Table 1 Inclusion and exclusion criteria applied in the study

At least three of the following BV symptoms, according to Amsel’s criteria [13]: homogenous vaginal discharge, vaginal pH > 4.5, positive amine test findings, and presence of clue cells in a wet smear observed under microscopy.

Women were ineligible if they were pregnant or breastfeeding; had known hypersensitivity to the investigated product or to metronidazole or other antibiotics, Candida vaginitis, bleeding from the genital tract of unknown aetiology, any pathology of the reproductive organs, congenital or acquired immunodeficiency, diabetes, mental illness, or neoplastic disease; used mechanical contraceptives, such as diaphragms, intrauterine contraceptive inserts, or hormonal vaginal rings; had used oral hormonal preparations or vaginal oestrogens in the reproductive period; were using another oral and/or vaginal probiotic at the time of assessment for inclusion in the study; had participated in another clinical study within the previous 30 days; were receiving antibiotic therapy for another reason; or were scheduled for surgery or hospitalisation.