Review: Balance Activ vaginal pessaries and gel

TL;DR

Balance Activ vaginal suppositories and gel are designed as a non-prescription solution to bacterial vaginosis (BV), featuring lactic acid and glycogen to promote an acidic pH and support friendly bacteria. Safe for long-term use and during pregnancy, these products provide an accessible option for symptom management without addressing the underlying bacterial biofilm. Their compatibility with certain condoms and specific usage instructions make them a versatile choice for women seeking relief from BV.

Balance Activ Pessaries

Balance Activ vaginal suppositories are marketed as a treatment to BV. It contains lactic acid and glycogen as its active ingredients, to restore an acidic pH while also providing a food source for friendly bacteria.

Safety profile of Balance Activ vaginal suppositories or gel

Balance Activ does not contain any known allergen, is preservative-free, hormone-free, and the lactic acid is not derived from cow’s milk. Balance Activ can be used safely long-term. You can use it with condoms made from polyisoprene, but it will degrade polyurethane or natural rubber latex condoms.

You do not need a prescription and can buy Balance Activ online or at a pharmacy.

Notes from My Vagina regarding Balance Activ as a treatment for BV

Balance Activ does not address the bacterial biofilm present in recurrent BV, so may not prove effective as a true treatment for BV, but can be useful as symptom management.

Pregnancy, conception and breastfeeding safety of Balance Activ

Balance Activ is safe for use during pregnancy, but it shouldn’t be used if you are actively trying to conceive, as it creates an acidic environment, even during ovulation, where the cervical fluids change the pH temporarily to allow the survival of sperm.

Dosage and cost per dose

  • Balance Activ retails at between $10 for a seven-day course
  • One 5ml tube or pessary to be used per day
  • About US$1.40 per dose

Ingredients of Balance Activ

  • Lactic acid
  • Glycogen
  • Propylene glycol
  • Methylhydroxypropyl cellulose
  • Sodium lactate
  • Water

Manufacturers instructions for use for treating or preventing bacterial vaginosis (BV)

  1. Use one tube or pessary per day, ideally at bedtime, for seven days.
  2. For prevention or maintenance, use 1-2 tubes or pessaries per week.
  3. If using antibiotics, use 1 tube or pessary per day during the course for 4-5 days.
  4. Around your period, if you notice BV symptoms, use 1 tube or pessary per day at the end of your period for 1-2 days.

Instructions for using Balance Activ suppositories

  1. Wash hands and remove a single pessary from its foil wrapping.
  2. Sit or lie down with knees bent and legs apart. Gently insert the pessary into the vagina as far as is comfortably possible using your fingers.
  3. Wash hands again. Do not divide pessaries.

Instructions for using Balance Activ Gel

  1. Twist off the tube cap.
  2. Insert the neck of the tube into the vagina and squeeze out the contents. Best used at bedtime to minimise leakage. Remove tube and dispose of.
  3. Always use a full tube, as directed or required.



Jessica Lloyd - Vulvovaginal Specialist Naturopathic Practitioner, BHSc(N)

Jessica is a degree-qualified naturopath (BHSc) specialising in vulvovaginal health and disease, based in Melbourne, Australia.

Jessica is the owner and lead naturopath of My Vagina, and is a member of the:

  • International Society for the Study of Vulvovaginal Disease (ISSVD)
  • International Society for the Study of Women's Sexual Health (ISSWSH)
  • National Vulvodynia Association (NVA) Australia
  • New Zealand Vulvovaginal Society (ANZVS)
  • Australian Traditional Medicine Society (ATMS)
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