Since all of this started I went on a heavy dosage of cleartract (15 pills/day), but they didnt seem to do anything. Im continuing acidophilus, 2 pills a day, those worked a few years ago when I needed them. Im taking some uristat type of antibiotics and bactrim, along with my usual vitamins and birth control. I feel like my stomach is a big sea of liquid and pills sometimes.

All I can say is I am so sick of pills by now, and am FURIOUS at my general prac. doc!! After having BV and a UTI at the same time, I couldnt get immediately in touch w/my gyno so I went to my g.p. He gave me 3 antibiotics, did a urinalysis and pap smear, and sent me on my way. Two weeks later, everything seemed to heal up and be fine. (All the while I've been popping fem-d). All of a sudden, this crazy burning sensation hit me one day and everything flared up within a few hours, along with incredible lower back pain.

I was so freaked out, I went back to my g.p. and he said there was nothing he could do!! He gave me another prescription, but told me to se my gyno, so I made an appmt for the next week. A few days later I saw blood in my urine and moved up my appointment, agreeing to see my gynos partner instead of him.

She gave me a pap and told me to moisturize my vag. That's it. Argh!

The pain didnt subside, it got worse, and I was feeling dizzy and nauseous, and after all the antibiotics I couldnt even tell what it was from. I called him up crying and went back to the office to see him the next day.

End result: He did a pap and a sonagram and a urinalysis. Saw nothing in the sonogram, but gave me some pain pills, recognizing something was wrong. After my symptoms and looking at the meds, he called up my g.p. right in front of my to find out the details of my first urinalysis over a month ago, and guess what! THERE WAS BLOOD IN MY URINE OVER A MONTH AGO! That should have been a huge clue something was wrong since I was nowhere near my period, but he admitted that it was a small amount so he saw no need to tell me!!

So my gyno sat down with me and stated based on my symptoms I have either 1: kidney infection (mostlikely) 2: kidney stones (if the pain comes back), or 3: other undiagnosed.

And to put icing on the cake, my gyno had to switch my antibiotics, b/c according to the urinalysis, all of the antibiotics my g.p. gave me were non-reactive to the bacteria, and he switched me to one that it was sensitive to. That was something he should have noticed and done earlier, avoiding this mess.

Needless to say (after all this, I'm sorry it's so long), after being on the new antibiotics, I feel 90% better, which is absolutely thrilling. I was amazed when it didnt hurt to pee and when my back pain subsided.

And I'll never forget what a dear friend told me when I was feeling my worst: Don't let them fool you into thinking you're wrong, or crazy. You know your body.

I'm getting a new G.P. Hugs to everyone dealing with this crap!!

WHAT I NOTICE ON THIS BLOG MOST OF THE WOMAN ON HERE THAT HAVE BV THEY HAVE SOMETHING ELSE IN THE MIX. IN MY CASE I HAVE BV AND A HEMORRHOID PROBLEM. I DONT KNOW BUT EVERYTIME I PASS GAS OR HAVE TO DO THE NUMBER 2 I FEEL DISCHARGE COMING DOWN IN MY VAGINA OR WHEN I'M HAVING SEX IT FEELS LIKE IM HAVING ANAL SEX WHEN IM NOT. IM THINKING THE WALL WEAKEN IN THAT AREA. I HAVEN'T YET GONE TO THE DOCTOR. BV TURN ME INTO SOME JEALOUS RAGE WANNA BE ALONE FREAK. I HATE TO SEE FEMALES WALK AROUND BV FREE WEARING THEIR TIGHT CLOTHES. I WANNA GO BACK TO NORMAL WHAHHHHH WHAHHHHHH I CAN'T BE LIKE THIS ANOTHER SUMMER BCUZ BV AND SUMMERTIME DON'T MIX AT ALL YOUR SMELL WILL BE TEN TIMES HARD. THIS IS AFFECTING MY LIFE IN MANY WAYS!!!! I CAN'T BE HAPPY UNTIL THIS SMELL IS GONE. WHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY?????

