Bacterial Vaginosis Treatment
Buy your bacterial vaginosis (BV) treatment online from Asda Online Doctor. We can prescribe antibiotics in gel, cream, or tablet form to clear up your BV.
Prices from £14.00
One of our doctors will review your order and prescribe a treatment if suitable. How to Order
Purchase prescription bacterial vaginosis medication quickly and discreetly using our online service.
A doctor will review your symptoms and check it’s safe to prescribe the treatment. After approval, we’ll ship your BV treatment to your home for free, or you can collect it from your nearest Asda Pharmacy.
Learn more about what causes BV, common symptoms of BV, and the different treatments for BV on this page.
Bacterial vaginosis treatments

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Bacterial Vaginosis Treatment
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As bacterial vaginosis (BV) is caused by an overgrowth of bad bacteria, the treatment is a course of antibiotics. Usually, the antibiotic metronidazole is given, but clindamycin can also be used.
BV antibiotics can be taken as tablets or as a cream or gel that’s inserted into the vagina using an applicator. No matter what form you use, antibiotics help clear up symptoms in a few days, but they may not stop your symptoms from coming back.
If your BV symptoms return, speak to your doctor for advice on other treatments you could try.
To get the full effect of your treatment, you should complete the full course and avoid missing any doses, even if you feel better. If you forget your dose, take the next one as soon as you remember, unless it’s almost time for your next dose, then skip it and take the next one as normal.
If you are pregnant, it’s important to discuss treatment with a doctor, as not all BV treatments will be suitable for you.
BV tablets
Metronidazole is the most common antibiotic tablet used to treat BV. It’s usually taken at a strength of 400mg, twice a day, for 5 to 7 days. In some cases, a single large dose of 2g of metronidazole may be given.
Metronidazole works by damaging the DNA of the bacteria that cause bacterial vaginosis, causing the bacteria to die and BV symptoms to improve.
Metronidazole tablets are an effective BV treatment. One study shows that BV symptoms resolved in 70% of women taking metronidazole tablets. Another study found that BV was treated effectively in 85.1% of women taking metronidazole.
Do not drink while taking metronidazole and for 48 hours after stopping, as alcohol can interact with metronidazole and cause sickness and vomiting.
If metronidazole is not effective or you’re unable to take it, you may be offered another antibiotic tablet called clindamycin instead. Asda Online Doctor does not offer clindamycin tablets for BV, so this should be discussed with your GP or a sexual health clinic.
BV creams
Bacterial vaginosis creams and gels can be inserted into the vagina to treat symptoms at the source. Some of these creams contain antibiotics to kill the bacteria causing BV while others contain lactic acid to support the good bacteria in the vagina.
You can request Zidoval metronidazole vaginal gel and Dalacin clindamycin vaginal cream from Asda Online Doctor. Both contain antibiotics.
Zidoval
Zidoval gel contains 7.5mg of metronidazole in every gram of gel. One application of gel is 5g. You’ll use it every night for 5 nights in a row.
To use Zidoval, fill the applicator and insert it into the vagina while laying on your back. Release the gel into the vagina by pushing down, remove the applicator, and throw it away.
Dalacin
Dalacin cream contains 20mg of clindamycin in every gram of cream, and one dose of cream is 5g. This antibiotic cream is also inserted into the vagina using an applicator and should be used every night for 7 days.
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Although many people take BV treatment without a problem, some people can experience side effects. These are usually mild and can be managed at home, but more serious side effects should be discussed with a doctor.
Side effects of vaginal gels and creams
Common side effects include:
- inflammation or infection of the vulva and vagina
- vaginal discharge
- menstrual disorders
- itching
- stomach cramps, constipation, diarrhoea, feeling sick (nausea), or being sick (vomiting)
- headache and dizziness
- an unpleasant taste in your mouth
- dry skin
- unusual feeling on your tongue
- fungal infections or thrush
- respiratory infections
- UTI (urinary tract infection)
- decreased appetite
Uncommon side effects include:
- allergic reactions
- bacterial infections
- depression
- tiredness or sleeping difficulties
- irritability
- unusual feeling in your toes and fingers
- gurgling or bloated stomach and farting
- metallic taste in your mouth
- vaginal bleeding
- nosebleed
- vertigo
- bad breath
- pain when urinating
- pelvic pain
Side effects of metronidazole tablets
For metronidazole tablets, the most common side effects are gastrointestinal symptoms, such as feeling or being sick. One study found more than 50% of people taking metronidazole tablets had these side effects.
This can typically be managed by eating smaller amounts of plain food and staying hydrated. They should get better after finishing the course of antibiotics.
Other, much rarer side effects include:
- low blood cell count
- psychotic disorders, including confusion or hallucinations
- swelling of the brain
- vision disorders
- jaundice
- pancreatitis
- liver injury or inflammation
- rashes
- itching
- flushing
- muscle or joint pain
- dark urine
- anaphylaxis (allergic reaction)
If you experience any of these rare side effects, speak to a doctor straight away, and call 999 in an emergency, such as if you’re struggling to breathe or are confused.
A full list of side effects for each treatment can be found in the patient information leaflet inside the packaging.
It’s important to tell your doctor about any medical conditions you have or medications that you’re taking before taking BV treatment. This will help your doctor make sure it’s safe for you to take the medication.
