Zidoval Vaginal Gel: An Effective Solution for Bacterial Vaginosis

Understanding Bacterial Vaginosis

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a common vaginal infection that, while generally harmless, can cause discomfort and disrupt daily life. BV occurs when the natural balance of bacteria in the vagina is disrupted — with a reduction in protective lactobacilli and an overgrowth of anaerobic bacteria. Common symptoms include a thin, watery discharge with a characteristic fishy odour, particularly noticeable after sex.

Importantly, around half of women with BV experience no symptoms at all. BV typically does not cause soreness or itching — if these are present, another condition such as thrush may be responsible. Read more: Understanding BV: a common but treatable condition.

While symptoms may be mild, it is generally recommended to treat BV to relieve discomfort, reduce the risk of complications, and prevent recurrence. Self-care measures — such as gentle cleansing with water, avoiding perfumed products, favouring showers over baths, and not smoking — can also help reduce the likelihood of BV returning.

What Is Zidoval Vaginal Gel?

Zidoval is a prescription-only vaginal gel specifically formulated to treat bacterial vaginosis. Its unique vaginal delivery system allows for direct application to the affected area, ensuring an optimal concentration of metronidazole at the site of infection. A typical course involves using one full applicator of Zidoval gel every night before bed for five consecutive nights.

Metronidazole — The Powerhouse Behind Zidoval

Zidoval Vaginal Gel contains metronidazole 0.75% — a potent nitroimidazole antibiotic. Metronidazole works by entering bacterial cells and disrupting their DNA, effectively killing the anaerobic bacteria responsible for BV and restoring the vaginal flora to a healthy, lactobacilli-dominant balance.

Metronidazole is highly effective against the anaerobic bacteria that cause BV, making it the first-line treatment recommended by NICE. The vaginal gel formulation delivers metronidazole directly to the site of infection, maximising local effectiveness while minimising systemic absorption. See our full guide: Your guide to using metronidazole.

How Long Does Zidoval Take to Work?

Zidoval provides relatively quick relief. Many women notice a noticeable improvement in symptoms — particularly the characteristic fishy odour and unusual discharge — within 2 to 3 days of starting treatment. However, completing the entire 5-night course is crucial, even if you feel better after only a couple of days. This ensures complete eradication of the infection and reduces the risk of recurrence.

If symptoms persist after completing the full course, consult your prescriber. Further investigation or alternative treatment — such as Dalacin Cream (clindamycin) — may be appropriate.

Step-by-Step: How to Use Zidoval Vaginal Gel

1. 1

   Wash hands thoroughly

   Always wash your hands with soap and water before handling the gel and applicator.

2. 2

   Prepare the applicator

   Remove the cap from the Zidoval tube and screw one of the disposable applicators onto the tube.

3. 3

   Fill the applicator

   Gently squeeze the tube to fill the applicator until the plunger stops moving, indicating it is full.

4. 4

   Insert and administer

   Lie on your back with knees bent and slightly apart. Insert the applicator tip high into the vagina, then slowly push the plunger to release the gel.

5. 5

   Dispose and repeat

   Remove and discard the applicator. Repeat each night for 5 nights using a fresh applicator each time.

Important points: Avoid tampons during treatment — they absorb the gel. Avoid sexual intercourse during the course. Do not use excessive gel. If you miss a dose, apply as soon as you remember — do not double dose.

Self-Care Tips to Support Treatment

• Use gentle, unperfumed soap and water to clean the vaginal area — avoid scented products
• Shower instead of bathing during and after treatment
• Wear breathable cotton underwear and avoid tight clothing
• Avoid vaginal douching — this disrupts the natural bacterial balance
• If you smoke, consider stopping — smoking is associated with increased BV risk and recurrence

Possible Side Effects

Zidoval Vaginal Gel is generally safe and well tolerated. Possible side effects include headache, dizziness, nausea, and local skin irritation. Less commonly, some women experience fatigue or digestive issues. While Zidoval gel does not itself cause discharge, it can occasionally lead to thrush, which presents as a thick white discharge — speak to your prescriber if this occurs. See our detailed guide: Metronidazole side effects: what you need to know.

Get Zidoval Online: Convenient and Discreet

There is no need to wait for a GP appointment. Access Doctor is a GPhC-registered online pharmacy offering a convenient, confidential online platform for BV treatment. Select Zidoval or an alternative BV treatment, complete a short online consultation, and our GPhC-registered pharmacist independent prescribers will review your information. If approved, your medication is dispatched in discreet, plain packaging — typically arriving next working day via Royal Mail Tracked 24.