From the Guidelines
No, partners of women with bacterial vaginosis (BV) typically do not need treatment. BV is not considered a sexually transmitted infection, although sexual activity can disrupt the vaginal microbiome. The standard treatment for BV includes antibiotics such as metronidazole or clindamycin for the affected woman only.
- The cause of BV is associated with having multiple sex partners, douching, and lack of vaginal lactobacilli, but it is unclear whether BV results from acquisition of a sexually transmitted pathogen 1.
- Studies have not shown that treating male partners reduces BV recurrence rates in women, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention stating that treatment of the male sex partner has not been beneficial in preventing the recurrence of BV 1.
- BV occurs when there's an imbalance in the normal vaginal bacteria, with an overgrowth of certain bacteria like Gardnerella vaginalis and a reduction in protective Lactobacillus species.
- While sexual activity is associated with BV, treating partners has not demonstrated clinical benefit in preventing recurrence, which affects about 30% of women within 3 months after treatment.
- The recommended treatment regimen includes oral or topical metronidazole or clindamycin cream, with follow-up visits unnecessary if symptoms resolve, but patients should return for additional treatment if symptoms recur 1.
From the Research
Treatment of Bacterial Vaginosis in Female Partners
- Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a common condition that can be treated with antibiotics such as metronidazole and clindamycin 2, 3, 4.
- The current treatment regimens for BV provide a short-term cure, but recurrence is common, with 50-80% of women experiencing a recurrence within a year of completing antibiotic treatment 2, 3.
Treatment of Male Partners
- There is evidence to suggest that treating the male partner may help prevent recurrence of BV in the female partner 5.
- A study found that treating the male partner with oral and topical antimicrobial therapy in addition to treating the female partner resulted in a lower rate of recurrence of BV within 12 weeks compared to standard care 5.
- However, not all studies support the treatment of male partners, with some suggesting that it is not necessary 4.
Recurrence and Prevention
- Recurrence of BV is a common problem, and further studies are needed to find effective ways to prevent it 2, 3, 6.
- Adjuvant therapy with probiotics may have a significant role in improving efficacy and preventing recurrences 6.
- Other potential strategies for preventing recurrence include behavioral modifications such as smoking cessation, condom use, and hormonal contraception 3.