[neverending]

Thanks CanCan! I think Zinc is very important also and I think it could help BV but the only problem is how do you place it in the vagina. Do you put a tablet down there or do you buy a gel? If I still had BV I would try it but I'm ok downstairs. If anyone tries this let me know how it works out.

[CanCan]

Zinc
Benefits & Deficiency Symptoms
Zinc is considered an antioxidant. Zinc is also a natural antibacterial and anti-viral mineral. Zinc is found in all body fluids: therefore Zinc is a front line defense against infection-causing bacteria and viruses trying to enter the body. Zinc stops the replication process of the virus or bacteria. Those body fluids containing the most water also contain the most Zinc. Examples of such body fluids are tears, mucous, saliva and urine.

Zinc must be in proper balance to assist over 25 enzymatic functions, including digestion, metabolism, and reproduction. Often food processing removes all Zinc from the food we eat. Without Zinc in our diets, the proper assimilation of vitamins is nearly impossible.

Normal growth and development of young people is very dependent upon Zinc. The normal maintenance of body tissue, sexual functions, and chemical detoxification are all closely related to the amount of Zinc in the body. Zinc is also very important in the workings of the immune system and the synthesis of DNA in our cells. Recovery time after a major surgery is greatly decreased when the body contains the proper amount of Zinc.

I think it's a good idea to take a zinc supplement in your diet. Especially if you think that you have hormone related Bacterial Vaginosis. Or if you think you have estrogen dominance. I was just reading something that said that most people nowadays have estrogen dominance anyway. Phytoestrogens are chemicals in plants that behave like estrogens in humans. Phytoestrogens block zinc, magnesium, and iodine from being absorbed by the body. I looked at the list of foods that have phytoestrogens in them, and I was surprised to see that I eat some of those foods all the time. Garlic, apple, soybean, tofu, soy milk, alfalfa, flaxseed, carrot, squash, evening primrose oil, chamomile, milk thistle. And there are more, but these are the ones that I have in my diet. Soy milk I have multiple times a week. Sometimes every day. And estrogen levels in the body parallel copper levels. The birth control pill, IUD's, smoking, eating estrogen rich foods, using estrogen vaginal creams, menopause, etc. can raise copper levels. If you have too much copper, you don't have enough zinc. So you need to make sure you eat foods with zinc in it, or take a zinc supplement. Or cut back on high copper foods.

We need adequate zinc to heal the BV. In fact, if you have BV, you probably are low in zinc. Some women here are taking estrogen creams to help with the vaginal dryness. This will raise copper levels as well because some of the estrogen will pass through the vaginal walls into your bloodstream. Doctors sometimes prescribe progesterone cream to balance this out. Estrogen dominance can result from not necessarily too much estrogen, but too low progesterone. Using a progesterone cream apparently helps with vaginal dryness as well, but takes longer to work. And you can use it intravaginal for faster treatment, just like you would estrogen, but I haven't tried this yet.

After doing all of this reading non-stop for the past month, my conclusion is that I should have all of my blood work done. I want all of my hormone levels measured. I made an appointment with an endocrinologist for the middle of June. I think that a lot of these BV cases are somehow connected to our hormones. And yes, you can have a hormone imbalance even if you are a young woman. I know all the virgins out there will agree with me that they aren't going through menopause either.

I am so sure that I have a estrogen dominance problem, that I started taking progesterone cream last month. I did one complete cycle of it. And I feel so much better - that I decided to not take it for my next cycle, just wait to see a doctor for an official report. If I am taking these hormone creams, I am concerned that it will throw off my test results. And I don't want to be accidentally taking the wrong cream. I feel more relaxed now, knowing that I will hopefully have some answers soon to this problem. I just hope this doctor knows what she is doing.

[CanCan]

OK, who wants to be the guinea pig? LOL! I've been reading a lot about zinc and I was wondering, has anyone ever tried zinc vaginally?

