Bacterial vaginosis (BV), a common vaginal condition long thought to stem from a natural imbalance of bacteria, may actually be a sexually transmitted infection (STI), according to new research from Australia.
The study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, suggests that treating only the woman may not be enough—treating both sexual partners significantly reduces recurrence rates. Researchers at Monash University and Alfred Health found that when both partners were given antibiotics, BV recurrence was cut in half.
BV affects nearly one-third of women globally and is linked to serious reproductive health issues such as infertility, premature birth, and neonatal death. Symptoms can include a fishy-smelling, greyish-white discharge, although about half of those with BV are asymptomatic.
Until now, the NHS has described BV as a bacterial imbalance, not an STI, despite acknowledging that sex can trigger it. However, lead researcher Professor Catriona Bradshaw believes the evidence now points toward sexual transmission. “Our trial shows reinfection from partners is a major factor in BV returning,” she explained.
In the trial involving 164 couples, male partners were given both oral antibiotics and topical treatments, while the control group received no treatment. The success of this dual-treatment method has led Melbourne Sexual Health Centre to revise its clinical protocols to include treating sexual partners.
The British Association for Sexual Health and HIV welcomed the study, calling it “valuable evidence” that supports long-standing suspicions about BV’s transmission and a promising guide for treating recurrent cases.
If you’re experiencing symptoms or concerns about BV or STIs, experts recommend consulting a healthcare provider or visiting a local sexual health clinic.
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