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!!

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!

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....

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.

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

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.

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.

Hey Jewels, you took the words right out of my mouth. As we know, there are numerous triggers for BV, but it always comes down to one thing and that is, the vaginal flora or pH being altered from it's natural balance, thus allowing normal levels of bacteria to take a hold and (as in BV) take over. The TTO seems to normalise the vaginal flora, not just 'mask' the symptoms, and this stands to reason, as TTO is an anti-fungal agent. so it seems that by reducing any fungal overgrowth, the TTO facilitates the return of normal vaginal pH (and fungal and bacterial) levels.

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!

BV and fungus are not the same thing.

Also, the V Book says that TTO has no activity against BV or yeast.
You're welcome, glad to help.

Yeah, I would use the prescription, and then use Fem-doph as maintenance. Take 2/day for at least 2 weeks - that's my suggestion, and then take 1/day.

What she's using, has killed her BV, however, I personally feel she's been very lucky that it has not returned, and does not have to continue with the pills.

I disagree that I've just been "very lucky." Fem-dophilus has been working for me for over a year. I began taking it in 2/2007, which is when I first started posting in this thread. I've described time and time again why probiotics is the best solution, and I've backed it up with research. And Fem-doph has worked for many people in here, not just me. It's the only reputable product specifically targeted for repopulating the good bacteria in the vagina.

Just lucky? No.

And I think trying to "kill the BV" is the wrong approach. It's not just about killing bacteria. Lots of things kill bacteria (including antibiotics, peroxide, boric acid, soap, TTO) but they don't prevent BV from coming back. Simply wiping out the bacteria just doesn't work.

This thread has been around almost 2 years, and many ladies have posted many ideas (some of them dangerous!). I'm just glad no one is telling anyone to buy illegal prescription flagyl over the net and sticking them straight up their vaginas anymore. You know I like you Jewels, but you are definitely ... um, adventurous.

Anyway, TTO has been tried before, and it hasn't turned out to be the cure-all everyone hopes for. Everyone gets excited about something for a few weeks, and then everyone tries it, and then a few weeks later, everyone is disappointed.

Anyway, to put it simply- instead of trying to "kill the BV" ourselves - we have to grow the good stuff, and let IT get to work "killing the BV" and other bad stuff (like yeast) all the time. Let the good bacteria take over the vagina, and let it do its job of protecting your vagina, rather than us trying to fight the BV on our own with topical antiseptics.

As I said before - I think that if you have the right balance in your vagina, you won't have to worry about normal low-pH events anymore, like sex with a healthy man or getting your period. These are NORMAL things that happen, and even though they might throw off your pH, they shouldn't trigger new BV, because your vagina will regain its balance.

And you were able to get your vagina to the right balance and STAY in the right balance. That is what confuses me.

Because, Flagyl is supposse to do that.

And we all have been on several doses of Flagyl, to no avail, it continues to return.

So, WHY after taking the Fem for 10 months or whatever it was that you took, how did that, and that alone, keep your vagina in the right balance?? That is what confuses me.

Mine is out of balance. Regardless of what "ADVENTUROUS" things I try to do, it continues to stay out of balance. So, by you taking the Fem, it allowed you to get back in to balance BUT HOW DID IT STAY IN BALANCE???

That's my fear of trying the Fem. I'm horrible at taking pills, and I know I won't take them like I'm supposse to, because I will forget.

So, after I take them, at what point will I be 100% positive that it won't come back?

Point is, theres got to be more then just taking the pills that you have done Lori, to keep it away. Changed eating habits? Stopped smoking? Whatever the case may be....

I'm confused at why now, your vagina has decided to NOT have a bout with BV, just because you took the Fem for 10 months straight.

Well, just like anything, what works for you, is what you need to continue to do.....
I am I'm sure getting close to starting menopause, which I'm sure your V Book states that this can trigger the imbalance in the vagina which might cause BV.

