[quietmadness]

So....anybody know anything about the Cipro thing? (thanks!)

--Quiet--

[jewelscando]

Hey Jewels.

I disagree that there is no cure. Fem-dophilus cured me. Repopulating your vagina with the missing Lactobacillus is the best (really, only) solution to this problem, and Fem-dophilus is the only product that's proven to work. It definitely worked for me. Based on skimming this thread, it's also worked for many others. It's the one product that's been the most effective, and also safe to use. (Oh yeah, PLEASE do not stick it in your vagina! Geez, people. I understand that you're desperate and you want relief right away - believe me, I KNOW - but just take it orally, and give it a chance to do its thing. Be patient.)

And no, just taking any other brand of acidophilus, Primadophilus Reuteri, etc. is not the same thing. I know Fem-dophilus is not cheap, but it contains patented strains that you're not going to get in other products.

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. I've had to do no maintenance. I still keep a bottle in the fridge, and will definitely take it again in the future if I need to take antibiotics for any reason.
It should be refrigerated BEFORE because it contains live organisms. So put it in the fridge right away. It's also best to buy it refrigerated (Whole Foods or iHerb.com sells it that way.) I wouldn't chuck it, though. I bought my first couple bottles un-refrigerated (from vitacost.com), and they still had some effect. But in the future, it's best to buy it refrigerated.

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!!!

[stressed43]

Ok so I've had Bv for a year now and it really does suck. I've taken Flagyl and the odor goes away...but guess what? It comes back! I had to take antibiotics for a root canal (the smell came back ). Took flagyl again and the smell went away.

Then I started a new birth control because I usually use it for acne treatment (not contraception) and..two days later..ta da! smell came back. It's haunting me...and I feel pretty much hopeless. I don't think it is my partner anymore because we use condoms or just DONT have sex anymore. And even if it is..we don't have time to go together to get a check up HOW embarrassing. Anyway I've taken too many prescriptions that has killed all my good bacteria already. AHHH!

So I read that post about the Fem-dophillis and just taking it face value seems to make sense. I even listened to the lecture. My dad is really into trace minerals and I am really into research because I am a psych student so I can see how this supplement may work. However, I do have a few questions?

Are you or did you take it WHILE you were taking flagyl? metrogel? or any other treatments? OR did you take Femdophilis ALONE. cuz i am SICK of other treatments.

Also, you said it was available at whole foods. In what section? And can I take this supplement while I am on birth control?

Please get back to me =)
I will probably purchase it after I get the heads up from my gyno or someone that has used it !!

[sciongal]

Hi all...here is a link to a lecture from the creator of femdophilus...btw, he actually talks about how bv can be treated by inserting it vaginally...but check it out and decide for yourself.
http://jarrow.com/dr-reid

[JJ27]

Really?!?!?!?!?!?!? Don't insert the Fem D just take them orally? I should receive mine by Wednesday and I had planned on sticking it up there! LOL! I ordered them from iherb but good to know that Whole food carries them. I rather do that then order on line. How long did it take for it to go away? How many times a day did you take them? Can someone tell me how I can include a pic by my user name????????????????????/

Hey Jewels.

I disagree that there is no cure. Fem-dophilus cured me. Repopulating your vagina with the missing Lactobacillus is the best (really, only) solution to this problem, and Fem-dophilus is the only product that's proven to work. It definitely worked for me. Based on skimming this thread, it's also worked for many others. It's the one product that's been the most effective, and also safe to use. (Oh yeah, PLEASE do not stick it in your vagina! Geez, people. I understand that you're desperate and you want relief right away - believe me, I KNOW - but just take it orally, and give it a chance to do its thing. Be patient.)

And no, just taking any other brand of acidophilus, Primadophilus Reuteri, etc. is not the same thing. I know Fem-dophilus is not cheap, but it contains patented strains that you're not going to get in other products.

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. I've had to do no maintenance. I still keep a bottle in the fridge, and will definitely take it again in the future if I need to take antibiotics for any reason.
It should be refrigerated BEFORE because it contains live organisms. So put it in the fridge right away. It's also best to buy it refrigerated (Whole Foods or iHerb.com sells it that way.) I wouldn't chuck it, though. I bought my first couple bottles un-refrigerated (from vitacost.com), and they still had some effect. But in the future, it's best to buy it refrigerated.

