A common but misunderstood vaginal infection that occurs in almost one in three women worldwide is now being re-evaluated as a sexually transmitted disease (STD), according to a new research. Bacterial vaginosis (BV), previously classified as a women's health problem, is often treated in isolation—excluding male sexual partners. But new evidence indicates that not treating both partners could be the explanation for why BV recurs at frighteningly high levels.

Bacterial vaginosis occurs when the vaginal microbiome experiences an imbalance, with a decline in protective bacteria and an increase in harmful bacterial species. This disruption can lead to an unpleasant fishy odor, unusual vaginal discharge, itching, or a burning sensation—although many women experience no symptoms at all. BV is commonly waved off as a simple imbalance and not a real health problem, but it is associated with serious risks such as higher risk of sexually transmitted diseases (STIs), pelvic inflammatory disease, and pregnancy-related complications like premature delivery and low birth weight.

Historically, BV has not been categorized as an STI because its etiological bacteria arise from within the body and not from outside pathogens. But with growing evidence, it now appears that this knowledge was limited, and sexual transmission might be a vital factor in recurrence of BV.

Studies have repeatedly demonstrated that recurrence rates of BV are high—approximately 50% of women have a relapse in the first six months following antibiotic treatment. Reinfection by untreated male partners is a primary cause of these recurrences. Studies have found BV-associated bacteria in the penile skin and male urethra, which supports the theory that men can reinfect their female partners with such bacteria.

An Australian randomized clinical trial supplied strong evidence in favor of the theory. In the study, 164 heterosexual monogamous couples in which the woman had BV were tested. The volunteers were put into two groups: a group where the woman was treated only and a group where both partners were treated. The findings were dramatic—BV recurrence rates fell to 35% in the partner-treatment group versus 63% in the single-woman treatment group. This indicates that treating male partners has a significant impact on preventing BV recurrence.

Why Current BV Treatment Approaches Are Not Working?

Most prior efforts at treating male partners for BV have not demonstrated significant female recurrence rate improvements. But these trials used oral antibiotics only, which might not be enough to completely clear the bacteria from male partners. The new Australian trial was different in that it used a combination therapy: men were given an oral antibiotic and a clindamycin cream to put on the penis. This two-pronged approach seems much more effective, and it shows that there should be a new standard of treatment.

Even with this strong evidence, however, most healthcare providers continue to fail to acknowledge BV as an STI. Infectious disease experts Jack Sobel and Christina Muzny, who did not participate in the research, state that BV is still inaccurately classified as a sexually unrelated condition. This false assumption denies appropriate treatment options that would decrease rates of recurrence and enhance women's long-term health.

Health Risks of Untreated Bacterial vaginosis

Although BV itself is not dangerous, if left untreated, infections can be dangerous. The World Health Organization (WHO) alerts that BV makes a woman more likely to get HIV and other STIs, such as chlamydia and gonorrhea. BV may also cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), an infection of the uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes, leading to infertility. These risks make it important to adopt a more holistic approach to diagnosing and treating BV.

Considering BV an STI would be a major change in the approach to treating this infection by the medical field. If BV were actually considered an STI, physicians would be incentivized to treat both sexual partners at the same time, and recurrence rates would decrease dramatically, as well as patient outcomes. This change would also work to de-stigmatize BV, moving it from being regarded as a hygiene problem to being recognized as a valid medical condition that can be treated appropriately.

"This effective intervention is cheap and brief and has the potential for the first time to not only enhance BV cure in women, but offers exciting new prospects for BV prevention, and prevention of the severe complications of BV," said Dr. Catriona Bradshaw, a clinician scientist at Monash University and lead author of the research.

More studies are required to validate these results in larger and more diverse populations, but the findings are encouraging. If subsequent studies confirm the sexual transmission theory, international health guidelines may one day be revised to incorporate this new knowledge.

The medical profession is now presented with the task of informing both patients and clinicians of these implications. Greater awareness can lead to improved treatment options, empowering women to become more proactive about their reproductive health as well as engaging male partners in the treatment process.

