I started Nuvaring and one of the side effects is BV (bacterial vaginitis) which i think I have. No symptoms other than odor. I don't have the time, or especially the $$, to go to the doctor. Are there any remedies that I can try at home?

Oh that's supposed to say 'or especially the $'

MONEY. Ugh.

Did some research for ya. Here is what I found:

RepHresh is a product that claims to treat bacterial vaginosis by encouraging a positive pH balance in the vagina. It is approved by the FDA and is sold over the counter in the United States. RepHresh is inserted into the vagina with an applicator and used every three days to maintain vaginal balance. It is not recommended during menstruation, however, as it may congeal and clump.

The product Fem-Dophilus contains Probiotics that help to increase healthy flora in the vagina. This encourages a natural balance that discourages the growth of the bad bacteria, gardnerella. This medication is over the counter and ingested orally for the treatment of BV.

Femigel. This natural lubricant is thought to maintain healthy vaginal moisture balance and bacterial levels by promoting healthy pH balance. It also contains 3 percent tea tree, which kills the bad bacteria in the vagina and helps maintain a healthy balance. The dosages are inserted in the vagina using an applicator and are used every few days to be most effective.

In addition, they advocate taking anti-oxidants to promote a health pH balance. Eating yogurt might also be helpful in restoring natural flora in the vagina by promoting the growth of good bacteria.

You might still have to go the your OB/GYN for an antibiotic prescription. These over the counter meds/creams only give you temporary relief.

You might still have to go the your OB/GYN for an antibiotic prescription. These over the counter meds/creams only give you temporary relief.

I think you need to go to the dr or else you might get a raging infection down under

I had been on the nuva ring for years and would get bv infections a few times a year. I never knew they were related. In any event, it was very annoying and then having to keep taking anti-biotics to only get a yeast infection from them. My OBGYN recommended I just buy refresh over the counter. She was right it works great. The smell is gone and I don't have to worry about it as much.

Thanks! Since I posted this I've noticed it's only sometimes that I get it, it's not even all the time. So I doubt it's an infection, maybe just a side effect of the ring. I'll definitely check out the rephresh.

Rephresh is what I tell my patients with recurrent BV to use...seems to do fairly well.

HW 312, pre-op (RNY) 255, current weight 210

What about a mixture of peroxide and water? I've never tried it, but I heard it works just the same.