Latest news with #CatherineBurns
NZ Herald
2 days ago
- General
- NZ Herald
BV or thrush? Know the difference
Your symptoms could mean you need a different treatment to what you thought. While many women are familiar with the dreaded itch 'down there', vaginal thrush isn't the only infection to affect our intimate area – and knowing the difference is imperative. Another common culprit is bacterial vaginosis, or 'BV': a condition caused by an imbalance between the 'good' and 'bad' bacteria that naturally occur within the vagina in women of childbearing age. Women can often mistake BV for thrush, but these are two distinct infections that should be treated differently. Here's what you need to know. What are the symptoms and how do I tell them apart? Although both vaginal thrush and BV can cause unusual discharge, it differs in appearance depending on which condition you have. Thrush can produce an odourless, thick, white discharge, while BV will typically cause a thin, greyish-white discharge. But the key distinction is that women with BV may experience a strong, 'fishy' odour, while thrush is typically odourless. BV's unpleasant odour is its most common symptom and usually sets it apart from other vaginal infections, such as thrush. It's important women understand the differences so they can be treated properly. How can I treat bacterial vaginosis? In Aotearoa New Zealand, Fleurstat BVgel is the only over-the-counter product available for the treatment and rapid relief of BV symptoms. This non-antibiotic, vaginal gel is clinically proven to help relieve symptoms such as discharge and odour, starting to work within 24 hours. It comes with an easy-to-use vaginal applicator and is available without a prescription from the pharmacy. Catherine Burns, the Marketing Manager at Aspen New Zealand, says Fleurstat is a non-antibiotic treatment that many women may prefer, as it is available from pharmacies without a prescription so it may be a convenient option. The product is designed to disrupt the attachment of BV causing bacteria to the vaginal wall, allowing the good bacteria to replenish and normalise the vagina's pH. One full applicator is applied into the vagina daily, preferably at bedtime, for seven days. It's important to complete the seven-day treatment course. Burns says that as a doctor's prescription isn't required, Fleurstat may be a more accessible option for women. 'Women experiencing embarrassing BV symptoms such as unpleasant odour or discharge can simply go to their local pharmacy, and ask if Fleurstat is right for them,' she says. 'Fleurstat provides rapid relief of BV symptoms, starting to work within 24 hours. It's an easy to use, clinically proven, treatment.' Fleurstat retails from about $45. Recurrent BV Fleurstat BV gel can be used (when you don't have symptoms) to help prevent recurrent BV and it's symptoms including abnormal vaginal odour and discharge. However, please see your doctor if you have recurrent BV. Changing certain hygiene habits can also help prevent BV. Using soapy water, perfumed products or other products to clean inside the vagina may increase the risk of getting BV so experts recommend washing the area with warm water only. And while BV is not a sexually transmitted infection (STI), certain sexual activities such as having multiple partners or engaging in unprotected sex, may increase the risk of BV. When should I see my doctor? If you are unsure whether you have BV, suspect you have recurrent BV, another vaginal infection or if you think you may be at risk of an STI, always consult your doctor. You should also see your doctor if your BV symptoms persist after seven days or recur within two weeks of finishing treatment. Fleurstat (Astodrimer Sodium 1% w/w) is a vaginal gel used for the treatment and relief of bacterial vaginosis and prevention of recurrent bacterial vaginosis and its symptoms including abnormal vaginal odour and discharge. Always read the instructions and use strictly as directed. If symptoms persist see your healthcare professional. See your doctor for prevention of recurrent bacterial vaginosis. Distributed by Aspen New Zealand C/O Pharmacy Retailing (NZ) Ltd, Auckland. Trademarks are owned by or licensed to the Aspen Group of companies. © 2025 Aspen Group of companies or its licensor. All rights reserved. VivaGel® is a registered trademark of Starpharma Pty Ltd, 4-6 Southampton Crescent, Abbotsford, VIC 3067 Australia. TAPS BG5017 MAY 2025
Associated Press
3 days ago
- Business
- Associated Press
NatureVest Celebrates a Decade of Impact
For more than a decade, NatureVest, The Nature Conservancy's (TNC) in-house impact investing and sustainable finance team, has been harnessing the power of private capital to drive conservation at scale. Thanks to the support of our colleagues and collaborators, our impact investment portfolio demonstrates how investing in nature is smart business strategy, pairing meaningful returns with measurable impacts. As we mark the 10th anniversary of NatureVest with this 2024 Impact Report, I am filled with immense pride and gratitude. In our early years, we embarked on pioneering projects like Livestock to Markets, to improve herding practices and land management, and the Olympic Peninsula Acquisition Project for sustainable forest management and restoration. These early projects helped lay the foundation for our ambitious vision. Now, a decade later, our portfolio has grown to represent USD 3.5 billion in committed capital, with projects spanning four continents and covering a variety of asset types. This remarkable progress highlights the unwavering commitment of our team, partners, investors, and collaborators. Reflecting on how far we have come, I extend my heartfelt thanks to all who have been an integral part of this journey. What's Inside the Report? New Deals: The report highlights TNC's latest impact investment projects, including the Blue Revolution Fund and Bahamas Nature Bonds. These initiatives illustrate how collaboration among partners and investors creates new opportunities for conservation funding and impact. Conservation Updates: We explore the latest developments across the Cumberland Forest Project, the Sustainable Water Impact Fund, the Africa Conservation and Communities Tourism Fund, and our BTG Pactual Timberland Investment Group (TIG) and TNC Collaboration. This year, our updates focus on how conservation efforts can diversify revenue streams while achieving environmental and social outcomes. Impact Investing Interview: The interview titled 'Built to Last: Building Impact into Investment Structures' features Glen Jeffries, NatureVest's managing director of impact investments. He describes how NatureVest integrates impact into a project's structure to ensure outcomes for nature. Here, readers can learn about the three Ps as well as answers to questions like: How do you balance returns with impact objectives when structuring a deal? Outcomes: We explore each project's impact targets and realized impact to date. Be sure to check out the Appendices to see the results of our collective work. Across our growing portfolio, we are excited to report significant wins for nature and people. We express our deepest thanks to our colleagues across TNC, as well as the partners and investors who make these transformative transactions and their positive outcomes possible. We also extend our gratitude to all our readers for your continued support and interest in our mission. By Catherine Burns, Interim Managing Director, NatureVest Visit 3BL Media to see more multimedia and stories from NatureVest
