Health and Me

Itisha Arya

Bacterial Vaginosis Is Not Just A Women’s Issue, Experts Say Men Can Be Affected Too

bacterial vaginosis

<span>Bacterial vaginosis</span> (<span>BV</span>) is among the most common vaginal conditions and develops when the natural balance of bacteria in the vagina is disrupted. If you have experienced it before, the symptoms are likely familiar: a strong fish-like smell, changes in <span>vaginal discharge</span>, and persistent discomfort. Because BV is usually framed as a condition affecting people with vaginas, it raises an important question many people still ask: can men get bacterial vaginosis too?

<h2>What Is Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)?</h2>

Bacterial vaginosis occurs when healthy <span>lactobacilli</span> bacteria in the vagina decline, allowing other bacteria, such as Gardnerella, to multiply. This imbalance typically causes thin grey or white discharge with a noticeable fishy odor, which often becomes stronger after sex. 

Although BV is not classified as a sexually transmitted infection, it does raise the risk of acquiring STIs and can lead to pregnancy complications, including preterm birth. Diagnosis is made by a healthcare professional, and treatment usually involves antibiotics like metronidazole or clindamycin. Even after treatment, BV is known to return in many cases.

<h2>Bacterial Vaginosis Symptoms And Causes</h2>As many as 84 percent of people with BV may not notice any symptoms at all. When symptoms do appear, they can include:

<ul><li>Vaginal discharge that looks off-white, grey, or slightly green</li><li>A fishy-smelling discharge, especially after intercourse</li><li>Itching or irritation in the vaginal area</li><li>A burning sensation while urinating</li></ul>Because these symptoms overlap with other vaginal infections, seeing a healthcare provider is essential to confirm whether it is BV or something else.

<h2>Can Men Get Bacterial Vaginosis?</h2>

A major study published in The New England Journal of Medicine has challenged long-held beliefs about BV. The research showed that BV can be passed through sexual contact and that treating male partners significantly lowers the chance of the infection coming back. These findings have already influenced medical guidelines in the United States, ending years of treating BV as a condition affecting only women, despite frequent recurrence.

The study suggests that persistent BV was not due to poor treatment adherence but rather incorrect assumptions about transmission. While BV is not a traditional STI caused by a single organism, it does spread through sex and thrives when the vaginal environment is disturbed. This has highlighted the limitations of strict STI definitions and the consequences of excluding partner treatment.

For both patients and clinicians, this shift matters. It reframes BV as a shared health concern rather than a problem limited to the vagina, helping reduce stigma and improve outcomes. It also exposes how narrow thinking in women’s health delayed better research, treatment strategies, and shared responsibility.

<h2>Bacterial Vaginosis: What Causes Similar Symptoms In Men?</h2>

Men cannot develop BV itself, but they can experience symptoms that resemble it, such as itching, unusual discharge, or unpleasant odors. Several conditions may be responsible.

<h3>Thrush</h3>Thrush is a fungal infection caused by an overgrowth of Candida albicans. In men, it can lead to itching of the penis and a thick, clumpy buildup under the foreskin. Wearing tight clothing, excessive sweating, and poor ventilation of the genital area can increase risk. Thrush can be passed between partners during unprotected sex.

Several sexually transmitted infections caused by bacteria can mimic BV-like symptoms in men. These include:

<ul><li>Gonorrhea</li><li>Chlamydia</li><li>Trichomoniasis</li><li>Genital herpes</li><li>Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)</li></ul>

STIs are typically spread through unprotected sexual contact.

Although UTIs are more commonly associated with women, men can develop them too. This happens when bacteria multiply in the bladder or urinary tract. Symptoms may include:

<ul><li>Inflammation</li><li>Pain or burning during urination</li><li>Blood in the urine</li></ul>

UTIs often occur when Escherichia coli bacteria enter the urinary tract through the urethra and move upward.