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Bacterial vaginosis can lead to uncomfortable symptoms, increased vaginal discharge, and an unpleasant odour. Although mild symptoms do not necessarily need treatment, they can cause discomfort, and you may feel self-conscious.
Getting treatment helps to restore the natural balance of bacteria in the vagina, giving the good bacteria a chance to flourish. It should improve any symptoms that are bothering you.
Having BV can also increase your risk of catching STIs, as the normal bacteria that protect your vagina are depleted. This means it’s often a good idea to seek treatment if you are sexually active. In some cases, your sexual partner may also need treatment.
If you are terminating a pregnancy or about to undergo a gynaecological procedure, you’ll likely need treatment for BV even if you’re not experiencing symptoms. This is because there’s a risk that the bacteria causing BV could be spread to the womb.
Women who are pregnant are usually also treated for BV, as it can increase the risk of early labour and miscarriage.
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You can get BV treatment from your GP, a sexual health clinic, or you can request it online from a reputable service like Asda Online Doctor.
Can you buy BV treatment online?
Yes, you can request bacterial vaginosis treatments from Asda Online Doctor, by:
- completing a short online health assessment for one of our doctors to review
- placing your order
If approved, your order will be dispatched and sent to your home address in discreet packaging, or you can choose to collect it from your local Asda Pharmacy 4 hours after a doctor’s approval. If your order is not approved, one of our doctors will contact you through your patient account with alternative treatment options.
Ordering from Asda Online Doctor makes it quick and easy to get the treatment you need, and there’s no need to work around your GP's opening hours or wait for a face-to-face appointment.
Is BV treatment available over the counter?
No, antibiotics for BV require a prescription, so they are not available to buy over the counter. Other treatments for BV, like lactic acid, can be bought over the counter, but there’s limited evidence as to how effective these treatments are.
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Bacterial vaginosis is an infection of the vagina that’s caused by an overgrowth of bad bacteria.
It’s normal for there to be bacteria inside your vagina, but BV happens when there’s too many of the “bad” bacteria and not enough of the “good” bacteria.
This imbalance can cause the pH of the vagina to become less acidic than normal which in turn makes more of the bad bacteria grow.
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Although BV does not always cause symptoms, it can cause the normal vaginal discharge to change and become:
- white or grey and more watery
- fishy smelling
- heavier and more fishy after sex or after a period
It’s possible to experience some itching or soreness, but this is not common.
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BV is more common if you’re sexually active, especially after a recent change in partner or if you have sex with different partners quite often. You can still get BV even if you’re not sexually active, though.
Other factors that can trigger BV include:
- smoking
- having a copper coil (intrauterine device)
- using bubble bath
- having long or heavy periods
- hormonal changes, like pregnancy or menopause
- taking antibiotics
- too much washing around the vagina
- using scented products around the vagina
- douching or washing inside the vagina
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There’s not always a clear trigger for BV, and you may not be able to prevent it all the time. But you can try to avoid doing things that are known to trigger BV as much as you can.
This means:
- showering rather than taking baths
- avoiding scented products near your vagina
- stopping smoking
- changing period products often
If your BV does not clear up after treatment or you get symptoms again soon after, it’s best to get it checked out by a doctor in case there’s another cause for your symptoms. You may need to take antibiotic treatment for longer to stop BV from coming back, usually if you get it more than 4 times in a year.
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Frequently asked questions
How long does BV treatment take to work?
You should notice an improvement in your BV symptoms a few days after starting treatment, but it’s important to continue the whole course of treatment to get the full effects.
How long do you have to take BV treatment?
That depends on which treatment you take. Some antibiotic tablets are taken as a single dose, while others are taken daily for 5 to 7 days. Vaginal creams and gels are taken for between 5 and 7 days. Always take your BV treatment as instructed by a healthcare professional.
Can I have sex while taking BV treatment?
Yes, you can still have sex while taking BV treatment, but your treatment may affect how effectively condoms and other forms of contraception work. As semen has a high pH, it can affect the balance of the vagina so it may be best to wait until after you have finished treatment.
It’s also important to consider that sex can trigger or worsen BV symptoms, so if this is the case for you, it might be best to wait until you finish treatment.
Can I get BV treatment with next-day delivery at Asda Online Doctor?
Yes, as long as your order is approved by one of your doctors, you can order your BV treatment and get it delivered the next day. Please check our delivery information page for further advice.
Will bacterial vaginosis go away on its own?
Yes, often BV will improve on its own as the vagina restores the natural balance itself, though this will take longer than without treatment in most cases. Some people find they need a bit of extra help to get rid of BV or want to improve their symptoms quickly.

After completing her first degree, she went on to study graduate-entry medicine at Warwick University. After graduating as a doctor, she worked within the West Midlands in Urology, Respiratory Medicine, Infectious Disease, and Psychiatry before transitioning into a full-time medical communications role.
Meet our doctorsLast reviewed: 29 Jun 2025
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Bacterial Vaginosis Management, NICE [accessed June 2025]
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Bacterial Vaginosis: What Do We Currently Know?, Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology [accessed June 2025]
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Metronidazole, emc [accessed June 2025]
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Metronidazole for bacterial vaginosis, The Journal of Reproductive Medicine [accessed June 2025]
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Intravaginal lactic acid gel versus oral metronidazole for treating women with recurrent bacterial vaginosis, British Medical Journal [accessed June 2025]
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