Trying to Defeat BV

I've learned a ton about BV as a victim and continue to do so.

Here's what I know so far:

1. Key components that help destroy the bad bacteria: lactic acid, hydrogen peroxide, and bacteriocins. These three, which I deem “the Vaginal Trinity,” are produced in aid of the good bacteria (Lactobacillus).
2. Vitamin C supports collagen formation, and high levels of collagen promotes vaginal “rejuvenation.”
3. The BV-causing bacteria builds a biofilm around themselves. Basically a tough, gooey barrier. This prevents antibiotics, probiotics, and even the Vaginal Trinity from actually destroying the bacteria. Thus, symptoms are only alleviated temporarily, but does not actually cure it; this explains why BV “recurs.”
4. What helps destroy the biofilm? Enzymes. Unfortunately, I’m still trying to find the specifics for BV bacteria and its biofilm destroyer.
5. There’s a correlation (those not necessarily a direct cause) with anemia and vitamin D deficiency in BV patients.
6. You can get BV even as a virgin. It’s me, I was the virgin when I first experienced BV.

If you know anything else, feel free to drop that knowledge here! 😃

About me:

• I'm 23 and have been suffering with BV since I was 17. Unsurprisingly, antibiotics don't work for me. BV would “come back” as if nothing happened WITHIN A FEW DAYS. Sometimes I would even get a UTI shortly after.
• When I became less active, depressed, and stressed, that’s when my BV started.
• I’m anemic (low RBC, normal iron) and have been diagnosed with vitamin D deficiency a couple of years ago.
• About a week before my period, symptoms mostly disappear. As soon as my period ends, the symptoms return with a vengeance.

Here’s what I’ve tried for my BV:

• Antibiotics - temporary relief
• Boric acid w/ cocoa butter - helps when inserted consistently (but don’t forget the biofilm), cocoa butter prevents burning, dryness, etc.
• Eating yogurt w/ probiotics - didn’t help
• Apple cider vinegar (douche and bath) - didn’t help
• Eating healthier w/ multivitamin and superfood powder (plant-based) - may have helped, as the smell reduced, but it still smells and the discharge persists. My BV used to stink up a room (ugh!), but now it only smells in my undies and during sex.
• Hydrogen peroxide - didn’t help, dried me up

I haven’t tried the yogurt, garlic clove, and other inserts because I’m already sensitive enough, and I don’t want to risk a yeast infection or rash.

With what I now know, here’s what I’m going to try next:

1. INNATE Vitality Women’s Probiotics, 50 Billion (daily, oral)
2. Renew Life Enzyme, Digest Smart Extra Care (daily, oral)
3. Viva Naturals Vitamin C - (every 2 days, oral)
4. Round 1 for 2 weeks - Vitamin C w/ Rosehip Seed Oil (nightly, vaginal) If it works, I’ll stick with this and skip Round 2, but will do boric acid for 2 days after each of my periods to give my vagina a boost after a dreadful time.
5. Round 2 for 2 weeks - Boric Acid w/ Cocoa Butter (nightly, vaginal)

I’m going to continue eating healthily and be more conscious of my nutrient-intake, but I’m also going to try to walk at least 15 minutes a day in the sun.

I receive my supplements and whatnot Tuesday/Wednesday, so I’ll update every few days or weekly on my progress, starting this Friday. Afterward, monthly.

I’m really hoping this works! It’s been way too long suffering 😞

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