Dr Chris Steele discusses the symptoms of Bacterial Vaginosis and the launch of a new treatment Balance Activ.

TheFamilyGP Video launch of new product Balance Activ to treat Bacterial Vaginosis.

Video


More information about Balance Activ
http://uk.balanceactiv.com is an informative online resource for people interested in understanding the symptoms of BV and discovering practical lifestyle advice and treatment solutions.

About Bacterial Vaginosis
Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) is the most common vaginal infection and is twice as common as thrush(1). In fact, it is estimated that 1 in 3 women will develop BV at some point in their lives(2)(3). Yet, according to the "Regain Your Balance" survey of over 1,000 women in the UK, over half (57%) do not know what BV is(4).

In this video, Dr Chris highlights the symptoms and causes of BV, and advises women on how to treat and prevent this common vaginal infection.

Causes of BV
Different types of bacteria live naturally in the vagina; normally the bacteria present in the largest numbers are lactic acid bacteria ("good bacteria"), producing lactic acid which maintains the normal low pH of the vagina, protecting against infection. If pH levels rise and the numbers of bacteria and therefore the amount of lactic acid is reduced, other "bad" bacteria are encouraged to grow.

This imbalance can result in embarrassing odour, abnormal discharge and discomfort in the vagina. The loss of "good" bacteria and growth of the unwanted "bad" bacteria is an extremely common condition known as Bacterial Vaginosis or BV.

Symptoms of BV
If the normal balance of the bacteria in the vagina is disrupted then you might notice one or more of the following symptoms:
  • Embarrassing vaginal odour (sometimes described as smelling "fishy")
  • Abnormal discharge (often thin and white-grey in colour)
  • Discomfort (normally irritation or soreness in and around the vagina)


What causes BV?
The vagina is normally quite acidic (pH 3.8-4.5). Certain things can cause the acidity to be reduced, which makes it hard for the healthy bacteria to survive, and encourages the overgrowth of unwanted bacteria.

Contributing factors include:
  • Prolonged menstruation
  • Use of intra-uterine contraceptive devices (IUDs), commonly known as the coil
  • Frequent douching (washing out unwanted organisms along with the normal harmless bacteria)
  • Use of perfumed products in intimate areas
  • Sex without a condom (semen has a higher pH level than the vagina)


Other factors include having a new sexual partner, multiple sexual partners, same-sex sexual partners, the menopause and hormone imbalances.

Is it possible to prevent BV?
When the natural balance of bacteria in the vagina is disrupted, certain bacteria can reach higher levels than normal. To prevent this from happening, try to take the following precautions:
  • Avoid excessive washing (or douching) of the vagina: this may alter the normal balance of bacteria and may make the symptoms more likely to develop
  • Try to avoid using perfumed intimate products as use of these has been linked with disrupting the natural vaginal balance
  • Use a condom if you notice sex promotes the symptoms. Semen is quite alkaline and can alter the natural pH of the vagina, encouraging the overgrowth of unwanted bacteria.


How can you treat BV?
There are a variety of effective treatment options available to treat BV such as over the counter (OTC) vaginal gels that treat and prevent BV, antibiotics and alternative remedies. However, antibiotics do not normally prevent recurrence and may cause side effects, so a vaginal gel could be more suitable. BV recurrence rates can be as high as 72% following use of traditional antibiotic treatments(5). Speak to your pharmacist or GP for further information and advice.

Balance Activ Vaginal Gel
Balance Activ Vaginal Gel treats and prevents BV*, restoring and preserving the natural pH balance in the vagina, neutralising the embarrassing odour, and effectively relieving abnormal discharge and discomfort. Balance Activ Vaginal Gel can also be used to maintain the natural pH balance and prevent recurrence of symptoms.
  • One pack of Balance Activ Vaginal Gel contains 7 hygienic single-use tubes of gel (to be used daily) for one week’s treatment. Alternatively, 1-2 tubes can be used to maintain pH balance when it suits you best either every week, around the time of your period or after sex to prevent recurrence
  • Balance Activ Vaginal Gel will be launching in major high street retailers and pharmacies at the end of September 2008, RRP £9.99 and is available to buy online now.


Women should consult their GP if: symptoms worsen, the discomfort does not cease, the discharge is blood-stained, the discharge occurs during the menopause, or you are pregnant (pregnant women should always consult their GP if they think they have a vaginal infection).

This content is sponsored by Inverness Medical.

NOTES
*Based on clinical studies comparing Balance Activ Vaginal Gel with antibiotic treatments.

REFERENCES
1 Bacterial Vaginosis www.patient.co.uk 2 The Family Planning Association – www.fpa.org.uk 3 Society of Sexual Health Advisors – www.ssha.info 4 Regain Your Balance Tickbox.net survey. June 2008 5 Jeanne M Marrazzo Elusive aetiology of bacterial vaginosis. Do lesbians have a clue? Sexually Transmitted Infections 2007; 83:424-425


This content was created on Mon 1 September 2008

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