Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) Signs That Affect Males: What Partners Should Know

If you are dealing with recurrent bacterial vaginosis, you may have wondered whether your male partner plays a role. Can men get bacterial vaginosis? Can they carry and transmit it without knowing?

These questions come up frequently, especially for women experiencing repeat infections despite treatment. Understanding the male partner's role in BV can help couples address the issue together and reduce recurrence.

Can Men Get Bacterial Vaginosis

The straightforward answer: No, men cannot get bacterial vaginosis. BV occurs when the natural balance of bacteria in the vagina is disrupted. However, this does not mean men are entirely uninvolved. Research indicates that individuals with a penis can carry BV-associated bacteria on their genital skin. These bacteria may then be passed to female partners during sexual contact.

What Is BV for Men? Understanding the Misconception

When people search for what BV is for men, they are often asking whether men can experience something similar. The answer is that BV itself does not exist in men, but they can harbor the bacteria associated with it.

The bacteria linked to BV, including Gardnerella vaginalis and others, can live on penile skin and in the male urinary tract. While these bacteria do not cause vaginal symptoms in men (for obvious anatomical reasons), their presence can affect female partners' vaginal health.

6 Conditions That Cause BV-Like Symptoms in Men

Can men get BV symptoms like discharge, itching, or odor? While these are not signs of BV in males specifically, they may indicate other conditions that require attention:

Penile Thrush

A yeast infection caused by Candida overgrowth. Symptoms include itching, white discharge, and burning during urination. Though not an STI, it can spread through sexual contact.

Sexually Transmitted Infections

Chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis can cause discharge, burning, and irritation in men. Regular STI testing and consistent condom use reduce risk.

Urethritis

Inflammation of the urethra causes pain, burning during urination, and discharge. May result from bacterial infections or irritation. UriZen supports urinary tract health for both men and women.

Balanitis

Inflammation of the head of the penis causes redness, itching, and discharge. More common in uncircumcised men and often related to hygiene or irritating products.

Contact Dermatitis

Skin reactions to irritants like scented soaps, latex condoms, or personal care products. Causes redness, itching, and swelling that resolve when the irritant is avoided.

Lichen Sclerosus

A chronic skin condition causing white patches, thinning skin, and itching on the genitals. Though more common in women, it can affect men and requires medical treatment.

How Long Can a Man Carry BV Bacteria

How long can a man carry BV-associated bacteria? Research has not established a definitive timeline. The bacteria may persist on genital skin indefinitely unless addressed, potentially contributing to recurrent infections in female partners.

Studies suggest that uncircumcised men may be more likely to harbor these bacteria due to the environment under the foreskin. However, both circumcised and uncircumcised men can carry BV-associated organisms.

Can Men Spread BV to Partners

While BV is not classified as a sexually transmitted infection, evidence suggests men can transmit BV-associated bacteria to female partners during intercourse. This may explain why some women experience recurrent infections despite completing treatment.

Having multiple sexual partners, inconsistent condom use, and lack of circumcision have all been associated with higher rates of BV in female partners. Treating the condition as a couple's issue rather than just the woman's problem may help reduce recurrence.

Prevention Tips for Both Partners

Reducing BV risk involves actions from both partners:

For women: Avoid douching, use condoms consistently, choose unscented products, wear breathable underwear, and support your vaginal microbiome with targeted probiotics like VZen.

For men: Practice good genital hygiene, wash before and after sex, use condoms properly, get tested for STIs regularly, and avoid unprotected sex with multiple partners.

Support Vaginal Balance with VZen

For women dealing with recurrent BV, supporting the vaginal microbiome may help restore and maintain balance. VZen was formulated specifically for women's health:

• Clinically studied strains that support Lactobacillus populations
• Targets the gut-vaginal-urinary axis
• Therapeutic doses within clinically studied ranges
• Third-party tested for quality and potency

Browse our Female Health collection for comprehensive vaginal and urinary support.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Should my male partner be treated if I have BV?

Current guidelines do not recommend routine treatment of male partners for BV. However, if you experience recurrent infections, discussing this option with your healthcare provider may be worthwhile.

Q. Is BV considered a sexually transmitted infection?

No. While BV is linked to sexual activity, experts do not classify it as an STI. However, having BV can increase your risk of acquiring other STIs, making safer sex practices important.

Q. Can using condoms prevent BV?

Consistent condom use may help reduce BV risk by limiting exposure to bacteria on penile skin and preventing semen from altering vaginal pH.

Q. When should men see a healthcare provider?

Men should seek care for unusual discharge, burning during urination, genital itching or irritation, sores or skin changes, or symptoms that persist after treatment.

Q. Can circumcision reduce the risk of passing BV bacteria?

Some research suggests uncircumcised men may be more likely to harbor BV-associated bacteria under the foreskin. However, circumcision is not a recommended treatment for BV prevention, and good hygiene practices are effective for all men."