"It's time to begin the conversation," write Sobel and Muzny. With the promise of preventing recurrence and safeguarding against long-term health consequences, treating BV as an STI could be the answer to dramatically improving women's health globally.

Bacterial vaginosis is the most prevalent vaginal infection, yet it is largely misunderstood. The most recent studies indicate that BV must be categorized and treated as an STI, with the inclusion of male partners in the treatment regimen. This conceptual shift would aid in decreasing rates of recurrence, reduce the risk of complications, and ultimately enhance the health and well-being of millions of women globally. As discussion regarding BV is ongoing, it is crucial that healthcare providers, policymakers, and patients alike become aware of the need for a more holistic and inclusive treatment.

A new ketamine-like nasal spray will soon be available at a subsidised cost in Australia to help thousands living with treatment-resistant depression. The medication, called Spravato (esketamine), has been added to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), marking a significant shift in how the country approaches difficult-to-treat mental health conditions.

What Is Esketamine and How Does It Work?

Esketamine is chemically related to ketamine, a well-known anaesthetic that gained notoriety for recreational use in rave culture. However, in controlled medical settings, this compound is offering new hope for patients who have not responded to traditional antidepressants.

Unlike older medications that target serotonin – a “feel-good” chemical in the brain – esketamine works on a different neurotransmitter called glutamate. This chemical is believed to play a key role in restoring neural connections that influence mood regulation. The result is often a much faster response, with some patients feeling relief within hours instead of weeks or months.

Why It Matters: A Breakthrough After Decades

Esketamine is the first government-funded drug for major depression in over 30 years that works via a new mechanism. While most antidepressants developed since the 1980s have focused on serotonin or other monoamines, esketamine offers an alternative path by targeting glutamate and related brain circuits.

For those who have tried multiple medications without success, this drug represents a long-awaited option. Clinical trials in Australia show that nearly 50% of patients with treatment-resistant depression reported significant improvement after using esketamine.

Who Can Access It and What Will It Cost?

Starting Thursday, up to 30,000 Australians will be able to access Spravato through the PBS. Patients will pay $31.60 per dose, or $7.70 for pensioners and concession card holders. However, this does not include additional healthcare and administrative fees. Because of safety requirements, the drug must be administered under supervision at certified treatment centres, which will add to the overall cost.

Despite these extra expenses, making esketamine available through PBS is expected to reduce financial barriers and give more Australians access to potentially life-changing care.

Why Esketamine Stands Out

Since receiving approval from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2019, esketamine has been used in hospitals and clinics across America, particularly in emergency care for severe depression. Unlike some drugs that sedate or numb emotions, esketamine is reported to alleviate core depressive symptoms — including intense feelings of hopelessness and suicidal thoughts — without dulling awareness.

Mental health experts say this rapid effect can be life-saving in critical cases where waiting for standard medications to take effect is not an option.

A Step Forward After Long Delays

The inclusion of Spravato in the PBS comes after a four-year wait and four separate funding submissions. The listing is seen as a major win for mental health advocates and patients who have pushed for broader access to advanced treatments.

While it may not work for everyone, esketamine opens a new chapter in treating depression — one focused on faster, more targeted relief for those who need it most.

British King Charles recently reflected on his experience with cancer, saying it brought into "sharp focus the very best of humanity", while acknowledging that each new case is "a daunting and at times frightening experience" for those receiving a diagnosis and for their loved ones. The British monarch was diagnosed with an enlarged prostate gland in February last year, after which he has been getting regular treatments and receiving outpatient care. Despite the diagnosis at 77 years, he has remained positive about his treatment and has continued to perform some of his constitutional duties, such as paperwork and private meetings.

King Charles's Personal Message To People

In a personal written message, released to coincide with a Buckingham Palace reception celebrating organisations that help people with the disease, he described himself as one of the "statistics" among the 390,000 who "sadly" receive a cancer diagnosis in the UK each year. He said it "can also be an experience that brings into sharp focus the very best of humanity". Notably, he told the representatives of the cancer charity that they have the British royal family's "deepest admiration."