[JJ27]

Really?!?!?!?!?!?!? Don't insert the Fem D just take them orally? I should receive mine by Wednesday and I had planned on sticking it up there! LOL! I ordered them from iherb but good to know that Whole food carries them. I rather do that then order on line. How long did it take for it to go away? How many times a day did you take them?

[quietmadness]

Does anyone have any info on CIPRO being used to treat BV?? Because I was given Cipro at the doc's for that creeping-crud illness that's been killing everyone on earth (figuratively I mean) and since taking it----NO SMELL.

Do you think it killed the BV stuff, or is it the combo of the BA, and CIPRO???

Gobs but I'm sooooo tired of this damned yo-yo crap with my girlie....

--Quiet--

[sassy]

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.

[lori]

Boric Acid, is only preventative. Not a cure. If you stop using it, and you have ACTUAL re-occuring BV, it will come back. TTO, is not a cure either. It's just working. I have to use it after sex, or I'm sure the BV will come back.

There is no cure. If you have re-occuring BV, you have to live your life with preventative maintenance, until they find a cure.

Hey Jewels.

I disagree that there is no cure. Fem-dophilus cured me. Repopulating your vagina with the missing Lactobacillus is the best (really, only) solution to this problem, and Fem-dophilus is the only product that's proven to work. It definitely worked for me. Based on skimming this thread, it's also worked for many others. It's the one product that's been the most effective, and also safe to use. (Oh yeah, PLEASE do not stick it in your vagina! Geez, people. I understand that you're desperate and you want relief right away - believe me, I KNOW - but just take it orally, and give it a chance to do its thing. Be patient.)

And no, just taking any other brand of acidophilus, Primadophilus Reuteri, etc. is not the same thing. I know Fem-dophilus is not cheap, but it contains patented strains that you're not going to get in other products.

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. I've had to do no maintenance. I still keep a bottle in the fridge, and will definitely take it again in the future if I need to take antibiotics for any reason.

I got my FemDolphilus in the mail from Swanson, it was not in ice. I havent opened it yet. It says it needs to be refridgerated. Is that before or after I open it?

It should be refrigerated BEFORE because it contains live organisms. So put it in the fridge right away. It's also best to buy it refrigerated (Whole Foods or iHerb.com sells it that way.) I wouldn't chuck it, though. I bought my first couple bottles un-refrigerated (from vitacost.com), and they still had some effect. But in the future, it's best to buy it refrigerated.

[RN with BV]

just an update ..................got the yeast arrest in the mail this morning so I used one then used one tonight as well.

Whenever I use the peroxide douches about 12-24 hours after I use it I become itchy again but an hour after the first yeast arrest vag cap all itching and discharge gone, went ahead and used another tonight, but the only down side was all the herbs coming out on the panty liner (gross) so I will keep using them because it seems to be working BUT I am trying the boric acid caps next after these are gone because I keep reading that the discharge isn't as gross.

[LilMissStrange]

Thank you so much for all the replies ladies, you're all right; my ex is a total ass and good riddance!
Ellie-a the TTO is such a great idea, and I don't think it will be hard to fit into my routine at all!
After reading through all the posts on this board I've realized how many different things I had been doing that could have contributed to the BV. Nowhere else on the internet have I been able to find such a good source of information as you ladies here. Thanks again

[yme30]

Hey Ladies,

I got my FemDolphilus in the mail from Swanson, it was not in ice. I havent opened it yet. It says it needs to be refridgerated. Is that before or after I open it?

Probably after you open it just as you would with any other foods that require refrigeration once opened. If you want to you could just put it in the fridge until you decide to actually start taking them, but hey what do I know

Before I sign off just wanted to welcome all the newcomers and the loads of info on this board as of lately. I read the board everyday and I am always happy to see new post so keep em coming yal.

Also I just found out that I am allergic to "sodium lauryl sulfate" I started picking up on the ingredient being in everything that I had an allergic reaction to like my soap, toothpaste, perfumes, and deodorant. I have saw a big change in my BV with the use of organic soap. It leaves me feeling dry and clean, its like my body responds to it really well, I am trying my best to rid myself of this BV for once and for all.

[JoanClayton]

Hey Ladies,

I got my FemDolphilus in the mail from Swanson, it was not in ice. I havent opened it yet. It says it needs to be refridgerated. Is that before or after I open it?

[RN with BV]

lilmiss ........the "your ex is an ass" comment was for you (I don't know maybe cynthia's ex is as ass too but that is not who I was speaking about lol)

[RN with BV]

lilmiss ........the "your ex is an ass" comment was for you (I don't know maybe cynthia's ex is as ass too but that is not who I was speaking about lol)

[RN with BV]

Oh yeah, I also tried to reduce my sugar intake and I started taking folic acid supplements and vitamin c...