I googled the whole 'vaginal zinc' idea this weekend, and lo-and-behold, yes, labs are trying that already, and doing testing. I guess that makes sense, since zinc is good for healing. And that it is being used already to fight infections topically. I have Desitin diaper rash cream here in my medicine cabinet, and I just pulled it out to read the ingredients: Zinc Oxide, BHA, cod liver oil, fragrance, lanolin, methylparaben, petrolatum, talc, water. O.k., I am going to guess that Neverending must mean using zinc as a douche or a tablet or something. I wouldn't use a cream, at least not this one, because it has oils that will clog the pores of your vagina, and prevent your natural secretion from coming out. Which is one of BV's problems, lack of moisture and lack of mucous. Maybe there is a zinc gel out there for this use already? In Europe, or Canada?

If someone is going to try using a vitamin tablet be very careful though, because I was reading something that made it sound like it is very tricky to do. It may work, but if the solution is too strong, your vaginal mucous lining will shed, which is what you do not want. I would experiment, but I don't know what the correct quantity of zinc would be to water. And I don't douche any more. Too scared to do that. But I would use a dropper of a zinc liquid, like some of us were doing with the hydrogen peroxide. You know, lying on your back, and just putting in half a dropper or so.

'...utility of zinc salts as microbicides and suggest that the application of zinc solutions to mucosal surfaces has the potential to cause damage that might increase susceptibility to secondary infections at a later time.' [http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/articlerender.fcgi?artid=549274]

But I also read some positive reports:
http://www.stdjournal.com/pt/re/std/fullte...8091!-1#TT1

http://www.freepatentsonline.com/20030099720.html

[bvgirl]

i agree with what bvgirl said in response to that. i've been using yeast arrest for a week and i had sex for the first time today (without a condom) in i can't even think of how long, and first of all it was the first time since last august that it didn't burn during sex. it actually felt good and normal. i am using the yeast arrest right now (i waited till it wasn't coming out of me anymore to have sex) and i'm fine still. i inserted one right after the sex. so i think from now on, even after i'm done with the yeast arrest every day, i will insert one after sex every time.

and bvgirl... are you still using the yeast arrest now? if not, how long did you use it and how long has it been since you used it. has the bv stayed away? it's working great for me right now, no smell or burning or anything at all, i'm just worried about what will happen once i stop using it.

I stated before that I need to purchase more and so I will in a few days but not due to the bv is back but because I think and I believe that many of us on here would agree that it is good to be on some kind of maintenance program with whatever product you have been using that works for you. I used yeast arrest for 21 days straight before stopping and I have been off of yeast arrest for a month and no smell although I thought I may have smelled it from time to time but it did not progress. I was to use it duing my periods and I did not but I will this next cycle. So bv smell has stayed away pretty much over a month. Of course, from time to time while I am not using the yeast arrest I feel uneasy because it could come back at any time but to say that I dont have to wear pads to cover up the smell or feeling uneasy at the gym because people may get a whiff of the bv...that has totally been off my plate not to deal with. I have not had those problems since I have been using yeast arrest. So I am feeling great about it and will continue to use it. Just understand that it may come back while you are off yeast arrest and so therefore it is a good idea to have it handy(I need to take my own advice huh lol)but like everyone knows here it is not a cure it just treats and so I am happy of the fact that it does at least that...

[arj75]

I read this article in my book called "prescription for nutrional healing" by phyliss Balch. "regarding yeast infections" . I can't help but to get excited when I find information that I think could possibly help someone here...so "my out there theory that yeast are causing this chronic bv.. can not be to "out there" for some of us.... I'm quoting what the book listed here....

Candida albicans, a single-celled fungus, is always present in the genital and intestinal tracts. If it is present in disproportionate quantities, , however, it can cause infection. Diaper rash, vaginitis, and thrush are SOME of the possible manifestations of candida infection.

Because candidiasis can affect various parts of the body--the most common being the mouth, ears, nose,toenails, fingernails, gastrointestinal tract, and vagina. It can be characterized by a WIDE array of symtoms. These include constipation, diarrhea, colitis, abdominal pain, headaches, bad breath, rectal itching, impotence, memory loss, mood swings, prostatitis, cancer sores, persistent heartburn, muscle and joint pain, sore throat, congestion, nagging cough, numbness in the face or extremities, tingling sensations, acne, night sweats, severe itching, clogged sinuses, PMS, burning tongue, white spots on the tongue and in the mouth, extreme fatique, vaginitis, kidney and bladder infections, arthritis, depression, hyperactivity, hypothyroidism, adrenal problems, and even diabetes.

