Balance Activ BV Gel 7 x 5ml

Drug-free lactic acid gel that relieves the symptoms of bacterial vaginosis (BV).

  • 7 single-use tubes: one a night for 7 nights
  • Restores the normal vaginal pH
  • Not an antibiotic
  • No prescription or consultation needed

£9.99

Balance Activ BV gel 7 x 5ml tubes, drug-free lactic acid treatment for bacterial vaginosis (BV)

Balance Activ BV gel is a drug-free vaginal gel for bacterial vaginosis (BV). It contains lactic acid and glycogen, which bring the vagina back to its normal, slightly acidic pH so the healthy bacteria can recover. It relieves the typical BV symptoms of a fishy-smelling, thin white or grey discharge. Each pack has 7 single-use tubes of 5ml, enough for a 7-night course. No consultation or prescription is needed.

How Balance Activ BV gel works

BV happens when the balance of bacteria in the vagina changes and the pH rises. Balance Activ gel tops up the lactic acid your body normally makes, lowering the pH again. The glycogen feeds lactobacilli, the “good” bacteria that keep the vagina healthy. It isn’t an antibiotic, so it doesn’t kill bacteria directly.

How to use Balance Activ BV gel

  • Use one tube a night at bedtime for 7 nights.
  • Twist off the cap, gently insert the neck of the tube into the vagina and squeeze out the contents. Keep squeezing as you take the tube out, then throw it away.
  • A little leakage is normal. A panty liner can help.
  • The leaflet in the pack explains how to use it to help stop BV coming back.

Who shouldn’t use it

  • Don’t use it if the vagina is sore or irritated, or if you might have thrush.
  • Don’t use it around ovulation if you are trying to get pregnant.
  • It isn’t a contraceptive and doesn’t protect against sexually transmitted infections.

The manufacturer says it can be used in pregnancy, but BV in pregnancy should always be checked by your midwife or GP first.

When to see a GP or sexual health clinic instead

Self-treatment is for people who recognise BV because they have had it diagnosed before. Speak to a GP, pharmacist or sexual health clinic first if:

  • this is the first time you have had these symptoms
  • you are pregnant or think you might be
  • you have pain in your lower tummy or pelvis, a fever, bleeding between periods or after sex, or sores or blisters
  • you might have caught a sexually transmitted infection
  • your symptoms keep coming back (for example, BV more than twice in 6 months)

Itching, soreness and a thick white discharge are more likely to be thrush, which lactic acid products don’t treat.

Compare BV gels and pessaries

ProductTypeHow it’s usedPrice
Balance Activ BV gelLactic acid gel1 tube at bedtime for 7 nights£9.99
Balance Activ BV pessariesLactic acid pessary1 pessary at bedtime for 7 nights£10.49
RelactagelLactic acid gel1 tube at bedtime for 7 nights£9.99
Canesbalance BV gelLactic acid gel1 tube at bedtime for 7 nights£14.99
Canesbalance BV pessariesLactic acid pessary1 pessary at bedtime for 7 nights£14.49

If BV doesn’t clear with a lactic acid product, or you would rather use an antibiotic straight away, we also offer prescription BV treatment after an online consultation: metronidazole 400mg tablets, a metronidazole 2g single dose, Zidoval gel and clindamycin cream.

Important information

Always read the instructions for use in the pack before you start. You may feel slight stinging when you first apply the gel. Stop using it and speak to a pharmacist if it causes ongoing burning, soreness or a rash. Keep out of the sight and reach of children.

Medically reviewed by Hassan Khan, MPharm, Independent Prescriber — Superintendent Pharmacist, Bury Healthcare Online (GPhC-registered pharmacy 1126145). Last reviewed: October 2026. Information checked against the manufacturer’s product information.

Read our BV treatment guide to compare prescription and non-prescription BV treatments, and to find out more about symptoms and when to see a GP.

Frequently asked questions

What is Balance Activ BV gel used for?
Balance Activ BV gel is used to relieve the symptoms of bacterial vaginosis (BV), such as a fishy-smelling, thin white or grey discharge. It contains lactic acid and glycogen and is drug-free.
How do I use Balance Activ BV gel?
Use one tube in the vagina at bedtime for 7 nights. Insert the neck of the tube, squeeze out the gel and throw the tube away.
Is Balance Activ an antibiotic?
No. Balance Activ is drug-free. It works by restoring the normal acidic pH of the vagina so healthy bacteria can recover, rather than killing bacteria.
Does Balance Activ work for BV?
Lactic acid gels like Balance Activ help many people, and they avoid antibiotics. They are not as effective as antibiotics, though: in a large UK trial, symptoms cleared in about 47% of people using lactic acid gel compared with about 70% taking metronidazole. If symptoms haven’t gone after the 7-night course, speak to a pharmacist or GP.
Can I use Balance Activ on my period?
Yes, towards the end of your period when bleeding is light. The manufacturer says it works alongside a tampon. If BV tends to come back around your period, the leaflet explains how to use it for 1 to 2 days at the end of each period.
Does Balance Activ sting or burn?
Some people feel a brief stinging or burning when they first use it, especially if the vagina is a little sore. This should settle quickly. If it carries on, stop using it and speak to a pharmacist or GP.
Can I use Balance Activ BV gel while pregnant?
The manufacturer says it can be used in pregnancy. However, BV in pregnancy should be checked by your midwife or GP before you treat it.
Can Balance Activ treat thrush?
No. Balance Activ is for BV. Thrush is a yeast infection that needs an antifungal treatment, and you shouldn’t use Balance Activ if you might have thrush.
Do I need a prescription for Balance Activ?
No. Balance Activ BV gel is available without a prescription or consultation.

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