Why BV Can Be Passed Through Oral Sex and What You Can Do About It
Let me tell you something that might surprise you—I used to think bacterial vaginosis (BV) was only something women needed to worry about after using scented products or forgetting to wear cotton underwear. But after a rather uncomfortable chat with my OB-GYN (yes, one of *those* conversations), I found out there’s a whole other layer to BV—like whether it can be passed through oral sex. Trust me, this isn’t the kind of small talk anyone wants at brunch, but it’s real, and a lot more common than you’d think.
Can BV Really Be Passed Through Oral Sex?
So, here’s the million-dollar question: can BV be passed through oral sex? The short answer? Yes, it’s entirely possible. BV isn’t classified as a traditional sexually transmitted infection (STI), but that doesn’t mean sexual activity—oral included—can’t stir things up.
Here’s the deal: BV is essentially an imbalance in the vaginal flora. Normally, good bacteria (like lactobacillus) dominate, but when bad bacteria overgrow, BV happens. And introducing bacteria from the mouth to the vagina during oral sex? That can absolutely throw the balance off.
In fact, research from CDC and other medical journals has highlighted that women who receive oral sex frequently may have a slightly higher risk of BV. Why? The mouth isn’t sterile. Saliva introduces bacteria, and guess what? Your vagina is picky about guests.
Oral Sex: A Lesser-Known BV Trigger
Let me just speak from personal experience for a second. After a couple of recurring BV episodes (we’re talking that *fishy odor* that makes you self-conscious at yoga class), my doctor asked about oral sex. I’d never even considered it could be related, but turns out, it totally could.
Some reasons oral sex can contribute to BV include:
- Saliva introduces foreign bacteria – and some of them are harmful to vaginal flora.
- pH disruption – The vaginal environment likes to stay between 3.8 and 4.5. Saliva doesn’t care about your pH needs.
- Oral hygiene – If your partner has gum disease or poor dental hygiene, that bacterial load? It’s coming your way.
Check out this in-depth breakdown of BV and vaginal odor if you’re wondering how BV symptoms tend to show up.
But Wait—Is It *Contagious*?
BV isn’t *technically* contagious in the way chlamydia or gonorrhea are. However, there is a growing body of evidence that sexual partners can affect the vaginal microbiome. This includes partners of any gender.
If you’re in a relationship where oral sex is a regular thing, and one of you keeps getting BV, it might be time to talk. Like, awkward-but-important talk. There’s even discussion about whether treating partners might help—though evidence is mixed. Learn more about the topic in this deep dive on treating your partner for BV.
So, Should You Stop Having Oral Sex?
Relax—this isn’t a call to go celibate. But it might be a nudge to be more mindful. Here are some low-key strategies:
- Rinse your mouth or brush teeth before oral sex (yes, really).
- Consider dental dams if BV keeps recurring.
- Avoid oral sex right after eating sugary foods or drinking alcohol (bacteria love sugar too).
And if you’re prone to BV already, it might help to check out hygiene habits that are making things worse. This article on BV-causing hygiene habits covers things you might never have considered.
Myths Worth Busting
- “You can’t get BV from oral sex.” Totally false. You’re not “catching” BV, but you’re sure as heck triggering it.
- “Only women with bad hygiene get BV.” Nope. You can shower daily and still get it. It’s about bacterial balance, not cleanliness.
- “If I don’t feel anything, it must not be BV.” Wrong again. Some women have no symptoms. Others feel off but can’t quite explain it.
If you’re unsure whether what you’re experiencing is even BV, this guide to self-diagnosing BV can help make sense of the symptoms.
Why You Shouldn’t Ignore This
Untreated BV can lead to more than just unpleasant symptoms. It’s linked to:
- Higher risk of contracting STIs
- Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
- Increased complications during pregnancy
If you’re curious about those risks during pregnancy, this piece on BV and miscarriage risk is a must-read. This stuff gets serious quickly.
So, What’s the Takeaway?
Oral sex might feel totally harmless (and let’s be honest, it often is), but it’s one of those things that can silently throw off your vaginal health. Being informed isn’t about avoiding intimacy—it’s about owning your health. Trust me, I wish I’d known this stuff earlier.
