Men's Role in Bacterial Vaginosis Treatment Expanded: New Guidelines Recommend Joint Care

New Guidelines for Bacterial Vaginosis Treatment: Men Should Get Treated Too In a significant update to its clinical guidance, the American College of Obstetricians Gynecologists (ACOG) has recommended that men be treated alongside their female partners when it comes to recurring bacterial vaginosis (BV). The new guidelines, released on Friday, suggest that treatment for BV in women is more effective when both partners receive an oral antibiotic and an antibiotic cream applied directly to the penis. According to Christopher Zahn, chief of clinical practice and health equity and quality at ACOG, partner therapy offers a promising approach to preventing recurrence and improving symptoms. "Partner therapy provides us with another avenue for hopefully preventing recurrence and helping people feel better faster," he said in a statement. BV is a common condition affecting nearly 30 percent of women worldwide, causing symptoms such as itching, burning, a fishy odor, and green or gray vaginal discharge. While often described as an infection, BV is actually an imbalance in the normal bacterial flora of the vagina. The new guidelines are based on recent data indicating that treating both partners can significantly improve treatment outcomes for women with recurring BV. A study published in the Journal of Infectious Diseases found that partner therapy reduced recurrence rates by 50 percent compared to treatment of the female partner alone. Experts emphasize that BV is not a sign of poor hygiene or promiscuity, but rather an imbalance in the vaginal microbiome. "BV is a common condition that can affect anyone, regardless of their sexual history or lifestyle," said Dr. Zahn. "It's essential for women to seek medical attention if they experience symptoms, and now we know that treating both partners can make a significant difference." The ACOG guidelines recommend that healthcare providers discuss the benefits of partner therapy with patients and offer treatment options accordingly. Patients are advised to consult their healthcare provider before starting any new treatments. As the medical community continues to learn more about BV and its treatment, experts stress the importance of addressing the condition in a comprehensive and compassionate manner. "By treating both partners, we can not only improve symptoms but also reduce stigma and promote overall health and wellness," said Dr. Zahn. Background: Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a common condition affecting nearly 30 percent of women worldwide. Symptoms include itching, burning, a fishy odor, and green or gray vaginal discharge. Current Status: The ACOG guidelines recommend that men be treated alongside their female partners when it comes to recurring BV. Treatment involves an oral antibiotic and an antibiotic cream applied directly to the penis. Next Developments: As research continues to uncover more about BV and its treatment, experts expect partner therapy to become a standard approach in clinical practice. "We're excited to see how this new guidance will impact patient care and outcomes," said Dr. Zahn. *Reporting by Arstechnica.*