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Remedies To Relieve Bacterial Vaginosis
Bacterial vaginosis, commonly known as BV, is the most common vaginal infection. Nearly 30% of women in the U.S. Will experience bacterial vaginosis at some point in their lifetime.
Bacterial vaginosis happens when naturally-occurring so-called "bad" bacteria outnumber the "good" bacteria (lactobacilli) in the vagina. Doctors are unsure what causes this imbalance.
However, bacterial vaginosis is more common in women who are sexually active and in women who douche.
While many women with bacterial vaginosis don't experience symptoms, others do. Symptoms may include:
You may be able to treat a mild case of bacterial vaginosis at home.
For some women, mild cases of bacterial vaginosis will go away on their own. However, there are a few remedies you can try at home to relieve symptoms and speed your recovery. If you are unsure whether you have bacterial vaginosis or a yeast infection, go see your doctor.
Short-Term Remedies
When you have bacterial vaginosis, the pH (acidity level) of your vagina increases. Over-the-counter tests can tell you if your vagina's pH is higher than normal, which can tell you if your infection is likely bacterial vaginosis. These tests aren't always accurate, so if you're unsure, go to your doctor.
Probiotics, live bacteria found in some foods and supplements, might help restore balance to your vaginal bacteria. Some studies show that eating yogurt or probiotic supplements may treat bacterial vaginosis, and is quite safe.
Another promising remedy is boric acid, a white powder with antifungal and antiviral properties. According to limited research, boric acid suppositories inserted into your vagina may help treat bacterial vaginosis, with few side effects. However, any product with boric acid should only be used after a diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis. More research is needed, so it's important to check with your doctor before using boric acid.
Long-Term Prevention
While doctors aren't sure how to prevent bacterial vaginosis, there are still some steps you can take that may help prevent it. These include:
Several studies show that taking a 2000 IU/day dose of vitamin D supplements may help avoid BV infections.
Taking a daily women's probiotic with high levels of Lactobacilli ("good" bacteria) may help keep your vaginal bacterial balance healthy. Many women say that probiotics help them avoid infections, but more research is needed on this subject.
While you have bacterial vaginosis, avoid sex until your infection is treated. It is unusual for bacterial vaginosis to spread to male sexual partners, but it can be spread to female sexual partners. If this happens, female partners may need to be treated as well.
While bacterial vaginosis is usually mild, in more severe cases it can have a lasting impact if left untreated. Bacterial vaginosis symptoms may appear similar to other vaginal infections, andhome remedies may be unsuccessful, so it's important to see your doctor if symptoms do not disappear.
Your doctor can prescribe antibiotics that will usually treat bacterial vaginosis within one week. Finish all of your antibiotics, even if your symptoms go away early. If your symptoms don't go away within a few days of finishing the antibiotic, go back to your doctor.
If left untreated, bacterial vaginosis can pose some severe health risks.
1 In 3 Women Get Bacterial Vaginosis. A New Study Says To Treat Their Male Sexual Partners.
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BV Or Thrush? Know The Difference
Your symptoms could mean you need a different treatment to what you thought.
While many women are familiar with the dreaded itch "down there", vaginal thrush isn't the only infection to affect our intimate area – and knowing the difference is imperative.
Another common culprit is bacterial vaginosis, or 'BV': a condition caused by an imbalance between the "good" and "bad" bacteria that naturally occur within the vagina in women of childbearing age.
Women can often mistake BV for thrush, but these are two distinct infections that should be treated differently. Here's what you need to know.
What are the symptoms and how do I tell them apart?
Although both vaginal thrush and BV can cause unusual discharge, it differs in appearance depending on which condition you have. Thrush can produce an odourless, thick, white discharge, while BV will typically cause a thin, greyish-white discharge.
But the key distinction is that women with BV may experience a strong, "fishy" odour, while thrush is typically odourless. BV's unpleasant odour is its most common symptom and usually sets it apart from other vaginal infections, such as thrush.
It's important women understand the differences so they can be treated properly.
How can I treat bacterial vaginosis?
In Aotearoa New Zealand, Fleurstat BVgel is the only over-the-counter product available for the treatment and rapid relief of BV symptoms. This non-antibiotic, vaginal gel is clinically proven to help relieve symptoms such as discharge and odour, starting to work within 24 hours. It comes with an easy-to-use vaginal applicator and is available without a prescription from the pharmacy.
Catherine Burns, the Marketing Manager at Aspen New Zealand, says Fleurstat is a non-antibiotic treatment that many women may prefer, as it is available from pharmacies without a prescription so it may be a convenient option.
The product is designed to disrupt the attachment of BV causing bacteria to the vaginal wall, allowing the good bacteria to replenish and normalise the vagina's pH. One full applicator is applied into the vagina daily, preferably at bedtime, for seven days. It's important to complete the seven-day treatment course.
Burns says that as a doctor's prescription isn't required, Fleurstat may be a more accessible option for women. "Women experiencing embarrassing BV symptoms such as unpleasant odour or discharge can simply go to their local pharmacy, and ask if Fleurstat is right for them," she says.
"Fleurstat provides rapid relief of BV symptoms, starting to work within 24 hours. It's an easy to use, clinically proven, treatment."
Fleurstat retails from about $45.
Recurrent BV
Fleurstat BV gel can be used (when you don't have symptoms) to help prevent recurrent BV and it's symptoms including abnormal vaginal odour and discharge. However, please see your doctor if you have recurrent BV.
Changing certain hygiene habits can also help prevent BV. Using soapy water, perfumed products or other products to clean inside the vagina may increase the risk of getting BV so experts recommend washing the area with warm water only. And while BV is not a sexually transmitted infection (STI), certain sexual activities such as having multiple partners or engaging in unprotected sex, may increase the risk of BV.
When should I see my doctor?
If you are unsure whether you have BV, suspect you have recurrent BV, another vaginal infection or if you think you may be at risk of an STI, always consult your doctor. You should also see your doctor if your BV symptoms persist after seven days or recur within two weeks of finishing treatment.
For more information visit fleurstat.Co.Nz
Fleurstat (Astodrimer Sodium 1% w/w) is a vaginal gel used for the treatment and relief of bacterial vaginosis and prevention of recurrent bacterial vaginosis and its symptoms including abnormal vaginal odour and discharge. Always read the instructions and use strictly as directed. If symptoms persist see your healthcare professional. See your doctor for prevention of recurrent bacterial vaginosis. Distributed by Aspen New Zealand C/O Pharmacy Retailing (NZ) Ltd, Auckland. Trademarks are owned by or licensed to the Aspen Group of companies. © 2025 Aspen Group of companies or its licensor. All rights reserved. VivaGel® is a registered trademark of Starpharma Pty Ltd, 4-6 Southampton Crescent, Abbotsford, VIC 3067 Australia. TAPS BG5017 MAY 2025
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