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Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) is a bacterial infection and is the most common cause of vaginal infection. Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) is caused by an imbalance in the naturally occurring microbial flora of the vagina.

A healthy vagina is naturally acidic with a low pH of approximately 3.8 – 4.5. Lactic acid producing bacteria (lactobacilli) are present in the vagina and play a vital role in maintaining the natural vaginal acidity. These bacteria flourish in an acidic environment and form a very important part of the natural defences, acting as a barrier to infections.
Certain conditions may upset the natural acidity of the vagina causing the vaginal pH to rise above the normal 4.5 level which encourages harmful bacteria to grow and in turn cause vaginal infections.

Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) causes an abnormal discharge which may be thin, white or grey in appearance and has a distinct, unpleasant odour. In addition the vaginal pH will have risen above 4.5.

• fluctuating hormone levels during a period, pregnancy and menopause
• sexual intercourse (semen is highly alkaline)
• intrauterine devices (the coil)
• ethnicity
• antibiotic use
• douching
• smoking
• stress

Although Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) is not a serious condition if left untreated it may lead to a number of pregnancy complications such as preterm births and late miscarriages. Furthermore Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) may increase a woman’s susceptibility to HIV infection, herpes simplex virus (HSV), Chlamydia and gonorrhoea.

Although Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) is not a serious condition if left untreated it may lead to a number of pregnancy complications such as preterm births and late miscarriages.  Furthermore Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) may increase a woman’s susceptibility to HIV infection, herpes simplex virus (HSV), Chlamydia and gonorrhoea.

Standard medical treatment for Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) is antibiotic therapy. In many cases Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) can recur after antibiotic treatment. The exact reasons for recurrence are unknown but frequent antibiotic use may be involved.
Another treatment option is to use a lactic acid gel during or after a course of antibiotics. The effect of using a lactic acid gel is that it will restore the natural acidic conditions of the vagina and promote the growth of lactobacilli thereby creating an environment less favourable to Bacterial Vaginosis-causing organisms.

Relactagel is a lactic acid gel which:

• restores and maintains the natural acidity of the vagina to create a suitable environment for lactobacilli to grow
• relieves abnormal discharge and odour
• treats and prevents Bacterial Vaginosis
• contains no preservatives
• is safe to use during pregnancy

Yes. Relactagel is safe to use during pregnancy.

No. Since semen is highly alkaline it will raise the vaginal pH level and counteract the effect of Relactagel who’s primary goal is to lower the pH to the normal <4.5 level.

For treatment: 1 x 5ml tube per day for 7 days at bedtime (one week’s course).
For prevention: 1 x 5ml tube per day for 2 – 3 days at bedtime after menstrual cycle.

Very Easy. Relactagel is best applied when lying down to minimise any potential leakage. Simply break and remove the cap and insert the entire neck of the tube into the vagina. Squeeze out the contents by maintaining constant pressure while withdrawing the tube and discard appropriately. In the event of a small leak a panty liner may be useful.

Relactagel is available from pharmacies nationwide in the Republic of Ireland and the United Kingdom. Relactagel can also be purchased directly from KoRa Healthcare via the KoRa Healthcare Online Shop.

Yes. UK GPs can write a script for Relactagel which patients then take to their local pharmacy. In turn the pharmacist simply contacts their pharmaceutical wholesaler.

Unpleasant discharges and irritation in the vagina occur when there is a significant reduction in the number of lactic acid bacteria. These bacteria are normally found in the vagina and enable normal acid conditions to protect against the growth of harmful bacteria. If the numbers of lactic acid bacteria are reduced growth of other bacteria increases which can then cause unpleasant discharges and irritation.
Relactagel contains lactic acid which helps to restore the normal acid pH balance of the vagina. When the normal pH balance and nutrients are present in the vagina these encourage protective lactic acid bacteria to grow which restores the natural balance of the vaginal flora.

Problems can occur where there is an imbalance in the vaginal flora. This results in a disturbance of the normal acidic conditions in the vagina that can cause the number of lactic acid bacteria to drop. The imbalance can be caused by menstruation, frequent douching, feminine hygiene sprays or after intercourse.

Use of Relactagel should be avoided when one is trying to become pregnant.

Relactagel may cause stinging pain during the fungal infections of the vagina or when there are tears in the vaginal tissue. A physician should be contacted if there is itching or pain, if the discomfort does not cease or if the discharge contains blood or if the discharge occurs during menopause.

For moderate problems (such as increased vaginal discharges associated with unpleasant odours or irritation): Use 1 tube per day for 7 days at bedtime.
For prevention: After menstruation, 1 single tube per day for 2-3 days at bedtime.

Remove the cap and insert the entire neck of the tube into the vagina and squeeze out the contents. Keep squeezing the tube to maintain the pressure and withdraw the tube. Throw away the empty tube. It is recommended to use Relactagel at bedtime to prevent the gel flowing out. The use of a panty liner is recommended.

Relactagel should be stored at room temperature. Keep Relactagel in a safe place out of children’s reach and sight.

Each Relactagel box contains 7 x 5ml tubes.