Male partner treatment to prevent recurrence of BV

NEW ARTICLE SUMMARY: Male-Partner Treatment to Prevent Recurrence of Bacterial Vaginosis.

Published: March 2025

What was studied?

This randomised controlled trial studied 164 couples where the woman had BV and was in a monogamous relationship.

Women in both groups received standard antimicrobial treatment, but in the partner-treatment group, male partners were also treated with oral metronidazole and topical clindamycin for 7 days.

BV or bacterial vaginosis is one of the most common gynaecological infections.

Recurrence rates

BV recurrence within 12 weeks was:

• 35% in the partner-treatment group
• 63% in the control group

This recurrence rate was significantly lower when male partners were treated (P<0.001).

The trial was therefore stopped early due to clear evidence that treating male partners was superior.

Potential STI classification

The study’s findings suggest that BV may share characteristics with STIs, challenging the traditional view of BV solely as a bacterial imbalance.

**however, it is important to note that this does NOT mean you have to be sexually active in order to have BV. Many who are not sexually active or have never had sex before, have experienced and experience BV.

Guideline and clinical practice changes

The significant reduction in BV recurrence when treating male partners indicates a need to reconsider current treatment guidelines, which typically do not recommend partner treatment.

Conclusion

Traditionally BV treatment guidelines have focused solely on women.

However in this research, treating both women and their male partners significantly reduced BV recurrence compared to treating only the woman. This suggests that partner treatment could improve long-term BV outcomes.

Fariba Khonsari