Help, Chronic Bacterial Vaginosis!?

Question

What if you have gone to the doctor 15 times. What if you have tried the meds over and over again? I suffer with reoccurring BV. I have tried everything. Here is what I have tried:

All known medications (flagyl & metrogel)
Changed my diet (no sugar, yeast)
Cotton underwear
No feminine products
No tampons (pads only)
No sex (two months)
No tight cloths
Wipe front to back
Use alcohol wipe after each bowel movement
Use dye & perfume free soaps & detergents.

The Results:
The meds have destroyed the lining of my stomach causing severe cramping (not related to periods). The doctor should warn women of this side effect.
I lost 20 lbs but still have bv. I am depressed and my husband thinks I'm not attracted to him.

What’s next? I saw on this site where someone used "uritract powder" I can not find this anywhere but I hope to find it and use it! Also, I read about using Tea Tree Essential Oil. I found this at GNC in the mall & I am going to use it. Ideas? Help!!!

Answer 1

A few other suggestions that came to mind while reading here;

If using pads make sure they are organic, cloth or homemade, commercial pads contain synthetics that prevent aeration to the vulva and chemicals that can affect vaginal pH and so in turn affect the natural flora within your vagina leading to infections.

Don't use soap to wash with, for the same reason as not using commercial pads, because soaps contain chemicals that can affect vaginal pH it can in turn lead to infections – your vagina only ever needs water to wash with and a good wipe within the inner-labia to wash away dirt, your vagina is self-cleaning so can take care of the rest.

Watch out for detergents, you may have a bad reaction to the chemicals in your washing powder, don't just switch brands but keep an eye on the ingredients in the washing powder you are using – try switching to a more natural brand or not using washing powder at all, there are things such as eco balls you can try instead. Also try adding some tea tree oil to your washing as well as this may help kill off any bacteria lingering on your underwear.

The problem with bacterial vaginosis is that it is not just a case of treating the infection but also trying to reintroduce a healthy bacterial balance within the vagina and keeping any further infections away. For the most part your vagina is very good at taking care of itself, often when it comes to BV I have seen that medications do make the situation worse because although it may solve one problem it can cause a whole load of new ones by killing off not just 'bad' bacteria but also 'good' bacteria or can cause other infections such as yeast infections being common with antibiotic use.
BV is one of the most common vaginal infections around, but for some women it is a constant problem and then the whole thing seems to turn into a mystery.

I share your pain as I had constant infections, however mine were due to using tampons and as soon as I switched to using a menstrual cup I no longer got infections – someone did tell me something about a type of laser therapy that kills off all vaginal flora you then re-introduce healthy bacteria. Unfortunately I never did find further information on this, however I will say it came from the natural-living line of thought so might be worth going to a naturopath or similar to look at alternative treatments and look at your health as a whole to try to find the cause, doctors are all well and good but they only know so much and often in the end all they do is throw pills at you, I also second the idea of getting yourself a new doctor or at least a second or even third opinion.

As a side note, abstaining from sex does suggest that your partners semen or lubrication are not to blame, although these will affect vaginal pH furthering problems to some degree I would not worry too much about having sex as long as you both make sure you shower beforehand, and bacterial vaginosis is not sexually transmitted.
If you are comfortable with sex then go for it. I know what it's like avoiding sex, no matter how much you tell them that it is not anything to do with how attracted you are to them your partner still feels a little like it is them and it can cause issues, so it is worth really addressing that problem before it becomes serious.

A lot of the time yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis go hand in hand, although some treatments may not be bacterial vaginosis specific they will deal with more general vaginal health issues. Things like acidophilus [commonly used in the form of yogurt] for example work on yeast not bacterial vaginosis because it works by producing hydrogen peroxide that kills yeast, not the 'bad' bacteria in the vagina, however it will help reintroduce healthy bacterial balance.

Have you tried to use boric acid?
This is one of the most successful home methods, and to be honest although tea tree oil will help boric acid is about your only self-treatment option that has any chance of working for you. It can be bought from pharmacies and health stores, if you get yourself some size 00 capsules and fill them up with boric acid, then insert two of these capsules into your vagina every night for a week. The capsules will dissolve in your vagina releasing the boric acid, as scary as it is trust me when I say it is safe, it may cause a burning sensation that should not be uncomfortable and additional discharge so get yourself some organic or cloth pantiliners just in case you need them. If it is uncomfortable then wash out, I'd also say if you have this reaction to mention it to your doctor as this sort of reaction could be a sign of problems relating to your chronic infections.

I know I haven't really been much help, but what I would say though is to try not to let it get you down and go about treating it a different way.

Good luck.

Answer 2

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Answer 3

Your husband needs to be checked. He could be re-infecting you every time you have sex. He also may have NO symptoms and still be carrying something. Also, do you take alot of bubble baths? Sometimes that can cause irritation. I wouldn't recommend anyone using alcohol wipes on their genitals, this too can cause irritation; try using cottonelle wipes instead. Seriously, talk to your husband about getting checked. I'm pretty sure that is what's happening. Good luck.

Answer 4

Yeast Infection Cure Secrets - http://YeastCured.uzaev.com/?mFxd

Answer 5

I used to have this problem but I quit useing tampons and I haven't had one since so I don't know what your problem is you need to go see a gyn.

Answer 6

Try lactobacillus acidophilus (L. acidophilus) which is a commonly used probiotic, or "friendly" bacteria. Such healthy bacteria inhabit the intestines and vagina and protect against the entrance and proliferation of "bad" organisms that can cause disease. (You can get this in yogurt.)

Answer 7

different doctor.