For a full overview of BV symptoms, causes, and prevention strategies, visit this comprehensive guide on causes and risk factors. Or take a bigger-picture view by checking out Healthusias’ full BV resource page.
How to Lower Your BV Risk When Oral Sex Is Involved
If you’re like me and want to keep your sex life satisfying and your vaginal health in check, you’re not alone. I’ve had enough conversations with girlfriends over wine and during those hushed bathroom breaks at brunch to know this: a lot of us are in the same boat. So what can you actually do to reduce your risk of BV without killing the mood in the bedroom?
Here are some tried-and-true approaches that helped me cut down the frequency of flare-ups:
- Open Communication – Talk to your partner about oral hygiene. It’s not sexy, but it’s necessary.
- Maintain a Balanced Vaginal pH – Avoid over-washing or using perfumed products. Stick to gentle, pH-balanced washes if you must.
- Try Probiotics – I swear by probiotics (the refrigerated kind). After adding them to my daily routine, I noticed fewer issues. Here’s a great breakdown on probiotics for BV that helped me understand which strains actually matter.
And if you’re wondering about home remedies in general, I found this review on tea tree oil for BV to be refreshingly honest.
What If BV Keeps Coming Back?
Here’s where things get frustrating: you follow all the tips, use the meds, feel better… then boom—BV again. Trust me, I’ve been there. It’s exhausting. And oral sex might just be one piece of the puzzle.
If BV keeps returning, especially after antibiotics, consider reading this post on why BV relapses after antibiotics. It opened my eyes to how gut health, diet, and yes—my sex life—were all linked.
Also, this one’s underrated: stop douching. Just don’t. Ever. Even if TikTok says it’s “freshening.”
Consider the Diet Factor
This was a game-changer for me. I had no idea sugar and processed foods were fueling my issues until I read up on how diet affects BV. Switching up what I ate helped more than I expected.
This guide on whether sugar makes BV worse was eye-opening. And yeah, I still sneak a cupcake now and then—but I’m more mindful.
Should You Be Treating Your Partner?
This topic comes up a lot in women’s forums, and I’ve even asked my own doctor: Should my partner be treated for BV too? The answer? It depends.
BV isn’t officially an STI, so there’s no standard recommendation to treat partners. But if you keep passing it back and forth like a ping-pong ball? Some docs say it’s worth considering. There’s a great resource on treating your partner for BV that breaks down what the research says—and what it doesn’t.
Also, don’t overlook condom use. Even during oral. Dental dams exist for a reason. They’re not glamorous, but neither is another round of metronidazole.
When It’s Time to See a Doctor
There’s no shame in reaching out for help. Honestly, after three rounds of recurring BV, I made the call—and it was the best thing I could’ve done.
BV symptoms that don’t go away, smell unusually strong, or keep coming back after treatment? Those are signs it’s time to get a professional opinion. And not all BV is created equal. What worked for your friend might not work for you.
This guide on BV home test accuracy helped me decide whether I needed to book a visit or just test at home first.
Getting the Right Treatment
Not all treatments are equal. Some folks respond well to metronidazole; others do better with clindamycin or even boric acid. If you’ve never looked into boric acid for BV, I highly recommend checking it out. It helped me when standard antibiotics didn’t cut it.
Whatever you do, complete the full course of treatment—even if you feel better halfway through. BV is notorious for bouncing back if you let your guard down.
It’s Not Just About Oral Sex—It’s About Knowing Your Body
At the end of the day, BV isn’t a one-size-fits-all condition. Oral sex might be part of your puzzle, or maybe it’s not. But what I’ve learned is this: being aware, asking questions, and being proactive is everything.
There’s power in understanding your own body, in seeing patterns, and in pushing for answers even when it’s uncomfortable. I wish more of us felt empowered to speak up about it without shame. That’s why I’m sharing my story—and hopefully helping you feel a little less alone if you’re dealing with this too.
If you’re looking for an all-in-one breakdown on prevention, treatment, and long-term strategies, head over to this recurring BV prevention guide.
For a wider look at everything from symptoms to diet and treatment, visit the main pillar resource on Bacterial Vaginosis.
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.