I FORGOT TO TELL YALL THIS HAPPEN THREE DAYS AGO I AT WORK THE WORST THE DAY EVER THIS IS EHEN I TOOK THE FEMDO FOR THE FIRST TIME IN MONTHS. I WAS WOEKING THEN ALL OF A SUDDEN I FELT HOT HEAT AIR COMING OUT FROM DOWN THERE. IT WAS LIKE CAR THAT BEING RUN TO MUCH THEN THE ENGINE START TO SMOKE. THE WEIRD THING ABOUT IT I WASN'T WORKING HARD. EVERYTIME SOMEONE COME NEAR ME TO TALK TO ME I GO THROUGH AN ANIXETY ATTACK WHICH FEEL LIKE HOT FLASHES. WHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHYYYYYYYYYYYYYY?????
I USE ONE FEMDO PILL AND REPHERSH IN VAGINALLY AT THE SAME TIME. ONE FEMDO ORALLY AND TWO VITAMIN C BOOST YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM PILLS GUESS WHAT I DON'T SMELL FISH ANYMORE IF IT IS A FISHY SMELL STILL THEN IT VERY LIGHT

IM GOING TO WORK TODAY IM GOING CHECK ON PEOPLE RESPONSE TO ME LET YALL HOW THAT GOES

Hi Horror!

I have hope that things will get better for you. My subconscious is telling me, “Once her hemorrhoid is healed, her bacterial vaginosis symptoms will be alleviated.” By the way, is your hemorrhoid healing?

I’m glad you’ve started taking the Femdophilus again. When you continue to take it orally, on a regular basis, the bad anaerobic bacteria will eventually be outnumbered. Even taking it once a day will help as to not taking it at all. Your money is better spent on the Femdophilus than any over the counter product that I know of, considering all of the research done on the strains contained in it.

Don’t feel embarrassed to talk to anyone because of the odor. Your amazing personality will shine through and they won’t even care whether you have an odor or not.

Shine on,
Sweaty in Social Studies

I'm sorry to butt in, here, but this is misleading.

Foreskin does not cause BV, and to suggest so is kind of insulting to the millions of perfectly healthy uncut men in this world, not to mention the millions of perfectly healthy women who fuck them. either kind of penis is perfectly fine-- so long as it's kept healthy, clean, and sufficiently lubed.

Wanabfresh, it is possible that your boyfriend introduced you to your symptoms, and I feel your pain/suspicion, there, but it's not fair to accuse the natural state of the penis of causing disease.

...ok, that's all!

/soapbox

The fish return!!! I guess I got too happy. Femdo is a great
Product for anyone who have bv. The smell was gone for
An hour or two then came back. I néed to go to the doctor.
Thank sweaty social studies for he advice. I really appreciate it because it's hard
Trying to someone who thinks you smell perfectly fine and that having
Illusion That people reacting to me.

excuse my typing error im on this website on my phone.

I guess i'm the only person that don't have a life bcuz I'm always on the lounge.
WHERE IS EVERYONE? DID EVERYONE GET CURED BUT ME!!!!!!

Hope things go well with you at the doctor.

Nik7121, I can understand why you're so irritated. I suffered over a year of severe kidney infections which were treated as UTIs, and my other symptoms such as temperature of 105, constant vomiting, backache and being too dizzy to stand or walk were dismissed as "exam stress." I was almost dead by the time they bothered to scan my kidneys, and I've now got a mass of scar tissue for a kidney, and it's ruined forever. That's the arrogance of some doctors for you.

Sigh. Just my little rant of the day.

Glad to hear you're feeling almost back to normal! It'll take a little while to pick up because kidney/bladder/ut infections can be quite nasty.



Nope. Not cured. Still lurking every spare moment Actually, saying that, I randomly tried goldenseal (instead of using the balance activ) which I've never bothered with before, and it's reduced the discharge and taken the onion smell away completely. It's nice while it lasts, but I'm not excited because I know it'll come back as soon as I stop the course.

Holy shit. That is terrible.

I'm so sorry you had to go through that. But thanks for sharing. I think it's important for everyone to pursue their medical care vigorously. Get second opinions, and never give up! Here's my blog entry about the topic:

http://allaboutbv.blogspot.com/2008/12/you...ppointment.html

In it, I cite the story of a woman who had ovarian cancer for years, and her doctor kept telling her she had gas. Here's what she said:

"Women need to trust their own bodies. If you're feeling that something is wrong, don't assume anything. Be persistent. And don't wait."

A good reminder for us all.

Hey Neptune-

Just wondered how you're using the Goldenseal, I mean like what's your method?

I'm trying my second round of Balance Activ along with taking a lot of acidophilus pills - there's a definite improvement, but I totally know how you feel when you say you don't want to get excited because it might come back when you stop the course.

But just wondered about the Goldenseal.

Cheers,
Grace.

