NOW CLOSED: Take part in a short survey about Bacterial Vaginosis and you could win a £200 John Lewis voucher

[KatieBMumsnet]

We've been asked by Balance Activ, the providers of over the counter treatment for Bacterial Vaginosis (BV), to find find out how aware or not Mumsnetters are of BV.

This survey is open to all UK Mumsnetters.

Please click here to take part in the survey.

Everyone who adds their details at the end of the survey will be entered into a prize draw where one winner will receive a £200 John Lewis voucher.

Thanks and good luck,

MNHQ

Done but I haven't filled in my details to get a sample.

I seriously disagree with free samples of medical products but that's another thread entirely.

I've also made it clear I much prefer any treatments I use for anything serious to be prescribed by a doctor.

I aint messin with my ph balance for no one!

Done

Done

done

Am I being a daftie? Q6 doesn't make much sense to me.

Most of the answer options state "I'd only..." but respondents are encouraged to tick all that apply.

Maybe it's just my tired eyes

done anyway

Done

Done.

done.

Well you learn something every day. I'd never heard of it and it sounds quite difficult to distinguish from something that would just clear up naturally anyway. I'm not convinced about the sample offer either.

Done. Oddly, despite being diagnosed witht his twice in my life, I know very little about it. So I'm all for a campaign to raise awareness, but not so sure about over the counter drugs.

Done

Done

Done

I've had BV once. Just after I had my coil fitted I noticed a fishy smell, the smell is like no other! GP took a swab and prescribed me antibiotics, he had no doubt it was BV.

If I ever have BV again I will get antibiotics and not over the counter remedies. Like when I have cystitis I also get antibiotics as I feel over the counter remidiess just prolong my agony.

Done. I had BV once (diagnosed at a GUM clinic). Got some antibiotics and it vanished. Not sure I'd be wanting to self-medicate.

Another product and marketing campaign to make money from making women insecure.

I've just entered (didn't fill in address for sample. For same reasons as PPs, I also don't like giving my address out!)

MNHQ Can you confirm I've entered? I'm not sure whether it sent. I don't want to hit send twice and be disqualified. Thank you.

BoerWarKids you have completed the survey, thank you.

Thanks, Katie :)

Hi all, Balance Activ have asked for this comment to be posted:

"Thank you for your valuable feedback. We wanted to respond to the points raised and address concerns.

We have undertaken this survey to learn more about women's understanding of BV, as despite the fact it is the most common vaginal infection, many women have not heard of BV and often misdiagnose it. It's our aim to provide women with the key facts about BV to help them make informed choices. Your comments and insight will help us achieve this.

BV is caused by a change in the normal pH and bacterial balance in the vagina. pH changes can be a result of a number of things, including your monthly cycle, sex and douching. It's this imbalance that results in the symptoms of BV which, as some of you have expressed, often includes a strong, fishy odour.

Balance Activ is a Lactic Acid gel that is clinically proven to treat and prevent the symptoms. It is drug and preservative free and works by restoring the normal pH in the vagina. It is available on prescription and any women with concerns should talk to their healthcare professional for advice. It is also available over the counter for women experiencing reoccurring symptoms.

Some of you have asked for more information on the link to serious health implications of untreated BV. You can find out more on the NHS website here.
We have offered a sample as part of this survey for anyone experiencing symptoms and wishing to try a recognised alternative to antibiotics. All those who will be sent a sample will also be sent information on when the product can be used, information on BV and where they can go to find out more."

It only gave options for GP or pharmacist to diagnose, but bet I'm not the only one to have been diagnosed at a GUM/STI clinic, or by a consultant.

Done. I think!

Done

Thanks to everyone who completed the survey.

The winner of the prize draw is...AwesomeWellies

I'll PM you to get your details.

did you mean Jaminmy wellies Katie?