Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) is a common problem that affects millions of women worldwide, usually between the ages of 14 - 50. It occurs when the balance between naturally occurring bacteria in your body is disturbed. DoktorABC’s online doctors are trained to deal sensitively with this issue and make sure that you get the right treatment for your bacterial vaginosis. If there are no prior health issues, they can prescribe either antibiotic tablets or creams, including Metronidazole, Dalacin Cream and Zidoval Gel.
Read more about bacterial vaginosisStart a consultation for Bacterial Vaginosis treatment and fill in a simple health questionnaire. Then choose your preferred medication from the list of recommended treatment options or keep the default recommended treatment. Our doctor will review your information and if suitable issue your prescription online. Our pharmacy will then send you your medication with free next day delivery.
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Our Service in 3 Simple Steps
Fill out a health questionnaire to get a list of recommened treatments
The prescribing doctor will review the information you provide and issue a prescription if appropriate
Your medicine is dispatched by our partner pharmacy the next work day
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a type of vaginal inflammation caused by the overgrowth of natural anaerobic bacteria in the vagina. It is a common condition that usually affects women and teenage girls of childbearing age (generally 14 - 50) but can affect women of any age. It is not considered to be a sexually transmitted infection, although it may be triggered by sexual activity. You can also suffer from the condition if you have never been sexually active. The symptoms of BV may include unusual vaginal discharge that is often thin and watery, ranging in colour from grey to white, or even green. It can be accompanied by a foul smelling ‘fishy’ odour. If you’re suffering from bacterial vaginosis, you may experience vaginal itching or a burning sensation when you urinate.
Many women are embarrassed by bacterial vaginosis, particularly if the symptoms are first noticed by a sexual partner. If it is the first time that you have suffered from the condition you may worry that you have caught a sexually transmitted infection, or experience negative feelings regarding your own body image. You should remember that BV is a common condition that affects millions of women in the UK and is treatable with antibiotic tablets, gel, or cream. Some women suffer from recurring bacterial vaginosis and may require multiple treatments. Medical understanding of the problem is developing and there are new scientific advances in therapy, including treatments to transplant ‘good bacteria’ to the vagina.
Your vagina contains a variety of natural bacteria. These can broadly be divided into ‘good bacteria’ (lactobacilli) and ‘bad bacteria’ (anaerobes). A healthy vagina is usually slightly acidic, which prevents the growth of anaerobes and maintains a healthy natural balance. If the pH level in your vagina changes, or something causes bacteria to multiply, you may suffer from bacterial vaginosis (BV).
The causes of BV are not fully understood, although medical knowledge is improving. But there are some identifiable causes of bacterial vaginosis, these may include:
Bacterial vaginosis usually causes distinctive and easily recognisable symptoms, although it is possible to have BV and not show any obvious symptoms.
The symptoms of bacterial vaginosis can be embarrassing or even distressing. If you do experience feelings of embarrassment, or even disgust towards your body, it’s important not to allow your feelings to interfere with seeking treatment. Left untreated, bacterial vaginosis may increase your risk of contracting sexually transmitted infections, it may also cause other health problems. BV is a very common condition that doctors are accustomed to treat on a regular basis. The Doctors on our platform will always treat you with sensitivity and consideration.
An initial diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis (BV) may often be made on the basis of reported symptoms, especially if you have previously suffered from the condition. These may include:
It is possible that you may only experience some of these symptoms, or none at all.
Medical history
Your doctor will ask some simple questions about your symptoms, lifestyle, and medical history. This is to get the necessary background information for an accurate diagnosis.
Pelvic examination
Your GP may carry out a simple pelvic examination that involves inserting two fingers into your vagina and pressing down gently on your abdomen with the other hand. This is to check that there are no other signs of disease and to check for any obvious infection.
Vaginal swab
It may be necessary to collect a sample of your vaginal discharge for examination under a microscope. This is a quick and painless procedure that involves wiping the inside of your vagina with a cotton bud. The sample can be checked for bacterial overgrowth that points to bacterial vaginosis.
Test your vaginal pH
The natural acidity of your vagina is reduced when you are suffering from BV. Your GP may insert a pH strip into your vagina to test the acid/alkali balance. This is a quick and painless procedure.
Current treatments for bacterial vaginosis use antibiotic tablets (taken orally) or antibiotic creams and gels (applied to the vagina). They work by preventing the growth of bacteria and clearing the infection. Three prescription medications available in the UK include, Metronidazole, Dalacin Cream and Zidoval Gel.
Metronidazole 400mg tablets may be prescribed to treat bacterial vaginosis. The antibiotic tablets are taken orally, as instructed by your online doctor. Metronidazole effectively targets a variety of bacteria, including the anaerobic bacteria that cause BV.
Dalacin Cream is a prescription only antibiotic cream that is used to treat bacterial vaginosis. Each packet of cream comes with a set of disposable plastic devices for inserting the cream into your vagina. You can do this quickly and painlessly while lying on your back.
Zidoval Gel is an antibiotic gel that can be used to treat bacterial vaginosis. Each packet of gel comes with a set of disposable plastic devices for inserting the gel into your vagina. You can do this quickly and painlessly while lying on your back.
DoktorABC provides a quick and convenient online prescription service for Metronidazole, Dalacin Cream and Zidoval Gel with free next day delivery of your prescription and medications. Prescriptions are provided subject to an online health questionnaire and are only issued if the medication is safe for you to use.
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a common condition that millions of UK women will suffer from at least once during their lives. In some cases it can be prevented, or the likelihood of an outbreak reduced, by following a few basic rules.
