell or discharge . But like I stated before if it comes back before my period then I will start back using it and stay on it longer. By the way I used it for 21 days straight before stopping. I will be around..

[Eralc Alegna]

I too get the cloudy something-or-other in the toilet when I go. I panic everytime I see it now, fearing that it's the first symptoms of BV returning. I would agree though that it's probably normal and just normal discharge.

Morphia, I really feel for you. I hope this gets better soon, but if it doesn't or until it does you found a wonderful support system on this board. We are all so lucky to have found eachother. Through our discussions and comparisons many of us have been able to find relief recently. I can only hope that you will be next. Were here for you!

As for me I'm still good! I haven't even used the aci-jel for a while. My period will start any day now, so as insurance I made some new boric acid capsules yesterday and just put one in. I think I'll use it through my period and go back to aci-jel everynight after.

To all those ladies that were talking about scented panyliners, douches, sprays etc. a week or so back - If it doesn't cause you problems than great, but that doesn't mean it wont. I've never read anything that advocates use of any of those products at all, with the exception of douching with the HP.
I know the smell is highly traumatic and embarassing, but do your best to stick it out and deal with it. I for one will be keeping my vag FAR FAR AWAY from perfumes, dyes and such potential irritants!!!
For those who are curious, all I do is wash myself with plain old water in the shower. My body wash has some contact externally I'm sure, but at the end of my shower I just rub some water around down there and make sure I'm good and rinsed. Works fine for me and now that I'm BV free I don't seem to have a smell at all, not even my discharge

[Morphia]

for your burning why don't you just try vagisil for the outside for now?

The burning is on the inside. I pretty much never get external irritation.

[anitsirhc]

I also wanted to add a question for all of you...Does anyone else notice a drop of white liquid in the toilet when you go pee? Everytime...EVERYTIME I go to the restroom, right as I'm finishing, a drop of something hits the water and I can see it dissipating through out. It looks as if someone has put a drop of chalky water in the toilet water. But when I look in my vagina with a mirror I see NOTHING. What is this? Where is it coming from? Anyone else experience this? I've had this for a looooooooong time now. Since before my first bv diagnosis. I hope its not a bv symptom. If it is...tell me true. Be honest. I can handle it. lol.

that happens to me too sometimes. i don't think it's anything to worry about, you always have a little bit of discharge even when everything is normal. it's normal to have healthy discharge. and you said you're dry so yours probably only comes out when you are using those muscles, when you pee you're pushing out so you're probably just pushing out the normal discharge. the same exact thing happens to me though, even when i don't have bv.

for your burning why don't you just try vagisil for the outside for now? just to hold you over till you get to the doctor. unless that's bad for you, i don't know. but vagisil has always worked for me when i absolutely couldn't handle the itching/burning. just make sure you don't get it inside your vagina.

[jewelscando]

YES.....Morphia...I do get the same exact thing. My Fish smell is gone, however who knows what's going on WAY UP THERE. I pass it off to just discharge. I am starting to get the funky smell again. NOT FISH, just like a bad smell, so I'm going to use a Flagyl tonight, just to be on the safe side.