[JJ27]

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!

Hi Sassy! I took a course of flagyl, and began taking the Fem-dophilus as I was taking the flagyl. BV never came back (as it has before, many times). I took 2/day for a while, then 1/day.
Hey Jewels! Missed you too!

I have to say though - I think it's just plain wrong to say that there is no cure. Flagyl cures BV. It just sets the stage for recurrence (by also killing off all the good bacteria with the bad). There is a difference between recurrence and relapse.

Anyway, I just want to address a few questions without quoting everyone individually. I hope this answers everything:

- Fem-dophilus is sold at Whole Foods in the probiotics section. (They keep all their probiotics refrigerated.)

- I think Cipro is prescribed for some vaginal problems (such as DIV, mycoplasma, ureaplasma, etc.) Ask your doctor.

- Thanks for putting up the Dr. Reid lecture. Awesome! I'll add it to my blog later. I would like to point out that women put Fem-dophilus in their vaginas as part of a clinical trial. Basically they're human guinea pigs, and also under doctors' care, in case anything goes wrong. And Dr. Reid made clear that this is not FDA approved use of his product. The reason I'm so anti- about putting this in your vagina is because I dropped by this thread a couple of months ago, and some ladies have obviously tried it, and have had bad results with weird stuff coming out of their vaginas afterwards. So ... I wouldn't do it. As always, it's your choice. But at the very least, see first if it works for you if you just take it orally.

I certainly hope that Dr. Reid is working on a vaginal product, though. Something like Monistat - a cream or suppository, that's safe to use. That would be awesome.

- I also want to point out - boric acid, TTO, peroxide etc. - I think it's been firmly determined that these remedies are not a cure. At best they just mask the symptoms. It's like using mouthwash, when your bad breath is caused by a health problem. It will freshen you up for a little while, but the problem won't go away. Also, I think the use of these products also inhibit the growth of the good bacteria, so you're not letting your vagina find the right balance.

I suffered with BV for over 7 years. Trust me, I know how awful it can be. And I know how it feels to be desperate to just get rid of it. I know what it's like to be afraid to have sex, afraid to uncross my legs, and sticking all sorts of things in my vagina just hoping and praying it would work this time. I even know how doctors can be such uncaring assholes who just don't fucking listen.

I'm so happy that that is finally behind me. I'm still paranoid that it will happen again, but I've been feeling good for about a year now. A healthy vagina shouldn't start stinking after normal activity - which includes unprotected sex with a healthy man, and getting your period. I know all about pH levels and stuff - and I used to dread sex and getting periods. But now I finally feel normal again. Just because you've been exposed to low pH for a while shouldn't mean it will mess you up right away.

So you guys need to let your vagina find the balance. Let it grow the good bacteria so it can fight off the bad stuff. That's the only answer. Fem-dophilus, people. Read this entire thread, and you'll see, it's the one thing that's really worked for anyone. I have tried so hard to not sound like a shill - because I freaking hate it when people trumpet cure-alls when they don't know what the hell they're talking about.

Also, I think all this boric acid and tea tree oil you guys are shoving up your coochies are not helping you in the long run. I understand that you guys are sick of the stinkiness - but this is about your health, not just about deodorizing your vagina. If your vagina is healthy, it won't smell nasty. So focus on the health.

- Oh yeah, I think someone already answered this question - but Culturelle is to help you poop. Like Activia yogurt. Won't help out your BV situation.

[JJ27]

Very, very, helpful! Thanks Maggie!!!!!!

The strains of lactobacili in Femdophilus are not the same as in Culturelle. Gregor Reid is one of the patent holders for these very specific, patented strains.

One thing that helped me when I had bladder problems was marshmallow root tea. It is available in many health-food stores.

If you have a compounding pharmacy in your area, a doctor or nurse-practitioner can prescribe boric acid capsules for you. The compounding pharmacist makes them up. Mine added a little powdered acidophilus for good measure. They worked great!

Cheers,
Maggie

[jewelscando]

"FYI - I took it religiously for 8 months since 2/2007. That was probably longer than necessary but I was paranoid, because I suffered with BV for so long. Who knew the solution was so simple? I finally felt confident to stop taking it since October, and have been BV-free since."