I just gotten my period and the smell seem to have got worst(stronger). Im tired of people
looking at me like i'm some dirty girl that don't wash up in that area. i'm tired of all the sound
effects people give me when they walk by. I JUST WANNA BE BV FREE. DO ANYBODY HAVE SUGGESTION
ON WHAT TO USE WHEN YOU HAVE YOUR PERIOD TO ATLEAST CALM THE SMELL DOWN THERE?
THIS BV IS A BITCH SOMETIMES IT SMELL LIKE FISH THEN LIKE A MUSTY ONION TYPE OF SMELL OMG
myself esteem is dead.

Thanks for the link Lori. I really felt frustrated when I read about your struggle to get diagnosed. Seeing as bv is supposed to be so common, you'd think doctors would be more educated about it.

Sad we have to fight to be listened to. Being dismissed and misdiagnosed happens such a lot. And it's true, we know our own bodies.

Glad you're noticing some improvement! I do think Balance Activ is quite a good product, and I keep a supply at home. If I'm ever lucky enough to get laid again it'll be a great thing to use a couple of days before to get rid of the symptoms for a bit!

Well I decided to try Goldenseal as I'd never used it before, but couldn't find it anywhere. Then one day I walked into a health shop and there was one random pot left. It's by Bio-Health and is 125mg capsules of powered root to be taken orally twice a day.

I started a couple of weeks ago and got relief from the onion smell straight away, although the capsules STINK and over the last couple of days my vagina has started to smell like the goldenroot itself, even though I haven't inserted them vaginally (not sure whether people do this or not). I do get some abnormal discharge occasionally, so something is still not quite right, but no onion smell at all since I've been on them.

I'm not sure how long to use the goldenseal for though. I know it can only be used for a matter of weeks, but I keep reading different things. Does anyone know?

I don't know why I've bothered to take it, as like any antibiotic type thing it's a temporary fix. Part of me is secretly hoping it'll be a cure, but I know it won't be!

Are you thinking of trying this Grace? Anyone else used it?

Yeah, I don't think all doctors are stupid or anything. But sometimes they just have a blind spot when it comes to some things. If they don't get it, you have to push them. Or you have to find a doctor who does get it. It's a struggle.


Horror movie, you need to get to a doctor to sort out your hemorrhoid & anal leakage issues. Until you do, there's really not much you can do about the BV.

Best of luck to you!

As bad as the odor can get, there isn't much you can do to successfully get rid of it. There are products that will cover up the odor, but those are the same products that can aggravate it, and make the infection worse. It's kind of like spraying a trash barrel down with deodorizer, while the trash is still in it. That's a silly analogy but, you get the picture, right?

I really wish I could be more of a help in that area. Speaking from my own experience, I've been desperate enough to use certain methods to attempt to get rid of the odor, but at the end of the day, it was still there. This series of trials and errors made me come to the conclusion that the infection would have to clear up entirely in order for the odor to go away. That's a bitter pill to swallow, but unfortunately it's the truth.

--
Sweaty in Social Studies

You are officially creepy now.

Awwwww ouch my kitty is being compare to a trash can dang that hurt!!!
I'm not mad at you. I guess it was just a metaphor.

" I just gotten my period and the smell seem to have got worst(stronger). Im tired of people
looking at me like i'm some dirty girl that don't wash up in that area. i'm tired of all the sound
effects people give me when they walk by. I JUST WANNA BE BV FREE. DO ANYBODY HAVE SUGGESTION
ON WHAT TO USE WHEN YOU HAVE YOUR PERIOD TO ATLEAST CALM THE SMELL DOWN THERE?
THIS BV IS A BITCH SOMETIMES IT SMELL LIKE FISH THEN LIKE A MUSTY ONION TYPE OF SMELL OMG
myself esteem is dead."

Im so sorry horror! I didn't know what to do to make the smell go away by itself, I drank 1 1/2 liters of water a day hoping it would help dilute the smell, sometimes it was there, sometimes it wasnt, I couldnt figure it out. Maybe you should go the Dr and get another opinion? And take care of yourself!


And thank you to everyone for support and hearing me rant through all this crap; I finished my antibiotics two days ago, and havent felt any UTI symptoms (yay!). Not suprisingly though, from all the antibiotics, I seemed to have developed a yeast infection. Grr. Oh well, ill take it over all the other crap. Crossing my fingers and hoping this is almost the end.

