Is BV an STD? New Study Says Yes–and Reveals Why Treating Both Partners Reduces Infections by 60%
Find out how treating both partners drastically reduced BV recurrence in a groundbreaking new study
For some women, bacterial vaginosis, or BV, is such a common occurrence that they find themselves regularly dealing with the vaginal infection—even after treatment. Part of the problem seems to be that it is treated as a women’s health issue when it now appears to be a sexually transmitted infection—thanks to a new study. Keep reading to learn more about the recent research that revealed why BV should be considered an STI or sexually transmitted disease (STD) instead of just another health condition women are responsible for treating themselves.
What is bacterial vaginosis?
Bacterial vaginosis is a common vaginal infection that is associated with discomfort and pain in the vagina. According to the Cleveland Clinic, it occurs when the vagina’s natural balance of bacteria levels becomes unbalanced and the bacteria grow.
The infection occurs most commonly in women ages 15 through 44, with 35% of women getting it at least once. Research has found that it primarily occurs in those who are sexually active.
Pregnant women are at a higher risk of getting BV, as are people with IUDs, who use douches and are taking antibiotics.
If left untreated, it can increase your risk of acquiring other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV, chlamydia and gonorrhea. It also can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and even infertility.
The symptoms of bacterial vaginosis
According to the Cleveland Clinic, 84 percent of women with a BV infection don’t have any symptoms at all and the most common symptoms for those who do experience them include:
- Vaginal itching or irritation
- Burning sensation while peeing
- Vaginal discharge that is gray, greenish or off-white
- Vaginal discharge that has a fishy smell, particularly after sex.
Study on bacterial vaginosis as an STI
In a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, researchers wanted to follow up on prior studies that suggest sexual transmission may be the culprit of repeat infections. In this trial, 164 monogamous couples were recruited.
All the women in the couples were provided with either an oral antibiotic or an intravaginal antibiotic gel or cream—both standard treatments. But for 81 of the couples, the male partner was also treated. This involved both oral and topical antibiotics.
“It became so clear that treating each sex partner reduced BV occurrence by 60 percent that the trial ended early.”
What were the results of the study?
During the trial, only 24 of the 69 women in the dual-treatment group developed BV again. This was a stark contrast from the group where only the women received treatment. In that case, 43 of the 68 female partners were re-infected.
In fact, it became so clear that treating each sex partner reduced BV occurrence by 60 percent that the trial ended early. It was meant to last for 12 weeks initially.
“Our trial has shown that reinfection from partners is causing a lot of the BV recurrence women experience, and provides evidence that BV is in fact an STI (sexually transmitted infection),” senior author Catriona Bradshaw told CNN in an email.
What this means for BV treatment
At this time, more detailed information will need to be provided to health professionals regarding male treatment. In Australia (where the study was conducted), the protocol has already been changed so both partners are being treated when BV is detected.
A willingness of male partners to agree to take both topical and oral antibiotics will be key for successful treatment once women notify them that they have BV.
If you suspect you have BV, you’ll want to make an appointment with your healthcare provider—and now, it seems, your partner may want to, too. They will ask you about your medical history, and possibly perform a pelvic exam and take a vaginal discharge sample.
A confirmed case of BV means you’ll then be prescribed antibiotics to help treat it.
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