What is the best bacterial vaginosis treatment?

[Dees1977]

I had bv 4 times last year. I am doing everything right. I took flagyl each time and it made my bladder flare and never got rid of the infection. I have boric acid and I have heard of metrogel. What have you taken and what has helped and not caused a horrible flare? My doctor is going to call me back this afternoon and tell me what she wants me to take.. But I was just curious as to what is the best for women with IC. Thank you

[ICNDonna]

It depends on the specific bacteria. Your doctor is your best resource.

Donna

[sailawaygrl]

Donna is right, we can share what our experiences are but there is no way of knowing what your situation is. I went through the same thing several years ago, very frustrating I know. I finally got things under control. I will share that for me, the intravaginal treatments were what helped me, but it took several rounds.

Sandra

[endogirl2]

I personally take 2 different proboitics. I take just a regular one for my IBS type issues called Ultra Flora. They make a bunch of different kinds. I called them and they said I could take the senior which is the IDENTICAL formula as the adult just doubled so instead of taking 2 of the adult, I take 1 of the senior. There is also another probiotic made specifically for WOMEN's vaginal flora called Femdophilis. I just recently found out that there is another one that is identical to this one but way cheaper called Femflora by Swanson. I will attach the link to their site below. I had a nasty bout of BV about 6 mths ago and it was awful. I did alot of research and found that many women who had re occuring BV or yeast have had great success just by using one of the above noted womens probiotics. Some women also insert them vaginally when it's really bad and they say overnight they notice it's gone! Check it out! Good luck! I should also note that I have NOT been diagnosed with IC though I do have bladder issues during my period. Meeting with a pelvic pain specialist to get a better idea of what is going on.

[cmclien]

I agree that the femdophilus or similar is super helpful. The reuteri strain of acidophilus has been studied numerous times in maintaining womens vaginal flora and keeping BV at bay, it has a technical numbered name too that I can't remember which you might see. Google it, you will find a ton of information on it. Besides the two mentioned by endogirl, I take Natures Way Primadophilus reuteri which has the same ingredients as the other two mentioned.

[endogirl2]

I just ordered the swanson brand I mentioned, it was $6.99 for the bottle plus $4.99 shipping, still much cheaper than the $26 I pay for the femdophilus at the vitamin shoppe or whole foods.

[Dees1977]

Thank you

My ob did a culture .. her nurse called me and said it was positive for bv and that she was going to put me on flagyl.I told her the last time I was on it I was so sick and unable to eat and it flared my IC. So she said she would talk to her and they would put me on metrogel or boric acid. I just don't want to get my IC flared and I want this bv gone. The good thing is I never have the odor with it just burning and irritation. I am going to get some acidipholous you recommended. Thanks guys

[endogirl2]

Yeah, ask for the gel if you can. It's a 5 night treatment. You can also go to www.askapatient.com for patient reviews of all drugs. Read all of the instructions for the gel treatment - you MUST NOT drink any alcohol when taking it and you will get a really gross clumpy white mess coming out of you but don't worry, it's normal - just use a liner during the treatment and for afew days after!
When I had the BV I also had urethral issues and the nurse said it's from the bacteria going up around the urethra and once I took the medicine it would correct itself and it did. Def get one of the vaginal probiotics and use it afterwards and like I said, google it online - some ladies put them inside the vagina as well as take them orally when they suspect they have BV coming back.

[Mothergoose]

Dees1977

Hi I understand your issues with flagyl, if the metrogel dosen't work there are other options like flagyl, but Dr. don't seem to prescribe it as often.

My son had parasites he took flagyl and got better only to have it return a few months later, he took flagyl again but it didn't work, the Dr. admitted he should have been tested after taking it to make sure it was gone but they felt he was feeling better and no D no need to test. So when he took it a secound time it didn't work as the strain he had had become resistant to flagyl.

He had to go to a peds gastro who rxed him a different med, which he had to take 30 days instead of 14 days, everyone in the house had to take it with him and Grandpa as he was with us when he first picked up the bug while traveling. This med did not cause the side effects of flyagyl, it helpped him but by then he had had daily D for so long his bowel was damaged and it took lots more things and years to figure out exactly what was going on.

But just know there are more options.

I do hope what ever you take helps you, we just don't need other issues on top of IC.
MG

[Dees1977]

Boric Acid

Well my ob/gyn wants me to do 14 days of boric acid, then come back to see her to check to see if the bv is gone. I am also going to take the fem dophilous. So I hope this works for me. Thank you guys for all your input