Can Men Get BV? Symptoms, Causes, and Partner Treatment

Men can't technically get bacterial vaginosis (BV), but science is finally catching up to something many women have long suspected: that male partners play a much bigger role in BV development and recurrence than previously thought. Research now shows that men can carry BV-associated bacteria on the penis and pass them to female partners during sex. There’s also no proven way to treat BV in men naturally, which is why research has turned to antibiotic partner treatment instead.

BV is the most common vaginal condition in women, and sex is one of its biggest triggers. But because BV isn’t officially classified as a sexually transmitted infection (STI), the lines around transmission and male partner treatment can feel blurry. The burden of navigating that ambiguity often falls disproportionately on the person experiencing symptoms.

If your BV keeps coming back, Evvy’s Male Partner BV Treatment is designed to help you and your partner break the cycle. Below, we’ve pulled together the latest research on men’s role in BV and whether treating male partners is recommended.

Key takeaways

• Men can’t get BV, but they can carry BV-associated bacteria on their penis and pass them to female partners during unprotected sex.
• A landmark study published in The New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) found that treating male partners with oral metronidazole and topical clindamycin cream cut BV recurrence in women from 63% to 35%.
• Research shows that bacteria can be shared between partners, making this a two-person issue.
• BV coming back with the same partner doesn’t mean he’s cheating, since bacteria can pass back and forth within one relationship.
• No natural remedy has been shown to clear BV-associated bacteria from the penis.
• If you’re dealing with recurrent BV, Evvy’s Vaginal Microbiome Test uncovers 700+ bacteria and fungi with one swab, and eligible male partners can get Male Partner BV Treatment through Evvy.

What is bacterial vaginosis (BV)?

Bacterial vaginosis is the most common vaginal infection in women between the ages of 15 and 44, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Unlike many other vaginal infections, bacterial vaginosis isn’t caused by one specific type of bacteria. Instead, it refers to a bacterial imbalance in the vaginal microbiome (in other words, there are more disruptive bacteria than protective ones, such as Lactobacilli). The bacteria most commonly associated with bacterial vaginosis include Gardnerella, Prevotella, and Atopobium vaginae.

BV symptoms may include:

• Unusual vaginal discharge that may be thin, white, or gray
• A strong fishy odor, especially after sex
• Pain, itching, or burning in the vagina
• A burning sensation when you pee (though less common). 

Can men get bacterial vaginosis?

Men can’t “get” bacterial vaginosis because BV is defined as an imbalance in the vaginal microbiome, where good bacteria are displaced by an overgrowth of harmful bacteria. Because (cisgender) men don’t have a vaginal microbiome, it’s biologically impossible for them to develop BV in the way that people with vaginas do.

That said, the story doesn’t end there. Research shows that men can carry BV-associated bacteria on the skin of the penis and in the urethra without experiencing any symptoms themselves. Carrying these bacteria isn’t the same as having an infection, but it does mean men can act as a reservoir for BV-associated microbes and pass them to female partners during unprotected sex.

This helps explain one of the most frustrating aspects of recurrent bacterial vaginosis: why infections keep coming back even after successful antibiotic treatment. If a male partner is carrying BV-associated bacteria and goes untreated, the same microbes can be passed back and forth between partners during sex. It’s one of the reasons research is increasingly focused on partner treatment as a key piece of the BV recurrence puzzle.

Do penises have a microbiome?

Much like vaginas, penises have their own microbiome. There are two areas scientists look at when studying penile microbes:

• The skin on the surface of the penis: A swab of the coronal sulcus (CS), the groove between the shaft and the head of the penis, can be used to assess the microbiome. This area harbors a stable bacterial community. For uncircumcised penises, the foreskin covers the CS. Circumcised and uncircumcised penises appear to have different CS microbiomes.
• The urethral microbiome: This area can be assessed using a swab from the urethral opening (the urinary meatus) or a urine sample.

One study shows that the CS microbiome is more stable over time than the urethral microbiome. These two communities are also distinct from one another.

Can BV-related bacteria be found in the penile microbiome?

Multiple studies have shown that BV-related bacteria can be found in the CS (surface) penile microbiome and sometimes in the urethra. A 2015 study identified seven Community State Types (CSTs) for the penile microbiome, which differ from the five vaginal CSTs.

Although each microbiome is unique, a CST describes general microbiome categories, such as which bacteria dominate. Men with penile CSTs 4 to 7 had a higher prevalence and abundance of BV-associated bacteria and were most likely to have a partner experiencing bacterial vaginosis.

Additionally, one 2016 study found that the penile skin microbiome composition is similar to a partner’s vaginal microbiome, and that this similarity strengthens when a partner has bacterial vaginosis.

