Overview
- Clinicians are advised to consider treating male partners at the same time using an oral antibiotic plus a topical antimicrobial.
- The recommendation targets adult patients experiencing recurrent, symptomatic bacterial vaginosis.
- ACOG cites new supporting data after earlier research did not show clear benefit from partner treatment.
- The guidance urges shared decision-making and highlights evidence gaps for nonmonogamous relationships, asymptomatic cases, and same-sex partners.
- Bacterial vaginosis affects roughly 23% to 30% of women of reproductive age globally and can recur in up to 66% within a year as it reflects a vaginal microbiota imbalance rather than a single-pathogen infection.