Hello everyone!

Lori, I'm really happy for that you have had sucess with the fem!

I'm working at an STD clinic now..and I have witnessed several woman that were diagnosed with BV..but when their pap smear came back bam! They got the bad news that they have Trich. The lab techs are very busy..and if the wet mount isnt prepared right (using too cold of a solution )(which they don't give a crap about if they do or don't) to prepare the slide..it stops thier happy whipping tails and makes them harder to see. (They like it hot lol) If only I could be that lucky, sad to wish for an std instead of BV lol

I didn't know this, maybe it has already been said..men just carry trich, and usually have no symtoms. The men are never tested for it, they only find out they have it when the partner is diagnosed. The flagyl is used to kill trich as well, but the doctors have the partners infected take 500mg every 6 hours over a 24 hour period.

Well with all this talk about the Fem-D, I've been taking it for over 2 months now, and its not really doing anything for me. Probably because I keep bleeding and have a hormonal imbalance. that's the only thing I can think of that causes mine. I've been taking the B vitamins, regular multivitamins, folic acid, Fem-D and do the boric acid a few times a week, tried the TTO a few times.

Hi, Jewels...After using boric acid for a couple of weeks, back when I was having recurring bouts of BV & yeast infections, I then used tea tree oil suppositories that I bought at my local healthfood store (also available online) for maintenance purposes. I did this for about 2 months, using a piece of a suppository every other day.

The TTO was wonderful. I found a link via Google Scholar (I no longer have quick access to it) that tested TTO in vitro on strains of the good vaginal lactobacili. It showed that it did not kill off the good bacteria, unlike boric acid & most prescription meds. It does have effective antiviral, antifungal & antibacterial properties. (I read that it even will kill the MRSA antibiotic-resistant staph bacteria that has been much in the news in the recent past.)

I've been BV-free for about 2 years now. My method is to use either a blob of Estrace estrogen cream (Rx) or a blob of SYLK (pH=4.7) lubricant every day. I also take Fem Dophilus when I remember to! I'm 51 & am peri-menopausal.

Cheers!
Maggie

............By the way did anyone see 20/20 on TV the other night?? It was about that disorder someone was speaking off, where the women can stink up a whole gymnasium with the fish funk. She taped it for me.. I havent had time to watch it yet.........

Well, most of everything I understand. But what I STILL DON'T understand, is you've restored the good bacteria. I understand that. SO.... HOW DID YOU CONTINUE TO KEEP IT RESTORED??? My fear is, if I restore the good bacteria, how do I keep it good??? Does that make sense??

Heck I know we're not really supposed to douche, but i figure what do i have to lose? The BV already came back lol cant make it much worse.

Thanks for sharing the info about the TTO Maggie MRSA is a big epidemic in the county in which I live. I actually did a research paper on it awhile back...and well, yep..MRSA and VRE? are being found in vaginal cultures. Really really sad...two deaths this year from MRSA in two young women (in their 20's) who were otherwise healthy..one woman was pregnant.

I haven't tried tea-tree oil yet, but I think I might. I did like the boric.

I can't explain it any clearer than I have, Jewels.

But here's an excerpt from Prevention Magazine that I hope helps you:

Top Medical Breakthroughs of 2007

Breakthrough that speeds treatment of vaginal infections

Probiotics--friendly bacteria that thrive in the body--are known to prevent or even cure yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis. Now there's an OTC supplement containing the two Lactobacillus strains documented to promote vaginal health. The probiotic pill Fem-Dophilus has erased up to 90% of vaginal bacterial infections and significantly reduced yeast growth in trials by coating the lining of vaginal tissues and producing acids that keep pathogens from gaining a foothold. When women take antibiotics, Fem-Dophilus doubles the drugs' effectiveness by recolonizing the vagina with healthy flora.
Actually, you can make it worse. Douching can push the BV germs into the upper genital tract and cause PID.

