Why You Should Consider Treating Your Partner for BV
So, here’s the deal—if you’ve ever had bacterial vaginosis (BV), you know how frustrating it can be. The discomfort, the weird odor, the confusion—it’s enough to make anyone want to pull their hair out. But what really got me scratching my head was the whole “do you need to treat your partner for BV?” thing. I mean, BV isn’t technically an STI, right? So why would your partner need treatment? Let’s talk about it—without the medical jargon overload.
What the Science Says About Partner Treatment
Okay, first off—BV is not officially classified as a sexually transmitted infection, but it does often show up after sexual activity. That’s where the confusion starts. You clear it up with antibiotics, you follow all the hygiene tips, and boom—it comes back. That was my life for months.
Turns out, studies suggest that sexual partners can play a role in BV recurrence. And no, this doesn’t mean your partner is “dirty” or anything like that. It’s more about the exchange of bacteria disrupting your vaginal microbiome.
In heterosexual relationships, treating male partners hasn’t shown consistent results in clinical trials. But in same-sex female relationships, research points to higher chances of recurrence unless both partners are treated. It’s nuanced. And yeah, frustrating.
If you want to go deeper into the recurrent side of things, this guide on BV relapse after antibiotics is super helpful.
But My Doctor Said It’s Not Contagious?
You’re not alone if your doctor brushed off the idea of partner treatment. Mine did too—multiple times. The truth is, most OB-GYNs follow CDC guidelines, which don’t currently recommend treating male partners. That said, medicine is always evolving.
The lack of partner treatment recommendation doesn’t necessarily mean it’s irrelevant. Some clinicians are now acknowledging the emerging evidence—especially for same-sex partners and recurring cases. In these scenarios, you might get advice tailored to your specific relationship and symptoms. That’s what happened to me.
Check out this related article if you’re curious about how sexual activity influences BV. It breaks it down clearly.
Common Sense Hygiene Tips for You and Your Partner
So what can you do if you’re not treating your partner directly? Here’s what helped in my relationship:
- Condoms. I know, they’re not the sexiest topic—but they really made a difference. Less disruption to the vaginal environment = fewer flare-ups.
- Genital hygiene. We started being way more intentional. Mild soap only, no fragrances, and washing before and after sex.
- Limit sexual toys sharing unless they’re properly cleaned each time. This is especially important in same-sex female couples.
Want more hygiene-based prevention tips? Don’t skip this essential read: safe sex tips to avoid BV.
Should I Talk to My Partner About BV?
Oh gosh—yes. I avoided this convo for so long, and guess what? The problem stuck around. Opening up to my partner was awkward at first, but it helped. It’s not about blame—it’s about teamwork. Especially if BV keeps returning, you’re both in this.
What worked for us was making it matter-of-fact. No drama, just a “Hey, this is recurring and I think we should look into ways to handle it together.” I even showed him some of the articles, like this one on how BV is diagnosed. He appreciated being included.
When Partner Treatment Might Be Worth Exploring
Now, before you rush to your doctor asking for partner meds, here are some signs you might want to raise the conversation:
- You’ve had multiple recurrences in a short period (like 3+ in 6 months)
- You’re in a same-sex relationship and both of you experience symptoms
- You feel like you’ve tried everything else—hygiene, lifestyle, diet changes
In these cases, some practitioners may consider treating the partner as a preventive approach. It’s not mainstream—yet—but it’s worth discussing.
This long-term BV solutions guide was a turning point for me when I hit my breaking point.
Digging Deeper Into BV & Relationships
If this topic really resonates with you, don’t stop here. There’s a broader discussion to be had about how relationships, microbiome health, and recurring vaginal conditions intersect. I found this resource on BV symptoms and signs to be a helpful primer when I was first figuring all this out.
For a deeper dive into the big picture of BV—including prevention, diagnosis, and treatment—check out the full guide on bacterial vaginosis. And for a targeted overview on treatment options, don’t miss this pillar article about BV treatment. They’re game changers.
What If Your Partner Shows No Symptoms?
Here’s the thing—most male partners won’t show *any* signs of BV (because biologically, it doesn’t affect them the same way). And that’s part of what makes the decision about treating them tricky. You’re dealing with an invisible factor, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t real.
It reminds me of when I was obsessively trying to figure out why BV kept coming back after treatment. We both felt healthy. No symptoms for him. But every time I’d finish a round of metronidazole, it would creep back within weeks. That’s when I really started questioning if he could be carrying bacteria that was messing with my balance.
