Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) Treatment in Holborn, London — from £19.99
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a common imbalance of the bacteria normally found in the vagina. If you have had BV diagnosed before and recognise the symptoms, Ways Pharmacy can provide treatment after a pharmacist consultation. We are a GPhC-registered pharmacy (premises number 9012227) at 77 Southampton Row, Holborn WC1, around two minutes' walk from the British Museum. The consultation can be done online by phone or video, and treatment is posted from Holborn or ready to collect. We offer the service in English and Chinese (中文). Treatment is supplied only if the pharmacist confirms it is suitable for you.
BV treatment at a glance
| Treatment options | Metronidazole tablets, metronidazole vaginal gel or clindamycin vaginal cream, as decided by the pharmacist |
|---|---|
| Price | Tablets £19.99 · vaginal gel £27.99 · vaginal cream £27.99 |
| Who it is for | Women aged 16 and over who have had BV diagnosed before and have typical symptoms again |
| How it works | Online questionnaire and ID check, then a phone or video consultation with a pharmacist |
| Pharmacist assessment | Always required. If your symptoms do not fit BV, we will tell you where to get the right help |
| Where and when | 77 Southampton Row, London WC1B 4ET · Monday to Friday, 9:00am–6:00pm |
| Language | English and Chinese (中英文服务) |
Start your free online assessment or call 020 8106 7084.
You only pay once the pharmacist confirms a treatment is suitable. If you have already paid and the medicine turns out not to be suitable, the pharmacist may suggest another option, or you get a full refund.
Treatment options and prices
| Option | What it is | Price | More information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metronidazole 400mg tablets | Antibiotic tablets, usually one tablet twice a day for 5 to 7 days, taken with or after food. Usually the first choice. | £19.99 | Metronidazole tablets |
| Metronidazole 0.75% vaginal gel | Antibiotic gel applied inside the vagina once a day, at night, for 5 days. An option if tablets are not suitable or you prefer not to take them. | £27.99 | Metronidazole vaginal gel |
| Clindamycin 2% vaginal cream | Antibiotic cream applied inside the vagina once a day at night for 7 days. An alternative when metronidazole is not suitable. | £27.99 | Clindamycin vaginal cream |
| Non-prescription BV gels | Lactic acid gels that help restore vaginal acidity, available to buy without a consultation | From £9.99 | Balance Activ BV gel · Relactagel |
There is no separate consultation fee — the price shown is the price of the medicine. The pharmacist recommends the most suitable treatment based on your symptoms, health, medicines and preference. A single 2g dose of metronidazole can sometimes be used when a 5–7 day course would be difficult, although BV is more likely to come back after it.
Who can use this service
You may be able to get BV treatment from us if all of these apply:
- You are a woman aged 16 or over.
- You have been diagnosed with BV before, and your symptoms are typical: a thin grey or white discharge with an unpleasant, often fishy smell, which may be stronger after sex, and little or no itching.
- You have not had BV twice or more in the last 6 months.
- Your symptoms do not suggest a different cause, such as thrush or a sexually transmitted infection.
If this is the first time you have had these symptoms, please see your GP or a sexual health clinic so the cause can be confirmed. If you have itching and soreness with a thick white discharge, our thrush treatment page may be more relevant.
If you are 16 or 17, you can use the online service in confidence — a parent or guardian does not need to be present.
When you should see a GP or get urgent help instead
The pharmacist will refer you to your GP or a sexual health clinic if:
- This is your first episode of vaginal symptoms, or BV keeps coming back (2 or more episodes in 6 months).
- You have pain in the lower tummy or pelvis.
- You have unusual vaginal bleeding, such as bleeding between periods or after sex.
- You have a fever or feel generally unwell.
- You think you may have a sexually transmitted infection, for example after a new partner or if a partner has symptoms — see STI testing.
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding and the pharmacist decides you need assessment by your GP or midwife.
- Symptoms have not improved within a week of finishing treatment.
Get urgent medical help — call NHS 111, or 999 in an emergency — if you have severe tummy pain, heavy bleeding, a high temperature, or signs of a serious allergic reaction such as swelling of the face or difficulty breathing.
How it works
- Start your free online assessment. Answer the health questions online and confirm your identity (upload photo ID, or show it on a video call). The questions cover your symptoms, previous episodes, health and medicines.
- The pharmacist reviews your answers and speaks with you by phone or video. The pharmacist confirms your symptoms match BV and agrees the most suitable treatment with you.
- If suitable, choose and pay. The pharmacist confirms which treatment is suitable; you then order and pay online (for example metronidazole 400mg tablets), or call 020 8106 7084. If it is not suitable, you pay nothing (or get a full refund if you have already paid) — the pharmacist explains your other options.
- We post your medicine or you collect it. Orders approved by the pharmacist before 3:00pm on a working day are posted the same day — see our shipping information for delivery options and costs. You can also collect from our Holborn pharmacy once your order is approved.
Why choose Ways Pharmacy
- A private conversation by phone or video, without a trip to a clinic when your symptoms are familiar
- Free online assessment — you only pay once the pharmacist confirms treatment is suitable, and all treatment options and prices are shown up front
- Consultation in Chinese (中文) or English with registered pharmacists
- Advice on reducing the chance of BV coming back
- GPhC-registered pharmacy (premises 9012227), near Holborn and Russell Square stations
Frequently asked questions
Is BV a sexually transmitted infection?
No. BV is not classed as an STI, although it is more common in people who are sexually active. Male partners do not usually need treatment. If you are worried about an STI, a test is the reliable way to find out.
Can I drink alcohol while taking metronidazole?
No. Avoid alcohol completely during treatment with metronidazole and for at least 48 hours after the last dose. Drinking can cause severe sickness, flushing and a fast heartbeat.
Which treatment will suit me?
Metronidazole tablets are usually tried first. The gel or cream may suit you better if tablets upset your stomach or you prefer not to take tablets. The pharmacist will discuss the options with you and recommend one.
Can I use condoms during treatment?
Clindamycin cream can weaken latex condoms and diaphragms during use and for 72 hours afterwards, so use another method of contraception or avoid sex during this time. The pharmacist will explain.
How quickly will it work?
Most people notice an improvement within a few days. Finish the full course even if you feel better. If symptoms have not improved within 5 to 7 days, or they come back, contact us or your GP.
Why does BV keep coming back?
BV often returns. Avoiding vaginal douching, perfumed soaps, bubble baths and intimate washes can help. If you have 2 or more episodes in 6 months, see your GP or a sexual health clinic, as you may need a different treatment plan.
I have never had BV before. Can I use this service?
Not for a first episode. Vaginal symptoms can have several causes, so please see your GP or a sexual health clinic for a diagnosis first.
Can I use this service if I am pregnant?
Tell the pharmacist if you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant or breastfeeding. BV in pregnancy needs care, and you may be referred to your GP or midwife.
Is this an NHS service?
No. Ways Pharmacy Holborn is a private pharmacy and does not provide NHS services.
Suspected side effects can be reported through the MHRA Yellow Card Scheme.
This page gives factual information about pharmacy services and medicines. Any medicine is supplied only after a pharmacist has assessed that it is suitable for you.
Ways Pharmacy
77 Southampton Row, Holborn, London WC1B 4ET
Telephone: 020 8106 7084
Opening hours: Monday to Friday 9:00am–6:00pm, closed Saturday and Sunday
Around 2 minutes' walk from the British Museum, near Holborn station
GPhC-registered pharmacy premises: 9012227 · About Ways Pharmacy