Symtoms often worsen when in damp or moldy places.....Because of its MANY and VARIED symtoms, this disorder is OFTEN misdiagnosed.
The debate continues as to whether candiasis exists in the body as the result, or the cause, of some immunologic diseases.
I just bolded the ones that I have been dealing with. I think this article can at least raise some more questions for our doctors here.

[anitsirhc]

I have a question to the ladies that are actually having luck in keeping their bv under control...Do most of you still have your mate wear a condom each time you have intercourse? Or is it possible that I may be able to enjoy sex in the future (when I do get mine under control) without having my partner wear a condom each time?

Thanks.

i agree with what bvgirl said in response to that. i've been using yeast arrest for a week and i had sex for the first time today (without a condom) in i can't even think of how long, and first of all it was the first time since last august that it didn't burn during sex. it actually felt good and normal. i am using the yeast arrest right now (i waited till it wasn't coming out of me anymore to have sex) and i'm fine still. i inserted one right after the sex. so i think from now on, even after i'm done with the yeast arrest every day, i will insert one after sex every time.

and bvgirl... are you still using the yeast arrest now? if not, how long did you use it and how long has it been since you used it. has the bv stayed away? it's working great for me right now, no smell or burning or anything at all, i'm just worried about what will happen once i stop using it.

[bvgirl]

I have a question to the ladies that are actually having luck in keeping their bv under control...Do most of you still have your mate wear a condom each time you have intercourse? Or is it possible that I may be able to enjoy sex in the future (when I do get mine under control) without having my partner wear a condom each time?

Thanks.

Well my honey is over in Iraq. So I am not having any intercourse but I can say this. It is suggested that a condom be worn because as you know sperm alters our ph also I have read where some condoms also may irritate and cause problems and or allergic reaction especially the ones with spermicides( you may want to research that more regarding condoms) and so with that being said if and when you decide to not wear a condom just understand that whatever product you use or have been using to fight bv you may need to use it after intercourse. I have been reading that a lot here that after intercourse you may get the bv smell and so you would have to use the product afterwards. I would say if you ask me my advice would be yes you should be able to enjoy sex without using a condom but just do not get upset if the bv is present after sex just know you will have to treat it. Many here have talked about this and I myself have read this to be true according to the ladies here.

[arj75]

I have a question to the ladies that are actually having luck in keeping their bv under control...Do most of you still have your mate wear a condom each time you have intercourse? Or is it possible that I may be able to enjoy sex in the future (when I do get mine under control) without having my partner wear a condom each time?

Thanks.

[bvgirl]

Hey ladies I have been reading all of your advices and own methods over the last few weeks and I have my own that seems to be working. I too did use yeast arrest and it was with great luck for me. Then I was working one day and saw a new product in my store called accuflora it is a pro-biotic acidophilus that isnt refrigerated. It has 500 million cfu's in it and so far I have had great luck. I havnt been eating too healthy so im not too into the health food thing but I have been hiking lately and drinking alot of water and coffee, go figure, I guess everyones bodies will respond differently at different times. I will be around and still keeping on the pro-biotics:)

Yes, I too use the yeast arrest and also take probiotics. They suggest that we take at least 2-12 billion cfu's or more live organism count when we have an active ph balance problem then I guess they suggest that you can use a lower count when you are just maintaining. I myself take 5 billion cfu's. Yes, everyone's body responds differently and if the 500 million cfu's works for you that is great but just to let you know if it ever fails then I suggest you may want take a higher live organism count. I too have increased my water intake and it feels great. Water flushes out the toxins and leaves your skin looking great..

