Bacterial vaginosis treatment, discreet and clinician-reviewed

What is bacterial vaginosis?

Bacterial vaginosis happens when the balance of bacteria that naturally live in the vagina is disrupted. Normally a type of bacteria called lactobacilli keeps the vaginal environment mildly acidic, which prevents other bacteria from multiplying. When that balance is disturbed, other bacteria take hold and BV is the result.

The most common symptom is a thin, grey or white discharge with a strong, fishy smell — particularly noticeable after sex or during a period. Itching is possible but less common than with thrush, and many women have BV without noticing any symptoms at all. It is not a sexually transmitted infection, though certain sexual activities can alter the vaginal environment.

How is bacterial vaginosis treated?

BV responds well to antibiotic treatment. Options include antibiotic tablets taken by mouth, or an antibiotic gel applied directly inside the vagina — both are effective, and the prescriber will choose based on your situation, your health, and your preference. Treatment is usually a short course.

We do not list specific medicines on this page. The right option for you is a clinical decision, confirmed inside the consultation once the prescriber has reviewed your answers. We also do not recommend douching or using perfumed products, as these can make the imbalance worse.

How the online consultation works for bacterial vaginosis

The consultation takes around five minutes. You will describe your symptoms, confirm whether you are pregnant, and list any other medicines you take or allergies you have. A UK prescriber reviews your answers and decides whether treatment is appropriate. If approved, your order is dispensed by our GPhC-registered pharmacy in Stratford and delivered in plain, unbranded packaging the next working day.

Treating bacterial vaginosis with NewGen

NewGen Pharmacy is an NHS community pharmacy as well as an online clinic — the same registered team, the same duty of care. If you have had BV before and recognise your symptoms, an online consultation is a convenient way to get assessed and treated without an appointment or a waiting room. If you are not sure what you have, or your symptoms are new or unusual, it is worth seeing your GP first.

When to see your GP instead

See your GP rather than using this service if you are pregnant, if your symptoms are severe or unusual (pelvic pain, fever), if BV keeps coming back despite treatment, or if you think you may have been exposed to a sexually transmitted infection — an STI test is more appropriate in that case. If we cannot safely treat you online, we will explain why and direct you to the right care.