[Shelby A.]

I've been reading these boards for a long time (over 3 years now) and just now joined so I could post. I, too, suffered from bacterial vaginosis. I was embarrassed by vaginal odor and had a horrible discharge. I was also prone to yeast infections, too. I started taking Destinol (over-the-counter) and all of those symptoms I was plague with caused by bacterial vaginosis went away. No more fishy-smelling odor, grayish discharge, irritation or itching. I feel more confident now when I am intimate with my husband and I can wear all kinds of sexy lingerie without any worry! This product even made my breath smell sweeter after just two weeks from taking it. I tried all types of remedies - antibiotics and creams, which gave me yeast infections to douches and a few other things...but Destinol has worked for me for over a year and half. I didn't once think of the Vitamin D deficiency, though. Next time I make a visit to my doctor's office, I will request blood-work. Thanks to all who have contributed to this thread. I read it faithfully each week.

[caramel504]

Like many of you, I also suffered from chronic BV for about two years. It was one of the most difficult and embarrassing things I have ever had to deal with, simply because I did not understand it and I did not know how to fix it. I tried everything my doctor (at that time) suggested: switching laundry detergents, switching body washes, not wearing thongs, using RepHresh before and after my period, numerous metronidazole prescriptions, etc. You name it, I tried it. Finally, beyond frustrated, I switched doctors. During my first visit, my doctor took blood as part of my checkup. When the results came back, she said I had a Vitamin D deficiency and that I needed to be taking 2,000 IU of Vitamin D each day. I started taking a Vitamin (One a Day Women's) which has 1,000 IU of Vitamin D, and I also started supplementing with 1,000 IU of Sundown Naturals Vitamin D. I have taken the vitamins for a little over two weeks now, and have noticed that the odor and discharge has completely vanished. Not knowing at the time that Vitamin D was the cure, I happened to Google Vitamin D deficiency and if it related to BV, and came across this thread. I just wanted to share my experience in hopes that it will help someone else as well. I think we found a cure, ladies!

[WomanWoes]

Vitamin D

Like many of you, I also suffered from chronic BV for about two years. It was one of the most difficult and embarrassing things I have ever had to deal with, simply because I did not understand it and I did not know how to fix it. I tried everything my doctor (at that time) suggested: switching laundry detergents, switching body washes, not wearing thongs, using RepHresh before and after my period, numerous metronidazole prescriptions, etc. You name it, I tried it. Finally, beyond frustrated, I switched doctors. During my first visit, my doctor took blood as part of my checkup. When the results came back, she said I had a Vitamin D deficiency and that I needed to be taking 2,000 IU of Vitamin D each day. I started taking a Vitamin (One a Day Women's) which has 1,000 IU of Vitamin D, and I also started supplementing with 1,000 IU of Sundown Naturals Vitamin D. I have taken the vitamins for a little over two weeks now, and have noticed that the odor and discharge has completely vanished. Not knowing at the time that Vitamin D was the cure, I happened to Google Vitamin D deficiency and if it related to BV, and came across this thread. I just wanted to share my experience in hopes that it will help someone else as well. I think we found a cure, ladies!

[ninabarks99]

hey ive been dealing wl bacterial vaginosis and yeast infections for almost a year now.
im only 16 and i dont have sex and ive gone on a diet.
ive taken antibiotics , antifungals, and both because sometimes i get them both at the same time.
this is really embarassing and its ruining my life.
i take probiotics, garlic capsules, and ive tried vinegar and a lot of other things
there hasnt really beena day when im completely symptom free
the doc refuses to give me a hormone test because he told me to wait it out . i need help please ((( </3

[SosoTired]

