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, which is why the question of male involvement in BV is far more complicated than it first appears.

BV is the most common vaginal condition in women, and sex is its biggest trigger. Since it takes two to tango, what is men’s role in bacterial vaginosis? Would treating a male partner for bacterial vaginosis reduce your risk of developing BV over and over again?  

Because BV isn't officially classified as a sexually transmitted infection (STI), the lines around transmission and male partner treatment can feel blurry, and the burden of navigating that ambiguity tends to fall disproportionately on the person experiencing symptoms.

Below, we've pulled together the most up-to-date research on whether men can get BV, what role they may play in transmission, 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 found that treating male partners with oral metronidazole and topical clindamycin cream reduced BV recurrence in women by nearly 50%.
• Research confirms that bacteria can be shared between partners, making this a two-person issue.
• If you're dealing with recurrent BV, Evvy's Vaginal Microbiome Test can identify what's driving it, and male partners can access BV partner treatment directly 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. Rather, 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: 

• 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). 

Can men get bacterial vaginosis?

Men can’t “get” bacterial vaginosis because BV is defined as an imbalance in the vaginal microbiome, where protective Lactobacillus bacteria are displaced by an overgrowth of harmful anaerobic 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 now shows that men can carry BV-associated bacteria (including Gardnerella, Prevotella, and other anaerobic species) on the skin of the penis and in the urethra without experiencing any symptoms themselves. Carrying these bacteria is not the same as having an infection, but it does mean that 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 BV: why infections keep coming back even after successful antibiotic treatment. If a male partner is carrying BV-associated bacteria and goes untreated, reinfection during sex is possible, effectively meaning the same microbes are being passed back and forth between partners. It's one of the reasons emerging research is increasingly focused on partner treatment as a key piece of the BV recurrence puzzle.

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 uncircumcised 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 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 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 established seven Community State Types (CSTs) for penile microbiomes, different from the five vaginal CSTs. 

Although each microbiome is unique, a CST describes general categories of microbiomes, such as 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 this 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), a new CDC report has recognized that bacterial vaginosis can be sexually transmitted. 

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 sex 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: you and your partner(s) may be swapping the same microbes back and forth. 

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 [ee. If a male partner is experiencing any of these symptoms, it's worth getting checked, as 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, an 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 2 months after having vaginal sex, meaning that without partner treatment, reinfection during sex is not just possible but likely. The NEJM study also found that women whose male partners received treatment alongside them had nearly half the recurrence rate of those whose partners went untreated, making partner treatment 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 6 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?

As far as we know, BV-causing 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 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. The evidence was inconclusive for a long time, but the NEJM study confirms that male partner treatment may be the solution to cutting BV rates in women. 

The NJEM study 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 numbers of participants. 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 physician.

Treatment options for BV in men

While there are currently no official treatment guidelines for BV in men (mainly because men themselves can’t get BV), recent research suggests that giving both partners antibiotics can drastically reduce recurrence in women. 

In these cases, the antibiotics are taken by the male partner not to treat an infection in him, but to help prevent reinfection in his partner. Commonly used options include oral metronidazole and clindamycin cream. 

While it’s not yet the standard of care, Evvy is committed to offering precision vaginal healthcare based on the latest science, so men can access BV partner treatment for themselves through Evvy if their partner has been diagnosed with BV.

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 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.  

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 STIs were less likely to jump to fears of infidelity with a BV 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 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. 

FAQs about BV in men 

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 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 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.

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 experiencing any symptoms. This is why condoms are one of the most effective ways to reduce BV transmission and recurrence.

What should my boyfriend do if I have BV?

If you've been diagnosed with BV (especially if it keeps coming back), it's worth asking your healthcare provider about partner treatment. The latest research suggests that male partners being treated alongside you with oral metronidazole and topical clindamycin cream can reduce your risk of recurrence by nearly 50%. Using condoms consistently until treatment is complete is also recommended. Evvy offers male partners direct access to Male Partner BV Treatment without requiring a separate clinical diagnosis.

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.

Can males feel symptoms of BV?

No, men who carry BV-associated bacteria typically experience no symptoms at all, which is part of what makes the partner transmission cycle so hard to break. In rare cases, some men may notice mild urethral irritation or discharge, but this is more likely due to a co-occurring infection, such as NGU or trichomoniasis, than to BV-related bacteria directly.

How long does BV in men last?

Because men can't technically get BV, there's no infection to resolve in the way there is for female partners. However, BV-associated bacteria can live in the penile microbiome for at least two months following vaginal sex. Without treatment, there's no clear timeline for when (or whether) those bacteria clear on their own, which is why partner treatment is increasingly recommended in cases of recurrent BV.

Can men get tested for BV-related bacteria?

At the moment, the CDC doesn't recommend routine testing and treatment for male sexual partners unless a female partner has persistent or recurring BV. However, research shows that penile swabs can detect BV-associated bacteria like Gardnerella. If you're dealing with recurrent BV and suspect partner transmission is a factor, speak with a healthcare provider about available options and explore whether partner treatment through a platform like Evvy may be appropriate.