Vaginosis

Question: How long does it take to Cure Cure Bacterial Vaginosis With Apple Cider Vineger ? Can someone please tell me how long it takes to cure a bacterial vaginosis with apple cider vinegar. I also wanted to know how does this happen. I clean down there with different types of soaps could that be a reason why it get irritated.

Answer: The reality is...there are NO studies to prove that apple cider vinegar can be used to treat this condition. NONE. All so-called "evidence" is based on anecdotal theories at best. I'm not sure how you are using this vinegar, but I would suggest to stop wasting your time. Clearly, the best and most reliable treatment is typically with a medication called "Metrogel Vaginal," or "Clindesse." The advantage of the latter, is that it is a one time treatment. The vaginal applications for MetroGel are usually 5-7 nights. Yes, many soaps can be VERY irritating to the vaginal flora, and it is best to use something mild/neutral. I typically recommend Dove or Ivory. You should try to wash "inside" the vaginal canal either. Avoid soaps that are "antibacterial" in nature as well. As well, you should NEVER douche, or take "bubble baths," as these will upset the flora and precipitate a B.V. infection. Talk to your doctor or provider of care about this. Leave the vinegar for your next salad instead. Best of luck!

Question: Can bacterial vaginosis cause my boyfriend to get bumps on his privates? I have bacterial vaginosis, could this cause my boyfriend to get red itchy bumps on his gentials and penis after we have sex? Or could it be that he has bacterial vaginosis? Is there a over the counter medicine my boyfriend can get it to cure it? Or once i am cured, will he not get it again?

Answer: Well, the word "vaginosis" means infection or disease of the vagina, so no he doesn't have that. However, if you have a bacterial infection in your vagina, and his penis was in there, then yes he probably has the bacterial infection in his penis. He needs to go to the doctor quickly. ================ Edit: You have a bacterial infection. It sounds like he has contracted the bacterial infection as well. There is no over the counter cure for that, he has to go to the doctor. You also need to stop having sex until you are both cured. If one of you takes antibiotics and the other doesn't, you'll just get reinfected and no one will get better. He needs a doctor. If it's possible, I'd avise you to both go in together so a doctor can talk to you both at the same time to reduce confusion.

Question: What is a good brand of folic acid for the cure of bacterial vaginosis? I am a young teenager and I think I suffer from bacterial vaginosis, even though I've never been checked out. I was looking on the internet and came upon a cure for B.V (folic acid). I want to give it a try but I just dont know which brand to pick. Could someone help me with this?

Answer: don't believe everything you read on the web, folic acid will not cure bacterial vaginosis. You need to see a doctor and get tested and treated appropriately.

Question: How to use vaginal tablets for bacterial vaginosis? I'm worried I might have a yeast infection, or bacterial vaginosis. There are tablets I found to cure it, but I am not sure how to use it. They are called CENASERT tablets. How do I use these tablets? Do I insert them, and leave it there?

Answer: Yes, you insert the tablets at night before you go to bed and leave them in there. They will dissolve overnight. You may find some remnant of the tablet in the morning, but that's o.k. the majority of the tablet has absorbed into your system.

Question: What happens when you get tested for bacterial vaginosis? I'm super nervous. Like, it's not even describable how nervous I am. But I'm almost convinced I have bacterial vaginosis and I've known for a long time. But I didn't learn until just today that if it doesn't get treated, it can turn into something serious. So I made my plan that I'm going to the Options for Sexual Health drop-in clinic next week. What are they going to do?

Answer: They will just do a swab, it will be painless. The doctor has seen dozens of vaginas and yours won't be the worst, so relax! I was really nervous the first time too. I cried in the office actually. I had a pretty severe case of BV that would not go away. I tried creams, antibiotics, even boric acid vaginal suppositories for two weeks. I came across some information online about taking folic acid (orally) and how it was a cure for BV. I thought it was stupid and a long shot, but I was desperate, so I tried it. I have not itched AT ALL since I took the first folic acid supplement. I am taking 800mg twice a day and so far, so good. I REALLY didn't think this would work, but I am happy to say that IT DID!!!!!!! And from my research it seems that taking the daily recommended amount will prevent BV from returning. Good luck, I know this is awful! Also, keep in mind that antibiotics can cause BV in the first place, so look into alternative medicine, even if it's not folic acid. Do your research online or call a naturopathic doctor.