Lori, I agree. This is definately not a competition. I was just pointing out what you had said, that you had probably taken the pills longer then needed. Same goes for me with the TTO. I don't know if I still need to use it after sex. I only due, because of the fear of it coming back.

I'm so happy for you that have been able to conquer this!! That is the goal for everyone!!!

[asder]

Alwaysonmymind Hé, you already probably know, but who are different from HPV is right Displaysia cervix. The latter is an abnormal proliferation of cells on the collar which can be removed, but the VPH occurs always around. It is also regarded as a MST (in the past called genital warts), thus should be to you independently of the use of the condom bv or not. I use
cialis online

[lori]

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.

I haven't taken the Fem-dophilus since October. That's 5 months BV-free, with no pills or any "maintenance." And sex and periods have not caused problems. I've also had a GYN exam in December which showed that I'm BV-free. We were both very happy about that!

Anyway, this isn't a competition about "your vagina is healthier than mine!" Trust me, I want everyone here to just get healthy, period. You have your theories about how best to treat this, and I respect that. Everyone should do what they want with their bodies.

[jewelscando]

Hey guys! Long time no post. Here to update. So far I'm STILL culturing negative for the Strep B, I'm not showing any signs of BV on my wet mount save for "a few clue cells that aren't consistent with the ones he was looking for" and I STILL smell, burn and cannot have sex b/c of the pain. My doc even had two other doctors look at my wetprep the last time I saw him and the only thing strange they could find was NO lactobacilli. Well, I can't fix that. I broke down and tried sticking a probiotic up there and all it did was irritate me more and make me leak out a bright yellow substance that stained my underwear. (The pill is a VERY light yellow until its gets moist and then it turns a radioactive yellow. lol) So, my doctor had a compounding pharmacy make up some tea tree oil suppositories. Supposedly its supposed to help restore the natural flora he says.

Well, before I try that I'm thinking I'd like to try the one antibiotic I haven't tried yet...Metrogel. I bet after using that I'll culture positive for the Strep again....

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.

[RN with BV]

I have like a month old prescription for flagyl. Do you any of you think i could still get the medicine? I just dont wanna go through the hassle of going back to the doctor & waiting 3 hours at the minimum for a presciption!

you should have no problem gettin script filled, scripts are usually good for up to a year, no problems go drop it off at the pharmacy...(I used to write refill scripts when I worked in an office (it was part of the job) trust me filling a flagyl script that is a month old is NOT any kind of red flag at the pharmacy)

[whateverfitsyou]

I have like a month old prescription for flagyl. Do you any of you think i could still get the medicine? I just dont wanna go through the hassle of going back to the doctor & waiting 3 hours at the minimum for a presciption!

[fustrated]

Hi -- I am new to this. I have been dealing with BV since November and I am currently taking Femanol. Has anyone tried Femanol and if so what were your results? I have been reading on this site that Fem-dophilus and Flagyl is something to keep in mind. My question is where do you get Flagyl? Is that something you have to call your doctor for? I am glad that I am not the only person going through this. IT SUCKS!

[whateverfitsyou]

Hey, Quick question....How quick does BA works?

[lori]

TEA TREE OIL -- where do you buy this stuff??? I don't plan to use it for BV, however I have this neverending fungal infection between the webs of my fingers (GROSS, right?? and really, if it's not one thing, it's another!!!) and I've been reading that TTO can be a cure for fungal infections of the skin. HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It's really hard not to be able to use my hands properly!!

Whole Foods (definitely), Trader Joe's (I think), and health/vitamin stores like Vitamin Shoppe.

Good luck. I think the TTO might sting a lot, in your case - if the skin is broken. So be careful.

[CarrieBradshaw]

TEA TREE OIL -- where do you buy this stuff??? I don't plan to use it for BV, however I have this neverending fungal infection between the webs of my fingers (GROSS, right?? and really, if it's not one thing, it's another!!!) and I've been reading that TTO can be a cure for fungal infections of the skin. HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It's really hard not to be able to use my hands properly!!

