About BV
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a very common vaginal infection that affects about 1 in 3 people with a vagina worldwide. BV is caused by a disruption in the bacteria present in the vagina. In BV, the ‘good’ or ‘healthy’ bacteria that are normally present in the vagina (called lactobacilli) are replaced with a group of ‘bad’ or ‘non-optimal’ bacteria (referred to as BV-bacteria). This disruption in bacteria can cause symptoms such as discharge and odour. Most people with BV do not experience complications, but BV can increase the risk of developing pelvic inflammatory disease, getting a sexually transmitted infection, and experiencing pregnancy complications like preterm birth.
BV is treated with oral or vaginal antibiotics for one week. However, 1 in 2 people with a vagina will experience BV recurrence within 3 to 6 months of completing antibiotics. People with a regular sexual partner are more likely to get BV back again after antibiotics.
BV-bacteria can be carried by partners and exchanged during sex
Studies now show that reinfection from untreated sex partners is responsible for the high rates of BV recurrence following treatment. People diagnosed with BV who have untreated regular sexual partner/s are at most risk.
While testing and treatment for BV is readily available for people with a vagina, 50% of BV infections are asymptomatic. This means that many people do not know that they carry BV-bacteria and are therefore not tested and treated.
However, research shows that BV-bacteria can be exchanged during sex. This means that people who have been treated for BV can easily be reinfected by their untreated regular sexual partner who carry the BV-bacteria without knowing.
BV partner treatment for partners with a vagina
If you have BV, your partner with a vagina can also get tested. Currently, each partner with a vagina usually needs to be diagnosed with BV to access treatment.
However, a current clinical trial at Melbourne Sexual Health Centre is investigating the efficacy of treating both partners of LGBTQIA+ couples, where at least one person has BV. The evidence from this trial will be used to improve clinical practice. If you are interested in finding out more about this trial, please access this link. If you think it is relevant to you, you can send an expression of interest.
Where can I get help?
- Visit your local doctor or regular healthcare professional
- Visit us at MSHC
- Visit one of our partner GP clinics
- Visit a sexual health service near you
- Access treatment through PACT; a partner treatment study at MSHC for monogamous LGBTQIA+ couples
We acknowledge that our research may not fully reflect the diversity of the community we aim to support, including people who are intersex. We encourage individuals to discuss their needs with their clinician to determine the most appropriate care.