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Thanks for telling me how you feel, Jewels. I'm not saying anyone needs to take Fem-doph. But you obviously didn't understand HOW it works, so I've explained it as clearly as I could. I hope it makes sense to you.
Well, most of everything I understand. But what I STILL DON'T understand, is you've restored the good bacteria. I understand that. SO.... HOW DID YOU CONTINUE TO KEEP IT RESTORED??? My fear is, if I restore the good bacteria, how do I keep it good??? Does that make sense??

This is just a total shot in the dark, but I'm pretty sure all of our Vs really really WANT to be in balance. I honestly think the first time we get BV it's caused by one thing and it's just really really hard to get back to that natural balance once you get it one time (aren't they always saying, once you get it once, you're more likely to get it again?). So anyways, it's my hope (I've had success with FemD, too) that FemD pushes our Vs to get back to that original natural balance. Once we're finally there with the help of the good ole' FemD, we don't have to take it again.... at least that's what I dream about at night. Anyways, I really like FemD so far. I prolly woulda tried TTO, but I just hate sticking crap up there.

On another note, I did get some TTO for a fungal infection on my skin, and DAYUM! It ate it right up! I mean fast!!! I tried everything over the counter AND Rxs for my skin problem. TTO was the ONLY thing that worked....now I'm using it for everything on my skin. LOL. My boyfriend had a small cut on his hand the other day and I forced him to put some TTO on it and it really helped it. SO yeah, I love TTO too Just not for my Va JJ.

On another note, ya know I think about BV so much, so I just come up with random reasons as to why people keep getting BV. When I was in my teens and on my period, my monthly flow would gush out like there was no tomorrow. I never thought anything of it until I'm in my mid-20s and pretty sexually active. Because now, I notice it really doesn't gush out (my period). It kind of just sits there and I ended up wiping a bunch of it when I'm using the bathroom (sorry for the graphics). But, I'm wondering, after 10 years of tampon use and several years of sexual activity, are my muscles not as strong? Is my Va J J not pushing things out as well (e.g. period, secretions, etc. etc.). So, if that's the case, is it harder for it to self-cleanse? meaning, harder for it to get the bad bacteria out? Maybe I always had the bad bacteria around, but my Va JJ was so strong and young in my teens and early 20s that it just pushed it out really quickly? Now, maybe it doesn't get cleansed as fast, and so the bacteria gets a chance to hang around longer and really get settled ???? I could be totally off and probably am....but that was just a random thought I had the other day.

I'm off to do some kegels...

Well, the flow of your period is really based upon your Uterus contracting to get it out. That's atleast what my doctor told me before I had my hysterectomy. I was having LITERALLY 20 day periods, and he explained to me that because my Uterus was so swollen, from endometriosis, that It was taking 20 days for my uterus to "Squeeze" it all out. (Hense, cramps during periods) So, as far as it being your muscles... I don't believe it has anything to do with your "Muscles". And most importantly, I don't have periods. I haven't had periods now for around 7yrs.... and I've had BV going on 6yrs now.

Hi everyone i have been taking fem-d two weeks now no smell no bv . Iam very happy

That is re-assuring Paige. My question to you is when you started taking fem-d, did you have bv symptoms?

yes i did

MRSA is really getting bad everywhere. I think a little boy in New York died of MRSA. How do you know if your a carrier? Is there a test or something? If your hospitalized do they run tests for it? Sorry so many questions but this disease, if it is a disease, is getting really bad.

LADIES; EVERYTHING IS STILL GREAT ON THIS END AND YES, THE NUVARING IS A GREAT FORM OF BIRTH CONTROL. I LOVE IT! MY BREAST HAVE EVEN PERKED BACK UP AND THEY ARE NOT SORE THE WAY THEY WERE WHEN I FIRST STARTED.

were they bad and did you do the course of flagyl and fem-d or just the fem-d. just curious, don't mean to be nosy