Women’s health tends to be one of those topics that either gets sidestepped or misunderstood. Let’s be honest, there’s simply not enough education out there.
Two of the most common issues women face are Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) and Thrush, yet a staggering number of women can’t tell the difference between the two.
Worse still, many end up using the wrong products to treat them. Given that 75% of women will experience thrush at least once in their lifetime, and 138 million women worldwide suffer from recurrent thrush, it’s crucial to understand how to deal with these conditions correctly.
Enter Balance Activ, a brand committed to empowering women to take control of their vaginal health by breaking down barriers and encouraging an open conversation. More importantly, they’re helping to educate women on how to treat these infections properly.
Dr Priya Gopaldas, a former Love Island star and spokesperson for Balance Activ, puts it plainly: “Both BV and thrush are common vaginal infections and can be treated with the right course of action.
The problem is that they can have similar symptoms, but it is important to know the difference so you can treat the problem effectively.”
Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)
BV can affect women of all ages, and the standout symptom that differentiates it from thrush is abnormal discharge.
Typically, this discharge is grey-white and watery, often accompanied by a strong fishy odour. BV is usually caused by using perfumed products around the vagina or being sexually active, though it’s important to stress that BV is not a sexually transmitted infection (STI).
For women looking to get their BV under control, Balance Activ offers a BV treatment that’s based on glycogen and lactic acid, which works to restore the vagina’s natural pH balance. Essentially, it mimics the vagina’s natural defences, helping to promote the growth of healthy bacteria.
Lactic acid is crucial here—it keeps the vagina’s pH where it needs to be, while glycogen serves as food for the good bacteria (lactobacilli).
What’s more, since Balance Activ’s products aren’t drug-based, they’re safe to use during pregnancy.
Thrush
On the other hand, thrush is a yeast infection that brings an entirely different kind of discomfort. While men can also get thrush, it’s much more common in women.
Symptoms include itching, irritation, soreness when urinating, and thick white discharge—though, unlike BV, thrush doesn’t come with a strong smell.
Balance Activ’s Thrush Cream is designed to help prevent and relieve symptoms while supporting the body in fighting off the infection.
What sets Balance Activ apart from other brands is that their cream isn’t drug-based, meaning it works with your body rather than against it.
The cream forms a protective barrier that sticks to the vaginal mucosa, helping to restore a healthy pH balance and offering relief from itching and soreness.
Final Thoughts: Know the Difference to Make a Difference
Whether it’s BV or thrush, knowing the symptoms and understanding the difference is the key to getting the right treatment.
Using the wrong product could not only fail to treat the issue but might even make it worse. With Balance Activ leading the charge on education and providing non-drug-based solutions, women everywhere can regain control over their health.