How to Treat Bacterial Vaginosis

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a common vaginal condition that affects 1 in 10 women or people with female genitalia at some point in their lifetime. If you’ve ever experienced unusual discharge or a fishy odour down there, you might have encountered BV. While it’s not a sexually transmitted infection (STI), BV can be uncomfortable and worrying, but the good news is that it’s treatable and manageable with the right approach.

Causes of Bacterial Vaginosis 

Bacterial vaginosis happens when there’s an overgrowth of the natural bacteria in the vagina. While the exact cause isn’t always straightforward, there are several factors that will increase the risk of developing BV:

• Sexual activity: BV doesn’t pass from person to person, but having new or multiple sexual partners can increase your risk of disrupting the vaginal bacterial balance.
  
• Douching: This can wash away good bacteria and alter the vaginal pH.
  
• Using scented products: Perfumed soaps, bubble baths, and vaginal deodorants may irritate the vagina.
  
• Hormonal changes: Menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause can fluctuate estrogen levels and change the bacterial makeup of the vagina.
  
• Smoking: Tobacco use has been linked to a higher risk of BV.
  
• Tight clothing: Non-breathable, synthetic underwear or tight trousers can create a warm, moist environment that bacteria love.
  
• Antibiotics: While they fight harmful bacteria, they can also kill beneficial bacteria in the vagina. 

Symptoms of Bacterial Vaginosis 

Bacterial vaginosis may not always show symptoms, but when it does, there are four key symptoms you might notice:

1. Unusual vaginal discharge: This is often thin and may appear white, grey, or yellow.
2. Fishy odour: A fishy smell that often gets stronger after sex or during your period.
3. Itching or irritation: Some people may feel mild itching or irritation in the vaginal area.
4. Burning sensation: You might have a burning feeling when you urinate.

Up to 84% of women with BV do not experience any symptoms at all. If you think you have BV or notice any of these signs, it’s a good idea to see a doctor for diagnosis and treatment.

If you’re looking to check for BV or thrush at home, use the Canestest self-test for BV and thrush. This test can help you identify signs of bacterial vaginosis and yeast infections easily without needing a doctor’s appointment. 

Preventing Bacterial Vaginosis 

While it’s not always possible to completely prevent bacterial vaginosis (BV), there are several steps you can take to reduce your risk: 

• Maintain good vaginal hygiene by washing your genital area with warm water only and avoid douching or using scented products.
  
• When wiping after using the toilet, remember to wipe from front to back to prevent bacteria from spreading.
  
• Opt for cotton or other natural fabric underwear for better airflow, and think about going without underwear at night to keep the area dry.
  
• Practice safe sex by using condoms consistently, especially with new partners, and making sure that sex toys are cleaned thoroughly can make a difference.
  
• You can use lactic acid gels like Balance Activ Vaginal Gel, which helps keep the vaginal environment slightly acidic.
  
• Incorporate probiotics into your diet, either through supplements or foods rich in Lactobacillus, such as yoghurt, kefir or sourdough.
  
• Avoid using strong washing detergents on your underwear and scented soaps or bubble baths, as these may lead to irritation and an imbalance in vaginal bacteria. 

Treatment for Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)

When treating BV, there are both over-the-counter options and prescription treatments available. These BV treatments aim to restore the natural balance of bacteria in the vagina and help with any symptoms.

Over-the-Counter

For quick relief, try over-the-counter products. Canesbalance Bacterial Vaginosis Gel, which you apply at night for a week, to help ease symptoms by restoring the right pH balance of bacteria.

Prescription

If over-the-counter options don’t work, you may need antibiotics. Metronidazole tablets are the most common treatment for BV, usually taken twice a day for seven days. Metronidazole is effective against anaerobic bacteria, which are the main culprits in BV and works by killing these harmful bacteria.

If you prefer not to take tablets, your doctor or pharmacist can prescribe Zidoval gel, which also contains metronidazole. This gel is inserted directly into the vagina for a more targeted approach to treating the infection. Zidoval works in the same way as the tablets by eliminating the bacteria causing BV.

Another option is Clindamycin cream, known as Dalacin. This cream is applied inside the vagina and helps clear the infection by stopping the growth of the bacteria responsible for BV. It’s fast-acting, and many users report relief from symptoms within a week of using Dalacin.

It’s important to finish the entire course of bacterial vaginosis treatment as your doctor or pharmacist prescribes, even if you start feeling better quickly. Most people notice improvement within two to three days after starting treatment, but if you have recurring BV, your doctor may suggest longer treatment or different medications to help prevent it from coming back.

Treat Bacterial Vaginosis with Click2Pharmacy 

If you’re dealing with symptoms of bacterial vaginosis or have had recurrent episodes, Click2Pharmacy is here to support you. Our online BV clinic offers easy access to consultations and treatments specifically for BV, saving you a trip to the GP.

You can start with an online consultation where our licensed pharmacists will assess your symptoms. If appropriate, they can prescribe the right treatment for you. We understand that dealing with BV can be uncomfortable and inconvenient, so our goal is to make the process as simple as possible.

Don’t let bacterial vaginosis hold you back. We provide both over-the-counter options and prescription medications so you can choose what works best for you, delivered quickly and discreetly.