What is Bacterial Vaginosis?
Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) is a condition in which women experience a change in their vaginal discharge. This change is due to an overgrowth of bacteria in the vagina. BV is quite common, and it is thought around a third of women will experience it at some point in their lives. At Click2Pharmacy, we have various bacterial vaginosis treatment options to help you successfully treat BV and its symptoms.
Although bacterial vaginosis is not an STI, it can be passed between female sexual partners.
Bacterial Vaginosis Symptoms
The most common symptoms of bacterial vaginosis are:
- Vaginal discharge that is grey in colour
- Vaginal discharge that is thin and watery
- A strong, fishy smell
Around half of women experience no symptoms at all. BV is not harmful, and is NOT a sexually transmitted infection (STI). It is not clear what causes the change in vaginal discharge, but it is thought that being sexually active, having the IUD contraceptive, using strong scented soaps and vaginal products can disrupt the balance of bacteria in the vagina.
How is BV diagnosed?
The symptoms of BV can seem similar to thrush, although in thrush discharge is thick as opposed to thin and watery, and the smell is yeasty and not fishy. If you have never had BV and are unsure of your symptoms, you can see your GP or go to a sexual health clinic. A swab from your vagina can be taken and tested, which can also rule out any STIs.
If you are pregnant, then you should contact your GP or midwife, as there is a small risk that BV can cause complications in pregnancy.
At Click2Pharmacy we now offer self-test kit for bacterial vaginosis, called Canestest.
Canestest Self Test for Bacterial Vaginosis
- A home swab test kit that works by measuring pH levels in the vagina
- Can detect thrush and bacterial vaginosis, so you know which one you may have
- Over 90% accuracy
- Offers privacy and convenience for those wanting to test at home
Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) Treatment Options
BV is normally treated with antibiotics. In some people, BV can be reoccurring, and this may mean you need treatment for a longer period of time. It is also worth taking steps to prevent bacterial vaginosis, especially if you are more susceptible to it. This can include:
- Taking showers instead of baths
- Not using strong scented products around your vagina
- Using mild detergents to wash your underwear
- No vaginal douching
At Click2Pharmacy, we offer prescription based treatments for BV and our advanced prescribers can guide you with which medicines may work best for you. So whether this is your first time suffering from bacterial vaginosis, or you have had it before, you can speak to a member of our team at Click2Pharmacy, who can advise you on testing and treatment options.
Antibiotics for BV
Metronidazole 400mg tablets
- Only available on prescription
- Take one tablet twice a day for 7 days
- Take with or after food
- Works quickly and effectively
Vaginal Gel for BV
Balance Activ Vaginal Gel
- Available over the counter without a prescription
- Use one tube daily for 7 consecutive days
- Can be used by children aged 12 and over
- Eases symptoms of bacterial vaginosis by restoring the balance of the pH in the vagina
- Can prevent symptoms from reoccurring
- Can be used alongside antibiotics
Canesbalance Bacterial Vaginosis Gel
- Available over the counter without a prescription
- Use one tube at night for 7 days
- Eases symptoms of bacterial vaginosis by restoring the balance of the pH in the vagina
- Can prevent symptoms from reoccurring
Zidoval Vaginal Gel
- Only available on prescription
- Gel containing metronidazole- kills the bacteria inside the vagina
- Single 5g dose is inserted into the vagina, over 5 consecutive days
- Can only be prescribed to women over the age of 18 and under 65 years
Our team of pharmacists are fully trained to assess your symptoms, and offer the best possible course of action. They are also able to prescribe medication should you require it. For more information, please contact a member of our team.