I saw a box of Pro-B in the store today, said it was good for neutralizing. Anyone have experience with that?

Hi Nik!

Hmm ... diluting the smell by drinking water. That's one method that I've never heard of.

I'm currently taking Rephresh Pro-B. It works pretty well. Then again, I take it as a preventative along with another expensive probiotic. I've been taking probiotics for so long, my results have plateaued. You should try it though, even though it's kind of pricey.

I hope your infection clears up,
Sweaty in Social Studies

Thanks, Neptune.

It's such a shame that Balance Activ doesn't work quite as well as we hoped it would. The day after I've used it things are really good down there - but by the evening it's back. I had a few good days in a row last week which is why I felt quite optimistic about it.

So I am thinking of trying the Goldenseal root, I've heard it mentionned in various BV forums so it's worth a go. Maybe alongside Echinachea and garlic. So expensive to keep buying all these vitamins though! But I'm up for anyting that might help/reduce things. Thought about trying Apple Cider in my bath water as well, to keep the old pH good. 3-4 cups in a bath is what's recommended.

Will keep you all posted with anything I try anyway,

Grace.

I haven't post in a while but I still read other post on a regular basis.

Anyway someone mentioned something about "Self-Esteem" I have had to get off school buses, out of cars (me being the passenger), get up from the chair in high school to go to the blackboard. And not one single time ever since I was a 14 year old did I not smell like a skunk. It was always embarrassing, painful, and depressing. I have had this Bacterial Vaginosis ever since I was a 14 year old virgin. Well over a decade now, I still battle this horrific smell. I must say my social and romantic life has been tainted ever since, its not fair, I cry and cry, I pray and pray but the smell is so unbearable I am trying my best to cope with it. I have been to several doctors, they all say its in "my mind" or "I dont smell anything" They give me creams on top of creams, pills, and now boric acid. People wanna know why I am weird, why I won't get close to them, why I won't hang out with them, well its because I dont won't them to smell me. I rather give up on a social life and a sex life than to have someone smell me because thats how bad it really is. People at work already know I smell they just don't say anything, but there was a lady I worked with who would make fun when I would get up from a chair, that devil.

My new doctor gave me two months to see a change in my bacterial vaginosis she gave me flagyl and boric acid suppositories I pray that this finally works maybe I can make-up for all the potentially good friends I have turned down throughout the years and all the good guys I wouldn't allow into my life because of BV. Bless you all and I hope theres a cure for this soon.

Good luck, yme - please keep us informed about how you get on.

Have you thought about taking a probiotic of some kind while you're on this regimen? It seems to help a lot of ladies keep their good bacterias growing whilst the flagyl kills all the stuff down there.

Stay positive - I know that can sound too easy in light of all you've been through - but you are still young and there's no reason why you can't have the life you want, and the friends you deserve.

What a sad story ...

The thought of having to deal with bacterial vaginosis for over a decade is mind boggling. I'm surprised after so long, nothing has worked for you. Hopefully, this time around, the medications your new doctor prescribed should finally clear up your bacterial vaginosis.

Wishing you the best,
Sweaty in Social Studies

Hello ladies. I am new here.... well I've been reading for quite some time. It's relieving to know that I am no alone. I am 28 yrs old and have been having problems with BV the past year or so. I had it once in college, but it never came back. About a year ago, when I started dating my current boyfriend... that's when the problems began. I got it shorty after we started dating... did the Clindesse, it came back immediately. I did the Metro-gel and that seemed to work for the most part. I would get occasional twinges of fishy odor, but I could usually eradicate it with all of the over the counter/homeopathic methods we have ALL tried b/c I was sick of seeing my GYN. The past 4 months have been a downward spiral. I got it, Clindesse did nothing.... after I did Flagyl by mouth, it went away, but has been slowly coming back since I've had sex 4 or 5 times.

The only difference with my boyfriend as opposed to my previous bf's is that he is 1) uncircumcised (but not dirty!) 2) He is VERY well endowed (like 8.5 inches erect... yes I've made him measure) and he is thick and 3) we tend to have a lot rougher sex than I did in my previous relationship.
I just think that his size is causing too much friction within my vaginal walls, and causing a pH imbalance, hence, leading to the chronic BV. Is anyone else in this boat with their partner?

