A healthy vagina is naturally acidic, maintained by lactic acid-producing bacteria called lactobacilli that form a key part of your natural defences. When that balance is disrupted, bacterial vaginosis (BV) can develop — the most common cause of recurring vaginal infection. Relactagel is a CE marked lactic acid vaginal gel designed to restore that natural balance, treating active BV and helping prevent it from returning.
7 pre-filled vaginal applicators per pack.
Important — if you are trying to conceive
Relactagel should not be used by couples actively trying to conceive, as it may affect sperm. If you have BV and are trying to conceive, speak with your GP about appropriate treatment timing and options before use.
Understanding bacterial vaginosis
BV develops when anaerobic bacteria overgrow and replace the lactobacilli that normally maintain a healthy, acidic vaginal environment. The main symptoms are abnormal discharge, a change in discharge consistency or colour, and an unpleasant odour.
A number of everyday factors can disrupt the vagina's natural acidity, including hormonal changes through the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, or menopause, antibiotic use, sexual intercourse, intrauterine devices, smoking, and douching.
BV is not considered a sexually transmitted infection, and it is not the same as thrush — thrush is associated with itching, irritation, and soreness, whereas BV is typically associated with unpleasant odour and discharge changes rather than itching.
How Relactagel works
Relactagel contains lactic acid, which restores and maintains the vagina's natural acidity, creating an environment favourable to lactobacilli growth. It also contains glycogen, which provides nutrients that support the growth of these beneficial bacteria — helping rebuild your natural microbiome rather than simply masking symptoms.
What the evidence shows
Relactagel is a CE marked medical device, and lactic acid gels of this type have been studied in clinical trials including the UK-based VITA study. The evidence shows a genuinely useful picture, with some honest trade-offs worth knowing:
| Outcome | What the research shows |
| Short-term symptom relief | In the VITA study, lactic acid gels showed 47–70% participant-reported symptom resolution at 14 days — slightly lower than the approximately 70% seen with oral antibiotics such as metronidazole. |
| Recurrence prevention | Over a 6-month period, lactic acid gels perform comparably to antibiotics at preventing BV from returning — a key advantage given how frequently BV recurs. |
| Tolerability | Significantly fewer adverse effects than oral metronidazole, which commonly causes nausea, taste disturbance, and diarrhoea. |
| Patient preference | Despite the slightly lower short-term clearance rate, many women in clinical trials prefer topical lactic acid gels over antibiotics for the lack of systemic side effects, ease of use, and avoidance of antibiotic resistance. |
How to use
| Purpose | Directions |
| Active treatment | One pre-filled applicator daily for 7 days, at bedtime to reduce leakage. |
| Recurrence prevention | One pre-filled applicator daily for 2–3 days following your period, as required. |
Frequently asked questions
Can I use Relactagel during pregnancy?
Yes. If a vaginal infection occurs during pregnancy, consult your obstetrician.
Can I use Relactagel while taking oral antibiotics?
Yes, Relactagel is safe to use alongside oral antibiotics.
Can BV come back?
Yes, BV recurs frequently for many women. Relactagel can be used specifically to help prevent recurrence.
Is bacterial vaginosis a sexually transmitted infection?
No, BV is not considered a sexually transmitted infection.
What does Relactagel contain?
Lactic acid, glycogen, propylene glycol, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, sodium hydroxide, and water.
Relactagel is a CE marked medical device. The glycogen in Relactagel is derived from maize — do not use if you have a maize allergy. Relactagel may cause burning or mild irritation during fungal infections (thrush) or where there are small cracks or tears in the vaginal tissue. Contact your doctor if you experience three or more episodes of BV in one year. Couples trying to conceive should not use Relactagel, as it may affect sperm. Please refer to the Information for Use leaflet inside the product box for full details.
