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I have chronic BV; my story so far.

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Superwoman18
Superwoman18

I can't even tell you how long exactly that I've suffered from BV, it feels like forever, but I'd think maybe the last 4+ years on and off... mostly on. I say suffered because it has been the dark cloud that hangs over my head and never goes away. My big secret i can't tell anyone. It's all I think about, every minute of every day. Do I smell? Can others smell me? Why aren't I normal? Why is this happening to me? Why does nothing work? Why don't the doctors care or even know what the main problem is? I change my underwear 2-3 times a day, I bring spare pairs of undies with me most places just in case I'm having a bad day with it and I'm not home. I have even thrown away every pair of undies I own more times then i can count. Then, there's the rare occasion where I actually have sex with my partner... I can't even enjoy it because all I'm thinking about is the smell or the discharge. He gets up and immediately washes himself and it just f*****g hurts me that I am not normal... that we can't have a normal sex life. 

i constantly googled looking for answers and everything online said that I was normal... But there was nothing normal about this. No one else had it. I felt so alone and thought I had like a disease or this is how my life was going to be forever. You can't just tell your friends about this. Like, it's so disgusting and embarrassing, 'hey guys my vag stinks real bad all the time and I want to die'... yeah, no thanks. My partner is so lovely about this whole thing. A few months after we had started dating he looked at me and said 'sometimes there is a smell' I f*****g died inside. I wanted to break up with him right then and run into a hole forever... i was so ashamed and scared. since then we have occasionally spoken about it but I'm so embarrassed that I'm not sure he knows the full extent of it. He says that he's not going anywhere and is even willing to pay my doctors bills and do whatever he needs to help me. So amazing, but you still shouldn't have to deal with this s**t. I feel gross 24/7 and always think he's going to leave me because of it. Not being able to let your partner touch you when you want to, never feeling confident or sexy... it has taken a toll on our relationship and if he was any less of a man he'd be gone by now. Or he's just dumb, either way I love him. 

 The first time I got the balls to go to the doctor, I told her that I "smelled badly". She laughed in my face and said vaginas are smelly and discharge is normal, I went home and cried my eyes out because I just didn't understand. Is this actually what happens to everyone? Does everyone feel this way?! Not long after I went back to the doctor and burst into tears, said something is really really wrong with me. Again, she thought I was being silly and did a swab just to make me happy. A few days later I received a call from the doc apologising and saying I had Bacterial Vaginosis... WHAT THE F**K IS THAT. I'd never heard of this before, my brain nearly broke thinking about it and so i went to town on google. Most women have it? It's a normal thing?? It's common??? In all my years being a woman on this earth, no one had ever mentioned this s**t. What the actual f**k! i was so relieved that I wasn't alone! FINALLY AN ANSWER! I'm normal!!!! Other women on the internet had this issue! I was a whole new woman.. for a while. The doctor assured me it was a quick fix with some medicine. Now I'm pretty against antibiotics and modern medicines, and prefer the holistic version of things but I was absolutely desperate and relieved! She prescribed flagyl and my BV went away!!!!!!!! And then without skipping a beat, it was just back. This went on for ages. My heart was instantly broken and the black cloud was back, worse then ever. I began to research, write down information from different blog posts, peoples experiences and any holistic info I could find. I started doing everything I could.. making apple cider vinegar concoctions every day, eating yoghurt, acidophilus, oregano oil, garlic, pretty much everything you can find online! (Besides douching, I personally am just not okay with that) i spent every penny on vitamins and became obsessed. My BV began to subside.. not fully but it was nowhere near as bad as it was before. And then guess what. It came back yet again full force. The smell wasn't as bad but it was affecting my partner more. If he didn't wash immediately after sex his penis would become sore and red. What. The. Actual. F**k. Kill me.  I wanted to go to the doctor again. Someone had to know about this! It couldn't be just me! I went to a new doctor. I picked a woman but she happened to be sick that day so I had a male doc. I was so terrified but I was ready to fix this, so i went in with ALL of my findings. As i began to tell the doctor he looked sort of shocked. Shortly into the chat, I realised that I knew more then him about BV. He even told me that. He had nothing new to tell me, same ol 'normal woman thing' type of bulls**t. But he said he was going to call his friend and ask about it. He prescribed me another round of flagyl at double the normal dosage to see if that would work. (He also laughed at all my remedies and said that they were A bit silly because they don't work...idiot) The medicine seemed to work okay and I had relief for a while. The doctor asked me to come back in and see him, that he had spoken with his friend and had some news. Holy s**t! SOMETHING!!!!!!!! We sat down and he started telling me that his friend didn't know much about BV, that no one knows much about it. He told me i may be allergic to my boyfriend and we should try wearing condoms. ? That was it. That's all he had to tell me... WTF. this made no sense to me. I had it before my partner, and we spent 4 months apart (traveling) and it was the worst it's ever been then. Why is this happening to me. It's ruining my f*****g life. And no one knows why. 

