Chemist 4 U Certified
| Updated by | Laura Henderson |
| Role | Medical Content Writer |
| Updated on | 16/06/2020 |
| Next review | 15/06/2022 |
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We then have our qualified pharmacists check the content for both quality and accuracy.
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What is Balance Activ BV Gel?
Balance Active BV Gel is a medical device that can help to relieve the symptoms of bacterial vaginosis. The gel comes in single-use applicators, perfect for making sure that you’re using the correct dose of gel and making application easy and hygienic. Balance Activ helps to support the natural pH balance of your vagina and your natural flora, helping to maintain a healthy balance in your vagina and relieve irritation caused by BV.
What is bacterial vaginosis (BV)?
Bacterial vaginosis, also known as BV, is an infection that affects your vagina, causing an unpleasant, fishy-smelling discharge. BV happens when the natural balance of the bacteria in your vagina is disturbed, which can happen for lots of different reasons, making the cause quite difficult to pin down. However, many women find that they experience BV after having sex, especially if you’ve recently changed your partner, but it’s important to note that BV is not a sexually transmitted infection (STI). Some women also find that using an IUD contraceptive device or using perfumed soaps or products around your vagina can cause BV.
How will Balance Activ Gel help to ease my BV symptoms?
Balance Activ Gel helps to ease BV symptoms by restoring the natural balance of your vagina’s pH levels. It also helps to support your body’s natural flora, helping to promote the growth of good bacteria like lactobacilli, which helps to protect your vagina’s natural balance. By helping your body to maintain this delicate balance Balance Activ can be used to relieve symptoms of BV or to help to keep BV from coming back. This can be especially useful if you notice that you often get BV at certain times, for example, when you have your period.
What is the difference between Balance Activ Gel and Pessaries?
Balance Activ BV Gel and BV Pessaries use the same ingredients to ease your BV symptoms, so the only real difference is how you use the products themselves. Both are easy to use, although some people find the gel applicators easier to apply and some find the pessaries less messy overall. At the end of the day, you should choose the product you prefer as they’ll both be able to support your pH levels in the same way.
Can I use this product if I’m pregnant?
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding you should speak to your doctor or pharmacist before using Balance Activ BV gel. Some products may not be suitable for you to use at these times, but a medical professional can help you to choose products that will be safe and effective when treating and medical conditions.
Can I use this product if I’m trying to get pregnant?
You should not use Balance Activ gel if you are trying to get pregnant as it has a low pH balance. This is not an ideal environment for sperm and can, therefore, make it more difficult for you to conceive. If you’re trying to become pregnant and are suffering from BV, you should speak to your doctor or pharmacist and ask their advice.
Will this treatment affect my contraception?
Balance Activ BV Gel is not a contraceptive and should not be used to prevent pregnancy. If you want to have sex while using this product, we would recommend speaking your doctor, pharmacist, or a health care worker to work out which will be the best method of contraception for you. Balance Activ gel should not be used with polyurethane or natural rubber latex condoms, as it can degrade the condom and make it less effective. However, the gel will not affect polyisoprene condoms, which will be safe to use. The manufacturers of this product also advise that you should not use it with the contraceptive vaginal ring, as they do not have evidence to suggest that the two can be used together safely.
Can I use this product if I’m on my period?
You can use Balance Activ gel when you’re on your period. However, the manufacturers recommend using it before or after your period for best results, as this could help to maintain your natural pH balance.
How to use Balance Activ Gel applicators
Before using this product, wash and dry your hands and then lie down in a comfortable position. Twist the cap off of the applicator and insert the whole neck of the tube into your vagina. Squeeze all of the gel from the tube and then remove the applicator from your vagina while continuing to squeeze. Throw the used tube away and wash your hands again. You may experience some slight leakage while using this product, so you may want to use a panty liner. Leakage does not affect how well the gel is working. For best results, we recommend using this product at bedtime, so you will be lying down after using the product, helping to reduce leakage.
When should this product not be used?
This product is not suitable for use in children under the age of 16. Do not use Balance Activ Gel if you are allergic to shellfish or any of the listed ingredients. Do not use this product if the tube is damaged or broken. If experience any irritation while using this product, stop use. If irritation persists, speak to your doctor or pharmacist right away.
Does Balance Activ BV Gel have any side effects?
Like many medical devices, Balance Activ BV Gel can have side effects, although not everyone will experience them. These include symptoms caused by an allergic reaction, including skin reactions. If you experience any side effects while using this product, stop use right away. If irritation persists, speak to your doctor or pharmacist immediately. For more information about reporting the side effects of medication, please see the MHRA’s Yellow Card Scheme.
How to store this product
Store in a cool, dry place. Do not use this product if the expiry date printed on the original packaging has passed. Keep out of sight and reach of children.
Important Information
This product is a medical device; make sure to speak to your doctor or Chemist4U pharmacist before taking this product if you have an underlying medical problem or are taking any other medicine or complementary therapy. If your symptoms get worse or continue after taking this product, contact us or your doctor. For medical services in your area, please refer to https://www.nhs.uk
If you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, speak to your doctor or our pharmacist before taking this product. If you suffer from any allergies, ask your doctor or our pharmacist if this medicine is right for you.
Store all medicines out of sight and reach of children.
Please read the included leaflet carefully before using this product.
Please contact your GP if appropriate regarding this product.
Helpful Advice on Medication Restrictions & Addiction
For further information on our medication restrictions policy, please click here.
If you are concerned about addiction to 'over the counter' medication, we urge you to visit the below links for professional help and advice:
Lactic acid, Glycogen, Polyethylene glycol, Methylhdroxypropyl cellulose, Sodium lactate, Water
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Thrush and Bacterial Vaginosis are common infections that can make your intimate area feel less than friendly.
If you’re struggling with an infection, you’re going to want to get rid of it fast, if only so you can lose the annoying itching!
But how can you tell the difference between these two very similar infections? Let’s find out the facts and see what makes them so different.
Answered By: Emma Watling On
Hi,
What products have you tried so far?
See the following link for more information that may help https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaginitis/
Answered By: Shaun Mallet On
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