Bacterial vaginosis is a common condition occurring in around 23-29% of women of reproductive age for which the exact cause remains unknown. It may occur as a result of an imbalance between good and bad microorganisms, especially due to bacterial overgrowth. [1]
With the chances of recurrence of bacterial vaginosis in women being high, a recent study published in The New England Journal of Medicine revealed that treating their male sexual partners with antibiotics in addition to treating the affected women resulted in a lower rate of recurrence within 3 months when compared to standard treatment.
The lead researcher, Catriona Bradshaw, explained that this condition affects about a quarter of women of reproductive age, and there is a possibility that it may lead to complications. The recurrence of bacterial vaginosis occurs in one out of two women within 3 to 6 months even with the recommended treatment.
This clinical trial study involved 164 adult heterosexual couples. The women with bacterial vaginosis received the first-line recommended antibiotics, and their respective male sexual partners received either oral metronidazole and topical clindamycin cream or no treatment at all.
After 3 months, women with bacterial vaginosis whose male partners received treatment had a recurrence of only 35%, whereas the recurrence rate of those women whose male partners did not receive any treatment was 63%. Almost 50% of the treatment partners experienced some sort of adverse reaction like nausea, headache, and metallic taste. [2]
While most women may not experience any symptoms, some of them experience symptoms of bacterial vaginosis such as:
An unusual discharge from the vagina
Irritation or itching around the vagina
A strong fishy or musty odor
Burning sensation during urination
It is a treatable condition that usually requires a prescription of antibiotics like metronidazole along with maintaining a healthy lifestyle. If left untreated, it may result in complications such as preterm delivery and spontaneous abortion, as well as higher chances of sexually transmitted diseases like HIV. [1]
This clinical trial, which focused on both men and women, considers bacterial vaginosis to be a sexually transmitted infection and has shown a beneficial result in its treatment. However, further studies that include larger populations may provide better clarity on the effectiveness of this method.
References:
World Health Organization. "Bacterial Vaginosis." World Health Organization. Accessed March 6, 2025. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/bacterial-vaginosis.
Vodstrcil, L. A., et al. "Male-Partner Treatment to Prevent Recurrence of Bacterial Vaginosis." The New England Journal of Medicine 392 (March 5, 2025): 947. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2405404. Accessed March 6, 2025.
New Scientist. "Men Taking Antibiotics Could Cut Rates of Bacterial Vaginosis in Women." New Scientist. Accessed March 6, 2025. https://www.newscientist.com/article/2470994-men-taking-antibiotics-could-cut-rates-of-bacterial-vaginosis-in-women/.
(Input from various sources)
(Rehash/Dr. Nethra Suryanarayanan/MSM)