BV Tablets

How does BV tablets work?

Bacterial vaginosis is thought to be caused by a change in the natural balance of bacteria that live in the vagina. Because BV tablets has antibiotic properties, it helps to kill excess bacteria and return the balance to normal, reducing the symptoms.

BV tablets can be used to treat a number of different bacterial infections, though we only prescribe it to treat Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) in women. It is an effective BV treatment that can typically clear symptoms in two to three days and should be taken for the full on- week course.

To learn more about BV tablets, visit our “What is BV tablets?” page.

Buying BV tablets online

BV tablets is suitable to buy online if you have previously suffered from bacterial vaginosis before that has been diagnosed and successfully treated by your GP.

You may qualify for BV treatment online if you have:

• Developed vaginal symptoms such as a fishy odour and a thin discharge
• Had bacterial vaginosis diagnosed by your doctor
• Had a positive home test for bacterial vaginosis
• Had positive results using BV tablets prescribed for bacterial vaginosis

If you have not suffered from BV before, your symptoms are not typical of BV, or you have had a negative test result, you should see your GP or visit a local sexual health clinic for further investigation.

If you are not sure whether your symptoms are caused by bacterial vaginosis, you can use a Canestest Home Kit to check. Vaginal discharge and odour can be caused by a number of different bacterial infections, including STIs, so it's important to make sure you correctly identify your condition: only then can you find the right treatment.

Treating recurrent BV with BV tablets

BV tablets tablets can also be used to treat recurrent bacterial vaginosis. It is not uncommon for BV to return within three months of first treatment. As long as the first course of BV tablets was successful and your symptoms are the same as they were before you completed that course, you’re safe to use BV tablets again.

If you have BV more than twice in 6 months or 4 times in 12 months, you should consult a GP or sexual health clinic.

Can I use BV tablets to treat thrush?

A yeast infection is not the same as BV. Although both infections can cause similar symptoms, their causes are distinct. A yeast infection (such as thrush) is caused by a fungus overgrowth, whereas BV is caused by bacterial overgrowth. Thrush doesn’t tend to have a fishy odour like BV, but it does produce a distinct discharge that is similar to cottage cheese in appearance.

Thrush can be treated with oral capsules or alternative treatments such as a pessary and cream combo.

Alternatives to BV tablets

BV tablets is the only oral option for treating bacterial vaginosis, but there are other treatments available:

• Balance Activ BV gel is a non-prescription alternative to treat BV. It helps to lower the pH of the vagina, making conditions more favourable for the regular bacteria that normally live in the vagina to flourish. It can be used alongside BV tablets

How to take BV tablets to treat BV

Take 1 oral tablet twice daily for 7 days. BV tablets should be taken with or after food.
Always ensure that you complete the course, even if you think your symptoms have improved. This will help to prevent the infection coming back.

You should avoid alcohol while taking BV tablets and for at least 48 hours after your course has finished. Alcohol can cause a serious interaction with BV tablets that results in nausea and vomiting.

BV tablets can interact with alcohol - you should avoid alcohol while you are taking BV tablets and for 24 hours after you have completed the course. You can read more about BV tablets and alcohol here.

How can BV be prevented?

BV can affect women of any age, but it is more common in sexually active women during their reproductive years. It is not, however, a sexually transmitted infection (STI). Finding the right treatment, such as BV tablets, will help clear up symptoms, but there are also things you can do to prevent BV from recurring.

You can lower your risk of contracting BV by:

• Always using condoms when sleeping with multiple sexual partners
• Avoiding using fragranced products in and around your vagina as this can cause irritation. Water is enough to keep your vagina’s bacteria well balanced.
• Always wiping front to back after using the toilet
• Wearing breathable underwear
• Including probiotics in your diet

Preventative measures can stop BV from recurring, but if your symptoms are already present then a course of medication will be most effective.

Not everyone who uses BV tablets will experience side effects, but some will. Side effects are less likely when using a low dose (such as the dose for bacterial vaginosis) and when using it with or after food.

Side effects of unknown frequency:

• Numbness, tingling, pain or weakness in the arms or legs
• An unpleasant taste in the mouth
• A furred tongue
• Feeling sick (nausea)
• Being sick (vomiting)
• An upset stomach
• Diarrhoea
• Appetite loss
• Fever
• Feeling depressed
• Pain in your eyes (optic neuritis)

Rare side effects:

• Anaphylactic reactions
• Abnormal laboratory test results
• Blood and bone marrow problems (these may be fatal)
• Brain and central nervous system problems (including neurological problems): seek medical advice if you have symptoms such as fever, paralysis, photosensitivity, balance or coordination problems, a stiff neck, tremors, or epileptic seizures
• Convulsions
• Double vision
• Eye or eyesight problems
• Feeling dizzy
• Feeling drowsy
• Flushing
• Headaches
• Itching
• Jaundice
• Joint pain
• Liver problems
• Muscle pain or tenderness
• Myopia
• Pancreatitis
• Psychotic problems including confusion and hallucinations
• Skin problems
• Skin rash
• Urine colour changes

If you experience any serious side effects, you should contact your doctor for further advice.

You can find out more about your chances of experiencing any of the above in our in-depth guide to BV tablets side effects. If you suffer a severe allergic reaction (if you’re having difficult breathing, for example), you should go to your local A&E department.