MARKETING POINTS
- Immediate relief
- Supports growth of good bacteria
- Once a day for 7 days
WHAT IS BACTERIAL VAGINOSIS (BV)?
BV is a change in the natural balance of the bacteria in the vagina.
Is NOT an STI – but being sexually active increases risk of it.
IS CONTAGIOUS, can spread through sexual intercourse.
Men cannot get BV, but they can spread BV-causing bacteria through intercourse.
HOW DO I KNOW IT’S BV AS OPPOSED TO OTHER SIMILAR CONDITIONS:
- Similar conditions include:
- Vaginal Thrush – no smell, itching and soreness, white cottage-cheese colour
- STI’s – often yellow-green discharge with a strong smell.
Characteristics of BV
- No itching
- No soreness
- Foul smelling, thin discharge
- Normally grey-white colour
Symptoms of other conditions that also cause vaginal discharge include:
- Pelvic pain
- Blood-stained discharge
- Abnormal bleeding
- Itching/soreness
- Not currently or recently pregnant
RISK OF STI
- Go to your nearest GUM clinic (Genitourinary Medicine)
- It’s possible for Thrush and/or Trichomaniasis (Trich, an STI) to happen at the same time as BV. Mixed infection
pH balance of Vagina
Normal Vaginal pH in woman of child-bearing age: 3.5-4.5
if pH is above 4.5 – consider the possibility of BV, especially in the absence of soreness or itching and a grey discharge. Raised pH can also be caused by other conditions such as trichomoniasis (an STI).
Can use CANESTEST to distinguish between Vaginal Thrush and BV
CANESBALANCE
How Canesbalance works:
Prebiotics – food to promote growth of good bacteria – glycogen, sugar stores
Postbiotics – beneficial products produced by good bacteria (probiotics)
- Postbiotic is lactic acid, which restores the acidity of the vagina that is less acidic than it should be (higher pH)
Encourages growth of good bacteria to restore vagina’s natural environment
Restricts growth of bad bacteria that are responsible for the symptoms.
HOW TO USE CANESBALANCE
- Apply ONCE a day for 7 days
- Best applied before bed
- Can expect a bit of leakage
WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
- Pregnancy – is OK, as long as no co-existent vaginal infection
Do not use if:
- Currently on period
- Is damaged
- Expired
- Trying to have a baby
NOT to be used as contraception.
WHAT IF NO IMPROVEMENT AFTER THE 1 WEEK COURSE
- See a GP or our online doctor for re-assessment
- Can prescribe antibiotic; a stronger remedy to treat resistant cases (known as Metronidazole)
- There is also a chance the symptoms may be caused by another condition
CANESBALANCE INGREDIENTS:
Active ingredient – Lactic acid.
Other ingredients: Glycogen, Polyethylene glycol, Methylhydroxypropyl cellulose, Sodium lactate, Water.
SOURCES
https://cks.nice.org.uk/topics/bacterial-vaginosis/
https://www.canesten.co.uk/discover-canesten-products/canesbalance-bacterial-vaginosis-vaginal-gel
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322232
https://www.sexualhealthwirral.nhs.uk/stis/bacterial-vaginosis-bv/
https://www.canesten.co.uk/discover-canesten-products/canestest-self-test-for-vaginal-infections
https://www.canesten.co.uk/products/canesbalancer-bacterial-vaginosis-vaginal-pessaries
Shobz Pharmacy 