From the Guidelines
Yes, you can still have sex if a female has bacterial vaginosis (BV), but it's generally recommended to wait until after treatment is completed. BV is a common vaginal infection caused by an imbalance of bacteria in the vagina [ 1 ]. If you choose to have sex while having BV, using condoms can help prevent passing bacteria between partners. Treatment typically involves antibiotics such as metronidazole (500mg twice daily for 7 days) or clindamycin cream (2% applied intravaginally at bedtime for 7 days) [ 1 ].
Key Considerations
- Sexual activity during BV may cause discomfort due to inflammation and discharge, and might potentially delay healing.
- BV can make women more susceptible to sexually transmitted infections if exposed [ 1 ].
- While BV isn't classified as a sexually transmitted infection, sexual activity can disrupt vaginal bacterial balance and trigger symptoms [ 1 ].
- For comfort and effective treatment, it's best to complete the prescribed antibiotic course before resuming sexual activity [ 1 ].
Treatment and Prevention
- Treatment of the male sex partner has not been beneficial in preventing the recurrence of BV [ 1 ].
- Using condoms can help prevent passing bacteria between partners [ 1 ].
- Avoiding sexual intercourse until therapy is completed and patient and partner(s) no longer have symptoms is recommended [ 1 ].
From the Research
Bacterial Vaginosis and Sexual Activity
- Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a common vaginal infection caused by an imbalance of bacteria in the vagina 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- The provided studies focus on the treatment of BV, comparing the efficacy of different medications such as oral metronidazole, metronidazole vaginal gel, and clindamycin vaginal cream 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- None of the studies directly address the question of whether a female with BV can still have sex.
- However, it can be inferred that having BV may cause discomfort or unpleasant symptoms, such as abnormal vaginal discharge or odor, which may affect a person's desire or ability to engage in sexual activity 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
Treatment of Bacterial Vaginosis
- The studies suggest that oral metronidazole, metronidazole vaginal gel, and clindamycin vaginal cream are effective treatments for BV, with similar cure rates and tolerability profiles 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- The choice of treatment may depend on individual patient factors, such as the severity of symptoms, medical history, and personal preferences 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- It is essential to note that BV can increase the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and may also affect reproductive health 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
Sexual Health and Bacterial Vaginosis
- While the studies do not provide direct evidence on the impact of BV on sexual activity, it is crucial to prioritize sexual health and take steps to prevent the transmission of STIs 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- Practicing safe sex, using condoms, and getting regular STI screenings can help reduce the risk of transmission 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- If you have BV and are experiencing symptoms, it is recommended to consult with a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.