I be home on my days off I don't be smelling like strong fish but as I soon as I go out it get
On its strong point dang I had to stick a tic tac(femdo) up in there hopefully it wil kick in later.

thats sad

In the January 26, 2009 issue of First magazine, Dr. Elizabeth Stewart's column entitled "Private Health for You" has a section discussing BV. Following is the quote by this renowned gynecologist and author of The V Book:

"Many women experience stubborn bouts of bacterial vaginosis (BV) despite taking multiple courses of antibiotics. That's because these drugs not only wipe out infectious microorganisms but can also eliminate the beneficial bacteria that help maintain vaginal health. This leaves women susceptible to rebound infections -- and the itchiness, discharge and burning sensations that often accompany them. You (directed to the questioner who has experienced repeated bouts of BV despite using antibiotic) may have greater success with vaginal suppositories that are made from boric acid (such as Vitanica Yeast Arrest, $21 for 28 suppositories, at health-food stores). This natural antiseptic has been shown to eliminate up to 98% of BV infections without disrupting levels of healthy bacteria. Plus, boric acid normalizes vaginal pH to discourage infectious bacteria from multiplying. To do: Insert one suppository twice daily. once symptoms subside -- usually within 5-7 days -- continue using the suppositories for another two days to ensure the infection is fully eradicated. (Stubborn infections may require up to 14 days of treatment.) Women who are especially prone to BV may also wish to insert one suppository twice weekly (unless menstruating) thereafter to prevent the infection from recurring."

This validates what worked for me when I had a recurring seesawing of BV and Candida vaginal infections over two years ago. Go into it slowly, though, in case you happen to be allergic to boric acid. Also, I always thought that boric acid kills some of the good bacteria along with the bad, but she says it doesn't. I'd still take /use Femdophilus when using the boric acid though.

Cheers,
Maggie C.

Thanks for sharing this Maggie.

Well, this is certainly quite the bombshell of information!

Yeah, thanks Maggie -

But 'yeast'? I thought BV was different to a yeast infection? Confused now!

I'm confused, too.

But yes, BV and yeast are different. Boric acid is usually prescribed for certain types of yeast infections.

I honestly don't know how to reconcile these two pieces of information. On the one hand, Dr. Stewart (a very reputable source, in my opinion) is saying it's okay to pop boric acid up your vagina on a regular basis.

On the other hand, another reputable source is saying boric acid is poison:

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002485.htm

For the record, in The V Book, Dr. Stewart doesn't say anything about boric acid being used for BV. Only non-albicans yeast. (Also, she said that it should be prescribed by a doctor and made by a pharmacist.)

Of course that was back in 2002. I guess she changed her position on that.

Maggie, did Dr. Stewart say anything about probiotics? I'd really love to know her current opinion on that topic.

Hi--the name of the product itself is "Yeast Arrest." It is, however, recommended for treatment of BV on several websites where it is sold. Both of my gynecologists also recommended boric acid as a "kill two birds with one stone" solution for Candida & BV. (My grandmother used boric acid eyewashes most of her life with no ill effects.)

I'm not sure why that MedLine site is so anti-boric acid. (I just sent them an email laying out the issue re boric acid...I'll let you know if I get an answer.)True...I have The V Book also, and it is close to 7 years old. I guess Dr. Stewart has changed her position on this. I was surprised she isn't saying anything new about probiotics in light of the research done by Gregor Reid, et al. Perhaps she'll have something in her First magazine Q&A column eventually.

Take care,
Maggie C.

I would like to thank everyone for responding to my recent post and giving me hope and other suggestions. My yearly pap test came back negative like it always does but yet I still have bacterial vaginosis. I started the 14 day supply of flagyl (name brand) about an hour ago and later tonight I will insert the boric acid suppository vaginally.

I am both nervous and hopeful about starting this treatment. I am very hopeful about the boric acid after just reading the post on "boric acid". I pray to God that this is finally it and I can get my life back I will keep everyone updated, thanks for the support and may God Bless You

edit:

yme and horror - I'm sorry to not respond with emotional support at first. I completely understand how hard it can be to feel self confident when I have vaginal odor. Please remember that you are a whole, beautiful person, that you are more than the sum or your parts and odors. I would suggest a cheesy intention, tell yourself, or write down one thing every day that you like about yourself/that you do well/that makes you a good friend/etc. I hope you find relief with the boric acid.
lori, thanks for sticking with this board when others have bailed, and thanks for your blog, I've learned a lot from your dedication to us.
mfc10, thanks for the steward article, that is great news that the boric acid that I've been using is approved by her, it always concerned me that such an expert didn't regard it as an option.