Okay ladies, after some vast days of researching during this last episode of BV. I've come across this, and so far IT'S WORKING. After trying Rephresh gel (made me bleed smh), trying Met Gel again (resistant obviously) I decided to just simply give Vitamins a try. Vitamin C 500mg orally 2xs a day (you can't OD on vit C) .. Vitamin C 250mg vaginally ( a little stinging but goes a way) do this for 6 days. Vitamin D 2000 IU. 1x a day ( Do not exceed 5000IU). Folic Acid 1600 mg (right now during the BV episode) which is broken up for me 800 mg 2xs a day. My probiotic of choice is now Ultimate Flora's Vaginal support 50 Billion I was taking this 2x's a day now but i figured I may be over doing it so once a day will have to do. One thing i've read is when you take the Probiotics, you need to take them in Numbers! 50 billion strong. Ladies.. Ladies.. Ladies...when I say it works it works...I looked at a slide and I hardly see clue cells ... Most of the discharge now is from the vitamin C tablet. So far this is working for me and i'm soooo fricking happy!!! the test will come when I stop taking these things excessively and take them only once a day. But for right now i'm seeing vast improvement.

I know some ladies are skeptical about the vitamin C thing but I say try it. However please make sure it's 250MG... anything greater then that will HURT....Also, If you don't know your vit. D level have them checked so you don't go over board. The only reason I am for sure I am vitamin D deficit is due to my low Calcium levels. And we know Vitamin D is needed for the absorption of Calcium So low calcium ..low vit D. I immediately noticed a change in discharge after taking the Vitamin D and C (it became less).. Now I'm not a milk drinker, I rarely stay in the sun. So It was pretty much a No brainer for me. I honestly believe now this problem we suffer from is from our nutritional and mineral value. Either way I'm happy something's working. Hope this helps someone!

[caramel504]

caramel504, how much vitamin d do you take? And do you use a specific brand? Is it the only thing you are taking?

I take Nature's Bounty Super Strength 2000 iu, I take 4000 iu's a day. I got it from CVS, buy one get one free. Yes it's the only thing I'm taking.

[mzsj]

caramel504, how much vitamin d do you take? And do you use a specific brand? Is it the only thing you are taking?

[caramel504]

Yes, supplements like RePhresh, Femanol, etc. works, but it's not a long term solution. Once you stop taking them, the BV will come back. I can't even imagine how much money I've spent on all these "treatments". I got so fed up with them. I would feel normal again, but only while taking them. Once I would stop, the bv would return within a week. That's why I've been looking into what could actually help stop the bv, rather than mask it. BV has to be the most frustrating issue to deal with.

UPDATE: I am still bv free. No odor, no discharge. I have had sex, and still.....no bv!!! This is really making me believe that all I needed was to build up the vit d in my body. This feels so great, after getting bv at least once every month. It's been almost 3 months and nothing.

[levmicmar]

To TakingChargein2011:

Please try the RePhresh in pill form! It worked for me! I've been suffering with BV since the age of 14 and now its GONE! I thank god every day and even cry tears of happiness periodically because it has NOT come back. I'm telling you. Give it about three weeks to start working and it will ... please see my post below. I'm hoping to spread the word to all these women out there suffering. The suffering I endured as a result of this problem my entire adolescent/young adult life, made me a very depressed person. My life has changed completely since i found this stuff!

[levmicmar]

RePhresh

Hi there -
Without getting into too much detail, and to avoid boring anyone with my personal sob story and experience with BV, I'd like to take a moment to advise you all that I personally have had the absolute worst case of BV since the age of 14 - I did all that a person could possibly do to try to get rid of it, including taking outrageous amounts of antibiotics, and I even resorted to seeing an "Infectious Disease" doctor (I became desperate).

Accidentally, I came across the PILL form of Rephresh. I've tried the applicators, and yes, they are super expensive and dont work (for me at least). The pills, however, WORK! I started taking the pills every day and literally three weeks in, my problems ceased to exist, as if I never had the problem at all! I cannot stress to you enough how BAD my situation was. It's been four months and I take the Rephresh in pill form on a daily basis. I have not had any issues with BV since. The bottle is about $30 American Dollars and lasts thirty days. All it is, is one pill per day.

I pray you take my advice and try this out, especially if your suffering is as bad as mine once was. Good luck to you all
Michelle