I've been suffering with BV for about 9 months now-- with random but infrequent yeast infections as well. This all started for me when I was prescribed an antibiotic for a UTI, which I had also never had. It has been an absolute nightmare especially since Ive never ever had an issue until that medication.. The worst part is that I told the doctor at the time that I could not handle antibiotics well since I have a very weak stomach but they made it seem as if i had no other choice. I've had antibiotics for other reasons before and they have made me so sick and puking but never resulted in a yeast infection, bv, or anything similar.
The symptoms that are the worst are the CONSTANT burning, itching and irration, as well as a small amount of yellow discharge. I've had the same partner for 3 years now and I am sick of doctors who ask me questions that try to place the blame back on me. No I am not wearing clothing that is too tight, sleeping with new partners, and I do know how to wipe properly.. Again none of these problems ever occured in my life until AFTER this antibiotic I was given for my UTI.
I've tried taking probiotics daily, vit c, using boric acid suppositories, eating raw garlic, vaginal probiotic, very strict protein and greens diet, alkaline water, tea tree oil, etc.
I'm really not sure where to go from here. I've seen probably 10 different doctors. All but once the results came back as positive with BV, or BV and yeast. I've had no break from this in the last 9 months-- NOT ONE DAY. It's terrible. Because I'm not on my death bed the doctors don't seem to care but it completely interferes with my life right now.
The naturopath put me on a very restrictive diet that was nearly impossible to maintain-- left me feeling starved. I'm very active, in my 20s and eat healthy well balanced meals. But boiled eggs and greens for every meal.. The other doctors just want to put me on antibiotic after antibiotic even after I explain that I believe that's where my problems began. I refuse to take another unless it's life or death right now as I'm almost sure it will just mess me up more-- or if it does give me relief I doubt it will be for very long and I want to sort out the root cause.
Please I really really need some suggestions. Do I need to stick with the only greens and protein diet? (I do not eat meat)
I could have never imagined what having a problem like this was like, it never crossed my mind and now its all I think about. I want my life back.
I'm sorry to say that I have the same problem as you& im much older. It's a nightmare. I'm going to my 4th Dr in a few weeks, an infectious disease Dr. I wish that I could find an antibiotic that would cure my BV. I'v tried all of them. It's all that I think about too, bc I itch & am so uncomfortable. I feel as though the Dr.s believe me to be crazy or exaggerating. If this was a man's problem they would have found a cure by now. 😟
No I haven't tried the yougurt thing. I douche with tea tree oil then insert a tea tree oil suppository. But this only helps for a few days. Also, I'v douched with Hydrogen Peroxide with bottled water, sadly that only gives me relief for a few days. I read about this online by Dr. Oz.
I havent tried inserting yogurt. I have used vaginal probiotics which relieve some of the issues but then leave me using liners the next day and its messy.. Plus its only a relief for a day or two.
I completely understand the hopelessness and depression! It's really crazy to me to learn how many other women are suffering and yet theres no real solution, just a guessing game of trying everything under the sun.
I'm sorry to hear your experiences with doctors too! It just doesn't make any sense to me- in one breathe the doctors say that it's really common and happens to almost all women, and yet...if it's such a common problem why is there not a solution yet???? And yes they always seem to think that it's something that you can just ignore and move on with your day. Well... if any of these doctors were burning every single day I'm sure they would feel differently. It is NOT normal, and they should not try to convince women to act like it is.
I was referred to a specialist but haven't been contacted by them yet for an appointment. I'm going to follow up today to see how long of a wait it will be. I'll be sure to share any tips they give me!
Fill up a Bassen/bowl with hot water, the water should be uncomfortably hot to sit in but won't burn you... then add salt to make it relatilvy salty water. Then sit in it submerging your whole vagina for 10 mins and then stand up and re-new the water and sit in it for another 10 mins so 20 mins all together... do that in the morning and in the evening for as many days as it takes to cure it. Make sure you quickly change the water over and don't take too long. You can do several things such as watch something/read/listen to music while doing this. I have told loads of my friends to do this and it has cured them all in a week or two and the BV hasn't come back since!!
Another thing you can do for the yeast infection is put a garlic clove in your vagina for a couple hours while you sleep? And apparently that has worked well with a lot of people but I've never had a yeast infection. Hope these work!
Unfortunately I haven't been in to see the specialist yet... I am going to call today to follow up on how long of a wait it is, they did not tell me when I was last in.
I was recommended to try the boric acid for another two weeks by the doctor I did see but I'm a little hesitant because it really hurts and feels uncomfortable for me when I use them.
I'm sorry you're still going through this as well- I will update as soon as I get a chance.
I am in the same boat as you though I am 53. I took augmentin for a sinus infection in December, and I am living in burning vaginal/anal hell. I've been given flagl and duflucan 2x with no improvement. I have started a meat, veggie, yogurt diet with a 50 billion probiotic and have lost 20 pounds since December due to anxiety and the food is horrible.
My gynie has just swabbed me for everything under the sun. Waiting for results. It freaks me out you have been suffering with this for 9 months. I've only had it for 3.5 months and I'm going insane.
Keep us posted if you find any relief and what you used! I will do the same.
I've been having the same problem since January. I had dental work done and they put me on a reduculoys amount of antibiotics and I haven't been the same since. It started with the yeast infection caused by high antibiotics the the yeast infection cause a BV. I have been having reoccurring Bv ever since. I don't have the discharge or burning and itching, just that fishy smell. Im so upset it's taking its toll on me and I fear my relationship. The smell will come and go but I just don't feel right any more. My gynecologist has finally put me on boric acid capsules. I used them every night for 30 days. Which seemed to cure me but sadly it did not.
Like all of you, I suffer with BV. It all started after 7 weeks of antibiotics for Lyme Disease! That was two years ago! It took a ridiculous amount of time for doctors to believe I was suffering until 8 months ago when I found a great doctor with a reliable lab. Now I have been on a cycle of antibiotics for the past 8 months trying to eliminate the BV. After each course of antibiotics, the doctor has put me on 1% hydrogen peroxide gel...although the BV has consistently returned! So frustrating. I too am on the verge of depression! It's just been too long! So, now I'm on my current round of antibiotic. After I am done with the ten day course, we will continue the hydrogen peroxide gel, but will add a once a week application of antibiotic. Stay tuned!
I have been suffering with the same issue for over a year and have tried just about EVERYTHING! I read an article about boric acid suppositories and just got them in the mail and tried them yesterday, and OMG--I already feel back to normal just after the first one! It's amazing- please try this if you haven't already. I can't believe how fast it went away, after dealing with the nastiness for a year and a half. I've been so paranoid that people could smell me at work, I didn't think I'd ever be able to date again, I've literally been going crazy over this and feeling so depressed. If you are reading this and suffering with BV, get boric acid suppositories PLEASE!