[lori]

Alright, I got it. Thanks for the info. I will get the Femdophilus. But is it a cure by itself or should it be taken along with Flagyl? I'm new to all of this, just trying to figure things out.

No problem. Take fem-dophilus along with flagyl. The instructions tell you exactly what to do - but the basics are - take 2/day while taking the antibiotics, then 1/day for maintenance. But take them a few hours apart from the antibiotics, so they don't mix in your stomach at the same time.

As far as whether it's a cure ... I don't think they are allowed to say any OTC remedy is a cure (per the FDA). And I don't think that it is. It's meant to be used as a preventative.

[lucecita]

Hi Sassy! I took a course of flagyl, and began taking the Fem-dophilus as I was taking the flagyl. BV never came back (as it has before, many times). I took 2/day for a while, then 1/day.
Hey Jewels! Missed you too!

I have to say though - I think it's just plain wrong to say that there is no cure. Flagyl cures BV. It just sets the stage for recurrence (by also killing off all the good bacteria with the bad). There is a difference between recurrence and relapse.

Anyway, I just want to address a few questions without quoting everyone individually. I hope this answers everything:

- Fem-dophilus is sold at Whole Foods in the probiotics section. (They keep all their probiotics refrigerated.)

- I think Cipro is prescribed for some vaginal problems (such as DIV, mycoplasma, ureaplasma, etc.) Ask your doctor.

- Thanks for putting up the Dr. Reid lecture. Awesome! I'll add it to my blog later. I would like to point out that women put Fem-dophilus in their vaginas as part of a clinical trial. Basically they're human guinea pigs, and also under doctors' care, in case anything goes wrong. And Dr. Reid made clear that this is not FDA approved use of his product. The reason I'm so anti- about putting this in your vagina is because I dropped by this thread a couple of months ago, and some ladies have obviously tried it, and have had bad results with weird stuff coming out of their vaginas afterwards. So ... I wouldn't do it. As always, it's your choice. But at the very least, see first if it works for you if you just take it orally.

I certainly hope that Dr. Reid is working on a vaginal product, though. Something like Monistat - a cream or suppository, that's safe to use. That would be awesome.

- I also want to point out - boric acid, TTO, peroxide etc. - I think it's been firmly determined that these remedies are not a cure. At best they just mask the symptoms. It's like using mouthwash, when your bad breath is caused by a health problem. It will freshen you up for a little while, but the problem won't go away. Also, I think the use of these products also inhibit the growth of the good bacteria, so you're not letting your vagina find the right balance.

I suffered with BV for over 7 years. Trust me, I know how awful it can be. And I know how it feels to be desperate to just get rid of it. I know what it's like to be afraid to have sex, afraid to uncross my legs, and sticking all sorts of things in my vagina just hoping and praying it would work this time. I even know how doctors can be such uncaring assholes who just don't fucking listen.

I'm so happy that that is finally behind me. I'm still paranoid that it will happen again, but I've been feeling good for about a year now. A healthy vagina shouldn't start stinking after normal activity - which includes unprotected sex with a healthy man, and getting your period. I know all about pH levels and stuff - and I used to dread sex and getting periods. But now I finally feel normal again. Just because you've been exposed to low pH for a while shouldn't mean it will mess you up right away.

So you guys need to let your vagina find the balance. Let it grow the good bacteria so it can fight off the bad stuff. That's the only answer. Fem-dophilus, people. Read this entire thread, and you'll see, it's the one thing that's really worked for anyone. I have tried so hard to not sound like a shill - because I freaking hate it when people trumpet cure-alls when they don't know what the hell they're talking about.

Also, I think all this boric acid and tea tree oil you guys are shoving up your coochies are not helping you in the long run. I understand that you guys are sick of the stinkiness - but this is about your health, not just about deodorizing your vagina. If your vagina is healthy, it won't smell nasty. So focus on the health.

- Oh yeah, I think someone already answered this question - but Culturelle is to help you poop. Like Activia yogurt. Won't help out your BV situation.

