Bacterial Vaginosis Treatment

Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) is the most common vaginal bacterial infection in the UK. It happens when the natural balance of bacteria in the vagina changes. Your vagina normally has a slightly acidic pH and a mix of “good” and “bad” bacteria. When this balance is disrupted, BV can occur.

Is BV Harmful?

BV is usually harmless and can go away on its own, but many women choose to treat it because it can be uncomfortable or embarrassing. Symptoms include:

• Thin, watery discharge (usually white or grey)

• Strong or unpleasant smell (often described as fishy)

• No itching or soreness, which makes it different from thrush

Some women may not notice any symptoms at all.

BV is not a sexually transmitted infection, but sex can trigger it — especially if you have multiple partners. Other common causes include:

• Using tampons, sex toys, or an IUD contraceptive device

• Smoking

• Poor or excessive hygiene – such as using strong soaps or washing too often

• Wearing tight or synthetic underwear

To help prevent BV, it’s best to:

• Wipe front to back after using the toilet

• Wear cotton underwear and change it daily

• Use mild, unscented soap or just water

• Avoid douching or scented feminine products

While BV is usually mild, leaving it untreated may increase the risk of:

• Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)

• Greater risk of catching STIs such as HIV, chlamydia or herpes

• Pregnancy complications in some cases

If your symptoms get worse or keep coming back, you should seek medical advice.

BV is easily treated with antibiotics, most commonly Metronidazole. This is available as a:

• Short course of tablets

• Single-dose treatment

• Topical gel

At PharmXtra, you can order Metronidazole safely online after a short consultation with a registered prescriber. The short tablet course is often preferred as it’s simple to take and has fewer side effects than gels.

After treatment, you can lower the chance of BV returning by:

• Wearing loose, breathable fabrics (like cotton)

• Using gentle, non-perfumed products for personal care

• Practising safe sex and maintaining good hygiene

• Avoiding over-washing – the vagina is self-cleaning

PharmXtra offers fast, discreet access to trusted treatments for Bacterial Vaginosis, including Metronidazole. Complete a quick online consultation and, if suitable, a prescriber will approve your treatment and arrange delivery straight to your door.