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Published: April 11, 2025
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I had a unique opportunity in my clinic last week to use the results of a new clinical trial to help a patient. An adult woman came in worried about recurrent bacterial vaginosis (BV). She has been treated with antibiotics frequently and wanted to get tested for BV again, even though she was not having symptoms right now. She has been feeling embarassed and irritated by the fishy odor in the past and does not want it to recur. I explained to her that new research indicates that this condition is not solely a concern for her. It’s a problem that her male partner can do something about to prevent her from getting BV again.
BV is caused by an imbalance in the vaginal bacteria, leading to an overgrowth of harmful bacteria. This shift can result in symptoms like excessive discharge and an unpleasant odor. Traditional treatment involves treating women with antibiotics to restore the balance of good bacteria. Unfortunately, BV often recurs and leads women to use antibiotic pills, antibiotic creams, and chemicals (e.g., boric acid) repeatedly to alter the acidity of their vagina.
A recent study involved 164 couples where one partner was diagnosed with BV. The male partners were either given a placebo or a combination of oral antibiotics and a topical cream. The results were striking: treating the male partner reduced the likelihood of BV recurrence in women by 63%. This is a classic example of asymptomatic transmission. It underscores the importance of treating both partners when one partner has BV.
It’s essential for women experiencing BV to ensure their male partners receive appropriate treatment. That’s why I offered to my patient that we can treat her (one) male partner. By treating both partners, we can improve health outcomes and minimize the risk of complications associated with BV.
Read more at: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/fevered-mind/202503/bacterial-vaginosis-a-new-understanding-of-transmission
“By treating both partners, we can improve health outcomes and minimize the risk of complications associated with BV.”
