[Another Sarah]

Thanks - that's why I'm interested in it too, as I have candida, and other issues (and not the greatest diet in the world - I'm a very fussy eater). I'll report back.

[jasmin1300]

Great good luck. Have you tried humaworm for candida if you have got a serious overgrowth this can help. Having overgrowth can lead to leaky gut which I though I might have been suffering from also. I wasn't kidding when I said I'd tried everything . Anyway here's a bit of info on it that I found when researching my symptoms.

Severe yeast infections are caused when a more simple yeast infection is left untreated. This causes the infection to continue to get worse and cause the condition to move into the body systems. Candida albicans or monilla are the fungus primarily responsible for yeast infections. These fungi could develop and infection almost anywhere.

Kill the Yeast
Excessive use of antibiotics, an unhealthy lifestyle and poor eating habits all encourage yeast overgrowth in the colon. The yeast mutates, growing appendages which burrow into the intestinal wall. When the yeast dies off the hole that was created remains open, allowing particles to seep through.

A change in diet to one that is relatively free of sugar and refined carbohydrates is very important because the yeast is fed by this food group. When the food supply is cut off then the yeast will cease reproduction. To kill the yeast that is already present daily intake of caprylic acid, oil of oregano and olive leaf extract supplements is usually all that is required. These are all conveniently taken in capsule form. This regimen represents a naturopathic approach to the condition, and most naturopaths suggest 600 mg. of caprylic acid taken twice each day, 500 mg. of olive leaf extract taken up to three times each day and the oil of oregano taken in softgel form twice each day. Each dose of supplements should be taken with a meal. These supplements should be taken for at least two months to ensure that yeast overgrowth has been neutralized.

Adding good bacteria back to the colon can prevent the yeast from taking over again. This can be accomplished by taking probiotics, either in capsule form or by eating yogurt, sauerkraut or kefir. Consuming just a small amount of these beneficial health foods on a daily basis can prevent the yeast from growing out of control again.

Patch the Holes
Once the excess yeast is gone from the colon the holes that are left behind must be patched. This is what causes the symptoms of leaky gut syndrome. The easiest way to accomplish this is by taking glutamine powder. The powder is an amino acid that aids in cellular repair. As with the other supplements needed for leaky gut repair, the glutamine powder can be purchased at any health food store. It may be consumed up to three times each day by adding 1/4 tsp. to juice or other health drink. The powder can work best when it is taken between meals.

I used colostrum and l-glutamine.

You have probably already come across all this information but just thought I would add when you mentioned the candida problem.

[Another Sarah]

Thanks for the info. My biggest problem with candida is that I can't attack it aggressively due to the hideous migraines I get from the die off reaction. If it were to only last a few days I could stand it, but I've had it last about 2 weeks where I couldn't even get out of bed. I get to the point where I just can't stand any more. I'm constantly trying to find gentle treatments that I can gradually step up etc.

[jasmin1300]

Sounds like you have got a serious overgrowth . I don't know if you have tried protein-digesting enzyme protease but it is supposed to help significantly with die off and of course lots and lots of water to help flush out the nasties and your bowels need to be moving and regular this is very important so might be wise to do a colon cleanse at the same time to ensure you are elimanating regularly.

[Warped]

I never had a problem with BV until my husband got a vasectomy and we quit using protection(condoms). Now i've had it 3 times just in the last year since his vasectomy.

I am wondering if semen can cause a PH imbalance in the vagina?

Also,my gyno told me that sometimes BV can be caused from bacteria in the shaft of the mans penis. if i continued getting BV he wanted to try treating my husband also.

[WildChild]

While he doesn't have any symptoms, he may still need to be treated. He could be reinfecting you.

