Review: Balance Activ - a solution to combating BV
Editor's Note (2026): This review is based on my personal experience using Balance Activ products in 2014. I've updated the article to improve readability and ensure the information remains current while keeping my original experience and opinions unchanged.
Bacterial vaginosis, more commonly known as BV, is one of those conditions that many women experience but very few of us openly talk about.
For me, it was something I dealt with quietly for years.
Ever since I started taking contraception as a teenager, BV became an unwelcome part of my life. It would clear up, only to return again weeks or months later. I never quite knew when it was going to flare up, and although it isn't considered a sexually transmitted infection, it could still leave me feeling uncomfortable, self-conscious and frustrated.
When I was invited to review the Balance Activ BV Gel and the pH Balance Intimate Wipes back in 2014, I'd never heard of the brand before. As someone who had been living with recurrent bacterial vaginosis for years, I was genuinely interested to see whether they could make a difference.
What Is Bacterial Vaginosis?
Bacterial vaginosis is one of the most common vaginal conditions affecting women of reproductive age.
It happens when the natural balance of bacteria inside the vagina changes. Normally, healthy bacteria help maintain a slightly acidic environment, but when that balance is disrupted, BV can develop.
Common symptoms may include:
An unusual vaginal discharge
A strong fishy odour, particularly after sex
Changes in vaginal discharge colour or consistency
Some women experience no symptoms at all, while others find the condition returns repeatedly.
What Causes BV?
Although the exact cause isn't always known, several factors are thought to increase the likelihood of developing bacterial vaginosis.
These include:
Having a new sexual partner or multiple partners
Smoking
Hormonal changes
Using heavily scented soaps or bubble baths
Vaginal douching
Washing underwear in harsh detergents
Not everyone with these risk factors will develop BV, but they are commonly associated with changes in the vaginal microbiome.
My Experience with Recurrent BV
For me, BV wasn't simply a one-off infection.
It became something I expected to return.
Every time I thought it had finally gone away, it seemed to make another appearance. It could affect my confidence, make me feel uncomfortable throughout the day and leave me worrying whether other people might notice.
Like many women, I often found it embarrassing to talk about.
Looking back now, I realise just how common BV actually is, and I wish there had been more open conversations about it.
Trying Balance Activ for the First Time
The products I received to review were:
Balance Activ BV Gel
Balance Activ pH Balance Intimate Wipes
I was interested because these products are designed to help support the vagina's natural pH balance, rather than simply masking symptoms.
Balance Activ pH Balance Intimate Wipes
The wipes contain lactic acid and are designed for gentle intimate cleansing.
According to the manufacturer, they are:
Fragrance free
Paraben free
Gentle enough for everyday use
Designed to help support the natural vaginal environment
Flushable
I found them refreshing and convenient, particularly when I was away from home or wanted to feel fresher during the day. They were gentle on my skin and didn't cause any irritation.
Balance Activ BV Gel
The BV Gel comes with seven single use applicators, making it simple and hygienic to use.
The gel is designed to help restore the vagina's natural pH balance, creating an environment that is less favourable for the bacteria associated with bacterial vaginosis.
The disposable applicators were straightforward to use and made the application process much easier than I had expected.
My Honest Thoughts
What impressed me most wasn't necessarily one specific product, but how easy they were to incorporate into my routine.
They were simple to use, discreet and convenient.
As with any intimate health product, everyone's experience will be different, but I found the products comfortable to use and appreciated having an option I could use at home.
Because I had experienced recurrent BV for so many years, I was always interested in finding products that supported my intimate health and helped me feel more confident.
Would I Recommend Balance Activ?
Based on my own experience at the time, I would recommend giving the products a try if you've been diagnosed with bacterial vaginosis and are looking for products designed to support vaginal pH balance.
That said, it's important to remember that recurrent BV can sometimes require medical assessment. If your symptoms keep returning, worsen or you're unsure whether you have bacterial vaginosis, it's always worth speaking to your GP or visiting a sexual health clinic for advice.
Looking Back
Writing this review all those years ago reminded me how many women's health conditions are still surrounded by embarrassment and silence.
BV is incredibly common, yet many women feel uncomfortable discussing it.
If sharing my own experience helps someone else feel a little less alone, then I'm glad I've kept this review on my blog.
Frequently Asked Questions
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No. Bacterial vaginosis is not considered a sexually transmitted infection, although sexual activity can sometimes be associated with changes in the vaginal bacteria.
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Balance Activ BV Gel is designed to help restore the vagina's natural pH balance, supporting a healthy vaginal environment.
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Yes. Unfortunately, recurrent BV is quite common, and many women experience repeated episodes.
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Yes. If you have symptoms for the first time, your symptoms keep returning, or you're unsure whether it's BV, it's always best to seek advice from your GP or a sexual health clinic to ensure you receive the correct diagnosis and treatment.
