Balance Activ BV Vaginal Pessaries help combat Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) which is the most common cause vaginal infection distinct from thrush. Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) is a vaginal infection caused by an imbalance in the pH levels in your vagina. It is the most common vaginal infection and almost twice as common as thrush. It's also the most common cause of vaginal discharge in women of childbearing age. For the vagina to remain healthy and free from infection, it is important that the many naturally occurring bacteria that live there remain in perfect balance.
What is Bacterial Vaginosis?
Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) is a vaginal infection caused by an imbalance in the pH levels in your vagina. It is the most common vaginal infection and almost twice as common as thrush. It is also the most common cause of vaginal discharge in women of childbearing age. Healthy vaginas are slightly acidic, thanks to the presence of a good bacteria. However, if these are in short supply, other bacteria can grow and trigger a BV episode, typically with symptoms of unusual vaginal discharge, smell and discomfort. Bacterial Vaginosis treatment gel treats Bacterial Vaginosis by restoring and maintaining the vagina’s normal pH. Due to its symptoms, BV is often mistaken for thrush which is far less common than BV but a much better-known cause of vaginal discharge. However, it's important to note that 50% of women will have no symptoms whatsoever.
How it works:
Balance Activ BV treatment replenishes your body’s natural lactic acid and tops up vaginal glycogen to bring your pH levels back to normal, helping to rapidly relieve BV symptoms.
BV Symptoms include:
- Unpleasant fishy odour which may be most noticeable after sex
- Abnormal discharge caused usually thin and grey often (heaviest just after a period and after having sex)
- Vaginal discomfort caused by increased discharge/moisture
Maintenance and Prevention:
- To relieve BV, use one pessary a day for seven days preferably at night.
- To maintain healthy vaginal pH levels, use regularly to help prevent future flair-ups.
Directions: Please read enclosed leaflet before use. To relieve BV: Use one pessary a day for seven days. It is recommended to use Balance Activ BV treatment at bedtime so it works while you sleep. To maintain healthy vaginal pH levels: Use regularly to help prevent future flare ups of BV. Read the enclosed leaflet for directions.
Our In-House Pharmacist has written an article about Balance Activ BV Vaginal Pessaries:
Balance Activ BV treatment pessaries is safe to use during pregnancy; however, you should consult your doctor if you think you may have a vaginal infection during pregnancy. Avoid using Balance Activ BV treatment pessaries if you are trying to conceive. Consult your GP: your symptoms worsen, you experience pain, the discomfort does not cease, the discharge is blood-stained, the discharge occurs during the menopause. Contains glycogen from shellfish (mussels).
Lactic Acid, Glycoigen, Propylene Glycol, Methylhydroxypropyl cellulose, sodium lactate, water, pH3.8. Contains no preservatives. Contains glycogen from shellfish (mussels).
What is Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)?
BV is short for Bacterial Vaginosis. BV occurs when there is a change in the natural balance of bacteria in the vagina. In a healthy vagina, the environment is slightly acidic, thanks to lactobacilli – a kind of good bacteria that produce lactic acid. If these are in short supply, the vagina becomes less acidic and this causes BV. BV is very common, in fact BV is twice as prevalent as thrush. BV is often mistaken for thrush, which is in fact less common but is a better-known condition associated with an itch and abnormal discharge. Try checking your symptoms with our online symptom checker to identify the symptoms of some of the most common vaginal conditions.
What are the symptoms of BV?
The symptoms of BV are quite similar to thrush but there are a few main differences. BV symptoms usually include a watery discharge (sometimes grey in colour) and a strong unpleasant odour (often fishy). These are the two main symptoms of BV.
Is BV a sexually transmitted disease (STI)?
No. It is important to remember that BV is not a sexually transmitted infection and any male sexual partners would not need treatment.
Is BV hygiene related?
BV is not caused by poor hygiene. In fact, excessive washing of the vagina may alter the normal balance of bacteria in the vagina making BV more likely to develop.
What causes BV?