[persona36]

Hey ladies I have been reading all of your advices and own methods over the last few weeks and I have my own that seems to be working. I too did use yeast arrest and it was with great luck for me. Then I was working one day and saw a new product in my store called accuflora it is a pro-biotic acidophilus that isnt refrigerated. It has 500 million cfu's in it and so far I have had great luck. I havnt been eating too healthy so im not too into the health food thing but I have been hiking lately and drinking alot of water and coffee, go figure, I guess everyones bodies will respond differently at different times. I will be around and still keeping on the pro-biotics:)

[arj75]

Zinc
Benefits & Deficiency Symptoms
Zinc is considered an antioxidant. Zinc is also a natural antibacterial and anti-viral mineral. Zinc is found in all body fluids: therefore Zinc is a front line defense against infection-causing bacteria and viruses trying to enter the body. Zinc stops the replication process of the virus or bacteria. Those body fluids containing the most water also contain the most Zinc. Examples of such body fluids are tears, mucous, saliva and urine.

Zinc must be in proper balance to assist over 25 enzymatic functions, including digestion, metabolism, and reproduction. Often food processing removes all Zinc from the food we eat. Without Zinc in our diets, the proper assimilation of vitamins is nearly impossible.

Normal growth and development of young people is very dependent upon Zinc. The normal maintenance of body tissue, sexual functions, and chemical detoxification are all closely related to the amount of Zinc in the body. Zinc is also very important in the workings of the immune system and the synthesis of DNA in our cells. Recovery time after a major surgery is greatly decreased when the body contains the proper amount of Zinc.

Zinc is stored in the thyroid, pancreas, liver, kidneys, bones, voluntary muscles, prostate, sperm, skin, hair, nails, white corpuscles and whites of the eyes.

Many people in our society are very deficient in Zinc. One of the major symptoms is underarm odor. Therefore, selling underarm deodorants in this country has become a multibillion-dollar industry. That's largely due to the fact that many "normal" people have a Zinc deficiency.

Zinc deficiency can lead to a wide variety of degenerative diseases. Low amounts of Zinc during pregnancy can result in numerous birth defects such as Down syndrome, clef lip, spinabifdia, clubbed limbs, hernias, and umbilical cord hernias.

Some Symptoms of Zinc Deficiency:

Angina, Alzheimer's, anemia, alcoholism, acne, anorexia or bulimia, body odor, birth defects, cavities, Cohn's disease, depression, diabetes, free radical damage, eye diseases, herpes, hypertension, hair loss, infertility, infection, loss of smell and taste, miscarriages, obesity, PMS, still births, thyroid disorders, urinary track disorders, and underarm odor.

Note:

Zinc benefits and/or deficiency symptoms are generic for the mineral. No product claims are being made or implied.

Thanks neverending for posting that. I have been doing some research on vitamins and minerals too. I had read that as well. I swear to you all that I will learn how to pull and post articles that I find very soon. My "tutor" that was gonna show me...aka boyfriend..dumped me. O well. Nasty crouch or not..I'm still to good for him. lol.

(when I learn) I'm gonna post what the FDA suggests of what we woman, who are in stress, need in our daily diets. Supplements help, but it's a lot better if we get the sources naturally. Also, you can harm your body by taking too many...

But, I'm on the nutrional "band wagon" too. I enjoy learning about such things like you have posted.

I'm going to INDY this weekend, and the race tommorow...bv vacation starting in one hour. lol.

[neverending]

Zinc
Benefits & Deficiency Symptoms
Zinc is considered an antioxidant. Zinc is also a natural antibacterial and anti-viral mineral. Zinc is found in all body fluids: therefore Zinc is a front line defense against infection-causing bacteria and viruses trying to enter the body. Zinc stops the replication process of the virus or bacteria. Those body fluids containing the most water also contain the most Zinc. Examples of such body fluids are tears, mucous, saliva and urine.

Zinc must be in proper balance to assist over 25 enzymatic functions, including digestion, metabolism, and reproduction. Often food processing removes all Zinc from the food we eat. Without Zinc in our diets, the proper assimilation of vitamins is nearly impossible.

Normal growth and development of young people is very dependent upon Zinc. The normal maintenance of body tissue, sexual functions, and chemical detoxification are all closely related to the amount of Zinc in the body. Zinc is also very important in the workings of the immune system and the synthesis of DNA in our cells. Recovery time after a major surgery is greatly decreased when the body contains the proper amount of Zinc.