I agree your ex is an ass..........I was on birth control pills for 15 years never had a problem. (other than I was dry dry dry) I had a mirnea(not sure of spelling sorry) IUD (loved my IUD!) for 5 years had to have a new once placed every five years. At the time I had a new one placed my husband was cheating I ended up with BV. I was tested several times for STD's Always came back negative. The infection spread to my uterus and I demanded the IUD be taken out even though everything I read said that it didn't need to be taken out. Even though the BV sucks having it go into you uterus and tubes is worse. I am not on any birth control now but still fighting the BV. But it is only the vag issuses I am dealing with now not the uterus and tube issues.

I have tried to read everything I can and my GYN has tried to look up things as well he and I neither one are sure but here are the two main reasons most likely caused the BV:

1. Even though I was with only one partner (in 15 years) my husband was with other women and some of their bacteria might have been transferred to me (I know gross!!!!!)
2. I had a new IUD placed, there is a higher rate of women having symptoms of BV right after an IUD is placed.

whatever the reason I am just posting this because I have seen that a lot of women have an IUD (damn I miss my IUD I never had periods or hormonal swings lol)
keep in mind that if you start having signs of PID you need to be checked. I could not get rid of these symptoms until I had IUD taken out.

BTW.....because of what I read on here I ordered yeast arrest and the boric acid I will try one and then the other later and I went to local walgreens and found a B complex that I can take 2 of a day trying that with the folic acid I also picked up a bottle of sylk because I smell fine UNTIL I am in the middle of sex and then suddenly the whole room smells like dead fish and it looks like snot coming out of me (sorry I know it is graphic) so maybe the sylk will help with that as well

thanks guys for the info this is a great forum

damn i wrote a novel .............sorry I ramble a bit

[neverending]

Ok, I said I would do this by Friday. I don't know how to upload pictures, so if someone knows how to upload pictures please teach me so I can be of better service to you all.

Ok first microscope:

I found this on ebay. This is like the microscope we used in the lab. Try to ask whoever you buy the microscope from to place the instructions with the microscope because these are very tricky to work with. You have to make sure the microscope is on certain levels to be able to view the slide correctly.It's not hard, you'll learn fairly quickly. Here is the link: http://cgi.ebay.com/Nikon-Microscope_W0QQi...1QQcmdZViewItem

This one is very good and seems very easy to use.
http://cgi.ebay.com/TEACHING-MICROSCOPE-DU...1QQcmdZViewItem

This one should be good also: http://cgi.ebay.com/Advanced-Trinocular-Co...1QQcmdZViewItem

Ok, enough of microscopes. Here's things you need to know.
First you need to know what a wet mount is:
* http://health.yahoo.com/sexualhealth-diagn...se--hw6026.html

This is how you do a wet prep.
* http://www.infojustice.com/samples/52%20Va...Wet%20Preps.htm

* http://www.ecologycenter.org/tfs/images/20...l/wet_mount.jpg



Things you will need while doing this :
*Long q-tips with the wooden tips if your infection is high up or you can use the regular kind but make sure it's not the cheap ones because they will come off in your vajayjay(the cotton on the end) and you don't want that.
*If you can get saline, that's fine, but if you can't make sure it's pure water not tap water.
*You will need slides and the little glass that goes on top

This is the yeast i'm use to seeing. The yeast will be very shiny. Like an egg and it will form a tree as far as the budding goes.
* http://pathmicro.med.sc.edu/mycology/yeast1q.jpg
Sometimes you can see yeast and bv at the same time so look for both. If you do have both then boric acid should help wipe both out since it works for both bv and yeast.

Here is a slide of Trich. Notice the flagella coming out of the organism. These will be moving bbut of course you all know that from the youtube video that I posted.
* http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=htt...0US251%26sa%3DN
Youtube video of Trich:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2RKDBd8Dpp0

Ok, last but not least, this is a slide of BV
* http://www.mjbovo.com/Contracept/STD-Gard.jpg
* http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=htt...0US251%26sa%3DN
* http://depts.washington.edu/nnptc/online_t...s/cluecells.jpg
* http://www.bu.edu/cme/std/images/slide1-vwp_g420.jpg

Let me know if you need more info.

