Can Men Pass on BV? Here's What You Should Know
Let’s talk about something that’s rarely discussed openly but affects so many people with vaginas — bacterial vaginosis (BV). If you’ve ever had it (or keep getting it), you know the drill: weird discharge, that unmistakable fishy smell, and the frustrating feeling of "Didn’t I just deal with this?"
And here’s the question that comes up a lot:
Can men pass on BV?
Short answer? Not exactly, but kind of. Let’s break it down in real, understandable terms.
First, What Even Is BV?
BV isn’t technically an STD. It’s a bacterial imbalance — when the good bacteria in your vagina (mainly lactobacilli) get pushed out, and not-so-great bacteria (like Gardnerella) take over. This can throw off your vaginal pH and cause all those annoying symptoms.
Common signs of BV include:
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A thin, gray or white discharge
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A fishy odor (especially after sex)
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Mild irritation or itching (though many people have no symptoms at all)
You can treat it — usually with antibiotics — but the kicker is: BV often comes back, sometimes within weeks.
So... Do Guys Cause BV?
Here’s where it gets tricky.
Men don’t get BV — they don’t have vaginas, so they don’t experience the imbalance. BUT studies have shown that men can carry BV-related bacteria on their skin, especially on the penis (and more so if they’re uncircumcised). These bacteria can be passed back during sex.
So while guys aren’t the source of BV, they might be a part of the cycle that keeps it coming back.
The Frustrating Recurrence Loop
Let’s say you get treated for BV. Great. Then you have unprotected sex with your male partner — who may unknowingly be harboring those same bacteria — and boom: your vaginal balance gets thrown off again.
This is why some people feel like they’re trapped in a “BV keeps coming back” loop, even when they’re doing everything right.
Is There a Cure for That Loop?
You’d think the obvious fix would be: just treat the partner too, right?
Unfortunately, most doctors don’t routinely treat male partners for BV because the research on whether it helps is still inconclusive. A few small studies suggest it might reduce recurrence, but the guidelines haven’t changed yet.
That said, if you’re dealing with recurrent BV, it’s totally fair to talk to your doctor about whether your partner’s role could be contributing. Some more progressive or research-aware doctors may be open to exploring treatment or at least discussing your options.
Things You Can Do Right Now
Even if male partners aren’t being treated directly, there are steps you both can take to lower the chances of BV coming back:
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Use condoms – They can help prevent bacteria transfer and semen (which messes with vaginal pH) from triggering BV.
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Both of you should wash up before and after sex – It’s not just good hygiene, it’s smart prevention.
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Avoid douching or harsh soaps – These disrupt your natural vaginal flora even more.
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Consider a break from sex if BV keeps recurring – It sucks, but sometimes giving your body a rest helps reset things.
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Talk about circumcision – No pressure or judgment here, but uncircumcised men may carry more BV-linked bacteria.
Real Talk: You’re Not Alone
BV is super common. Like, 1 in 3 people with vaginas will deal with it at some point — and many will have multiple rounds of it. That doesn’t mean you’re doing something wrong. It doesn’t mean your partner is dirty or careless. It just means we need better information, more research, and open conversations.
So, Do Men Pass on BV?
Let’s reframe it.
Men don’t get BV. They don’t give it to you in the traditional STI sense.
But yes — they can carry the bacteria that throw off your vaginal balance, which might explain why it keeps coming back after treatment.
So if you’re asking this question because you’re frustrated, tired of the cycle, or just trying to make sense of what’s going on — your questions are valid. Keep asking them. Advocate for your health. And know that it’s okay to bring your partner into that conversation, too.
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