FAQ’s

BV occurs when the ‘good’ and ‘bad’ bacteria in your vagina are out of balance, causing more of the ‘bad’ bacteria to be present. BV can cause a thin, milky vaginal discharge that is often associated with an offensive odour, which is sometimes described as ‘fishy’.^40C It can also cause itchiness or discomfort when passing urine. ^42B

Yes, you could be suffering from BV. This condition has four main symptoms

1. You may experience a fishy or ammonia-like odour, particularly after sex. ^42D
2. You may have a thin, milky vaginal discharge, which is slightly grey or white. ^42B
3. You could be experiencing discomfort or a burning sensation at the entrance of the vagina or urinary opening (urethra) when you urinate.
4. You may have vaginal itching. ^42B

Treatment for BV is either through taking oral medication or the application of vaginal creams or pessaries. Although there are numerous home remedies that have been suggested, especially online, none of them have been rigorously tested and scientifically proven to be effective. If you suspect you are suffering from bacterial vaginosis consult your doctor for advice.

BETADINE^TM BV Gel is clinically proven to treat BV and prevent it from recurring.^{45, 46}

BV is not a contagious infection, so there is no chance of ‘catching it’ from public or shared spaces, such as toilet seats, swimming pools or hotel bedding. BV seldom occurs in women who have not had sexual activity before. However, it is not considered to be a sexually-transmitted infection (STI). ⁵²

What are the risk factors?

• Multiple male or female sexual partners
• Having a new sex partner
• Not using a condom during sex
• Cigarette smoking
• Intra-uterine Devices (IUD)
• A disruption in the microbial balance between ‘good’ and ‘bad’ bacteria in the vagina causing an increase in the vaginal pH, including through vaginal douching ^{39E, 42C, 48}

BETADINE^TM BV Gel is a non-antibiotic treatment that contains astodrimer sodium 1%, which works by creating a physical barrier that repels and, therefore, disrupts the growth of harmful bacteria that come close to the vaginal wall. This helps to restore the natural vaginal flora, normalise the vaginal pH and allows ‘good’ bacteria to thrive, providing relief from the symptoms of BV. BETADINE^TM BV Gel ⁴⁷ is not expected to interfere with other medications because astodrimer sodium is not absorbed into the bloodstream following vaginal application.⁴⁹

Yes. BETADINE^TM BV Gel can be used to treat recurring BV and to prevent recurrence. To treat BV, use the gel once a day for 7 days. Make sure that you complete all 7 applications, even if your symptoms disappear. To prevent BV from recurring, use the gel once every second day. ⁴⁹

Whereas BV is often treated with a course of antibiotics, BETADINE^TM BV Gel is different in that it is a non-antibiotic therapy. BETADINE^TM BV Gel is not absorbed into the bloodstream following vaginal application it is, therefore, also not expected to cause the same side-effects expected with oral antibiotics.⁴⁹

Yes. BETADINE^TM BV Gel is suitable to be used during menstruation.⁴⁹

Yes, you can have sexual intercourse while using BETADINE^TM BV Gel, which can be used in conjunction with a condom. However, it is recommended that you apply BETADINE^TM BV Gel after any sexual activity – particularly if you are applying it at bedtime.⁴⁵

It is not expected that BETADINE^TM BV Gel will interfere with medications because the astodrimer sodium solution that is contained within the gel is not absorbed into the bloodstream following vaginal application.^{47, 49}

Firstly, there is no need to be alarmed. BV occurs in about 10 to 30% of pregnancies and it usually does not cause any problems when treated. However, if left untreated, it can lead to miscarriage, premature birth and low birthweight babies, so please see a doctor. ⁴⁴

BV is easily and safely treated in pregnancy, but it can recur, and some women may need more than one course of treatment during pregnancy.

If you are breastfeeding, make sure you consult your doctor before embarking on any of the treatments for BV which are currently available.⁴⁹ Certain oral antibiotics may affect the taste of your breast milk. Some experts would advise stopping breastfeeding temporarily while on oral antibiotics.

Your doctor may recommend BETADINE^TM BV Gel as a novel, non-antibiotic treatment option that is applied through the vagina and is not absorbed into the bloodstream.⁴⁹

This could be a sign of other conditions such as yeast infection (thrush) or another genital tract infection. Make sure not to leave BV or any other vaginal infection untreated. If you notice any symptoms or changes in your vaginal environment make an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible to obtain the correct diagnosis and treatment.