FAQs

Is BV an STI?

Although there is evidence to suggest a link with sexual behaviour, BV itself is not an STI. Studies have suggested that condom use may reduce incidence of BV.

Is Balance Activ an effective treatment for BV?

Clinical trials have shown Balance Activ to be an effective treatment for BV, with it routinely used by leading clinicians.

The product is also included in the Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare's Clinical Guidance for the Management of Vaginal Discharge in Non-Genito Urinary Medicine Settings.

Can Balance Activ help treat and prevent recurrent BV?

Balance Activ is included in the Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare's Clinical Guidance for the Management of Vaginal Discharge in Non-Genito Urinary Medicine Settings.

The guidance, drawing on the clinical experience of the multidisciplinary group, suggests that Balance Activ may reduce relapse rates and help maintain an acidic vaginal pH.

Is Balance Activ safe?

Balance Activ is tried and clinically tested. Trials have shown that it is safe and effective in restoring and maintaining the pH balance of the vagina. The product has been used to redress vaginal imbalance since the early 1990s.

How many tubes should my patient use?

This depends on whether they are using the product to relieve symptoms, or prevent symptoms from occurring or recurring. The following table shows how the product should be used:

For Rapid Relief

For the effective relief of embarrassing odour, abnormal discharge, discomfort and BV, a patient should use 1 tube daily for 7 days.

Maintenance and Prevention

In order to maintain the natural pH balance and prevent recurrence of symptoms, your patient should use 1 tube daily for 7 days.

To help maintain the pH level during a course of antibiotics, your patient should use 1 tube daily at the end of the course for 4-5 days.

If your patient notices a recurrence of symptoms around the time of their period, they should use 1 tube daily at the end of their period for 1-2 days.

Does my patient need to use all of the contents of the tube?

You should instruct them to use the entire contents of the tube. Each tube contains 5ml of Balance Activ Vaginal Gel.

If my patient is suffering from odour, abnormal discharge and discomfort during their period, can Balance Activ help?

Yes. If your patient notices a recurrence of symptoms around the time of their period, using Balance Activ for 1-2 days towards the end of their period can help to maintain the natural pH and prevent symptoms from recurring.

At what age can I recommend a patient uses Balance Activ?

The symptoms of Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) are associated with hormonal changes, such as those experienced during a period. As soon as a woman starts menstruation, Balance Activ is safe to use.

When is the best time for my patient to use Balance Activ?

It is best to use Balance Activ at bedtime. You may want to suggest your patient wear a panty liner as it is not uncommon to experience slight leakage.

Can my patient use a tampon with this product?

Balance Activ works well with a tampon, particularly toward the end of a period when bleeding is light. Recommend squeezing the contents of the tube onto the end of the tampon before it is inserted.

Can my patient swim or have a bath after applying this product?

You should recommend that they use Balance Activ after swimming or bathing. If they use the product before, there is a risk that the water could wash some of the product out, making it less effective. The best time to use Balance Activ is at bedtime.

Can my patient still use Balance Activ if pregnant?

Yes, Balance Activ is safe to use during pregnancy. However, you should instruct them to contact you should they experience symptoms of a vaginal infection during pregnancy.

Can my patient use Balance Activ if breastfeeding?

Yes, Balance Activ is safe to use when breastfeeding.

My patient has told me that some gel occasionally leaks out. Is this normal?

Reassure them that it is common to experience slight leakage but this does not mean the treatment has not worked. Recommend that it may be helpful for them to wear a panty liner.

Is Balance Activ safe for my patient to use for more than seven days?

It is not harmful to use Balance Activ for a longer period of time than instructed. However, you should instruct your patient to return to see you if they continue to experience any symptoms after seven days of use.

My patient is trying to get pregnant. Is it safe for them to use Balance Activ?

We recommend that patients don't use Balance Activ if they are trying to conceive as the gel has a low pH, which makes the environment less suitable for sperm. Please note, it is important that your patient is aware that Balance Activ should not be used as a form of contraception.

My patient is using contraception. Will Balance Activ reduce its effectiveness?

No, using Balance Activ will not reduce the effectiveness of any contraception.

My patient has been previously diagnosed with thrush. Can Balance Activ help?

If your patient has been diagnosed with thrush, you should still recommend they use an anti-fungal treatment as Balance Activ will not get rid of the yeast, candida, which causes thrush. Balance Activ can however be used to maintain vaginal health, helping prevent vaginal infections such as thrush.

My patient complains of a sharp burning sensation when they use Balance Activ. Is this normal?

It is normal for patients to experience a sharp burning sensation when using Balance Activ if they have small abrasions in the vaginal tissue (often caused by vaginal infections). However, this sensation is only temporary. If they continue to experience a persistent burning sensation they should make an appointment to see you immediately.

My patient has used Balance Activ but has noticed that it is out of date. Should they be concerned?

It is recommended that your patient should only use the product when it is in date. Balance Activ does not contain any ingredients that will cause any harm, however, it may become less effective once it has passed its expiry date.

Where can my patient find the expiry date of Balance Activ?

The expiry date is embossed on the bottom of each tube of Balance Activ. The expiry date is also printed on the carton.

How should Balance Activ be stored?

Balance Activ should be stored at room temperature (2-30°).

How should my patient dispose of the empty tube?

The empty tube should be disposed of according to the appropriate recycling scheme for their locality.