[cynthia_k]

Well, I had my annual exam with my gyn about three weeks after I first started using the BA inserts and she actually gave me a clear check up (no BV!) for the first time in over a year. I had been in there to see her at least 5 times for the recurring BV, so I was shocked when it seemed to be gone. I actually asked her about the boric acid and she told me that she didn't recommend it, after which I admitted that I had already been using it. Funny, nothing she prescribed had helped at all.

I still get signs of the smell after sex or before my period, but the BA capsules seem to knock it out. I think "curing" it is a matter of making the vagina inhospitable to bad bacteria at the same time as you replace the good (hence, the femdoph).

Hope this helps... I can only say that it's working for me!

Oh yeah, I also tried to reduce my sugar intake and I started taking folic acid supplements and vitamin c...

[cynthia_k]

Ok so here is my plan. I am going to continue with the MG until I see the Dr at the end of March. In the mean time, I ordered the Sylk and I am going to go to whole foods tomorrow and get some Femndoph. I am going to take B6 and garlic everyday and I am switching to just water to try to cut some of the sugar out of my diet. I am also thinking about doing to TTO in the empty caps maybe 2 times a week. I love TTO for everything else but I never thought to use if for the BV. I do have one question about the BA. I did try using it before I saw the specialist but as soon as I stopped the odor came back. Does the BA actually help to get rid of the BV or does it just get rid of the smell?

Anything else I should be taking??

Well, I had my annual exam with my gyn about three weeks after I first started using the BA inserts and she actually gave me a clear check up (no BV!) for the first time in over a year. I had been in there to see her at least 5 times for the recurring BV, so I was shocked when it seemed to be gone. I actually asked her about the boric acid and she told me that she didn't recommend it, after which I admitted that I had already been using it. Funny, nothing she prescribed had helped at all.

I still get signs of the smell after sex or before my period, but the BA capsules seem to knock it out. I think "curing" it is a matter of making the vagina inhospitable to bad bacteria at the same time as you replace the good (hence, the femdoph).

Hope this helps... I can only say that it's working for me!

[ellie-a]

Hi everyone I'm a new poster to this thread so I apologize if I am repeating something or I have missed something.
I JUST had a somewhat upsetting conversation with an ex who told me that he hardly ever went down on me when we were going out because I smelled bad down there. I was with him for 6 years and during that time I went through so many different types of birthcontrol (Pill, ring, patch, but mostly I was on Depo).
My previous BF loved going down on me and told me I tasted great, but I wasn't on birthcontrol with him. Since the last boy and I broke up (over a year ago) I've been off hormonal birthcontrol and have since gotten a copper IUD. I've just started seeing someone after a year of no sex and now I am freaking out that if he goes down on me he'll think that I smell/taste terrible.
I try and check myself and I *think* that it's usually smells ok....although after a day of activity it's understandably not so good. But now I'm wondering if it's even possible to be able to tell yourself? Is it possible that the hormonal birthcontrol was the culprit? When I was on the hormones I had a hard time getting wet (read never!) but now it happens all the time when Im aroused, could that help with the smell?
I'm sorry for the rambling post, I'm just really upset about what he said (and the fact that I haven't had oral in years ).
Thanks for any help/advice you can give!

I agree with neverending!.....your ex is a total D*** and well rid-of, darl. And I'm sorry, but a life without oral is simply TOO high a price to pay methinks, just because medical researchers can't be bothered/are unable to.... find a cure.

Personally, I can recommend douching with a mild solution of TTO 24 hours or so before prospective sex..... that should deal with the odour problem on the day. And again, douching the day after sex, etc. You'd soon work out the best routine for you, depending on the pattern of your sex life. If is sounds too complicated, believe me it's not, it's easy to incorporate into your daily routine, right at the end of your shower. Just keep the TTO and douch handy next to the shower. It only takes a couple of minutes to do. I use a capful of TTO mixed with a about 2 litres of body temp water.

I think I posted last time that for me, the triggers of BV are semen, stress, using soap down there (although haven't tried Dial....a doctor once told me never to use soap down there, as you just don't need to), and diet......HOWEVER I missed THE one most obvious cause (IMO), which is of course HORMONES. It makes sense that the treatments we've all mentioned work on the SYMPTOMS, but not the CAUSE of the BV. Therefore (as suggested by another poster) I've decided to give the vitamin B6 (100mg a day) a try and see how it goes. If all it takes is a simple capsule a day, I'll be more than happy with that!

Anyway, good luck as always y'all and keep up the great work.