Can Men Get Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)?

• Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a vaginal infection that is often misunderstood and misdiagnosed.
  
  
• While men cannot get BV themselves, they can carry the bacteria responsible for BV and transmit it to their female sexual partners.
  
  
• Men can adopt several preventive measures to help safeguard their female partners from BV.

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a prevalent vaginal infection that approximately 1 in 3 women will encounter during their lifetime. It occurs when specific bacteria, typically Gardnerella vaginalis, overgrow due to an imbalance in the vaginal microbiome.

This imbalance can result from practices like douching, the use of scented soaps or feminine products or engaging in sexual activity with new or multiple partners.

Despite being common, BV remains one of the most misunderstood and frequently misdiagnosed vaginal infections. Researchers are continually studying its causes and impacts on vaginal health.

It's essential to clarify a common misconception: BV does not directly affect men. The reason for this lies in the differences between the penile and vaginal microbiomes. The penile microbiome is less sensitive to imbalances with "bad" bacteria.

However, men do play a significant role in the transmission of bacterial vaginosis and Gardnerella vaginalis to their female partners.

BV Transmission: Men's Role

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is not categorized as a sexually transmitted infection (STI), but it is more common in sexually active individuals. The natural balance of vaginal bacteria can be disrupted during penetrative sex, increasing the risk of infection.

Among sexually active women, those who have sex with women have the highest risk of both contracting and transmitting BV through sexual activity. However, women who have sex with men cannot pass their BV infection to their male partners because the bacteria responsible for BV already exists in the penile microbiome.

It's important to note that BV primarily affects the vaginal microbiome, as Gardnerella vaginalis is considered a "healthy" bacterium for men. Men are only at risk of potentially transmitting BV-related bacteria to their female partner(s).

Practicing good hygiene, including regular hand washing and maintaining clean genital areas, can help reduce the risk of bacterial transmission after intercourse.

Male BV-Like Conditions

While men cannot contract BV (bacterial vaginosis) since it primarily affects the vaginal microbiome, they can indeed experience symptoms or conditions caused by imbalances in their genital microbiota.

Men who exhibit symptoms resembling those of BV may be dealing with a different condition altogether. They need to consult a healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment, as the causes and treatments for male genital issues can differ from BV in women.

Balanitis

Balanitis is an infection that primarily affects the penis and is often linked to hygiene issues, particularly in uncircumcised men. It arises from an overgrowth of fungi, which thrive in the moist environment beneath the foreskin. Symptoms of balanitis may include:

• Swelling, itching, and redness of the penis.
  
  
• Pain or discomfort during urination.
  
  
• Thick discharge from under the foreskin.
  
  
• Bleeding around the foreskin.
  
  
• Unpleasant odour in the penile area.

These symptoms can closely resemble those experienced by women with a BV infection.

Urethritis And STIs

Urethritis is an infection that affects the lower urinary tract and is more commonly seen in men. This type of infection can result from various sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and is categorized as either gonococcal (GCU) or nongonococcal (NGU).

GCU is caused by the bacteria Neisseria gonorrhoea and is the primary culprit behind urethritis. NGU, on the other hand, is linked to other STIs, with Chlamydia trachomatis being the most prevalent.

In rare instances, urethritis can also be triggered by physical trauma or irritation to the penis.

Symptoms of urethritis may include:

• Pain during urination
  
  
• Discomfort during sexual intercourse
  
  
• Itchiness at the tip of the urethra
  
  
• Penile discharge, which can be pus or blood
  
  
• Pelvic pain

Practising safe sex by using condoms is the most effective way to prevent infections like urethritis or STIs that can lead to urethritis or other complications.

In a similar vein, employing safe sex practices with condoms is the best approach to protect female partners from BV (bacterial vaginosis) and STIs.

Men's Role In BV Prevention

Men can take several preventive measures to help their female partners avoid BV (bacterial vaginosis). Here are some critical steps to consider:

• Maintain good hygiene practices for both men and women to reduce the risk of harmful bacteria entering the penile and vaginal microbiomes.
  
  
• Properly clean sex toys and avoid potential irritants like perfumed lubricants, condoms, and soaps, as these can contribute to BV.
  
  
• Opt for unscented or unflavored condoms, as research has shown that men with urethritis are more likely to carry the bacteria responsible for BV on their penis.
  
  
• Regularly get tested for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) to prevent passing infections to sexual partners.
  
  
• Foster open communication and mutual understanding with your sexual partner to encourage healthy practices for preventing BV and other infections.

Seek medical advice when necessary. If you or your partner experiences any symptoms suspected to be BV, consider scheduling an appointment with Mobi Doctor for online BV treatment.