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Published: March 19, 2025
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Bacterial Vaginosis: It’s Not Just a Women’s Health Issue
In his Psychology Today article, Dr. Jay Varma explores a major shift in how we understand bacterial vaginosis (BV)—one of the most common vaginal infections in the world. A new clinical trial has shown that treating both partners in a heterosexual relationship reduces the chance of BV returning by a striking 63%. The implication? BV is a sexually transmitted infection—and men play a role in transmitting it.
Dr. Varma breaks down what this means for individuals and public health messaging: If a woman is treated but her male partner isn’t, she may be reinfected. But labeling BV as an STI comes with a cost—it may improve prevention, but it could also amplify stigma around a common and treatable condition.
As Dr. Varma notes: “Sex is a normal, healthy activity. We should aim to prevent infection without shaming the activity itself.”
📖 Read the full article on Psychology Today:
👉 Bacterial Vaginosis: A New Understanding of Transmission