[TiredofBV]

it may not be BV

well I have always wanted to join one of the thousands of Bv forums.. But I was so discouraged and lost. I am 25 years old andI have been suffering from BV since 2002- Yes 2002 Chronic Bv.Ihave lived in Alabama, Lousianna, Georgia, and I am now residng in Deagu South Korea. All but my doctor in Korea has told me the same thing"your PH this your Ph that. Dont douche. No tampons. Dove soap. Boil you under wear. Eat yougurt. Peroxide Douche. Take Acidoldopulus whatever. Take Folic acid. Tea bag this and that. " Yeah and the list goes on. My first time going tothe doctor in Korea he did a culture and it came back that I had ureaplasma urealyticum.the dcotors have been diagnosing me incorrectly ALL OF THESE YEARS. It tends to have the same sympton of Bv and they are somewhat connected but it is hared to treat. I said that to day this. When you go and get a culture donw next time ask your doctor to test u for it. SERIOUSLY. Trying all these perioxide douches and teas bag remedies and yogurt inserts is only making things worse.Yeah it temporary releives the symptons but it come right back huh? That's becuase it may be something else and this ureaplasma urealyticum is serious.I urge everyone to at least look into it. It's a shame i had to come all the over for a check up to find out that our American doctors have been failing us. PLEASE at least look it up! PLeASE!. ASK you Doctor .The procedure is the same for bv testing and std testing..They just DONT test u for it.It's more convienient for them to give u FLagyl. If u want to know more SKYPE me or leave me a message.GOD BLESS

[TiredofBV]

well I have always wanted to join one of the thousands of Bv forums.. But I was so discouraged and lost. I am 25 years old andI have been suffering from BV since 2002- Yes 2002 Chronic Bv.Ihave lived in Alabama, Lousianna, Georgia, and I am now residng in Deagu South Korea. All but my doctor in Korea has told me the same thing"your PH this your Ph that. Dont douche. No tampons. Dove soap. Boil you under wear. Eat yougurt. Peroxide Douche. Take Acidoldopulus whatever. Take Folic acid. Tea bag this and that. " Yeah and the list goes on. My first time going tothe doctor in Korea he did a culture and it came back that I had ureaplasma urealyticum.the dcotors have been diagnosing me incorrectly ALL OF THESE YEARS. It tends to have the same sympton of Bv and they are somewhat connected but it is hared to treat. I said that to day this. When you go and get a culture donw next time ask your doctor to test u for it. SERIOUSLY. Trying all these perioxide douches and teas bag remedies and yogurt inserts is only making things worse.Yeah it temporary releives the symptons but it come right back huh? That's becuase it may be something else and this ureaplasma urealyticum is serious.I urge everyone to at least look into it. It's a shame i had to come all the over for a check up to find out that our American doctors have been failing us. PLEASE at least look it up! PLeASE!. ASK you Doctor .The procedure is the same for bv testing and std testing..They just DONT test u for it.It's more convienient for them to give u FLagyl. If u want to know more SKYPE me or leave me a message.GOD BLESS

[Another Sarah]

Sometimes I really do despair... My remedy of choice for BV is RePHresh, which I find does sort it out (particularly after my period). However, I also have issues with thrush, and I have thought for some time that the RePHresh aggravates that.

Anyway, I am a member of the Candida Society in the UK, and have just received their latest bulletin. In it they report on some testing that has been carried out on vaginal gels (including RePHresh and Balance Activ, which I used for a while), against common beneficial bacteria found in the vagina, and candida. Basically, RePHresh was the worst of the lot, in that it rapidly killed the beneficial bacteria and also boosted the candida!

If anyone needs any further info on this let me know. In the mean time, I'll have to have a think about where to go from here... I need something that will help both.

[sweaty]

My bv was completely gone after a week of douching at night with yogert. Well two days before my period it came back with avengence! I use the rephresh that you insert vaginally and it helped some, but still a faint smell. Sara why would it woorsen your thrush; are you talking about the probiotic or the one you insert vaginally. When I take the fem D probiotic I notice a coating on my tongue in the morning.
The smell continued to woorsen with my period and i have been trying the vinegar water twice a day. It seems to be working, no smell. I am shocked and wondering how long I have to keep this up. sometimes I just take a teaspoon without water. Who ever posted the vinegar suggestion I want to thank you and God I hope it continues to work. I will let you all know with time.