We never found definitive proof, but we did start implementing changes—like consistent condom use and a short course of treatment for him (under doctor supervision). I swear, it made a difference. Not overnight, but over time.
What Doctors Won’t Always Tell You
I get it—some OB-GYNs stick with the textbook: “BV is not an STI, partner treatment not needed.” That’s what most medical boards still stand by. But more progressive providers are starting to acknowledge a microbiome-sharing hypothesis in relationships. Basically, couples influence each other’s flora. And that’s especially true when intimacy is frequent.
If your BV keeps coming back and you feel like you’ve ruled out other causes—diet, stress, hygiene—partner treatment is a conversation worth having. Even if it’s not a guaranteed solution, it might reduce recurrence.
Need a deep dive on triggers? This article on stress and BV helped me connect some lifestyle dots too.
Same-Sex Relationships and BV Recurrence
This needs its own spotlight. If you’re in a female same-sex relationship and one or both of you have BV, studies have shown a significantly higher chance of recurrence without mutual treatment. This is likely due to the closer alignment in vaginal flora and the types of contact during intimacy.
I’ve had friends in this situation, and their OB-GYNs actually *did* recommend that both partners get treated together. That included antibiotics, abstaining from sex for a few days, and using probiotics after. It’s worth considering if BV just keeps circling back like a bad ex.
This related post on BV treatment during pregnancy also touches on dual-care approaches for reducing risk when intimacy can’t be avoided.
Antibiotic Resistance and the Rebound Effect
Here’s a tough pill (literally): Overuse of antibiotics—without addressing the partner aspect—can lead to resistance or rebound. I didn’t realize this at first. I just kept popping the prescribed meds and hoping they’d work “for good this time.”
It didn’t work. Not until we treated my partner and I rebuilt my gut and vaginal flora with probiotics. It’s not just about killing off the bad stuff—it’s about restoring balance. So before jumping into your third or fourth round of antibiotics, ask your provider if your partner should be part of the conversation too.
Do Natural Remedies Work for Both Partners?
I know some people prefer to go the natural route. While remedies like yogurt, coconut oil, and tea tree oil are popular, there’s limited data on whether they help in the context of partner treatment. That said, maintaining good hygiene, diet, and healthy immune support definitely doesn’t hurt.
Just be cautious—some natural remedies can irritate sensitive areas, especially if your partner tries them without guidance. I always say, if you’re not sure, ask a knowledgeable provider before experimenting.
Why BV Keeps Coming Back (Even After Doing Everything “Right”)
If you’re nodding your head right now, I feel you. I used to feel like I was cursed or just super unlucky. I’d finish treatment, avoid sex, switch my underwear, drink gallons of water, and still—bam. That funky smell again.
Sometimes, the reason isn’t *you*. It might be your partner, the timing of sex, or even the reintroduction of bacteria from hands, toys, or bodily fluids. Recurrence doesn’t mean you’re unhygienic—it means your vaginal environment hasn’t had the chance to stabilize properly.
This guide on long-term BV solutions breaks this all down beautifully.
So…Do You Need to Treat Your Partner for BV?
Here’s the takeaway—if your BV is a one-time thing, maybe not. But if it keeps coming back like clockwork, yes, it’s worth exploring. Don’t feel weird about asking your doctor. It’s your body, your relationship, and your peace of mind on the line.
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer here, but more and more people (and clinicians) are realizing that ignoring the partner piece can be a major blind spot. Start the convo, ask the questions, and do what feels right for your unique situation.
Want a broader overview on prevention strategies? Here’s a useful read on BV prevention tips that changed my approach entirely.
And for the complete story on how BV fits into overall vaginal health, don’t miss the in-depth guide on bacterial vaginosis and the BV causes and risk factors pillar article. The more you know, the better you can protect your well-being.
Dr. Gwenna Aazee is a board-certified Internal Medicine Physician with a special focus on hypertension management, chronic disease prevention, and patient education. With years of experience in both clinical practice and medical writing, she’s passionate about turning evidence-based medicine into accessible, actionable advice. Through her work at Healthusias.com, Dr. Aazee empowers readers to take charge of their health with confidence and clarity. Off the clock, she enjoys deep dives into nutrition research, long walks with her rescue pup, and simplifying medical jargon one article at a time.
