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Bacterial vaginosis
Treatments that deal with vaginal flora imbalances.Bacterial vaginosis (BV), also known as gardnerella vaginalis, is a very common condition that affects women. It is caused by an imbalance of normal vaginal bacteria.
If left untreated, BV can lead to complications. However, it can be easily cured with antibiotics.
Intervaginal creams are applied directly to the infected site and have fewer side effects.
Get startedOral antibiotic treatments have more side effects, and you can't drink alcohol alongside them.
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What causes bacterial vaginosis?
Bacteria grows naturally within the vagina and usually there is a higher amount of 'good' bacteria, which helps to prevent infections. However, in some cases, the 'bad' bacteria can increase, which leads to an inflammation of the vagina. This is the cause of the discharge, which is the main symptom of the infection.
There is no evidence that BV is transmitted sexually, although patients who are sexually active are more at risk of developing the infection, especially after having sex with a new partner. It is unclear whether women can pass the infection to other women through sexual contact.
There are certain factors that may increase your chances of developing BV, such as the use of intimate deodorants or scented soaps. Those who smoke or those who use an IUD (coil) as a method of contraception may also be more prone to developing the condition.
What are the symptoms of bacterial vaginosis?
Some who are infected with BV will show no symptoms, although it is not necessary to be tested as this asymptotic form does not pose a health risk. The most common symptom of BV is a change in your normal discharge, either in colour, texture or smell. It is not usually itchy although it can occasionally cause pain during intercourse or while urinating.
Are there any other health risks associated with bacterial vaginosis?
Bacterial vaginosis is easy to treat with effective medication, however there are some risks to leaving it untreated. BV can increase your chances of contracting other STIs such as gonorrhoea, chlamydia, genital herpes, HIV and HPV, which can cause genital warts and cervical cancer.
BV may also be a contributing cause to developing pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) or even infertility. If left untreated during pregnancy it can cause further complications.
What medications are available to treat bacterial vaginosis?
Bacterial vaginosis can be easily treated with a course of antibiotics such as Metronidazole, which can be taken in smaller doses over seven days to reduce the risk of side effects compared to shorter, more intense treatments. Although these antibiotics will clear up the infection, some women continue to experience BV as a recurring problem.
Can I buy medication for bacterial vaginosis online?
You can buy Metronidazole for bacterial vaginosis at 121doc after filling out a free online consultation. This is completely confidential but is necessary in order for us to ensure it is a safe and effective treatment for you. Once a prescription has been issued your order will be dispatched for free next day delivery.
If you need more information on bacterial vaginosis or have sexual health questions that are still unanswered, why not visit the sexual health blog where there is a wealth of information about sexual health including bacterial vaginosis.
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- Review by a qualified doctor
- Including prescription
- Next-day delivery included
A course usually lasts between three and seven days. You will administer doses with an applicator.
One tablet should be taken twice daily, over seven days. This treatment has more side effects than the cream, and it is important you don't drink any alcohol.
FAQs
Our consultations include general questions about your health (e.g. blood pressure levels, current and past conditions), as well as specific questions related to your selected treatment. We will also request relevant personal information to complete payment and delivery.
All questions are necessary, and your answers and details will not be shared with any third-parties. Only our doctors have access to your medical information.
It is a legal and medical requirement that a doctor first reviews all completed consultations. We have a team of in-house doctors and specialists who will ensure your selected treatment is safe for your use. All information is stored securely and confidentially.
Please note, we do not guarantee that our doctors will approve treatment.
Your consultation will be sent directly to our medical team, where it will be reviewed by one of our doctors.
If your chosen treatment is deemed suitable for your use, they will issue a prescription. Your prescription is then forwarded to our pharmacy, where your medication will be dispensed and dispatched for courier delivery.
Yes. All 121doc orders include a medical consultation, a prescription and next-day delivery. There are no additional costs. We believe in providing a safe and easy-to-use service.
Yes. However, certain medications may negatively interact with each other. Our doctors may not approve your order on this basis.
You can place multiple items in one basket, and complete a consultation for all.
If you wish to place a second order for a different medication, you will have to complete a separate consultation.
We offer several delivery options:
- Next-day delivery
- UPS Access Point - convenient parcel drop-off and collection near your home or work address
- Nominated-day delivery - choose the most convenient day for delivery
All these options can be tracked and require a signature on delivery. If you are not available, a friend or relative can sign in your place.
None of these options will incur an additional charge.
To ensure you are purchasing from a reputable company, you should look to see their country’s regulatory bodies verify them.
In the UK, this is the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).Certificates can be viewed here.
Some treatments also offer the 'Advise Me' function. You will be asked questions about your lifestyle and needs, plus medical questions. You will then be presented with the advice of our doctors.
Our patients’ privacy is of utmost importance. All your medical information is securely stored and only viewed by our doctors. We do not share your details with third-parties. We are also regularly inspected by various UK regulatory agencies, such as the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO).
All orders will only show on invoices, bank statements, etc. as ‘HHC Ltd’.
