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2mo ago

Study Finds Treating Male Partners Reduces Bacterial Vaginosis Recurrence

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

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A woman holds an illustration of a uterus.
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Overview

  • 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.