Dame Deborah James Is My Inspiration

King Charles hailed the late Dame Deborah James as an inspiration, quoting her final message and encouraging everyone to follow her example. "Find a life worth enjoying; take risks; love deeply; have no regrets; and always, always have rebellious hope." A royal source said there was no update on the king’s condition or treatment, but that it continued in a "very positive direction", reflected in his "very full" national and international diary. They described the words and subject of the message as "deeply personal" for the king.

While Buckingham Palace has not made an announcement clarifying the type of cancer the 76-year-old monarch has been battling but it is suspected that he might have prostate cancer. As described by UK NHS, prostate cancer is a type of cancer that occurs when malignant cells form in the prostate gland, which is a walnut-sized gland in the male reproductive system. Prostate cancer treatment guidelines have shifted their path a bit in recent years, with many men opting for active surveillance rather than immediate treatment for slow-growing tumours. However, about 50% of men on "watchful waiting" will require further treatment within 5 years because of the tumour progression. This is what triggered many researchers to aim and identify whether dietary modifications, specifically increasing omega-3 fatty acids, could prolong this surveillance period and slow down the tumour progression.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has urged travellers to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) for Umrah and the upcoming pilgrimages to ensure they are vaccinated against meningococcal disease with the MenACWY vaccine. This notice has been issued in the backdrop of the ongoing outbreaks of serogroup W (MenW) disease, which is associated with travel to KSA.

As of now, UKHSA has confirmed 5 cases of MenW disease between February and March 2025 in people who had recently returned from KSA or had close contacts with those who returned to England and Wales.

What Is Serogroup W (MenW) Disease?

As per the 2014 study published in Cambridge University Press, these strains have been emerging throughout the current century with most of the isolates belonging to the sequence type (ST11)/electrophoretic type (ET37) clonal complex (ST11/E37 CC). This has been particular since the international outbreak following Hajj 2000.

Meningococci are capsulated bacteria. The international emergency was first reported following the annual Hajj season in Saudi Arabia in March 2000. This is a serious bacterial infection that can lead to severe illness and even death. It is characterized by the onset and can manifest in various ways, including meningitis, septicemia and pneumonia. MenW IMD has increased in the recent years.

What Are The Symptoms?

It can start with a high fever, headache, stiff neck, vomiting, and a petechial or purpuric rash.

In some cases there could be atypical presentations too, especially when the patient has pneumonia, septic arthritis, and upper respiratory or ophthalmological symptoms.

A "2013 strain" is also associated with gastrointestinal symptoms like diarrhea ad vomiting.

What Happens In This Disease?

Invasive meningococcal disease is rare, however, it is a serious condition. What happens here is that the lining of the brain and spinal cord gets inflamed and thus it can kill people or leave them with life-changing disabilities.

What Are Pilgrims Asked To Do?

Travellers performing Hajj or Umrah, as well as seasonal workers, must show proof of a valid MenACWY vaccination certificate, issued between 10 days and 3 to 5 years before arriving—depending on the type of vaccine they received. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) also recommend that all travellers to Saudi Arabia consider getting the quadrivalent MenACWY vaccine, especially in light of the ongoing MenW outbreak.

What Does The Expert Say?

Dr Shamez Ladhani, who is a Consultant Epidemiologist at UKHSA said, "The MenACWY vaccination is essential for pilgrims travelling to KSA for Umrah and Hajj, particularly given recent cases among UK returnees and their families. Meningococcal disease can be fatal and may leave survivors with serious lifelong conditions including hearing loss, brain damage and limb amputations. Pilgrims should ensure vaccination at least ten days before travel and remain vigilant for symptoms like sudden fever, severe headache, stiff neck, or rash. If you or anyone at home becomes unwell with any symptoms of meningitis within two weeks of returning from Saudi Arabia, contact your GP or NHS 111, mentioning your recent travel history, or dial 999 in case of emergency."

The UKHSA has also advised the following guideline for UK travellers:

• avoid consuming raw or undercooked animal products
• avoid contact with camels and animal waste
• practise good hygiene, particularly washing hands after visiting farms, barns or markets