Is BV a New STI? A Game-Changing Study Says Yes

New Research Proves BV Might Be an STI—And Men Should Be Treated Too

For decades, bacterial vaginosis (BV) was thought to be a women’s health issue—an imbalance of vaginal bacteria that, while unpleasant, wasn’t considered contagious. But in a landmark new study, researchers have shown something game-changing: BV is likely a sexually transmitted infection, and treating male partners reduces recurrence by over 60%.

📺 Watch the full video from Dr. Jay Varma to understand what this means for sexual health, public policy, and clinical practice.

What Is BV—and Why Is It So Persistent?

BV is the most common cause of vaginal discharge among women, often accompanied by a strong fishy odor. It’s caused by a disruption in the vaginal microbiome—specifically, a reduction in protective Lactobacillus bacteria and an overgrowth of Gardnerella and other anaerobes.

Though treatable with antibiotics like metronidazole, BV frequently returns. Up to 60% of women experience recurrence within a year, creating frustration, stigma, and ongoing health risks—including increased susceptibility to HIV and pregnancy complications.

The Groundbreaking Study That Changes Everything

In this Thermometer episode, Dr. Varma highlights a major clinical trial from Australia that flips the script on BV:

• Participants: 164 heterosexual, monogamous couples where the woman had BV
• Design:
  • Half the male partners received no treatment
  • Half received oral antibiotics and 2% clindamycin cream applied topically to the penis
• Result: When male partners were treated, women’s recurrence rate dropped by 63%

The outcome was so significant that the study was stopped early for ethical reasons—a rare move that underscores the strength of the findings.

“The risk of BV coming back was reduced by 63% when male partners were treated.” — Dr. Jay Varma

If BV Is Sexually Transmitted, We Need to Rethink Everything

Until now, many physicians didn’t consider BV an STI. But if partner treatment prevents recurrence, the implications are huge:

• Clinical guidelines may shift
• Male partners may routinely be prescribed both oral and topical antibiotics
• BV may be reclassified as an STI in the future

The Power—and Risk—of Labels

Dr. Varma thoughtfully addresses the societal baggage around labeling diseases as sexually transmitted:

“Sexually transmitted infections are often stigmatized in ways that infections from food or air are not. That needs to change.”

The goal, he says, is not to shame—it’s to inform. Like HPV and mpox (monkeypox), reclassifying BV could drive better treatment and prevention. But it also risks moral panic, especially when affecting women.

What You Should Do

1. If you or your partner has BV, ask your doctor about partner treatment.
2. Don’t assume your provider has seen this study—bring the data with you if needed.
3. Share this video to help normalize the conversation and empower others with knowledge.

📖 Read the study breakdown on Psychology Today

Final Word

Sex is human. Preventing infection shouldn’t carry shame. As Dr. Varma concludes:

“Just like we prevent infections from food or water, we should prevent infections from sex—without attaching stigma.”

Watch the full episode on YouTube