I have utilized this board for many ideas in my BV battle and I always promised myself that I would post if I found something that is working for me. The good news ... I have some good news.

Boric Acid always works for me if I get BV (but it always comes back). Also, I started to notice a light pink discharge after Boric Acid suppositories and worried that I was developing an allergy, but I will still use this if I get a bout of BV ...


Supplies - 800mcg Folic Acid (grocery store), Sliquid Feminine Wash unscented (drugstore.com), ph test strips 1-14 (got these at a local children's science museum gift shop), Astrogide gel (Walgreens), 10ml medicine syringe (local pharmacy) this is a oral medicine syringe and does not have a needle

• Daily: 800mcg supplement of Folic Acid
• Daily: the last thing I do in the shower, I wash my vulva with Sliquid Feminine Wash, unscented (ph of 4) and rinse with water
• After period and as needed: I check my ph by putting a litmus paper inside my vagina. If it reads anything higher than 4, then I do a ph treatment
• After sex: stand up afterward to dump out semen (ph 7-8). (Condoms are probably the best bet, but my bf and I are monogamous and I use an IUD, pulling out would be a second but he and I are really good at and enjoy coming at the same time) followed by ph treatment
• ph treatment - fill a baby oral medicine syringe with 2ml of Astroglide gel (ph of 4), insert and dispense into vagina. I always do this after sex and any time vaginal ph is higher than 4.

There are many links on this forum to journal articles that talk about the connection between a raised ph and bv. The normal vaginal ph should be around 4.5. There are many products that are available these days, but I just choose some that were more accessible, higher reviews and cheaper. I've heard lots of people like Sweet Spot fem wash products and the ph is the same (4-4.5). The astroglide is lubricant, but it's also advertised as being a vaginal moisturizer, and it happens to have the right ph (4). Basically my ph treatment is very similar to Rephresh, but cheaper and less wasteful because I reuse the syringe. Plus, you can vary the amount based on what works for you. Before I got the syringe (and when I don't have the syringe) I just put some astroglide on my finger and inserted that way.

The Folic Acid I learned about through this forum and it seems to really help me, in combination with the ph stuff.


By the way, I get recurring BV that usually clears up before my period and then comes back after. My main symptom is odor, but also some increased wetness is usually the first sign of raised ph, sometimes I get some swelling. Since I started folic acid and fem wash three months ago, I have had very little odor. Since adding the ph treatment I have had no odor and minor increased wetness.

Edit: I also eat about a cup of Nancy's plain yogurt every day, but apparently that is great for GI, but not so helpful with vag flora ... see "Sweaty in Social" post on 3/3.

YME30

My dear please dont be that sad. Please please I have had it for 10 years this year. But this thing can go away. Last year I managed to fight it off. I stayed away from sweet stuff and I take pribiotics everyday. For 8 moths Iwas bv free. But greedy me I went back to the sweet stuff so jut after my period i geta faint smell. So now I have resolved that during that tiem of the month ill stay off the glucose. It works believe me.My social life is almost back on tracka and as for people gossiping about it?I had a colleague gossiping about it last year and now that the smell is rarely there I use a good perfume and make an effort to be next to him and other so that they can just think that he is spreading malicious rumous. please if you need to talk email me @ dipuo22@hotmail.com. You are not alone. we are your sisters and we love you

You should be taking Fem-dophilus while you're taking the flagyl.

Thankyou so much for understanding and reaching out to me in this way. I really appreciate it and I will try my hardest not to let this on-going bout of bacterial vaginosis get the best of me. I truly thankyou again for your love and support and you too are my sister and I love you as well.




Well Lori been there done that and I refuse to go back. I just have to accept the fact that Fem-dophilus just doesn't work for me. I have tried them with flagyl and without the flagyl. I have waisted away hard earned money on probiotics including Fem-dophilus. I have heard that it works for some people but unfortunately it failed me several times. With this new doctor I now have I will follow her orders specifically and keep away from anything else.

Hey ladies

Just wanted to share a really good, informative forum, a little like this one, populated by ladies sharing their BV experiences.

I've just spent 2 hours reading over all the posts, and strongly recommend you take a look - there are ideas and things that are working for some ladies that I haven't come across before.

Here's the link: Women's health

It's heartening that these places exist for us to share with each other, eductating ourselves.

My eyes are red now from too much screen time!

