Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a common vaginal condition, but it’s not just something for women to know about. If you’re in a sexual relationship with someone who has a vagina, it’s important to understand what BV is, how it develops and how it can affect both partners. Here’s what every man should know to better support their partner’s health, and their own.
What is bacterial vaginosis?
Normally, the vagina maintains a healthy balance of bacteria. Bacterial vaginosis is a common condition in women of reproductive age, that is caused by an imbalance in the natural bacteria found in the vagina (i.e. there are more or less of some types of bacteria than normal).
Sometimes BV can go away on its own (especially if there are no symptoms) but treatment usually involves antibiotics. One of the most frustrating things about BV is that in 50% of women, it comes back within 12 months of treatment. And that’s where blokes come in.
Why men need to know about it
There has long been a link between BV and sexual activity, and there is evidence that women share the different types of bacteria in and around their reproductive tracts with their (male and female) sexual partners. A recent randomised controlled trial conducted in Australia showed that treating women with BV, and their male partners, with a combination of oral and topical antibiotics significantly reduces the risk of BV recurrence, compared to treating women alone.
Is bacterial vaginosis a sexually transmitted infection?
BV isn’t strictly considered a sexually transmitted infection (STI) because it does not involve transmission of specific bacteria that cause it. Sexual activity is a risk factor for BV because things like the number of sexual partners and the types of sexual activities that a woman participates affect the chances of developing BV. Other risk factors for BV include non-sexual factors (like douching, smoking and immune or genetic factors).
So, what does this mean for male partners?
Men can unknowingly contribute to their female partner’s risk of developing or experiencing recurrent BV, especially if condoms are not used.
If your partner develops BV, it’s important to discuss treatment for you too. A doctor will prescribe you a course of antibiotics and a topical cream to apply to your penis. Couples should complete their treatment at the same time and avoid sexual contact during this period. Mineral oil in the topical cream greatly reduces the strength of condoms very quickly. It is recommended that condoms are not relied upon for contraception until 72 hours after applying the final dose of the cream.