So, is BV sexually transmitted?

Yes and no. While the precise cause of bacterial vaginosis remains unclear (frustrating, we know), the CDC notes that researchers don’t know how sex causes BV, and that BV rarely affects people who have never had sex.

There’s a significant amount of clinical data suggesting that BV-associated microbes can be shared between penile and vaginal microbiomes during sex. The strongest evidence so far comes from a landmark 2025 study in The New England Journal of Medicine. It found that treating male partners alongside women reduced recurrence of bacterial vaginosis, suggesting BV-associated bacteria pass between partners.

This isn’t relevant to heterosexual couples exclusively, though. Research shows that microbes can also be shared between vulvas during same-sex intercourse. Concurrency (having multiple sexual partners) and having a new sex partner were also found to be increased risk factors for the sexual transmission of bacterial vaginosis.

This may explain why bacterial vaginosis can be so hard to treat: you and your partner(s) may be swapping the same microbes back and forth.

Can a man give you BV without cheating?

A man can carry BV-associated bacteria from earlier sex with you, or from a past partner, and pass them back to you without having sex with anyone else. Research shows these bacteria can stay on the penis for at least two months after vaginal sex, without causing him any symptoms.

The 2025 NEJM trial is a good example. It enrolled only women in monogamous relationships with a male partner. Yet within 12 weeks of treatment, BV came back in 63% of women whose partners weren’t treated. That suggests the bacteria were being passed back and forth within the same relationship, not introduced by someone new.

BV can also start without a new partner at all. Douching and not using condoms are known risk factors, and things like your period, hormonal changes, and vaginal products can shift your vaginal microbiome, too.

So if you’re thinking, “My boyfriend gave me BV, is he cheating?”, the science points to plenty of other explanations. And if you’re still asking yourself, is BV a sign of cheating, the short answer is no, not on its own.

How do I find out what caused my BV if I’ve only had one partner?

No test can show where BV came from or prove that someone cheated. But a few things can help you spot patterns:

• Track when it comes back: Notice whether BV returns after sex with the same partner, especially unprotected sex.
• Check for other triggers: Douching, scented feminine washes, and new vaginal products can all upset your vaginal microbiome.
• Test your vaginal microbiome: The Evvy Vaginal Microbiome Test uncovers 700+ bacteria and fungi with one swab and includes physician-reviewed results and a custom plan for next steps.

If you keep getting BV with the same partner, that pattern is worth raising with your healthcare provider, who can talk you through options like partner treatment.

BV symptoms in men

By definition, only people with vaginas can develop bacterial vaginosis because it’s an imbalance in the vaginal microbiome. While men (or people with a penis) can carry bacteria responsible for BV in their sperm and penis, they can’t develop BV infections, so they won’t show any symptoms.

What conditions in men can cause similar symptoms?

While men can’t get BV, they can develop other infections that produce symptoms similar to those associated with BV, including penile discharge, itching, burning, and discomfort when they pee. If a male partner has any of these symptoms, it’s worth getting checked, since several common infections can present this way.

• Non-gonococcal urethritis (NGU) is one of the most common causes of urethral inflammation in men and is frequently caused by Chlamydia trachomatis or Mycoplasma genitalium, bacteria that can also disrupt a female partner’s vaginal microbiome. Symptoms include a clear or white penile discharge, a burning sensation when peeing, and urethral irritation.
• Gonorrhea can cause a yellow-green penile discharge, pain when urinating, and testicular discomfort. Like chlamydia, gonorrhea can be passed between partners and trigger vaginal infections that may be mistaken for or occur alongside BV.
• Trichomoniasis is caused by the same parasite (Trichomonas vaginalis) responsible for trichomoniasis in women, and while many men are asymptomatic, it can produce urethral irritation, discharge, and a burning feeling after ejaculation. Crucially, an untreated male partner with trichomoniasis can continue to reinfect a female partner.
• Balanitis, which is inflammation of the head of the penis, can be caused by an overgrowth of Candida or bacterial imbalance, and may cause redness, itching, and discharge that superficially resembles BV-related symptoms in a partner.

Because many of these infections produce few or no obvious symptoms in men, regular STI testing is important for both partners, especially in the context of recurrent vaginal infections.

Recurrent BV and your male partner

If you’ve been treated for BV more than once (cleared it with antibiotics, only for it to come back weeks later), your male partner’s microbiome may be part of the reason why.

Research shows BV-associated bacteria can persist on the penis for at least two months after vaginal sex. That means without partner treatment, reinfection during sex is not just possible but likely, which is why partner treatment is one of the most significant developments in BV research in years.

