Do You Have Bacterial Vaginosis? Zidoval Gel Could Be the Answer
Do You Have Bacterial Vaginosis? Zidoval Gel Could Be the Answer
Treat BV Quickly & Discreetly
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Treat Bacterial Vaginosis Online →What Is Zidoval Gel?
If you are experiencing the telltale signs of bacterial vaginosis (BV) — such as unusual discharge or an unpleasant odour — Zidoval Gel may be an effective treatment option. Bacterial vaginosis is a common vaginal infection caused by an imbalance in the natural bacteria of the vagina, and it can cause significant discomfort and worry.
Zidoval Gel is a prescription-only vaginal gel containing metronidazole 0.75% — a potent nitroimidazole antibiotic. Metronidazole is effective against the anaerobic bacteria responsible for BV, and Zidoval’s unique vaginal delivery system ensures the medication works directly at the site of infection. Available through Access Doctor, Zidoval Gel offers a convenient, discreet way to treat BV without waiting for a GP appointment.
How Does Zidoval Work?
Zidoval Gel is specifically designed for vaginal application. Inserted directly into the vagina using the provided applicators, the gel delivers metronidazole precisely where it is needed. Metronidazole is a nitroimidazole antibiotic that works by entering bacterial cells and interfering with their DNA — effectively killing the anaerobic bacteria causing BV and allowing the vaginal flora to restore itself to a healthy, lactobacilli-dominant balance. This targeted action helps eliminate symptoms quickly.
See our detailed explainer: Your guide to using metronidazole — how it works and what to expect.
Benefits of Using Zidoval Gel
- Highly effective: Metronidazole gel has a success rate of up to 91% — a first-line choice recommended by NICE and widely prescribed by UK clinicians
- Fast relief: Many women notice improvement within 2–3 days of starting the course
- Convenient application: Pre-measured applicators make applying Zidoval easy and mess-free
- Targeted local treatment: Applied directly to the vagina — high local concentration where it is needed most
- Discreet delivery: Access Doctor dispatches Zidoval in plain, unmarked packaging, ensuring complete privacy
How to Use Zidoval Gel
Zidoval Gel comes with 5 tubes of gel and 5 disposable applicators. Use one applicator each night for 5 consecutive nights — ideally just before bed.
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1
Wash hands
Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before handling the gel and applicator.
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2
Fill the applicator
Remove the cap from the Zidoval tube. Screw on a fresh disposable applicator and gently squeeze the tube to fill it until the plunger stops moving.
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3
Insert and administer
Lie on your back with knees bent and slightly apart. Insert the applicator tip high into your vagina, then slowly push the plunger to release the gel.
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4
Dispose and repeat
Gently remove and immediately discard the applicator. Repeat each night for 5 consecutive nights.
Do not double dose if you miss a dose — apply as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next dose. Complete the full 5-night course even if symptoms improve earlier.
When Will I Feel Better?
You should start to notice an improvement in BV symptoms — including vaginal odour and discharge — within a few days of starting your Zidoval course. However, it is essential to complete the entire 5-night course to ensure the infection has been fully cleared. Stopping early risks the infection returning.
If symptoms persist after completing the treatment, consult your prescriber. You may require an alternative such as Dalacin Cream (clindamycin) or tinidazole.