Question: What is the difference between a uti and bacterial vaginosis? can bacterial vaginosis be detected from a urine sample?

Answer: A UTI is a urinary tract infection, its in the urethra or bladder. Bacterial vaginosis is actually in the vagina. They usually diagnose a UTI with a clean catch urine sample which if done correctly should not get anything except urine since it involves cleaning the area around it first. If it is not done correctly it may be contaminated by bacteria from around the labia. BV is usually diagnosed with a visual exam and swabs of fluid from inside the vagina.

Question: Vaginosis? I have this 'fishy' type odor down there...yet it only happens once in a while. I have tried special soaps for females and powders...The problem is, is that those things only wash away bacteria on the outside. Are there any OTC things I can use to treat this??

Answer: A fish-like smell is a classic sign of bacterial vaginosis; this is a very common vaginal infection caused when 'bad' bacteria increase and the levels of 'good' bacteria that help keep levels balanced reduces. This is most commonly caused by interruption to the vaginal pH (pH ideally between 4.2 and 5 within the vagina) – this Ph keeps bacteria and yeast at a healthy balance, along with this the vagina also produces discharge that helps to push out any excess bacteria and yeast from within the vagina – as such the vagina is self-cleaning. Common causes of bacterial vaginosis; -Use of soaps, feminine washes, sprays, perfumes, douching, bubble bath, commercial tampons, commercial sanitary pads or liners. All of these things contain chemicals that can interfere with normal vaginal pH that in turn leads to an imbalance in vaginal micro-organisms such as the bacteria and yeast naturally present often turning into infection. Feminine washes and sprays although claiming to be pH balanced can still cause interruptions, they are marketed because manufacturers know women feel self-conscious about their normal vaginal smell and may not be aware of the harm such products can cause – a note here, you may have noticed on TV an advertisement for Vagisil vaginal treatment cream, sharply followed by advertisements for Vagisil feminine sprays and washes, product placement at it’s best. These things are not needed and very much best avoided, they are more likely to make you smell bad than good. Your vagina is self-cleaning; all it ever needs is water to clean the vulva from dirt and discharge between the inner labia. - Tampons are absorbent wads of pores material put into an area that is naturally moist warm filled with nutritious menstrual blood bacteria love and where there is naturally occurring bacteria anyway. As such tampons themselves can give bacteria the perfect environment to multiply upon, commercial tampons add to this problem because they are made from super absorbent materials that increase bacterial growth as well as contain chemicals and bleach that can affect vaginal pH. Commercial pads can also cause problems because they are made from synthetics that prevent aeration so giving bacteria and yeast a warm moist area to grow as well as again containing chemicals that can affect vaginal pH. Safer options would be menstrual cups, cloth pads, sponge or organic tampons, etc. -Sex, although a positive for a lot of women bacterial vaginosis can be something they are on the verge of all the time for one reason or another, sex can cause bacterial vaginosis because bacteria can be introduced into the vagina. Semen is also a different pH to that of the vagina so thus can affect bacterial balance, as well as this many women find they and their partners simply do not mix, often women can have bad reactions to their partners semen, finding themselves having constant infections with one partner while no infections with another. Other naturally occurring reason can also be menstruation as menstrual blood also is a different pH to the vagina, and menstrual blood is much loved by bacteria within the vagina. Constant bacterial infections can also be a sign of something more serious, not in terms of a serious medical problem but in terms of an internal problem than just something wrong with the vagina – often bacterial vaginosis on constant occasions can be a sign of problems with yeast and bacteria within the gut for example. Often bacterial vaginosis will go away, thus why you have noticed sometimes the smell comes and goes, but for the most part you are looking at a vaginal infection that needs to be treated – most commonly bacterial vaginosis is treated with antibiotics, however this is best avoided as antibiotics can cause yeast infections thus causing a similar problem all over again. Some women use natural home treatments such as putting tea tree essential oil into the vagina as having a mild antibacterial action without further causing problems. Many women also believe that the vagina can heal itself, with a helping hand by putting natural pro-biotic yogurt into the vagina at night and cleaning out next day, this can help balance out bacteria levels, as well as eating pro-biotic yogurt – this is quite true, there are many home and alternative treatments and often these are far better at dealing with vaginal infections such as bacterial vaginosis, but I would say for a first test to see a doctor, this also rules out any other infections. I would highly recommend you stop using things like feminine washes or powders, likelihood is this is what is causing this to carry on because it is causing the infection and in turn causing the smell of fish – the vagina when healthy should not smell bad, nor should it smell like flowers as many such 'feminine washes' attempt to make the vagina smell like. Get yourself to the doctor and have the infection treated rather than trying to cover up your symptoms! http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bacterial_vaginosis http://www.aafp.org/afp/980315ap/majeroni.html http://www.thebody.com/tpan/septoct_00/douching.html http://depts.washington.edu/wswstd/lesbian_health_information.htm#Bacterial http://www.msu.edu/user/eisthen/yeast [last link for yeast infections but both infections share common cures]

