Study Finds Bacterial Vaginosis Can Be Transmitted by Male Partners
A new study has found that bacterial vaginosis (BV) can be passed to women by their male sexual partners, challenging long-standing beliefs that the condition is not a sexually transmitted infection (STI).Published in the New England Journal of Medicine, the study suggests that treating male partners significantly reduces the risk of BV recurrence, potentially reshaping how the infection is managed.
Breakthrough Research
Australian researchers studied monogamous, heterosexual couples where the women had BV. One group received treatment for both the woman and her male partner, while another group treated only the woman.
The results were striking:
- BV returned in 35% of women whose partners were also treated.
- 63% of women in the other group—who were treated alone—saw their infection return.
- Women with treated partners also went longer without experiencing a recurrence.
The findings were so significant that the trial was halted early due to the clear benefits of treating both partners.
Challenge to Medical Guidelines
BV is one of the most common vaginal infections, affecting up to a third of reproductive-aged women. While it is known to be triggered by sexual activity, it has not traditionally been classified as an STI.
Experts say the study provides strong evidence that BV can be sexually transmitted and could lead to new treatment approaches.
Dr. Janet Wilson, a consultant in sexual health, called the research a “big step forward” and criticized the UK’s NHS website for providing “outdated and misleading” information on BV. She urged for medical guidelines to be updated in light of the findings.
With this discovery, BV treatment could soon change worldwide, offering better outcomes for millions of women.
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