They are part of the £1m ‘treat it right’ campaign and aim to raise awareness about the condition, which one in three women will experience at some point in their life.
The packs provide all the information and tools needed to quickly and easily identify the symptoms of BV and provide advice to women on treating the infection.
They will contain diagnostic materials, healthcare professional and patient informational leaflets, clinic poster and tear-off recommendation pads.
They will also include a treatment algorithm to give practitioners all the information they need to diagnose, advise and effectively treat women with BV.
They have bee created by BBI Healthcare and will be launched at the British Association for Sexual health and HIV meeting in Brighton on 27 June.
BBI Healthcare manufactures Balance Activ – an alternative to antibiotics for treatment and prevention of recurrent BV, which is available on prescription and over the counter.
Talia Stokes, spokesperson for Balance Activ, said ‘Healthcare professionals based in the primary care setting play a huge role in helping to raise awareness of BV and ensuring women are aware of the different treatment options available.
‘BBI are offering healthcare professionals helpful tools in an easily accessible pack to ensure they have all the information they need readily available in the clinic environment.
‘Following the success of the campaign so far with the launch of National BV Day, new consumer and trade advertising and a new website, we see this as the next phase in helping raise awareness and encourage women to talk openly about their symptoms to ensure correct diagnosis and treatment.’
BV is twice as common as thrush and is the leading cause of abnormal discharge for women of childbearing age.
Two of three women misdiagnose BV as thrush due to lack of awareness, misunderstanding and embarrassment around the symptoms.
BV is caused by an imbalance in the natural bacteria found in the vagina and, whilst in itself not dangerous, if left untreated can have serious implications.
It has been linked with an increased risk of pelvic inflammatory disease (which can lead to reduced fertility) and increased risk of contracting certain sexually transmitted infections, including HIV.
It has also been linked to early labour and premature birth, if present during pregnancy.
The clinic packs will be available to download and order
here.