Question: Is it possible to have bacterial vaginosis again within 2 weeks of treating it? I was told I had bacterial vaginosis about a month ago. I used the gel antobiotic given to me by my doctor for about 7-9 days as instructed. I was fine with no discharge for about 2 weeks, then i got my period. After my period i started having some discharge again. Is it possible that i have bacterial vaginosis again so soon? could it have been the tampons?

Answer: you don't need antibiotic but now use the antifungi drugs that given by vaginal. I hope this help.

Question: What can rid the vagina of a strong acid like taste? Is there a home remedy for bacterial vaginosis? My boyfriend tells me that I have a strong acidic taste. Could bacterial vaginosis or a yeast infection be the cause? I don't think i have a yi though.

Answer: It is extremely important to obtain an accurate diagnosis before trying to find a cure. Many diseases and conditions share common symptoms: if you treat yourself for the wrong illness or a specific symptom of a complex disease, you may delay legitimate treatment of a serious underlying problem. In other words, the greatest danger in self-treatment may be self-diagnosis. If you do not know what you really have, you can not treat it!

Question: How can I get rid of Bacterial Vaginosis? I thought I had a yeast infection but I don't. I'm pretty sure if anything is wrong down there, I have bacterial vaginosis. So, can anyone tell me how to get rid of it naturally. No doc please. Thanks!

Answer: You can't. Nothing will truly flush out or cure vaginosis without antibiotics. All natural products or home remedies only treat the symptoms, but not the disease. You should go to a free clinic and they can give you antibiotics. You should also not try to "let it run it's course." It's not that kind of disease. It will only get worse and can possibly turn into pelvic inflammatory disease, or even work it's way into your urethra and give you a UTI or kidney infection. Bone up and go to the doctor.

Question: Can bacterial vaginosis cause a burning feeling in the clitoris and just beneath it? I have been having a burning feeling inside the inner labia just under the clitoris. It sometimes looks a little red and sometimes it does not. I recently took Diflucan and that didn't help. Now I am noticing a slightly thick, milky discharge. I'm starting to wonder if it could be bacterial vaginosis. Would BV cause burning in the clitoral area without causing burning in and around the vagina?

Answer: BV has a very disctinct, unpleasant odour and burns. If it's near the clitoris and just under it, that could very likely be from a bladder infection (that's where your urethra is). However, if that was the case you'd have pain when peeing.

Question: How do you know when you have bacterial vaginosis and does it spread? I have had yeast infections before and at first I though that this was one. But earlier today I realized it might be something else. There is a clear discharge but it doesn't smell at all (but my yeast infections don't smell either) so that's kind of why I thought it was a yeast infection. But now the outer area and near my bum is sore and irritated. Could this be the bacterial vaginosis? and is there any thing I can buy over the counter to help? It is friday night and I will not be able to see a Dr. until monday and would like to at least releive some of the discomfort if possible. Thanks

