More information about Balance Activ 
uk.balanceactiv.com is an informative online resource for people interested in understanding the symptoms of BV and discovering practical lifestyle advice and treatment solutions.

About Bacterial Vaginosis
Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) is the most common vaginal infection and is twice as common as thrush. In fact, it is estimated that 1 in 3 women will develop BV at some point in their lives. Yet, according to the "Regain Your Balance" survey of over 1,000 women in the UK, over half (57%) do not know what BV is.

Causes of BV
Different types of bacteria live naturally in the vagina; normally the bacteria present in the largest numbers are lactic acid bacteria ("good bacteria"), producing lactic acid which maintains the normal low pH of the vagina, protecting against infection. If pH levels rise and the numbers of bacteria and therefore the amount of lactic acid is reduced, other "bad" bacteria are encouraged to grow.

This imbalance can result in embarrassing odour, abnormal discharge and discomfort in the vagina. The loss of "good" bacteria and growth of the unwanted "bad" bacteria is an extremely common condition known as Bacterial Vaginosis or BV.

Symptoms of BV
If the normal balance of the bacteria in the vagina is disrupted then you might notice one or more of the following symptoms:

• Embarrassing vaginal odour (sometimes described as smelling "fishy")
• Abnormal discharge (often thin and white-grey in colour)
• Discomfort (normally irritation or soreness in and around the vagina)

What causes BV?
The vagina is normally quite acidic (pH 3.8-4.5). Certain things can cause the acidity to be reduced, which makes it hard for the healthy bacteria to survive, and encourages the overgrowth of unwanted bacteria.

Contributing factors include:

• Prolonged menstruation
• Use of intra-uterine contraceptive devices (IUDs), commonly known as the coil
• Frequent douching (washing out unwanted organisms along with the normal harmless bacteria)
• Use of perfumed products in intimate areas
• Sex without a condom (semen has a higher pH level than the vagina)

Other factors include having a new sexual partner, multiple sexual partners, same-sex sexual partners, the menopause and hormone imbalances.

Can you treat BV?
There are a variety of effective treatment options available to treat BV such as over the counter (OTC) vaginal gels that treat and prevent BV, antibiotics and alternative remedies. However, antibiotics do not normally prevent recurrence and may cause side effects, so a vaginal gel could be more suitable. BV recurrence rates can be as high as 72% following use of traditional antibiotic treatments(5). Speak to your pharmacist or GP for further information and advice.

Balance Activ Vaginal Gel
Balance Activ Vaginal Gel treats and prevents BV*, restoring and preserving the natural pH balance in the vagina, neutralising the embarrassing odour, and effectively relieving abnormal discharge and discomfort. Balance Activ Vaginal Gel can also be used to maintain the natural pH balance and prevent recurrence of symptoms.

• One pack of Balance Activ Vaginal Gel contains 7 hygienic single-use tubes of gel (to be used daily) for one week’s treatment. Alternatively, 1-2 tubes can be used to maintain pH balance when it suits you best either every week, around the time of your period or after sex to prevent recurrence
• Balance Activ Vaginal Gel will be launching in major high street retailers and pharmacies at the end of September 2008, RRP £9.99 and is available to buy online now.

More information about Balance Activ
http://www.balanceactiv.com is an informative online resource for people interested in understanding the symptoms of BV and discovering practical lifestyle advice and treatment solutions.

Women should consult their GP if: symptoms worsen, the discomfort does not cease, the discharge is blood-stained, the discharge occurs during the menopause, or you are pregnant (pregnant women should always consult their GP if they think they have a vaginal infection).