Partner treatment is particularly worth considering if you’ve had two or more BV episodes within six months, if your symptoms consistently return shortly after sex with the same partner, or if you’ve completed a full course of antibiotics but keep relapsing. While partner treatment isn't yet standard clinical practice everywhere, the evidence behind it is growing — and Evvy offers male partners direct access to BV partner treatment without needing a separate diagnosis.

Should male partners seek BV treatment?

Men don’t need treatment for their own health, because as far as we know, BV-associated bacteria in the penile microbiome aren’t harmful to people with penises. (For the record, we have a feeling there would be more research on BV if there were.) But treating a male partner can help keep BV from coming back in a female partner.

Guidance is still catching up. The CDC’s BV page still says male partners of women with BV don’t need treatment. But in October 2025, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) released a Clinical Practice Update recommending that clinicians consider treating the regular male partner of patients with recurrent, symptomatic BV.

That shift comes after years of inconclusive evidence. Multiple studies gave partners of people with BV an oral antibiotic, and none showed a clear benefit over placebo. The NEJM study was the first to test topical antibiotics, too. Researchers tracked 164 couples in which the woman had been diagnosed with BV. The couples were divided into two groups:

• Control group: Women received standard antibiotic treatment, while their male sexual partners received no treatment.
• Partner-treatment group: Women received the same antibiotic treatment, and their male sexual partners were treated with a 7-day course of oral metronidazole and topical clindamycin cream.

In the control group, 63% of women had BV recurrence within 12 weeks, while only 35% in the partner-treatment group experienced a recurrence. This suggests that not only can men carry BV bacteria and transmit them back to their female partners, but treating male partners could be key to reducing BV recurrence. 

Previous studies treated male sexual partners but were largely ineffective, leading many experts to believe BV wasn’t sexually transmitted. Those studies suffered from inadequate treatment methods and insufficient participant numbers. This new study shows that topical antibiotics effectively treat both partners.

For now, if you are struggling with recurrent BV and are interested in partner treatment, both you and your partner should discuss the current evidence and options available with your physician.

Treatment options for BV in men

While there are no official treatment guidelines for BV in men (mainly because men themselves can’t get BV), recent research suggests that treating both partners with antibiotics can lower recurrence in women. In these cases, the male partner takes antibiotics not to treat an infection in him, but to help prevent reinfection in his partner.

Evvy’s Male Partner BV Treatment is a 7-day regimen of oral metronidazole therapy and topical clindamycin, prescribed by a licensed clinician. Consistent with the NEJM study, men use clindamycin cream off-label. Men can request treatment if their partner has been diagnosed with BV, though it isn’t yet available in every state.

How to treat BV in men naturally: Do natural remedies work?

There's no solid evidence that any natural remedies can eliminate the bacteria linked to BV in men. The only proven method is treating partners with antibiotics, like the oral and topical treatments discussed in that NEJM study. Still, that hasn't stopped people online from recommending other options. Unfortunately, natural “solutions” like tea tree oil or garlic haven’t been properly tested for getting rid of BV bacteria in men, and some, like tea tree oil and apple cider vinegar, might even irritate sensitive skin on the penis. 

As for BV itself, it sometimes clears up without treatment, but how long it takes for BV to go away without treatment varies, and untreated BV comes with health risks.

Prevention tips for BV transmission between partners

Consistent condom use can lower the risk of bacterial vaginosis by providing a physical barrier, stopping bacteria from spreading from one partner to the other. It also stops semen from entering the vaginal tract, reducing the risk of altering your vaginal pH and allowing anaerobic bacteria to colonize.

Dental dams are another barrier method that can help protect your vulva from bacteria that can disrupt your vaginal pH. While we know the ship has likely sailed, circumcision has also been found to decrease the risk of sexual transmission of BV-causing bacteria.

If you and your partner are both being treated, make sure you each finish your full treatment before having sex again.

However, remember that a sexual partner’s microbiome is only one of many factors that can affect your vaginal microbiome. Other factors, such as hormones, your period, and vaginal products, can increase your risk of bacterial vaginosis.

How to talk to your partner about BV treatment

It can be nerve-wracking to talk about vaginal health with a partner, but we’re here to help.

First, remember that vaginal infections are incredibly common. Cultural messages (and trolls on social media) tell us that talking about vaginas is dirty, but there is nothing to be ashamed of. It’s best to avoid pointing fingers.

Interestingly enough, a 2020 study of men’s perception of BV partner treatment found that because the cause of BV isn’t clear-cut, the men interviewed didn’t attach the same STI stigma or questions of infidelity to it. In any case, vaginal infections are a part of being sexually active, especially if you’re prone to them. It doesn’t mean that either of you is to blame.