I've made a few notes of things I might try after a little more of my own research (Bio-fem Gel, Lactose, Molkosan stand out) and I'll report here with any updates.

Thanks for sharing that forum, Grace.

While I'm not discouraging anyone from checking it out, a quick skim of the recent posts makes me feel like the group is where this Bust group was, about a year ago. Very "trial and error."

I'm kind of a cosmetics junkie, so I love trying new skin care and makeup. But I've found out that "throwing everything at the wall and see what sticks" doesn't work so well for vaginas.


I'm all for following doctor's orders. Trust me on that. And if you don't want to take probiotics, you don't have to justify that decision to me.

Good luck. I hope you get well this time, finally.

Very respectful Lori. When I officially joined this post over a year ago I saw your blog and was very grateful for all the information you provided. You are like the leader of this forum because your intention is to help and weed out information thats not in sync with curing this dreadful bacterial vaginosis. What I am trying to say is that you mean well and I admire you for your time and dedication to this forum. Thanks for wishing me luck I will keep you updated on my progress as well.

Hi YME. I had not read that you said that probiotics didnt help you. They seem to be working for me. ever tried reducing sugars and carbs from your diet? I also find that stress makes it worse so i try various relaxation techniques as well. I guess this is all about trial and error and finding out whta works for you. Goodluck. Just dont give up

Hey Lori,

Yep, I agree with you - we should always be measured and mindful about what we try, especially when using anything vaginally. And what works for one might be disastrous for another lady.

I think I was excited with the gathering and sharing of information, and if I hadn't come across that forum I wouldn't have heard about Primadophilus Reuteri (Nature's Way) which I have just managed to order here:Reuteri

It's a bit of a break-through for me, because, as I've probably said before, here in the UK none of our probiotics contain the two specific strains proven to help BV, as found in FemD. I haven't managed to find anywhere that will ship FemD to the UK, and aside from that I have concerns about its need to be refridgerated, so even if a company could mail it here - it would not be refridgerated.

Sooooo. A month ago I found oral acidophilus with Rhamnosus (one of the FemD strains) in it - so half way there - and now, in ordering the one with Reuteri - I'll be getting both the strains that have helped so many ladies so far.

It's a real pain in the arse (see, I'm British) that we can't get so many of the products that you can get stateside - I don't even know if I'd try Hydrogen Peroxide or Boric Acid - but there's no way of getting them here. It's just a little frustrating when you hear that something has worked for someone but you can't try it yourself.

Bio-Fem gel seems to have helped a few women over on the board I mentionned, and I got that from my local pharmacy today - so maybe us Brits have some advantages - although at least one of the girls who tried it was from the US, and she'd ordered it online, so it's accessible.

So, I'll start the Bio Fem today (it's 2 applications a day for 5 consecutive days) and take the Reuteri as soon as I get it, continuing with the Rhamnosus and folic acid (800mg) I'm already on.

Will keep you posted...

Thanks for this...it is very interesting. Boric acid is the only thing that has ever helped me out of the solutions I have tried, along with a good diet and taking vitamins regularly. Certainly have your doctor monitor your use if anyone decides to go this route. I have also used the actual Yeast Arrest brand available at health stores, but it's green and so you get a green discharge from it...eww. I recommend making your own or like Lori said, having a pharmacist make them up.

I definately believe our ph level have to right on point then take femdo or boric acid or even both. I don't think the bacteria could stand a chance against that. thanks for the info

Hi everyone its day #3 of my treatment which is flagyl twice a day and boric acid supp inserted for 7 days then twice a week for three weeks. How do I feel so far?

Smelly, drippy from the boric acid supp, and disgusted that I dont see any sign of relief yet. How long will it take for the boric acid to kill the bacteria anyone please? Tell me your personal experience with the boric acid thankyou

For a recurring mixed BV and Candida infection, I used a boric acid capsule vaginally at bedtime for about 10 nights, then switched to every other night for another week, then twice a week for about a month. On alternate nights, I used estrogen cream (prescription Estrace). It finally went away. I still use a tea tree oil suppository occasionally as a preventive, use estrogen cream several times a week, and have been using FemDophilus (and its previous form, Ombe) for 2 1/2 years now. No sign of problems, thank the Lord!

Maggie C.

im going try the boric acid!!! This fish/musty smell has to go its ruining my life!!!
whhhhhhhhhyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy?? damn i can't even be sexy anymore.
No confident when i walk down the street, go to my parents inlaw house, going to work basically anywhere. DAMN