Bacterial Vaginosis

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Bacterial Vaginosis Treatments

You can order treatment for bacterial vaginosis (BV) online without a prescription from Simple Online Pharmacy.  

If you need bacterial vaginosis treatment, simply fill out the consultation for our online doctor. Once you have completed the consultation, our doctor will review your assessment and prescribe the selected medication if it is safe. Our pharmacy will then dispense and deliver your prescription to your door.

To learn more about BV, you can read the NHS Choices information. Before taking this treatment, or any medication, you should always read the Patient Information Leaflet.

Bacterial Vaginosis Treatment

Bacterial Vaginosis treatment options

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    Zidoval Gel

    Zidoval Gel

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    Dalacin Cream

    Dalacin Cream

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    Metronidazole 400mg Tablets

    Metronidazole 400mg Tablets

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Overview

What is Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)?

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is an imbalance of the natural type of bacteria found in the vagina. This causes an overgrowth of bad bacteria which leads to symptoms such as an unusual discharge and a strong, fishy smell. BV is not considered to be a sexually transmitted disease (STD).

 

Causes

Cause of BV

A number of different bacteria naturally live in the vagina. This is called the vaginal microbiome. BV is caused when some of these bacteria overgrow and others reduce in number, causing a change in the natural balance of bacteria. This imbalance causes the symptoms seen in BV.

It is not fully understood why this balance changes but there are a number of risk factors that can increase the risk of getting BV:

  • Recently using antibiotics
  • Douching (washing or cleaning out the vagina with water or soaps)
  • Having a new sexual partner
  • Washing underwear with strong detergents
  • Having multiple sexual partners
  • Smoking
  • Using perfumed soaps, shower gels or bubble bath in the bath
  • Having an IUD (contraception device)

Although it is not a sexually transmitted infection, it is more common in people who are sexually active. There is some evidence to suggest that it can be passed on to female sexual partners.

Treatments

Bacterial Vaginosis Treatment

The main treatment for bacterial vaginosis is a course of antibiotics. The two antibiotics used in BV are clindamycin or metronidazole. These are available as tablets or a cream/gel. 

Our doctors are able to prescribe Zidoval gel or Dalacin cream. Both of these treatments are effective in treating BV.

Please mention on our online form if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Treatment may differ for pregnant or breastfeeding women.

Zidoval gel (Metronidazole)

Metronidazole works by killing the bacteria that causes the overgrowth in BV. This helps rebalance the natural bacteria in the vagina and treat the symptoms of BV.

Zidoval gel is applied into the vagina at bedtime for 5 days. Alcohol should be avoided during treatment. Our Zidoval gel page contains more information on the medicine, such as possible side effects.

Dalacin cream (clindamycin)

Dalacin cream works by stopping the overgrowth of bacteria in BV, helping to restore the natural balance of the vaginal microbiome.

Dalacin cream is applied into the vagina at bedtime for 7 days. Our Dalacin cream page contains more information on the medicine, such as possible side effects.

Prevention

It is possible to get BV more than once. We have listed some tips below to help reduce the likelihood of getting BV again:

  • Not using perfumed soaps, shower gels or bubble bath in the bath
  • Not washing your underwear in strong detergents
  • Using water and plain soap to wash the genital area
  • Not smoking 
  • Having showers instead of baths
  • Not using vaginal deodorants or washes

It is important to mention on your online form if you have had BV previously. This is especially important if you have experienced a recent episode.

Symptoms

Bacterial Vaginosis Symptoms

Half of women with BV will have no symptoms. For women who do have symptoms, the main symptom is an unusual vaginal discharge that has a strong fishy smell. This symptom is often noticeable after sex. 

The discharge may be grey or white and thin and watery. It is unusual for BV to cause symptoms of itching, irritation or problems urinating. The NHS has information on different vaginal infections that may be mistaken for BV. The NHS also has general information about sexual health.

FAQ

FAQ

Can BV clear up on its own?

BV may resolve by itself, but treatment is necessary if you have symptoms of BV. Treatment is not usually required for women who have BV with no symptoms.

What causes BV?

BV happens when there is an imbalance in the natural bacteria found in the vagina.

The main bacteria that overgrows in BV is a bacteria called Gardnerella vaginalis, this overgrows and reduces the number of lactobacilli bacteria in the vagina. This imbalance causes the symptoms seen in BV.

What does BV smell like?

The main symptom of BV is a vaginal discharge that has a strong fishy smell. This may be more noticeable after sex.

How can I stop the smell of BV?

The best way to treat this symptom is to treat the BV. Treatment is usually a course of antibiotics.

What are the treatments for BV?

BV is treated with antibiotics. The two antibiotics used to treat BV are called metronidazole and clindamycin. They can be prescribed as tablets, gels or creams. Our doctors can prescribe Zidoval gel (metronidazole) or Dalacin cream (clindamycin).



    Zidoval Gel

    Medication Simple Online Pharmacy
    7.5mg/g x1 x 40g £19.99
    7.5mg/g x2 x 40g £35.99

    Dalacin Cream

    Medication Simple Online Pharmacy
    2% x1 x 40g £19.50
    2% x2 x 40g £36.99
    2% x3 x 40g £56.99

    Metronidazole 400mg Tablets

    Medication Simple Online Pharmacy
    400mg x 1 Day Course 5 x 400mg Tablets £14.95
    7 Day Course 14 x 400mg Tablets £17.50

    Bacterial Vaginosis Treatment Comparison