Study Finds Treating Male Partners Reduces Bacterial Vaginosis Recurrence

New research suggests bacterial vaginosis may be sexually transmitted, prompting calls to rethink treatment approaches.

A groundbreaking Australian study has shown that treating both partners significantly reduces the recurrence of bacterial vaginosis (BV) in women.
The study found BV recurrence rates dropped from 63% to 35% when male partners were treated with oral and topical antibiotics alongside their female partners.
The research, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, challenges the traditional view that BV is not sexually transmitted, suggesting it may be passed between partners during sex.
BV affects nearly one in three women globally and is linked to serious complications, including increased risk of STIs, pelvic inflammatory disease, and adverse pregnancy outcomes like premature birth.
While the findings are promising, experts caution that more research is needed before changes to treatment guidelines can be implemented, and adherence to partner treatment protocols remains a challenge.