Zinc is stored in the thyroid, pancreas, liver, kidneys, bones, voluntary muscles, prostate, sperm, skin, hair, nails, white corpuscles and whites of the eyes.

Many people in our society are very deficient in Zinc. One of the major symptoms is underarm odor. Therefore, selling underarm deodorants in this country has become a multibillion-dollar industry. That's largely due to the fact that many "normal" people have a Zinc deficiency.

Zinc deficiency can lead to a wide variety of degenerative diseases. Low amounts of Zinc during pregnancy can result in numerous birth defects such as Down syndrome, clef lip, spinabifdia, clubbed limbs, hernias, and umbilical cord hernias.

Some Symptoms of Zinc Deficiency:

Angina, Alzheimer's, anemia, alcoholism, acne, anorexia or bulimia, body odor, birth defects, cavities, Cohn's disease, depression, diabetes, free radical damage, eye diseases, herpes, hypertension, hair loss, infertility, infection, loss of smell and taste, miscarriages, obesity, PMS, still births, thyroid disorders, urinary track disorders, and underarm odor.

Note:

Zinc benefits and/or deficiency symptoms are generic for the mineral. No product claims are being made or implied.

[anitsirhc]

my update: i've been using the yeast arrest since monday. the day after i started using it the smell was gone. i can't really tell if i have discharge or not because when the yeast arrest disolves it all comes out. i don't think i have much discharge though because unless i have the yeast arrest coming out of me then i don't really have anything.

so the bad parts (not really so bad just some annoying things) of using yeast arrrest for me are:

1) you need to use it for at least a month if you have a bad case (which all of us do i think)

2) when it disolves it comes out in thick green discharge and it's a little messy and annoying now especially since i've been going to the beach

3) when the green stuff comes out it makes me itch on the outside a little bit, but it goes away

4) i'm a little bit dried out from it but not so bad

those definitely aren't bad enough to make me stop using it, especially because it's working right now.

i also started taking the fem-dophilus yesterday. i ordered it from iherb.com on monday. it came in an insulated package with ice packs inside but whoever delivered it left it out on my front porch and it was hot out so by time i got it, it wasn't cold anymore. hopefully it wasn't warm already before they left it there. so what i plan on doing taking 2 fem-dophilus a day while i'm using the yeast arrest and then once i stop (i'm going to use it for a month) i'm going to use 1 fem-dophilus aday. i insert 1 yeast arrest twice a day. so this is working for me right now hopefully once i stop the yeast arrest it will stay away. once i'm done with the month of yeast arrest i'm going to continue using it only when i have my period.

[neverending]

OK, who wants to be the guinea pig? LOL! I've been reading a lot about zinc and I was wondering, has anyone ever tried zinc vaginally?

[CanCan]

That's so weird.

I think my symptoms had something to do with antibiotics. It's certainly something to keep an eye on, because it took me a while for me to figure it out. IBS is such a non-specific thing, can be caused by any number of things including stress. So sometimes, the doctors just have no idea.

So BV can give you IBS? Or IBS can give you BV? Oh dear.

BV is just the gift that keeps on giving.

I'm not 100% sure about it being passed back and forth like that. I need to figure that out. But I know there is a connection there. I know for a fact my BV infection was making my IBS flare up. And yes, I think it was from stress. I mean, it is so stressful having this BV problem, it was practically giving me an ulcer. I would be buckled over in pain from cramping. And I havn't had a bout of IBS in years. IBS in my opinion, is similar to having an ulcer - but not in your stomach - in your intestines. Stress exacerbates it. I don't think the BV gave me the IBS though. I had IBS years ago, before having BV. Actually, I think what really happened was that the antibiotics killed off all good bacteria in my body (not just my vagina), the BV came back, I got totally upset, then the stress coupled with the fact that now I don't have good bacteria in my intestines gave me a flare up of IBS. But the IBS was probably already there.

