Recurrent Bacterial Vaginosis infections

[sicsty868]

About 6 months ago I had a BV infection. I rarely get any yeast infections at all but, I wasn't concerned. My doc prescribed something called Clindesse. It seems to clear things up but the BV came back. Since then I've experienced 4 more, back to back. One every month. I asked the doc if my boyfriend could be transmitting it back to me, but she said no. We have both oral and vaginal sex regularly. She told me that frequent sex could cause BV so she told me to get something called RePhresh. It's an over the counter and it's supposed to help keep the vaginal PH levels balanced. Well I tried it last month right after my cycle ended and for the first time in months I actually felt "healthy" down there. No BV either. Then this month right after my cycle I began symptoms of BV again. I used the RePhresh, twice, and it seemed to calm things down, but I'm beginning to feel that irritation (and slight fishy ordor) again so I called my doc today for another prescription. This will be my fifth BV and I'm getting concerned about the frequency. Anyone else ever experience this or have any suggestions of what I should be asking my doc for next? Is it "normal" to keep having these infections? Could this just be my body going through changes? I will be 39 this summer. Help!

[Unregistered]

i have the same problems and have got information from other users about lactobacillis as therapy. One person suggested that you get a probiotic and put two of these capsules in plain unsweeted yogurt and insert vaginally until symptoms disappear. I however have found additional articles that suggested that some lactobacilli are better at getting bid of bacteria than others here's the article.

http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/art...?artid=1479476

There are two products available that I have found that contain the lactobacilli that this article mentions

Jarrow Formulas Femdodophilis
Nature's Way Primadophilis Reuteri

I have been taking the Nature's way orally for three days now and my symptoms are starting to disappear, however i feel this may be a treatment i have to do everyday. I like you, have had constant problems with BV, getting antibiotics only for it to come back a week later and using rephresh only to have it come back after discontinued use as well. Rephresh is very expensive by the way.

I'd try the acidophilis supplements mentioned remember the article is suggested a long term use, but it's worth it. I'd prefer to take supplements long term than antibiotics long term. It's worth a try.

[Unregistered]

Well, my doc confirmed it's BV again. This time around she gave me 2 doses of Clindesse and suggested I use it back to back. Then she mentioned that I could use the RePhresh twice a week, and perhaps watch my bread and processed sugar intake. But you're right, that RePhresh isn't cheap at almost $20 bucks for 12 days worth of medicine. I don't know how long I'l be using that therepy. She also mentioned she could give me oral antibiotics but 1. that would defeat the purpose of trying to get rid of the yeast, especially since we all know that antibiotics are a yeast infections' best friend and 2. I don't want to keep taking all this medicine. I prefer the natural remedies.

I was wondering if what I'm eating might be the culprit. Or maybe I'm not eating enough of something else. I'll check out the websites. Thanks.

[Unregistered]

I noticed I had to start using this lactobicilli vaginally as well. It is suggested that two capsules mixed with organic yogurt (no sugar, no flavor) for two weeks. Also someone else had suggested going to glycerin only soap. I have yet to try that. I hope this helps as well.

[keshiag80]

Finally, women like me. BV have been a problem for me since my first child over 8-years ago. It's make me feel dirty despite my frequent bathing/showers, and being intimate is is always with caution (don't wanna scare him away!). I was with the same man for 9-years and with my current mate for 2-years. I'm definitely not promiscuous. My GYN and PCP has prescribed every antibiotic available and it always returns, sometimes with odor others time without you never know. Living with this problem has been my secret nightmare, and it's time for it to end. My current doctor was sure it was a hormonal issue so she prescribed Metro-gel to use three days before my menstrual cycle, and it always re occurs. Maybe trying natural treatment is the way to go.I ready for this problem to come to a end.

[Unregistered]

I have been on probiotics for two and a half weeks now when i was symptomatic, NO BV!! I take one orally it's the one by nature's way mentioned on the first page. I also use Neutrogena glycerin soap. I have not had it come back at all. And I've been suffering intermittently for ten years. Flagyl was not working anymore on me, nor clindesse nor rephresh. Also I notice that my digestion is alot better. I take the pro-biotics orally. Please try this it is worth it!

[Unregistered]

I can so relate to your posts! My infections began about 4 months ago with terrible burning and pain...unlike ANY vaginosis (typically thought to be yeast) I had ever had and treated w/ over the counter stuff.

My symptoms did not respond to traditional yeast (Miconozole) treatments and I even had to see an urgent care Dr. as it got so bad. I ended up seeing 3 Drs over 4 visits w/ cycles of first Diflucan (presumed yeast - no response to treatment), then Flagyl (much better, but took a while to get better) x 2 courses! I have seen gynocologists and infectious disease people (first started when I came back from field work in a rainforest). I had both GI and vaginal symptoms at first. What has shocked me is that no one can give me any real clinical evidence on which to base their diagnosis and treatment. Made me think I had some rare tropical parasite or terrible bacterium! They even said as much. Now it seems the pattern has evolved to look like BV.

