Bacterial Vaginosis No Longer Considered a Women‑Only Condition

New Research Shows Men Can Also Be Affected

For decades, gynecologists taught that bacterial vaginosis (BV) was an infection that exclusively impacted women. The prevailing view held that the imbalance of vaginal flora was a problem confined to the female reproductive tract, with men seen only as potential carriers.

That narrative changed after a multicenter clinical trial published this month demonstrated that treating the male partners of women with BV significantly reduced recurrence rates. The study enrolled over 500 heterosexual couples and compared standard antibiotic therapy for women alone with a combined regimen that also addressed the men’s genital microbiome.

Key Findings

Lower relapse rates: Women whose partners received a short course of oral metronidazole alongside the women’s treatment experienced a 35% drop in BV recurrence within three months.

Microbial shift in men: Swabs taken from male participants revealed a reduction in Gardnerella‑type bacteria—organisms traditionally linked to BV in women—after treatment.

Improved sexual health: Couples reported higher satisfaction and fewer symptoms such as discharge, itching, and unpleasant odor.

What This Means for Clinical Practice

The findings suggest that male genital flora can act as a reservoir for the bacteria that cause BV, challenging the long‑standing belief that the condition is solely a “women’s issue.” Many experts now advocate for a partner‑focused approach when managing recurrent BV.

“We have to rethink our treatment algorithms,” says Dr. Laura Mitchell, an infectious‑disease specialist at the University of California. “If the partner’s microbiome isn’t addressed, we’re essentially treating the symptom, not the source.”

Future Directions

Researchers plan to explore longer‑term outcomes, the efficacy of probiotic supplements for men, and whether similar partner‑treatment strategies could benefit other sexually transmitted or microbiome‑related conditions.

In the meantime, clinicians are encouraged to discuss the possibility of partner therapy with patients experiencing repeated BV episodes, and public health guidelines may soon incorporate these new insights.