Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a common and often distressing condition caused by an imbalance in the vaginal microbiome. It typically presents with a thin discharge that has a characteristic ‘fishy’ odour. Traditionally, BV testing and treatment focused solely on those born female, but new research suggests that treating sexual partners may help reduce recurrence rates.
A recent study in the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) explored this by comparing two groups of women in monogamous relationships with male partners.[1] In the control group, only the women received standard antibiotic therapy, while in the partner-treatment group, both the women and their male partners received topical and oral antibiotics. There was a significant reduction in recurrence rates in the partner treatment group compared to the control group. With 35% recurrence rate in women whose partners were treated, compared with 63% in the control group.
It’s also worth noting that some women will be more prone to BV (and vaginal thrush or yeast infections) after their periods. This is because the pH balance of the vagina is tightly regulated, and period blood can disrupt this balance. This allows some bacteria & fungi to overgrow. This will often resolve by itself, though it can be treated by a GP.
The evidence from the study in NEJM highlights that partner treatment could play an important role in preventing BV recurrence. For those in ongoing heterosexual relationships, it may now be reasonable to consider treating male partners. While data are still limited for female partners, current guidance suggests offering testing to help detect and manage BV effectively.[2]
[1] Vodstrcil LA, Plummer EL, Fairley CK, Hocking JS, Law MG, Petoumenos K, et al. Male-Partner Treatment to Prevent Recurrence of Bacterial Vaginosis. N Engl J Med. 2025;392(10):947-57. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa2405404.
[2] Ashurst J, Ryder N, Goller JL, et al. Bacterial vaginosis. In: Australian STI Management Guidelines for use in primary care [Internet]. ASHM; updated Apr 2024 [cited 2025 Aug 29]. Available from: https://sti.guidelines.org.au/sexually-transmissible-infections/bacterial-vaginosis/ ڍ