Answer: Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a change in the balance of bacteria that are normally present in the vagina, which can cause bothersome symptoms. BV is the most common cause of vaginal symptoms in women of childbearing age. The most notable symptom of bacterial vaginosis is an excessive, bad-smelling, grayish-white vaginal discharge. A "fishy" smell, which is usually worse after sex, is a telltale sign of BV. However, about half of women with BV have no noticeable symptoms. BV is diagnosed by a culture examination. If bacteria is present, it will show up during a culture. The only way to treat BV is by using an antibotic. You can only obtain this antibotic by visiting a doctor. I would suggest going to an urgent care center if there are any in your area. If not, you could always go to the ER. Based on how you've described your symptoms, I would wager to guess that it's not BV. I would not suggest using any sort of over the counter medication without consulting a doctor, most products will only make your symptoms worse. If you could stand it, place an ice pack on the irritated area for about 10 mins. That may help to reduce the pain. Good luck, hope you feel better soon.

Question: How common is a yeast infection after treatment for bacterial vaginosis? I was recently diagnosed with bacterial vaginosis (bv) and am on antibiotics (metrogel) for treatment. I know that antibiotics can cause other problems and even lead to other infections like yeast infections afterwards- the doctor did not give me anything to take for yeast afterwards. I was wondering if anyone has taken treatment for bv and successfully avoideded a yeast infection afterwards or if i am doomed to have one.

Answer: Your doctor can actually prescribe a medication (pill form) that is taken along with your antibiotics that will prevent a yeast infection. Since I am prone to yeast infections, I have taken the medication and have had great results when taking antibiotics - no yeast infections during the antibiotic treatment. It has been awhile since I've taken the medication, so unfortunately, I can't remember the name, but contact your doctor if you are still concerned.

Question: When taking lactobacillus acidophilus for bacterial vaginosis, how long does it take to take effect? I just started taking lactobacillus acidophilus yesterday because I'm starting to get the smell for bacterial vaginosis. How long does it take for it to take effect? And also I've heard of lactobacillus acidophilus suppositories...can anyone tell me where I can get those and does it take effect faster than the capsules?

Answer: I had a pretty severe case of BV that would not go away. I tried creams, antibiotics, even boric acid vaginal suppositories for two weeks. I tried acidophilus vaginally, but not for long. If you buy the kind in capsules, you can just use those, it doesn't have to be a special kind, but I don't know if it will work. I came across some information online about taking folic acid (orally) and how it was a cure for BV. I thought it was stupid and a long shot, but I was desperate, so I tried it. I have not itched AT ALL since I took the first folic acid supplement. I am taking 800mg twice a day and so far, so good. I REALLY didn't think this would work, but I am happy to say that IT DID!!!!!!! And from my research it seems that taking the daily recommended amount will prevent BV from returning. Good luck, I know this is awful!

Question: Is it possible for a man to be carrying an infection tht causes a woman to get bacterial vaginosis? I was with my ex for years and kept getting bacterial vaginosis. My Doctor told me that it is not a sexual transmitted disease but I havent had it again since I stopped having sex with him. Is it possible that he was the reason I kept getting it ?

Answer: bacterial vaginosis is caused by an unbalance of the normal bacteria that exist in your vagina - not enough good to counter-act the not so good. MANY things can cause this - hot weather, too many soaps/ care products with perfumes, tight clothing, dietary changes and douching to name a few. Sexual activity of any kind certainly changes the chemical balance in your vagina - not just that with your ex. It wasn't specifically that he was giving you anything, just that the activity could have possibly contributed to the inbalance. Believe it or not, more women than you think get it more often than you think.

Question: Can my boyfriend and I still have sex if i have bacterial vaginosis? People say it's not sexually trasmittable, but everytime we have sex, he comes out with small red irritated bumps on his penis. they go away within 15 minutes after sex. I know it's not anything like Herpes because I have Herpes, and that's not what it is. It seems as if my vaginal secretions are irritating him. Is this normal since I have bacterial vaginosis?

Answer: You have to go to the doc for BV. They give you like 2 pills and it gets rid of it. It doesn't go away on it's own. My bf got it twice from the same guy and that is what she had to do. She said it made her stink really bad down there. Get yourself some help. And you really should be wearing a condom w/ your man if you have herpes. Does he know you have either of your STD's??