I've been able to manage it okay the past few months but last week I wore a certain pair of undies and now it's bad again... 

I've always had this weird feeling that maybe I couldnt have kids. I had a miscarriage when I was in my early 20's but the thought was still always in my mind. And for some reason yesterday i was thinking about this and got back on the google machine. Bad idea. Women were saying that long term BV had caused them to become infertile. It scars and damages your tubes. The past couple of years I've had HORRIBLE period cramps so that would make sense.. next minute I'm crying because now I think I'm ruined and i can't procreate. All I've ever wanted is to be a mum. Have a big family and live the dream... all these thoughts came into my head and I freaked the f**k out. I realised I couldn't go on like this anymore. I'm in a constant depression and I'm scared. I just want to be normal. 

I remembered I knew a naturopath (apparently she's f*****g amazing)! I'm pretty broke at the moment but i thought f**k it, I don't need to pay for groceries this fortnight, I need this. So I'm seeing her today at 4:30pm and I'm f*****g terrified. What if she can't help? What if she tells me that I'm broken? What if I have to be like this forever? I just want one tiny bit of answer. I am going to document everything now that I learn. If she tells me I have to eat carrots for 6 months and it'll be gone, I'll eat them for 12. I'm ready to get my life and my back. And to buy heaps of new nice undies. I just wanted to share my story somewhere because I've never been able to before and I hope I can help someone. 

6 likes, 34 replies

34 Replies

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  • stretch22
    stretch22 Superwoman18

    Posted

    I have been battling with this for almost 10 years now, I will be 34 in just a few months. The ONLY thing that has worked for me thus far is boric acid suppositories. I started going to a hormone specialist that uses more holistic approaches to treat problems and they are the ones who prescribed the boric acid (less than a year ago), which they make in-house at their pharmacy. The first round I used it for 7 days and since then I only use it when I have symptoms, which is almost once a week. SO, it's not a permanent fix but at least I don't have to worry so much about the horrid odor and discomfort that comes along with the symptoms. 

    The research I have done so far says it is a safe method to use in treatment of recurrent BV. I recommend reading this article if you have questions - http://www.health.com/sexual-health/boric-acid-treatment-bacterial-vaginosis - and also do your own research before trying it. But as a person with recurrent (weekly) BV problems, it has been a life saver. Also, on a side note, I have a very clean diet and rarely eat processed foods or sugar, so I cannot blame a bad diet for this - at least not in my case. 

  • stretch22
    stretch22 Superwoman18

    Posted

    Here is another website where you can find the boric acid suppository and reviews from the many women it has helped 

    Moderator comment: I have removed the link(s) directing to site(s) unsuitable for inclusion in the forums. If users want this information please use the Private Message service to request the details.

    • kim81213
      kim81213 stretch22

      Posted

      Same situation with me but the boric acid dries me out soo bad so I don’t know whats worse
  • kim81213
    kim81213 Superwoman18

    Posted

    Its a

    Terrible feeling a f something has to give. Thank God I have the boric acid to kill the odor but it makes me soo dry 

  • kertesslm
    kertesslm Superwoman18

    Posted

    I am not a medical doctor but I have dealt with the same situation . It started with the burning and itching for about a month a 3 weeks . I honestly don’t rely on medical doctors when it comes to my health especially my vagina , however I bought Hydrocortisone cream  and antibiotics . Worst thing . The discharge came back much more than it was before. I used garlic by applying it directly inside my down part . It helps a little but it comes back . 

    My first and foremost advice is : change your diet . Reduce refined sugar , flour , pasta , rice . Eat a lot of citrus fruits ( orange , lemon , mandarin, etc) . Eat green leafy vegetables and drink a lot of water . Once your diet is healthier , you can then focus on the symptoms. I used probiotics , douched with apple cider vinegar ( Bragg preferably, others tend to be filtered) . I also used Goldenseal and Echinacea, Olive Oil extract as well . ( I would advise you to shop at GNC for everything , they mostly sell vegetarian supplements) . 

