Researchers Say Bacterial Vaginosis Should Be Considered An STI
The World’s Newest STI Affects 1 In 3 Women — Here’s What You Need To Know
Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) is a common vaginal infection that occurs when the natural balance of bacteria in the vagina is disrupted. Traditionally, BV has been classified as a bacterial infection, but a recent study conducted by researchers from Monash University in Melbourne, Australia, and several other scholars, suggests that it should be redefined as a sexually transmitted infection (STI) due to its frequent recurrence in women.
On March 5, Monash University researchers released findings from a new study showing that treating male partners may help prevent BV from recurring in women. The infection, which can cause uncomfortable symptoms such as discolored discharge, itching, and burning, affects about one-third of women of reproductive age.
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To prove their theory, researchers conducted an open-label randomized controlled trial experiment that investigated the effectiveness of treating both female and male partners for bacterial vaginosis (BV). Women with BV in monogamous relationships were randomly assigned to either the partner-treatment group or the control group. In the partner-treatment group, women received standard antimicrobial treatment, while their male partners were also treated with oral metronidazole and topical clindamycin—two antimicrobial drugs used to treat bacterial infections—for seven days. In the control group, only the women received treatment, and the male partners received no treatment.
The main goal was to assess BV recurrence within 12 weeks. The trial was halted early after 150 couples completed the 12-week follow-up, as the results showed that treating both the women and their male partners was significantly more effective than treating only the women. Among women in the partner-treatment group, only 35% experienced recurrence, compared to 63% in the control group, indicating a significant reduction in recurrence with the partner-treatment approach.
The link between sex and BV is still unclear.
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The relationship between sex and BV remains unclear, as further scientific studies are needed to establish a definitive connection. According to the Mayo Clinic, BV occurs when the balance of bacteria in the vagina is disrupted. Normally, lactobacillus—the “good” bacteria—helps maintain this balance, but when the number of anaerobes (harmful bacteria) increases, it can lead to BV. While the relationship between sexual activity and BV is not fully understood, studies suggest that the risk is higher in individuals with multiple or new sexual partners.
Douching can also contribute to BV by interfering with the vagina’s natural self-cleaning mechanism, upsetting the balance of bacteria and promoting the overgrowth of anaerobic bacteria. Additionally, if your body doesn’t produce enough lactobacilli, you’re more likely to develop BV.
Due to the lack of a clear understanding of the infection, medical professionals typically treat BV as a vaginal imbalance, often with antibiotics. However, Monash University researchers Dr. Lenka Vodstrcil and Dr. Catriona Bradshaw—two co-authors behind the study—believe it’s time to reconsider this approach. In an interview with Newsweek published on March 6, they noted that women who undergo the standard antibiotic treatment often experience a high rate of recurrence, with more than 50% having BV return within three months.
Repeated BV infections can lead to serious health complications, including an increased risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like HIV, herpes simplex virus, chlamydia, and gonorrhea, Mayo Clinic notes. It is also associated with pregnancy complications and pelvic inflammatory disease, which is an infection that occurs in the uterus and fallopian tubes.
Researchers told Newsweek that it’s “critical” for the medical world to find an effective treatment method for BV soon.
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