Being direct and honest is the best approach. Remember that both partners are responsible for maintaining sexual health. The same 2020 study found that men saw accepting partner treatment as a demonstration of care and support for their partner.

We hear from customers every day who feel guilty for having bacterial vaginosis. Research shows that women commonly report feeling embarrassed, ashamed, or dirty about BV. But as the research on BV-causing bacteria shows, microbes don’t always discriminate by gender or body parts. While it can feel wildly unfair that people with vulvas bear the brunt of the unpleasant symptoms, it doesn’t mean that we should have to hold onto shame, too. And if your partner asks whether a man can give you BV without cheating, you can tell him the answer is yes, which takes blame off the table for both of you.

FAQs about BV in men

What are male symptoms of BV?

BV doesn’t typically cause symptoms in people with a penis, because men can’t get BV the way women do. Men who carry BV-associated bacteria usually have no symptoms at all. If a man notices itching, penile discharge, burning when he pees, or general discomfort, it’s more likely due to another infection, such as NGU or trichomoniasis.

Can a girl give BV to a man?

Bacterial vaginosis can’t be passed on from female partners to male partners, but it is possible to spread BV-associated bacteria (like Gardnerella) to a man during unprotected sex. Researchers found that only the men who reported having vaginal sex carried the bacteria often associated with bacterial vaginosis. That said, only people with vaginas can develop BV because, by definition, it’s an imbalance in the vaginal microbiome.

Why does my boyfriend keep giving me BV?

Sex can influence the vagina's bacterial balance. For instance, semen has an alkaline pH, which can disrupt your vaginal pH and increase your risk of BV. Men can also carry BV-causing bacteria on their genitals. That doesn’t mean he’s cheating, since bacteria can pass back and forth within one relationship. Using condoms can lower the chances of recurrent BV.

How do men get rid of BV?

While people with a penis can’t get BV, emerging evidence shows that treating male partners can lower the chances of their female partners getting BV again. Partner treatment isn’t standard everywhere yet, but the latest research supports a clinician-prescribed combination of oral metronidazole and topical clindamycin cream.

Can I give BV to my male partner?

Not in the way you might think. Men can’t develop BV themselves, but you can pass BV-associated bacteria to a male partner during unprotected sex. Research shows that men who have vaginal sex with a partner who has BV are more likely to carry those bacteria on the penis and in the urethra, without symptoms. This is why using condoms can help reduce BV transmission and recurrence.

What should my boyfriend do if I have BV?

If BV keeps coming back, ask your provider about treating your partner. In one major study, treating male partners with oral metronidazole and topical clindamycin cream lowered recurrence from 63% to 35%. Use condoms until treatment is complete. Through Evvy, men can request Male Partner BV Treatment by confirming their partner’s BV diagnosis, and an Evvy-affiliated clinician reviews their intake.

How long can BV-causing bacteria live on a man?

Research suggests that BV-associated bacteria can live in the penile microbiome for at least two months after having vaginal sex. This helps explain why BV recurrence is so common in women with untreated male partners. The same bacteria can be reintroduced during sex long after a woman has completed antibiotic treatment, effectively restarting the cycle.

How long does BV in men last?

Because men can’t technically get BV, there’s no infection to clear up. Whether BV-associated bacteria on the penis go away on their own isn’t well understood, and researchers haven’t pinned down a timeline. That uncertainty is one reason partner treatment is increasingly considered for women with recurrent BV.

Can men get tested for BV-related bacteria?

No standard or routine BV test exists for men. Penile swabs can detect BV-associated bacteria like Gardnerella, but they’re mainly used in research. Even without a test, treating male partners has been shown to reduce recurrence rates in women. If you’re dealing with recurrent BV, ask your provider about partner treatment.

My boyfriend gave me BV. Is he cheating?

BV isn’t proof of cheating. BV-associated bacteria can pass back and forth between partners within one relationship, and BV can also be triggered by things like douching or new vaginal products. 

Can sperm give you BV?

Semen doesn’t cause BV on its own. But semen has a higher pH than the vagina, so it can temporarily raise your vaginal pH after sex, and a less acidic vagina is linked to BV. Using condoms can help, especially if you notice BV tends to flare after sex.

How long does it take for natural remedies to clear BV bacteria in men?

There’s no timeline to give, because no natural remedy has been shown to clear BV-associated bacteria from the penis. What we do know is that these bacteria can stay on the penis for at least two months after vaginal sex, so waiting it out may not break the cycle. By comparison, the partner treatment regimen in the NEJM trial lasted just seven days. If BV keeps coming back, ask a provider about partner treatment.