Balanitis refers to inflammation of the skin at the tip of the penis. It is more common in men who are uncircumcised and may make it difficult to retract the foreskin due to swelling. Possible causes include:

<ul><li>Overwashing or poor hygiene</li><li>Use of scented or irritating products</li><li>Sexually transmitted infections</li><li>Reactive arthritis</li><li>Poorly controlled diabetes</li></ul>

Health Conditions A-Z

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Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is among the most common vaginal conditions and develops when the natural balance of bacteria in the vagina is disrupted. If you have experienced it before, the symptoms are likely familiar: a strong fish-like smell, changes in vaginal discharge, and persistent discomfort. Because BV is usually framed as a condition affecting people with vaginas, it raises an important question many people still ask: can men get bacterial vaginosis too?What Is Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)?Bacterial vaginosis occurs when healthy lactobacilli bacteria in the vagina decline, allowing other bacteria, such as Gardnerella, to multiply. This imbalance typically causes thin grey or white discharge with a noticeable fishy odor, which often becomes stronger after sex. Although BV is not classified as a sexually transmitted infection, it does raise the risk of acquiring STIs and can lead to pregnancy complications, including preterm birth. Diagnosis is made by a healthcare professional, and treatment usually involves antibiotics like metronidazole or clindamycin. Even after treatment, BV is known to return in many cases.Bacterial Vaginosis Symptoms And CausesAs many as 84 percent of people with BV may not notice any symptoms at all. When symptoms do appear, they can include:Vaginal discharge that looks off-white, grey, or slightly greenA fishy-smelling discharge, especially after intercourseItching or irritation in the vaginal areaA burning sensation while urinatingBecause these symptoms overlap with other vaginal infections, seeing a healthcare provider is essential to confirm whether it is BV or something else.Can Men Get Bacterial Vaginosis?A major study published in The New England Journal of Medicine has challenged long-held beliefs about BV. The research showed that BV can be passed through sexual contact and that treating male partners significantly lowers the chance of the infection coming back. These findings have already influenced medical guidelines in the United States, ending years of treating BV as a condition affecting only women, despite frequent recurrence.The study suggests that persistent BV was not due to poor treatment adherence but rather incorrect assumptions about transmission. While BV is not a traditional STI caused by a single organism, it does spread through sex and thrives when the vaginal environment is disturbed. This has highlighted the limitations of strict STI definitions and the consequences of excluding partner treatment.For both patients and clinicians, this shift matters. It reframes BV as a shared health concern rather than a problem limited to the vagina, helping reduce stigma and improve outcomes. It also exposes how narrow thinking in women’s health delayed better research, treatment strategies, and shared responsibility.Bacterial Vaginosis: What Causes Similar Symptoms In Men?Men cannot develop BV itself, but they can experience symptoms that resemble it, such as itching, unusual discharge, or unpleasant odors. Several conditions may be responsible.ThrushThrush is a fungal infection caused by an overgrowth of Candida albicans. In men, it can lead to itching of the penis and a thick, clumpy buildup under the foreskin. Wearing tight clothing, excessive sweating, and poor ventilation of the genital area can increase risk. Thrush can be passed between partners during unprotected sex.STIsSeveral sexually transmitted infections caused by bacteria can mimic BV-like symptoms in men. These include:GonorrheaChlamydiaTrichomoniasisGenital herpesHuman immunodeficiency virus (HIV)STIs are typically spread through unprotected sexual contact.Urinary Tract InfectionAlthough UTIs are more commonly associated with women, men can develop them too. This happens when bacteria multiply in the bladder or urinary tract. Symptoms may include:InflammationPain or burning during urinationBlood in the urineUTIs often occur when Escherichia coli bacteria enter the urinary tract through the urethra and move upward.BalanitisBalanitis refers to inflammation of the skin at the tip of the penis. It is more common in men who are uncircumcised and may make it difficult to retract the foreskin due to swelling. Possible causes include:Overwashing or poor hygieneUse of scented or irritating productsSexually transmitted infectionsReactive arthritisPoorly controlled diabetes