    After douching, rub the vagina area with Lemongrass oil ( diluted with Coconut Oil since it is too strong by itself ).

    After a week , I was relieved. The only thing is that I still have discharge ( which I had never had before this ) . 

    Eliminate every type of coffee or caffeinated drinks. It triggered my BV . It came back but the only symptom was the fishy smell .

    I did a 5 days fast , then drank green juices and smoothies . It went away 

  • victoria0141
    victoria0141 Superwoman18

    Posted

    Omg ladies this is great information. So I recently got a book on bv that recommends using diluted hydrogen peroxide treatment along with probiotics, healthy diet( less sugar, less carbs, dark leafy greens and organic protiens). This made the discharge and the smell go away but my vulva is still inflamed from the bv infection. My vagina must be very sensitive to the hydrogen peroxide. But it really seems like it's killing the bad bacteria. I'm just so itchy still. I don't know what to do about the raw feeling. I'm taking probiotics, eating yogurt ( I haven't tried the yogurt suppositories yet) but if anyone has any information on what I can do to get rid of the itching and burning. I tried boric acid, obviously antibiotics threw me way off in the beginning. And now I'm obsessively researching natural remedies because this has been reoccurring so much. I also read that hormones really can play a part and having balnced cortisol levels in your body so im going to try adrenal support and recommend it to anyone who has alot of stress in their lives. Ill try the sea salt method today and the yogurt but I'm concerned because the symptoms went away but I'm still experiencing so much dryness and itching. I'd really appreciate some feedback us women need to stick together through this it's a tough road.

  • Annonumys0205
    Annonumys0205 Superwoman18

    Posted

    I am extremely glad I am not the only one suffering with this “disease”. I have had BV for the past 5 years. The awful smell, itching and burning has been terrible. My sweet husband is very understanding thankfully! My OB has recommended using refresh gel applicator @ bedtime. ( really seems to help with the smell)!! However, he also says using condoms with my spouse will help keep me balanced. ?? I’m hoping to find a long term cure for this. I’m looking forward to hearing everyone’s journey and hoping we can all find a solution! Thank y’all for being so brave and sharing something so embarrassing. ??

  • kelly35771
    kelly35771 Superwoman18

    Posted

    I also have suffered from BV for 4 years and have tried literally everything, including all the things mentioned here. But I feel I have found my answer and I have now been completely BV free for 3 weeks (before it would become less, but never really gone).

    After so much research over the years, I came across another bacteria that is often found with BV but that a lot of doctors do not know about. It is called Mycoplasma Hominis and Ureaplasma. Both are micro bacteria that cannot be tested through normal swap test, but needs to be tested through PCR testing (DNA). I tested positive for both. They gave me a specific antibiotic and during this treatment things were better, but like most of you have experienced too... it comes back after you are done with the antibiotics. I tested again and the Ureaplasma had gone down, but the Mycoplasma was still there. I read online that both bacteria are resistent to most antibiotics and I felt hopeless. It looks like the Mycoplasma keeps the vaginal PH Alkaline which the BV enjoyed. I did more research and found a new type of antibiotic that should work better for Mycoplasma, named Moxifloxacin. 

    I took this antibiotic and again it was gone during the time I took it, but it came back when I stopped taking it. I was so devastated. I decided not to test again and just to leave it. But somewhere my mind told me that.. could it be possible that I actually did treat the Mycoplasma hominid, but that the BV was now just floating around by itself and that I should just do one more antibiotic (I know, I hate antibiotic) to treat the BV. I decided not to do this.. until a few months later I underwent a small surgical procedure and was proscribed an antibiotic that is normally also given for BV (which in the past, before the Mycoplasma treatment I had taken so many times and it never worked). But this time it worked... I immediately got a yeast infection, but I was happy, because this can only happen if your PH becomes more acidic. I treated the yeast infection and for the first time in 4 years I do not experience anything. 

    for all of you who have been suffering from BV for so many years and have tried all the medicine against the biofilm and it still doesn;t go away, please get tested for Mycoplasma hominis and get treated for it (don;t forget then to treat the BV after that). 

    I did also use some Chinese Medicine lately to support my system, this may have had a positive impact as well. you never know really what does the final trick, but my feeling says it was the Mycoplasma. Online you also read that Mycoplasma can cause difficulties with getting pregnant, so it is important to check this. And make sure you treat your partner for the Mycoplasma as well.. you never know. 

