I have been suffering from vaginosis since the summer of 2005. For the first few months I didn't know what was wrong. I thought it was just a bad yeast infection (I've always been prone to yeast infections since I first started having my period), but then I couldn't get rid of it. I tried all kinds of over the counter medications to no avail. I then started the home remedies and tried that for about six months. It seemed to get a little better, I thought it was gone. Than like a bad boyfriend it always came back. Next I tried to just cover it up. I wore ultra thin pads and lots of deodorant spray. That went on for a long time while I went from doctor to doctor being tested for STDs. During this whole ordeal I avoided relationships because the smell was so embarrassing and I wasn't totally sure that it would ever go away. I am a hairdresser by occupation so I have to be close to my clients and every minute of the day I was paranoid about anyone smelling me. I would stock up on douche and deodorant spray and after a while it became almost normal. Then one day I came upon a website talking about vaginosis. So I went into the doctor and asked her if that is what I had. She tested me and then treated me. Unfortunately it didn't go away. I was humiliated and heartbroken that I wasn't cured. I recently went back and was prescribe something else and hopefully this will clear it up.

Throughout this ordeal I gained 20 pounds, kept men at arms length and generally felt very self conscious about myself. I didn't dare talk about it with anyone because of the shame I felt. For so long I thought it was just the way my body was. I had a child not long before the onset of vaginosis and I thought this was just part of the changes that I was undergoing. It was very lonely and dramatically changed the way I viewed myself.
Today, I was searching for more information on vaginosis and candida when I came upon this website and all of you. I can't begin to tell everyone how appreciative I am that sites like this exist. It is such a lonely, scary thing to deal with by yourself. Especially when you try to get relief from doctors and they tell you your fine. I never really appreciated the importance of my own vaginal health and how it effected my self image.
I wish I could have found this site three years ago! But at least I have found it now. I may not have the vast knowledge you ladies seem to have, but I can offer an understanding ear. I'm glad to be here with all of you!

Goodness TC,

How sad that you've been suffering like this! If you're dealing with a strong odour, there is most likely a bacterial issue going on and this CAN be relieved. It's important to have proper diagnosis from your dr and I'm not an expert in this. However you will want to read all of Sampler Sharon's posts and learn about the different natural products sold here for vaginal health. Have you looked at the FAQ's? For bacterial issues, some people clear it right up using Kolorex OR Yeast Arrest or use a careful and very mild dilution of peroxide and vinegar and water (which works for some very mild cases.) Other people use prescription products though I've not heard feedback about these.

Kolorex Intimate Care Cream
Yeast Arrest Suppositories

Do read as much as you can here about the topical yeast and bacteria issue but I strongly recommend consultations with specialty physicians as well. And of course, treating systemic yeast is very helpful towards reducing tendencies this way. Our welcome post will introduce you to strategies that we use here for a whole health program:Whole Approach welcome post

Finally, you should know that deodorant sprays and regular, bleached, dioxin containing hygiene products can cause irritations (which can lead to overproduction of yeast and bacteria) and infections and can kill off beneficial vaginal bacteria. They also negatively impact your immune system and that of those around you from the exposure to the artificial fragrances.

I wish you luck with your explorations. Let us know how you're doing ok?

Tarilee

Hi Tegin and welcome to the forum!!

Finding this place was one of the best things that's ever happened to me and my health--we're happy to have you here!!!

As Tarilee already mentioned, Samplersharon's posts on the subject are more informative than anything i could ever offer you--she's an amazing lady who is well-researched and extremely supportive. i hope you find her posts helpful. If you have trouble locating them, let us know!!

Take very good care,

Ashley

Thank you both for the warm welcome. My doctor prescribed clindamycin, which seems to have cleared it up for the time being anyway. We'll see how things are in a couple of weeks.
I will definitely be reading those articles and trying to learn how to maintain a healthy balance.
Yeah, those deodorants are terrible. I never thought I'd ever use them, but I was really desperate and had no idea what was going on. Lesson learned lol.
Anyway I just wanted to say hello and thank you for replying

Cheers TC,

So glad you found a remedy. With bacterial infections sometimes the prescription can be the only thing to get at it fully. Hopefully you've seen the last of it!

Take care,

TLC