Like others have mentioned....my pattern has been symptoms (burning typically...and fishy oder) begin right before my period (a week) and get to the point of requiring treatment...then go away only to return the following month.

I tried RepHresh...it only seemed to help when I only had "fishy" stage w/o burning and pain. When that far along, it only exacerbates the pain. I did sits baths x 3/day (GYN suggested) and have been neurotic about soaps and detergents! Seems odd since I never had this problem before!!
I also did alot of reading and started Jarrow probiotic FemDophilus while on last course of Flagyl...thought it might have worked..., but did not continue for a month. I read some articles that say as soon as you stop taking them they clear from your GI tract...and hence vagina. I think the point is to increase fermented foods (yogurts, kefer, etc.) daily...to keep your GI/uro-genital tract colonized w/ lactobaccilus...etc.


So...here I sit 3 days before the likely start of my period w/ weird symptoms again...I will try my last RePhresh and have resumed the Jarrow FemDophilus by mouth supplements. HAS ANYONE TRIED THEM AS VAGINAL SUPPOSITORIES?? I am a little affraid of doing so...not that I had not thought of it in the throws of my pain! Has anyone read anything saying you can? I ran accross a study done in Africa w/ women at risk of HIV (much increased risk of getting if you have BV) and 90+% almost immediately (as determined by examination of flora and symptoms) had a cure rate w/ vaginal suppositories of the 2 types of bacterium in the Jarrow formula...the only thing I am not sure of, is did they formulate something w/o all the additives that are in the "by mouth" pill? I am going to email Dr. Reid and see what he suggests. I wish they made tablets w/ just the probiotics...made for this sort of thing. Some of us cannot wait 1 month to see improvements and I did not see a change in less than 1 week. I know women use organic, no sugar/no flavor yogurt as a suppository...just seems odd to put food "there"!! Worried I may colonize myself w/ something that should NOT be there!

Any additional recs are welcome...will check back to see if any additional posts. Hope my affirmations will help someone else searching for info late at night...like I have

Patricia

[gottafindacure]

Hi Everyone! I am really praying that this site is a GODSEND!!! I have been struggling with this problem for over a year and I am about to lose my mind AND my relationship. I picked up a prescription of Flagyl just yesterday but not hopeful that it would work. I have taken Clindess, Metranidozole/Flagyl, Accidophillus. This last time my Doctor suggested that my Boyfriend be treated as well. After much research I found that it is not likely to be him. Today I went out and purchased the Reuteri and I am hoping that will be the cure. My questions for the forum are....did anyone experience pain w/ deep penetration while having BV, do you guys feel that the male should be treated (if so how since the forum is ANTI antibiotics) and finally I hope I am right in thinking there is a significant difference in accidophillus and reuteri b/c I have tried the accidophillus. Please Please help me my relationship is sooooo suffering b/c of this and I have done sooo much research and alot of crying! Thanks everyone and I will post how it goes with the Reuteri

[acuann]

the only thing I am not sure of, is did they formulate something w/o all the additives that are in the "by mouth" pill? I am going to email Dr. Reid and see what he suggests. I wish they made tablets w/ just the probiotics...made for this sort of thing. Some of us cannot wait 1 month to see improvements and I did not see a change in less than 1 week. I know women use organic, no sugar/no flavor yogurt as a suppository...just seems odd to put food "there"!! Worried I may colonize myself w/ something that should NOT be there!

I really don't think you can "colonize" yourself by using the probiotic...it contains friendly flora and will help rebalance your vagina by bringing the friendly flora directly where needed. Buy a good quality probiotic with several strains (including rhamnosis, brevis, acidopholus, and others). Most of these brands listed above don't contain "fillers".

And PLEASE don't knock the yogurt treatment until you've actually tried this. Many women have found incredible soothing relief by doing this - yes, it's a bit messy, but if it works isn't it better than taking antibiotics which further disrupt your flora?

Chronic BV may really take some time to get under control. You need to give this treatment a minimum of 2 weeks. And just taking a probiotic orally won't be as effective as taking it both orally and vaginally.

Best wishes.
DOM

[gottafindacure]

Hi DOM!

Can you please reply to the thread I started. I am new to the site and I see the quote that was left by Acuann but it did not address my issues. Please help me out guys. I started the reuteri yesterday (took one by mouth) and emptied two capsules and inserted in vagina w/o yogurt. This morning I did not smell anything, which is a good sign. Repeated process this morning took one orally and inserted contents of 2 capsules into vagina. Again DOM or someone please respond to painful sex as a result of BV, treating the guy and difference betw. accidophillus (which DID NOT work for me) and reuteri. Thanks!