    All the best ladies! Hope this helpful.

  • boo50808
    boo50808 Superwoman18

    Posted

    I’ve had chronic BV for a while now and I’ve found a pretty simple solution. Pick up some empty gelatin capsules size 01 from amazon or health food store. Then buy 100% boric acid powder (sold in some hardware stores as roach an ant killer) just double check its 100% boric acid (the one I found was a yellow container with red top) I usually fill the capsule half way with the power and insert it all the way in before bed. Do this every night for at least 3 nights and then you can space it out more, maybe once a week. Fixes the pH in your vagina so the bacteria can’t survive. You will have a watery discharge the day following so wear a liner! Keep using that capsules here and there even when you think it’s gone otherwise it will come back 
    • lina28068
      lina28068 boo50808

      Posted

      hey thank you for the advise, i would like to try this too since ive tried absolutely everything as well and no cure. Where can i get boric acid from? is it possible to order online if so where is the best place to order from? thank you so much x

  • Guest
    Guest Superwoman18

    Posted

    Wow!! I’m reading your post and it sounds like I’m the one who wrote it. Currently as income writing this, I’m about to bust out in tears and fall into a depression. I can’t even recall how long I’ve struggled with bv because it’s been that long and I’m now about to be 28 yo. I want to cry every time I have sex with my bf and I’m also scared I can’t have kids because we’ve been trying since October and nothing has happened. I have really bad cramps, I bleed a little after sex and I’m scared that ir developed pelvic inflammatory disease from how many bv episodes I’ve had. I’m at the doctor like every two months and I’m seriously jealous of couples who have a normal sex life and that have kids. I sometime hide from my bf because I don’t want to tell him I’m having symptoms AGAIN of bv. I’m so over this Idk what to do anymore beside sit on my bed and wanting to cry about it. If you get to read this please share how you’ve been doing lately. I wish you the best of luck and pray you’ve found a solution. 
    • laura55937
      laura55937 Guest

      Posted

      Hi please read the Ebooks you can buy on http://www.allthingsvagina.com It changes your understanding about BV and explains cures that will banish BV for good. They've also written a book on how to treat men for BV. It will certainly give you hope. I was recommended the website by someone else on this discussion page and I'm so thankful for it! I'm yet to be cured of BV and I only finished reading book today. I'm feeling optimistic that I will get cured of this depressing 'disease' (that's what it feels like I've got!). I've been trying for a baby for 3 years while also suffering with BV and when I eventually did fall pregnant earlier this year I miscarried. Who knows the reason, but my bets are BV was somewhere to blame. I'm anxious that I'm running out of time as I'm 37 and I cannot afford to let BV continue to stop me conceiving. I need my PH levels normal again!!! Good luck and you certainly aren't alone in this BV Battle X 

  • michele25939
    michele25939 Superwoman18

    Posted

     I just wanted to share my experience with this new antibiotic for recurrent BV.  I have tried every possible thing to cure my BV to no avail. I happened upon this new FDA approved antibiotic called Solosec.  Good news is that I took it 2 weeks ago and fingers crossed, I have been non-symptomatic.....bad news is that insurance doesn’t cover it yet.  I was able to download a coupon from the pharma company that manufactures it.  I paid $93 out of pocket, but it is a single dose.  I haven’t started my period yet, so this will be the ultimate challenge to see if it works.  But I am quietly optimistic!
    • Lyss3708
      Lyss3708 michele25939

      Posted

      Hi Michele! I too have just recently tried Solosec. It seemed to help my symptoms for a couple of days and then it came right back sad I seriously just want to cry all of the time after trying nearly everything on the market there is to try and having no success sad sad sad I really hope it works for you!!! Please keep us updated!
    • Guest
      Guest Lyss3708

      Posted

      Hi Lyss, I’m sorry to hear that it didn’t work for you. I’ve also tried everything and anything and I’ve also just cried because I feel like it’ll never go away and I ll never have a normal sex life and or kids. You’re not alone I assure you. Please don’t give up because I don’t want to give up. I will pray for us girls going through this. 
    • michele25939
      michele25939 Lyss3708

      Posted

      I really thought Solosec was going to be the cure.  I was symptom free for almost a month and then my period came and symptoms returned.  I am tempted to try it again, but worry about the side effects.  These antibiotics are so strong and I am concerned what it is doing to my body.  
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