Alright, I got it. Thanks for the info. I will get the Femdophilus. But is it a cure by itself or should it be taken along with Flagyl? I'm new to all of this, just trying to figure things out.

[lisabon]

Hi all, I'm sorta new-ish

About this BV from hell... I went to two Gynos and they both told me different things. Once said it was a slight yeast infection and gave me a prescription and then the other said it was BV and gave me a prescription. FYI... neither prescription worked so, I'm at a loss.(I didn't take them at the same time. They were taken months apart). Anyways, my discharge is on the slimy side. It sorta feels like snots (sorry to be so disgusting). The color is sometimes clear and sometimes white. It also makes me itch down there which I know is more of a yeast infection symptom. And the smell isn't awfully bad, but there is a stench none the less.

BV? Yeast infection? Anyone got any ideas?

Oh and I read that post about the B6? Since I'm desperate and all, I went out and boutht a bottle. It's been two days and can't say I've seen any changes. I'll continue taking them to see if a change occur though. *crosses fingers*

[lori]

Lori: Welcome back! That's great to hear! How long were you taking the Femdophilus before you saw any difference in your BV...just curious.

Hi Sassy! I took a course of flagyl, and began taking the Fem-dophilus as I was taking the flagyl. BV never came back (as it has before, many times). I took 2/day for a while, then 1/day.

LORI!!!!!!!! WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN HIDING!!!! WELCOME BACK HUN!!! I'VE MISSED YOU!!!!

So happy to hear that the Fem-dophilus worked for you!!! Congrats hun!! We will just agree to disagree on this topic. Because as we both know, what's worked for you, may not work for me and vice versa. I haven't tried the Fem yet, only because the Tea Tree Oil Suppossitories took mine away as well. I use them after sex, only because I'm afraid not too!! lol, not because I have too. So, for all I know, this was my cure too, but who knows.

Great to have you back Lori!!!

Hey Jewels! Missed you too!

I have to say though - I think it's just plain wrong to say that there is no cure. Flagyl cures BV. It just sets the stage for recurrence (by also killing off all the good bacteria with the bad). There is a difference between recurrence and relapse.

Anyway, I just want to address a few questions without quoting everyone individually. I hope this answers everything:

- Fem-dophilus is sold at Whole Foods in the probiotics section. (They keep all their probiotics refrigerated.)

- I think Cipro is prescribed for some vaginal problems (such as DIV, mycoplasma, ureaplasma, etc.) Ask your doctor.

- Thanks for putting up the Dr. Reid lecture. Awesome! I'll add it to my blog later. I would like to point out that women put Fem-dophilus in their vaginas as part of a clinical trial. Basically they're human guinea pigs, and also under doctors' care, in case anything goes wrong. And Dr. Reid made clear that this is not FDA approved use of his product. The reason I'm so anti- about putting this in your vagina is because I dropped by this thread a couple of months ago, and some ladies have obviously tried it, and have had bad results with weird stuff coming out of their vaginas afterwards. So ... I wouldn't do it. As always, it's your choice. But at the very least, see first if it works for you if you just take it orally.

I certainly hope that Dr. Reid is working on a vaginal product, though. Something like Monistat - a cream or suppository, that's safe to use. That would be awesome.

- I also want to point out - boric acid, TTO, peroxide etc. - I think it's been firmly determined that these remedies are not a cure. At best they just mask the symptoms. It's like using mouthwash, when your bad breath is caused by a health problem. It will freshen you up for a little while, but the problem won't go away. Also, I think the use of these products also inhibit the growth of the good bacteria, so you're not letting your vagina find the right balance.

I suffered with BV for over 7 years. Trust me, I know how awful it can be. And I know how it feels to be desperate to just get rid of it. I know what it's like to be afraid to have sex, afraid to uncross my legs, and sticking all sorts of things in my vagina just hoping and praying it would work this time. I even know how doctors can be such uncaring assholes who just don't fucking listen.

