From the Guidelines
Men can help prevent bacterial vaginosis (BV) in their female partners by practicing good hygiene and using condoms during sexual activity. This is based on the understanding that BV is associated with an imbalance of bacteria in the vagina, which can be influenced by sexual activity 1. While the exact cause of BV is not fully understood, it is known that having multiple sex partners and lack of vaginal lactobacilli are risk factors 1.
Some key practices that men can adopt to help prevent BV in their female partners include:
- Washing the genital area thoroughly with mild soap and water daily
- Using condoms during sexual activity to reduce the transfer of bacteria that may disrupt vaginal flora
- Avoiding the use of scented products on their genitals, as these can transfer to their partner and potentially disrupt vaginal pH
- Washing between different types of sexual contact to prevent transferring bacteria from one area to another, especially if engaging in multiple sexual activities in one session
It's also important to note that treatment of the male sex partner has not been beneficial in preventing the recurrence of BV 1. Therefore, men should focus on supporting their female partner's treatment process and following any recommendations from healthcare providers. If a female partner experiences recurrent BV, men should be understanding and encourage their partner to seek medical attention, as treatment with antibiotics may be necessary 1.
From the Research
Methods to Prevent BV in Female Partners
There are several methods that men can use to prevent bacterial vaginosis (BV) in their female partners. These include:
- Treating the male partner with oral and topical antimicrobial therapy, such as metronidazole and clindamycin, in addition to treating the female partner with first-line recommended antimicrobial agents 2
- Using condoms to reduce the transmission of BV-associated organisms between partners 3
- Avoiding unprotected sex for a period of time after treatment 4
- Considering dietary modifications, smoking cessation, and hormonal contraception as part of a comprehensive approach to preventing BV recurrence 3
Efficacy of Different Treatments
The efficacy of different treatments for preventing BV in female partners has been studied. For example:
- A study found that treating the male partner with oral metronidazole and topical clindamycin cream reduced the rate of BV recurrence in female partners compared to standard care 2
- Another study found that daily use of a 62% ethyl alcohol gel by men before and after sex actually increased the persistence or early recurrence of BV in their partners 5
- A study that combined oral metronidazole with vaginal clindamycin or vaginal probiotic found no difference in BV recurrence rates between the treatment groups 6
Adherence to Treatment
Adherence to treatment is an important factor in preventing BV recurrence. A study found that women whose male partners adhered to study medication were less likely to fail treatment 4