An article recently published in the New England Journal of Medicine has suggested that Bacterial vaginosis, always more medically thought of as a vaginal imbalance, should be reframed and reconsidered as a STI (sexually transmitted infection)

 

The article, written by a group of authors lead by Lenka Vodstrcil PhD and published on March 5 2025, was titled “Male-Partner Treatment to Prevent Recurrent Bacterial Vaginosis”. The premise of the article is that BV is not simply a female genital imbalance, but actually a condition that can reoccur by passing bacteria to and fro between sexual partners.

 

While male partners may be asymptomatic of the condition, they are able to infect and reinfect their female partners.

 

This is because male genital skin may be colonised by bacteria that only cause symptoms in females, as the vaginal environment is more vulnerable to the organism.  

 

What is bacterial vaginosis?

Bacterial vaginosis is discomfort and offensive vaginal discharge that results from the natural  bacteria of the vagina becoming out of balance with an increased prevalence of the bacterial strain gardenerella vaginalis .

 

Why is this important?

Bacterial vaginosis will affect approximately one third of all sexually active females. We have now discovered that treatment of male partners may prevent recurrent female infection which is otherwise common.

 

How did the new study demonstrate a benefit of treating male partners of females suffering bacterial vaginosis?

An open-lable randomised controlled study of monogamous heterosexual couples was undertaken where in the study group, women suffering bacterial vaginosis and their male partners were provided with antibiotic treatment.

 

In the study control group, only women (and not their male partners) were treated with antibiotics. This is what has been the recommended standard of care in medicine to date.

 

The study then observed for reported and diagnosed recurrence of bacterial vaginosis in both groups during a 12 week study period. Study findings concluded that a statistically significant reduction of repeat cases (recurrent bacterial vaginosis) was noted where both partners received antibiotic therapy.   

 

Moving forwards, this study supports that we “rethink” how bacterial vaginosis is classified. Rather than how it has classically been thought of as a female condition only, this study supports reclassification of BV as more like an STI where both partners in a heterosexual relationship need to be treated to reduce the risk of symptomatic recurrence in the female partner.

 

How might Ellechemy help?

Ellechemy's Equilibrium is our intimate moisturising and lubricant formulation designed to support the maintenance of a more optimally balanced vaginal microbiome. Equillibrium can be enjoyed as a supportive daily treatment and sophisticated lubricant formulation for any woman who seeks sustained balance and comfort.