I'm so happy that that is finally behind me. I'm still paranoid that it will happen again, but I've been feeling good for about a year now. A healthy vagina shouldn't start stinking after normal activity - which includes unprotected sex with a healthy man, and getting your period. I know all about pH levels and stuff - and I used to dread sex and getting periods. But now I finally feel normal again. Just because you've been exposed to low pH for a while shouldn't mean it will mess you up right away.

So you guys need to let your vagina find the balance. Let it grow the good bacteria so it can fight off the bad stuff. That's the only answer. Fem-dophilus, people. Read this entire thread, and you'll see, it's the one thing that's really worked for anyone. I have tried so hard to not sound like a shill - because I freaking hate it when people trumpet cure-alls when they don't know what the hell they're talking about.

Also, I think all this boric acid and tea tree oil you guys are shoving up your coochies are not helping you in the long run. I understand that you guys are sick of the stinkiness - but this is about your health, not just about deodorizing your vagina. If your vagina is healthy, it won't smell nasty. So focus on the health.

- Oh yeah, I think someone already answered this question - but Culturelle is to help you poop. Like Activia yogurt. Won't help out your BV situation.

[lucecita]

Well... anything is possible, but don't use another one. I think the first one would have been good enough. It takes some time to disolve, so what you are seeing is the gel cap coming back out. But it usually looks like grimmy white stuff, sordof. lol. If you feel some burning, use some monistat on the outside of you, which will take it away. And it should be gone by tomorrow.

But, back to what I said, give the TTO time to work. Don't use another suppossitory for a few days. Wait and see what happens. I only use one 00 cap. And only need to fill it half way.

Good luck!! I hope it works for you!!! It's worked for me!

Thanks for the reply! Well, I'm not feeling burning, so maybe it's not yeast... I'm gonna wait a little bit and see what happens. It seems weird that it would give me a YI since TTO is usually a remedy for YI's. It kinda did look like grimy white stuff. I hope it was the gel cap! Did you see results right away or did it take a few days for you to notice a difference?

[jewelscando]

Hi all - Ah, well I see the discussion is about FemDoph now...making me want to buy another bottle! I took 2 pills daily for about 2 weeks, but didn't notice any difference. I am thinking that was not enough time and I should probably try it for longer. Do you think taking only ONE pill a day is enough? Because the bottle sure does empty quickly when taking two a day.

Also regarding Boric Acid, I can't seem to find it anywhere. Which area is it in? I have looked at Wal Mart and CVS but no luck. And does any health food store carry the 00 capsules? It would be sooo much easier to order online but the shipping is a pain.

Does anyone else have a feeling that they have to go pee when they really don't? It usually happens while I am on my period, but I've been feeling it a lot these past few weeks. No pain or burning during urination like a UTI. Also, I don't see much talk about itching on this thread, but that is one my major symptoms. And the smell, I'm not even sure how to describe it...SIGH!!

I am feeling so discouraged about this....

Hope you all are doing well!!

I found the boric Acid near the Peroxide. It's was on the bottom shelf. Looks like a big Vitamin bottle.

[jewelscando]

Hello... I'm new.

Question about the tea tree oil suppositories. I made my own out of 00 gel caps and put them in last night and the night before last. Now I have things coming out of me that are making me think I might have given myself a yeast infection! ACK. I've never had one before but from what I've heard, it seems to be one. Or is this a normal reaction to the tea tree oil?

Well... anything is possible, but don't use another one. I think the first one would have been good enough. It takes some time to disolve, so what you are seeing is the gel cap coming back out. But it usually looks like grimmy white stuff, sordof. lol. If you feel some burning, use some monistat on the outside of you, which will take it away. And it should be gone by tomorrow.

But, back to what I said, give the TTO time to work. Don't use another suppossitory for a few days. Wait and see what happens. I only use one 00 cap. And only need to fill it half way.

Good luck!! I hope it works for you!!! It's worked for me!

[lucecita]

Hello... I'm new.

Question about the tea tree oil suppositories. I made my own out of 00 gel caps and put them in last night and the night before last. Now I have things coming out of me that are making me think I might have given myself a yeast infection! ACK. I've never had one before but from what I've heard, it seems to be one. Or is this a normal reaction to the tea tree oil?