Ignoring This Common Infection Could Lead To Infertility And STIs (Image Credits: iStock)
A new study suggests that bacterial vaginosis (BV), a common vaginal infection affecting nearly one in three women worldwide, should be reclassified as a sexually transmitted infection (STI). The research, published in The New England Journal of Medicine, found that treating both male partners and female patients significantly reduced the recurrence of BV.
Currently, BV is considered a women’s health issue, but the study shows that treating only women may not be enough to prevent reinfection. Researchers discovered that when male partners were also given antibiotics, the recurrence rate among women dropped by 60 per cent.
BV and Its Health Risks
BV occurs when the natural balance of bacteria in the vagina is disrupted. Symptoms can include itching, pain while urinating, unusual vaginal discharge, and a fishy odour. However, many women with BV experience no symptoms at all.
Beyond discomfort, untreated BV can lead to serious health issues. The World Health Organization (WHO) warns that BV increases the risk of contracting HIV and other STIs. It can also cause pelvic inflammatory disease, which may result in infertility.
According to senior researcher Professor Catriona Bradshaw from the Melbourne Sexual Health Center at Monash University, BV causes significant inflammation in the reproductive tract. This inflammation damages vaginal tissues, making it easier for infections to spread.
Clinical Trial Reveals a Game-Changing Approach
To investigate the role of male partners in BV transmission, researchers conducted an Australian clinical trial with 164 monogamous couples. The couples were split into two groups:
In the first group, both the woman and her male partner received oral antibiotics, and the men also applied a topical antibiotic to their genital area.
The results were striking. Women whose partners were also treated were 60 per cent less likely to experience reinfection compared to those whose partners were left untreated.
“The bacteria that cause BV can be found in men, especially on the skin of the penis and inside the urethra,” explained lead researcher Lenka Vodstrcil. “This suggests that BV is likely sexually transmitted, which is why so many women experience recurring infections.”
A Shift in How BV Is Treated
The study was stopped early because the benefits of treating both partners became clear so quickly. Researchers now argue that BV should be classified as an STI, which would shift the way doctors treat it.
If BV is recognized as an STI, doctors will need to inform male partners of their role in reinfection and encourage them to undergo treatment alongside their female partners. According to an editorial published alongside the study, this change would require a shift in mindset among healthcare providers and patients alike.
“This will require male partners to commit to taking both oral and topical medications once they are informed that their female partner has BV,” wrote Dr Christina Muzny from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and Dr. Jack Sobel from Wayne State University School of Medicine.
Male Partners Show No Issues With Treatment
One concern was whether men would adhere to treatment. However, the study found that male participants had no trouble completing their antibiotic course.
“We have now treated nearly 300 men with this medication and have had no reports of side effects that would prevent them from completing treatment,” Bradshaw said.
Changing Medical Guidelines
The Melbourne Sexual Health Center has already updated its treatment protocols to include male partners when BV is detected. Researchers have also developed an online resource for healthcare professionals and couples interested in dual treatment.
“Changes in national and international treatment guidelines take time,” Bradshaw explained. “In the meantime, we want to provide accurate and accessible information to help people make informed choices about their health.”
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