Fig. 1

Flowchart of the VITA trial. ^a Prescribed lactic acid gel as refused allocated study treatment.^b Ineligible as taking warfarin, prescribed lactic acid gel instead.^c No study treatment given as participant received medication to treat thrush.^d Preferred metronidazole after being randomised to lactic acid gel.^e Included as one of the two withdrawn before Week 2 in the next box down.^f Includes outcomes obtained from Week 2 questionnaire where a date of resolution was given without an answer to the ‘Have your bacterial vaginosis symptoms cleared’ question, and primary outcome collected by phone. Also includes outcomes obtained from 3 month questionnaire asking about resolution by Week 2.^g At least one data item entered on questionnaire. ^h At least one data item entered on questionnaire or obtained by telephone