BV can be caused by a broad range of lifestyle and everyday activities. These can include over-washing and using perfumed products to a new sexual partner (semen can change the vagina's pH). Even your period can cause changes in pH and lead to occurrences of BV.
What should your vaginal pH level be?
pH level of 4.5 is considered normal. In BV the pH level is elevated above 4.5 and up to 6.
Do you have to be sexually active to get BV?
No, there are lots of causes of BV including use of perfumed washes and even your period. Sperm can change the pH of the vagina and is considered one of many potential causes of BV. However, you don't have to be sexually active to get BV.
If someone has a history of BV and has sex with a condom, can it still trigger BV?
There will be less chance as it is the semen that’s the trigger (semen has a higher pH than 4.5)
Can I use Balance Activ to maintain pH balance and help stop re-occurrence?
If you notice a re-occurrence of symptoms or suspect your vaginal balance isn’t as it should be, you can use Balance Activ BV treatment gel to help restore normal pH and vaginal flora. This could be around key times when you have noticed a pattern of BV occurrences e.g. around your period.
What is the age suitability for BA gel?
Would recommend 16+. If you are under the age of 16 please speak to a parent, guardian or GP.
Can I use the gel and still remain a virgin?
Yes, but we recommend being careful when inserting the tube. Make sure that only the neck of the tube is inserted into the vagina.
Can you use Balance Activ whilst on antibiotics?
Yes you can
Can you take other medication with this product?
Antibiotics are OK to take with the gel, however we would advise speaking to your doctor before using another medical device with the BV Gel.
Can I use the gel during my period?
Yes, but it is recommended to use either before or immediately after menstruation to help maintain your natural pH balance.
Can Balance Activ be used when trying to conceive?
No – avoid using Balance Activ when trying to conceive as it has a low pH which can make the environment less suitable for sperm survival.
Is the gel a contraceptive? Does it kill sperm?
No. None of the Balance Activ products are contraceptives.
Can you use the gel with a condom?
- Polyisoprene – Yes
- Polyurethane – No (will degrade the condom)
- Natural rubber latex – No (will degrade the condom)
When is the best time to use Balance Activ Gel or Pessaries?
Before bed – laying down will help the gel or pessary stay in place.
Can you use the gel during a urine infection?
Yes you can
What can be used to stop excess leakage?
Use a panty liner after application and/or use Balance Activ before bed.
I noticed blood in my discharge after using the gel/pessary– is this normal?
No, this is not normal and you should discuss this with your doctor / healthcare adviser.
Can the gel be administered whilst using the contraceptive vaginal ring
We have data to show that the gel will degrade both polyurethane and natural rubber latex condoms but we have no data to support the use of the gel with contraceptive vaginal rings. We would therefore advise not to use the gel with the ring.
Can you use the gel or pessary while having IUD (hormonal or non-hormonal) in place?
We do not have data regarding this issue. Please speak to your GP, Pharmacist or Healthcare Adviser.
If pregnant, or breastfeeding consult your physician prior to use. While we work to ensure that product information on our website is correct, on occasion manufacturers may alter their ingredient lists. Actual product packaging and materials may contain more and/or different information than that shown on our website. All information about the products on our website is provided for information purposes only. We recommend that you do not solely rely on the information presented on our website. Please always read the labels, warnings, and directions provided with the product before using or consuming a product. In the event of any safety concerns or for any other information about a product please carefully read any instructions provided on the label or packaging and contact the manufacturer. Content on this site is not intended to substitute for advice given by medical practitioner, pharmacist, or other licensed health-care professional. Contact your health-care provider immediately if you suspect that you have a medical problem. Information and statements about products are not intended to be used to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or health condition. The customer reviews are only moderated for offensive content – they should not be regarded as medical or health advice; no reliance should therefore be placed on them; and they are not endorsed by Victoria Health. If you have any health problems or questions regarding the suitability of any product please contact a health professional. Products are not medicinal unless otherwise stated. Victoria Health accepts no liability for inaccuracies or misstatements about products by manufacturers or other third parties. This does not affect your statutory rights. Store in a cool dry place out of sunlight. For external use only, unless specified.