But what is IBS really? Irritable Bowel Syndrome. When I get upset, I feel it in my gut. And if you are a person that has thinner and more porous intestines than other people, with a thinner layer of mucous to protect them, then you are a candidate for IBS. Stress is almost always the catalyst. I read in one of my books that most women who get IBS can look in their calendar and pin-point the week that they got it. Or that they started feeling terrible, ultimately leading to IBS. For me, it was the week I broke up with my boyfriend. Gas, indigestion, food allergies, buckling over in pain, constipation alternating with diarrhea, are some of the symptoms I had. Then the yeast infections started. And then years later, the bacterial vaginosis started.

[bvgirl]

Just checking in. I still stink but at least I can smell my smelly feet now because the crotch stench isn't so over-powering. The aci-jelly I've been using is almost gone. Been using it at night about twice a week or after sex then "cleaning up" the following morning with a tampon to absorb the rest so it doesnt ooze out for hours leaving me sticky and I don't smell like I used a bottle of vinegar as perfume. Someone said a while back its not being made any more. Figures. The one thing for me that seems to keep it checked to almost a point of toleration. Has anyone heard if there is a replacement for this product on the horizon?

Currently, I dont use it but I do have a prescription for( the generic brand which is called acidic vaginal jelly) and what the pharmacist(at Walgreens) told me is that they have discontinued the name brand aci-jel and will not make that any longer but the generic brand is still available. He also stated that there still may be some of the name brand available online and they will continue to sell it until they have no more in stock. So you may be able to find some websites with the brand name. Generics are good too but some may perfer the name brand I say just to give it a shot and see how the generic brand works for you. As far as a replacement and or if horizon has a replacement product I do not know and the pharmacist also stated that they have not been notified in their systems if they will or when they will have a replacement product for the name brand. The last I checked was about a month ago I dont know if any new news have developed and or if anything has changed regarding this product.

[sassy]

Morphia: I wasn't trying to be mean or anything. But you've posted several stressed out posts about your discharge and I've posted once or twice about it being normal. You keep saying how stupid your doctors are about it, but really, you need to listen sometimes to what other people have to say...especially if they've been through the same thing.

[arj75]

That's so weird.

I think my symptoms had something to do with antibiotics. It's certainly something to keep an eye on, because it took me a while for me to figure it out. IBS is such a non-specific thing, can be caused by any number of things including stress. So sometimes, the doctors just have no idea.

So BV can give you IBS? Or IBS can give you BV? Oh dear.

BV is just the gift that keeps on giving.

How exactly is IBS diagnosed? Does making about 5 or 6 "road stops" a year...and being late to social, work and school affairs because of "bowel problems" constitute IBS? Or the fact that I have to lay over a clothes hamper at night sometimes just to tolerate the "labor pains" hehe. What about eating rolaids and tums like tic tacs 7 to 8 times a month...because your stomach is on "fire". Those problems that I experience...have been the least of my worries...however...maybe I shouldn''t have put these problems on the back burner......

[miserywithcompan...]

Just checking in. I still stink but at least I can smell my smelly feet now because the crotch stench isn't so over-powering. The aci-jelly I've been using is almost gone. Been using it at night about twice a week or after sex then "cleaning up" the following morning with a tampon to absorb the rest so it doesnt ooze out for hours leaving me sticky and I don't smell like I used a bottle of vinegar as perfume. Someone said a while back its not being made any more. Figures. The one thing for me that seems to keep it checked to almost a point of toleration. Has anyone heard if there is a replacement for this product on the horizon?

[lori]

But I don't think the IBS was caused by BV, but the other way around (Lori mentioned this as well). I think IBS can give you BV. However, for some reason, when I got my BV, I had a flare-up of IBS! Cramping, bloated belly; I can't explain it. Or maybe my IBS got worse because of the antibiotic that I took.

That's so weird.

I think my symptoms had something to do with antibiotics. It's certainly something to keep an eye on, because it took me a while for me to figure it out. IBS is such a non-specific thing, can be caused by any number of things including stress. So sometimes, the doctors just have no idea.

So BV can give you IBS? Or IBS can give you BV? Oh dear.

BV is just the gift that keeps on giving.