Can Men Get BV? Understanding the Facts

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is one of the most common vaginal conditions, caused by an imbalance of normal bacteria in the vaginal microbiome. If you’ve had it, you probably know the drill: an unpleasant, fishy odor, unusual vaginal discharge, and a whole lot of discomfort. But while bacterial vaginosis is often discussed in the context of people with vaginas, many of us are left wondering: can men get BV?

At Evvy, this is a question we hear all the time from our community. It usually comes from a place of confusion, concern, or the desire to protect a partner’s health. Since bacterial vaginosis isn't officially classed as a sexually transmitted infection (STI), the lines around transmission and male partner treatment can feel blurry at best. And because the burden of bacterial vaginosis tends to fall disproportionately on those who experience the symptoms, it’s often up to us to initiate the conversation, sometimes while also dealing with guilt, frustration, or recurring flare-ups.

Let’s be clear: bacterial vaginosis is never your "fault", and you’re not alone in navigating it. To help make things clearer, we’ve pulled together the most up-to-date research on whether men can get bacterial vaginosis, what symptoms (if any) they might experience, and whether male partner treatment is recommended.

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. Rather, it refers to the condition of bacterial imbalance in the vaginal microbiome (in other words, there are more disruptive bacteria than protective bacteria, like Lactobacilli). The bacteria most commonly associated with bacterial vaginosis include Gardnerella, Prevotella, and Atopobium vaginae. 

BV symptoms may include: 

• a thin white or gray vaginal discharge
• a strong fish-like odor, especially after sex
• pain, itching, or burning in the vagina
• burning when peeing (though less common).

Do penises have a microbiome?

Yes, they do. There are two areas scientists look at when studying penile microbes: 

1. 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 uncircumsized penises, the foreskin covers the CS. Circumcised and uncircumcised penises appear to have different CS microbiomes. 
2. The urethral microbiome: This area can be assessed with a swab at the opening of the urethra (medically known as the urinary meatus) or by a urine sample. 

One study shows that the CS microbiome is more stable over time than the urethral microbiome. These two communities are also found to be 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 performed in Uganda established seven Community State Types (CSTs) for penile microbiomes, different from the five vaginal CSTs. 

Although each microbiome is unique, a CST describes the general categories of microbiomes, for example, which bacteria are dominant. The seven penile CSTs are different from the five vaginal CSTs. People with penile CSTs 4-7 had higher prevalence and abundance of BV-associated bacteria and were most likely to have a partner experiencing bacterial vaginosis. 

Additionally, one study published in 2016 found that the composition of the penile skin microbiome is similar to their partner’s vaginal microbiome, and that the similarity becomes stronger when a partner is experiencing bacterial vaginosis.

Basically, if you and your partner have reached the “finish each other’s sentences” or have figured out how to finish with each other stage of your relationship (are these real things or only in our rom-com fantasies?), you might be sharing microorganisms. 

So, is BV sexually transmitted?

While the precise cause of bacterial vaginosis remains unclear (frustrating, we know, given how many people get BV every year), a new CDC report has recognized that bacterial vaginosis can be sexually transmitted. Anecdotally, many members of our TikTok community can attest to this. 

There's a significant amount of clinical data suggesting that BV-associated microbes can be shared between penile and vaginal microbiomes during sexual activity. A landmark study published this year in The New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) also found strong evidence that BV is sexually transmitted, and that treating male sexual partners dramatically increases cure rates.

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 is one potential explanation for why it can be so hard to treat recurrent bacterial vaginosis, as you and your partner(s) could be swapping the same microbes back and forth. Another study on the male genitourinary microbiome found that men can carry BV-associated bacteria for at least two months after having vaginal sex.

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’t carry BV-associated bacteria in their sperm and penis, they can’t develop BV infections, so they won’t show any symptoms.  

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 be used to protect your vulva from disruptive bacteria. While we know the ship has likely sailed, circumcision has also been found to decrease the risk of sexual transmission of BV-causing bacteria. 

However, it’s important to remember that a sexual partner’s microbiome is only one of multiple factors that can contribute to the state of your vaginal microbiome. Other factors such as hormones, your period, and vaginal products can increase your risk of bacterial vaginosis.  

Should male partners seek BV treatment?

As far as we know, BV-causing bacteria in the penile microbiome are not harmful to people with penises. (For the record, we have a feeling there would be more research on bacterial vaginosis if they were.) The purpose of treating the penile microbiota is to decrease your risk of re-acquiring BV-associated microbes into your vaginal microbiome. 

Multiple studies have tried different ways of giving a partner of someone with bacterial vaginosis an oral antibiotic, and none of these studies indicated an effective benefit over a placebo. A recent study in the NEJM, however, was the first to test topical antibiotics. Researchers tracked 164 couples with women 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 seven-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 — a nearly 50% reduction. 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 bacterial vaginosis wasn’t sexually transmitted. Those studies suffered from issues such as inadequate treatment methods and insufficient participant numbers. This new study demonstrates that using topical antibiotics effectively treats both partners.

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

Treatment options for BV in men

Currently, there is no standard or effective strategy for treating both partners in cases where one partner has an infection. If your healthcare provider suggests that both you and your partner undergo antibiotic treatment, they may recommend antibiotics such as oral metronidazole and clindamycin cream.

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 a good idea to avoid pointing fingers. Interestingly enough, a 2020 study of men’s perception of BV partner treatment found that men who had stigmatized views of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) were less likely to jump to fears of infidelity with a bacterial vaginosis diagnosis. 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 do not 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. 

FAQ

What are male symptoms of BV?

Bacterial vaginosis is a condition that primarily affects women, and it doesn’t typically cause symptoms in people with a penus. Unlike some STIs, bacterial vaginosis isn’t something men can get in the same way women do, and they usually don’t experience symptoms if exposed to the bacteria associated with bacterial vaginosis. Although men can't get bacterial vaginosis, they can experience similar symptoms caused by other infections. These symptoms include itching, penile discharge, a burning sensation when they pee, and general discomfort.

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 only the men who reported having vaginal sex carried the bacteria often associated with bacterial vaginosis. That said, only people with vaginas can develop bacterial vaginosis because by definition it’s an imbalance in the vaginal microbiome. Men often have Gardnerella present in their penile microbiota without it causing an infection. 

Why does my boyfriend keep giving me BV?

Sex can influence the balance of bacteria in your vagina, which can lead to recurrent bacterial vaginosis. For instance, semen has an alkaline pH, which can disrupt the vaginal pH, putting you at an increased risk of developing bacterial vaginosis. Additionally, men often carry BV-causing bacteria on their genitals, which can alter your vaginal flora. Using condoms can drastically reduce the chances of recurrent bacterial vaginosis. 

How do men get rid of BV?

While people with a penis can’t get bacterial vaginosis, emerging evidence shows that treating male partners can significantly reduce the likelihood of their female partners developing an infection. Though there are no official guidelines for partner treatment, the latest research suggests that a combination of oral metronidazole and topical clindamycin cream applied to the penis is the most effective solution.

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