Question: 

I keep getting bacterial vaginosis even after treatment. Should my partner be treated, too?

Answered by Karen Carlson, MD, OB-GYN:

If you’re dealing with bacterial vaginosis (BV) that keeps coming back, recent evidence suggests that treating both you and your partner may be the answer. This is a new recommendation based on research showing better cure rates when both partners receive treatment.

What is bacterial vaginosis?

BV is a common vaginal infection that causes a bacterial imbalance. When normal vaginal bacteria overgrow, symptoms may include:

• Vaginal discharge.
• A strong odor.
• Irritation or discomfort with urination.

And it’s not just uncomfortable. BV is also associated with increased risks of sexually transmitted infections and possible pregnancy complications, so getting it under control is important.

When standard treatment works

For a first episode or occasional case of BV, treating only the woman with antibiotics is still the right approach. Most of the time, this clears up the infection without any issues.

The challenge comes when BV keeps coming back. Studies show that recurrence rates are high when only the woman is treated in cases of recurrent BV. What we’ve learned is that this is likely to happen because of reinfection from an untreated partner.

Think of it like this: if bacteria are being passed back and forth between partners, treating just one person won’t break that cycle. The infection can keep returning even though the treatment itself is working.

What the research shows

A recent study found that treating both partners with antibiotics reduces recurrence and improves long-term cure rates for recurrent BV. This approach helps to avoid reinfection and may offer more lasting relief.

A practical challenge

There’s one hitch in putting this into practice: clinicians cannot prescribe antibiotics for a male partner who is not their patient. This creates a barrier to implementing this treatment approach in routine care.

The workaround is for your partner to see their own health care provider to get a prescription. Your provider can share information about the treatment needed, but your partner will need to schedule their own visit.

What you should do

If you experience recurrent BV, talk to your provider about whether treating both partners makes sense for your situation. If this approach is right for you, your partner should plan to see their doctor around the same time you’re being treated so you can both finish the antibiotics together.

By treating both partners at the same time, we have a much better chance of breaking the cycle of recurrent infections and getting you lasting relief.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​