Important Considerations Before Using Zidoval Gel
| Consideration | Guidance |
|---|---|
| Alcohol | Avoid all alcohol during treatment and for at least 48 hours after. Metronidazole + alcohol causes a disulfiram-like reaction. |
| Allergies | Tell your prescriber if allergic to metronidazole, other nitroimidazole antibiotics, or any Zidoval ingredients including parabens. |
| Medical conditions | Certain blood disorders require caution. Always disclose your full medical history during your consultation. |
| Pregnancy / breastfeeding | Discuss with your prescriber before using Zidoval. Generally considered safe, but personalised advice is essential. |
| Menstruation | Avoid using during your period. If your period starts during treatment, speak to your prescriber. |
| Tampons | Do not use tampons during treatment — they absorb the gel and reduce effectiveness. |
| Sexual intercourse | Avoid sexual intercourse during the 5-night treatment course. |
| Drug interactions | Warfarin, lithium, 5-fluorouracil, and ciclosporin can interact with metronidazole. Inform your prescriber of all medications. |
Vaginal Health Tips
- Wash the vaginal area daily with mild, unperfumed soap and water
- Avoid douching — it disrupts the protective bacterial balance
- Wear breathable cotton underwear and avoid tight-fitting clothing
- Use condoms consistently to reduce the risk of BV-associated bacterial disruption
- Always wipe from front to back
Metronidazole
First-line antibiotic for bacterial vaginosis. MHRA-approved oral tablets, prescribed via GPhC-regulated online consultation.
Order Metronidazole →Dalacin Cream (Clindamycin)
MHRA-approved vaginal cream for BV. Topical clindamycin — targeted action directly at the site of infection.
Order Dalacin Cream →How to Get Zidoval Gel from Access Doctor
Access Doctor provides a convenient, confidential way to obtain Zidoval Gel — with no GP appointments and no waiting rooms. Select your BV treatment on the Access Doctor website and complete a short online assessment. A GPhC-registered pharmacist independent prescriber reviews your information. If approved, your medication is dispatched for next-day delivery in discreet plain packaging.
Access Doctor offers: a quick, easy process with no long waits; discreet plain packaging; confidential service; and medications dispensed by our UK GPhC-registered pharmacy.
Get BV Treatment — Fast & Discreet
No GP appointment needed. Our GPhC-registered pharmacist independent prescribers review your consultation and prescribe the most suitable BV treatment for you.
Treat Bacterial Vaginosis Online →Frequently Asked Questions About Zidoval Gel
What is Zidoval Gel?
Zidoval Gel is a prescription vaginal gel containing metronidazole 0.75%. It is used to treat bacterial vaginosis by eliminating the anaerobic bacteria responsible for the infection. Inserted nightly for 5 consecutive nights, it is a first-line NICE-recommended treatment for BV.
How effective is Zidoval Gel for BV?
Metronidazole gel has a success rate of up to 91% in women who use it as directed. Many women experience noticeable improvement within 2–3 days of starting the 5-night course.
What are the symptoms of bacterial vaginosis?
The most characteristic symptom is unusual vaginal discharge — thin, watery, and greyish-white — with a strong fishy odour, particularly after sexual intercourse. BV typically does not cause significant itching or soreness.
Can I use Zidoval Gel during my period?
No — avoid using Zidoval during menstruation. If your period starts during treatment, speak to your prescriber about when to resume. Also avoid tampons during treatment.
What if my symptoms persist after using Zidoval?
If symptoms persist after the full 5-night course, consult your prescriber. An alternative treatment — such as Dalacin Cream (clindamycin) — may be required, or further investigation may be needed to rule out another condition.
How do I get Zidoval Gel from Access Doctor?
Select a BV treatment on the Access Doctor website and complete a short confidential online consultation. A GPhC-registered pharmacist independent prescriber reviews your information. If approved, Zidoval is dispatched for next-day delivery in discreet plain packaging.
References
- NICE. Bacterial vaginosis. Clinical Knowledge Summaries. Available at: cks.nice.org.uk/topics/bacterial-vaginosis
- NHS. Bacterial vaginosis. Available at: nhs.uk/conditions/bacterial-vaginosis
- Electronic Medicines Compendium. Metronidazole tablets 400mg — SmPC. Available at: medicines.org.uk/emc
- Electronic Medicines Compendium. Dalacin Cream 2% w/w — SmPC. Available at: medicines.org.uk/emc
- GPhC. Standards for registered pharmacies. Available at: pharmacyregulation.org
Medical disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment. Metronidazole and Dalacin Cream are prescription-only medicines — a medical consultation is required before they can be dispensed. In a medical emergency, call 999.
