Can Men Get BV? The Truth About Bacterial Vaginosis and Men

If you have a vagina, you're probably familiar with bacterial vaginosis or BV. And how could you not be? Bacterial vaginosis is one of the most common vaginal infections, caused by an overgrowth of bacteria within the vaginal microbiome.

BV is often annoying, uncomfortable, or even embarrassing. And if you've noticed new infections or increased infections after becoming sexually active with a new partner, you might be wondering, "Can men get BV? Does my partner have BV and keep giving it to me?"

The answer is no... and yes. No, a male partner can't actually have a BV infection because they don't have a vagina. But yes, they can be contributing to your BV infections. How exactly can they be contributing? That's what we're here to discuss.

This post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. See full disclaimer below.

Can You Get BV from a Male Partner?

While men cannot experience BV themselves because they don't have a vagina, research suggests that sexually active men can pass BV-associated bacteria to their female partners during sex¹. Just like the vagina has its own unique microbiome, the penis has one too, and the two are more connected than you might think.

A healthy vaginal microbiome is typically dominated by Lactobacillus species (lactobacilli), which maintain a slightly acidic pH (around 3.8-4.5) by producing lactic acid and hydrogen peroxide². This acidic environment helps inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria. When BV occurs, this balance of bacteria shifts. Instead of healthy lactobacilli, the vagina becomes dominated by bacteria like Gardnerella vaginalis, Prevotella species, and other anaerobic bacteria that thrive in less acidic conditions.

The penile microbiome (also called penile microbiota) can harbor many of the same bacterial species associated with BV³. The coronal sulcus (or the groove behind the head of the penis) and the glans (aka the tip) provide warm, moist environments where bacteria can colonize on the penile skin and foreskin. Studies have found that men frequently carry BV-associated bacteria, including Gardnerella, Prevotella, Mobiluncus, and Atopobium—all types of bacteria that can cause vaginal dysbiosis. One particular study of 165 uncircumcised men with multiple female partners actually found these men carried BV-causing bacteria on their penises, putting their partners at an increased risk of getting BV.

During unprotected vaginal sex, there's a direct exchange of bacteria between partners⁴. If a male partner carries BV-associated bacteria on his penis, these bacteria can be introduced into the vaginal environment during intercourse. For someone already struggling with BV or prone to vaginal dysbiosis, this bacterial transfer can tip the balance away from healthy lactobacilli dominance and trigger a new bacterial infection or prolong an existing one. This is why treating just one partner often isn't enough to break the cycle of recurrent BV.

How Long Can a Man Carry BV-Causing Bacteria?

One study recently published in Cell Reports Medicine found that men having vaginal sex not only carried the bacteria associated with bacterial vaginosis, but that the bacteria were detectable for at least two months after sex, which can explain how a particular sexual partner seems to trigger recurring BV infections⁵.

Is BV a Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI)?

No. Although there is a strong link between sexual activity and BV, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) does not consider BV to be a sexually transmitted infection (STI) or sexually transmitted disease (STD)⁶. While BV is definitely more prevalent in people who are having sex, particularly those having unprotected sex or sex with multiple sexual partners, people who are not sexually active can also get BV.

When we talk about sexually transmitted infections, we are generally referring to those like:

• Syphilis (Treponema Pallidum)
• Genital herpes (Herpes Simplex Virus – HSV)
• Gonorrhea (Neisseria gonorrhoeae)
• Trichomoniasis (Trichomonas vaginalis)
• Chlamydia (Chlamydia trachomatis)

Do Men Experience BV-Like Conditions?

Since men don't have vaginas, they can't get bacterial vaginosis exactly, but they can experience their own forms of genital dysbiosis and bacterial infections that share some similarities with BV⁷. The most common include:

Balanoposthitis

Balanoposthitis is an inflammation of both the glans (head of the penis) and the foreskin, most commonly seen in uncircumcised men⁸. Like BV, balanoposthitis can be caused by an overgrowth of bacteria or yeast due to a disruption of the normal penile microbiome. Symptoms include redness, swelling, discharge, and odor, all remarkably similar to what women experience with BV.

Urethritis

Men can also develop urethritis, or inflammation of the urethra, which can be caused by bacterial overgrowth⁹. While often associated with STIs, non-gonococcal urethritis can result from imbalances in the normal bacterial flora, similar to how BV develops from vaginal dysbiosis.

The key difference? Men's genital anatomy and hormonal environment make them less prone to symptomatic bacterial overgrowth¹⁰. They're more likely to be asymptomatic carriers of BV-associated bacteria, which is precisely what makes partner-related recurrent BV so frustrating.

Why Do BV Symptoms Worsen After Sex?

If you notice BV symptoms like vaginal discharge, fishy odor, and itching seem to increase after sex, you aren't going crazy¹¹. It's a real thing. Vaginal sex causes BV symptoms to flare because it can reintroduce bad bacteria into your vaginal microbiome and disrupt your pH balance.

Semen is also naturally alkaline (pH 7.2-8.0), which temporarily raises vaginal pH and creates a more hospitable environment for BV-associated bacteria to thrive. Plus, the physical friction of sex can irritate your vagina, worsening your overall discomfort from an active BV infection.

Can You Give BV to Your Male Partner?

No, you can't give BV to a male sex partner. BV is a vaginal infection, so only people with a vagina can actually get it¹². What you can do, though, is pass on BV-associated bacteria to your partner, who can then pass it back to you weeks or even months later, creating a cycle of recurrent BV.

Can You Have Sex with BV?

Can you? Sure. Should you? Probably not. As we said, it can exacerbate BV symptoms, which can not only make you more uncomfortable than necessary but can prolong your current infection and put you at increased risk of recurrent BV from your partner¹³.

How Long Should You Wait to Have Sex After BV Treatment?

This is a great question to ask your healthcare provider or gynecologist when they first prescribe you a BV treatment like antibiotics (such as metronidazole or clindamycin)¹⁴. But generally, the rule of thumb regarding BV and sex is to wait at least 7 days AFTER completing your full round of antibiotics. So if you get prescribed a 3-day round of antibiotics or a 7-day round, add another 7 days to that before resuming sexual activity.

How Do You Avoid Getting Recurrent BV from Your Partner?

The math doesn't exactly add up, right? Because even if you wait 7 days after completing your antibiotic prescription, the BV-associated bacteria living on your partner's penis can stay alive for another month or more¹⁵. That's why it's so easy to fall into the cycle of recurrent BV. But it's also an easy cycle to break if you know how to practice good sex hygiene and protect your sexual health.

The best prevention strategies for recurrent BV include:

Practicing Safe Sex

Using condoms creates a barrier that prevents the direct exchange of bacteria between partners¹⁶. While not foolproof, consistent condom use significantly reduces your risk of BV recurrence related to sexual activity.

Urinating After Sex

Going to the bathroom after having sex helps flush out any unwanted bacteria from your urethra and can help clear bacteria from the vaginal opening¹⁷.

Rinsing with Water

Wash your vulva (the external area) thoroughly with clean water after having sex¹⁸. Avoid using soaps, douches, or scented products inside the vagina, as these can further disrupt your vaginal pH and microbiome.

Taking a Daily Probiotic

Take a daily probiotic, particularly one that contains clinically studied strains of Lactobacillus¹⁹. Lactobacillus is responsible for maintaining your overall vaginal pH, which can help inhibit bad bacteria that get reintroduced. Happy V's Prebiotic + Probiotic is specifically formulated with strains like Lactobacillus crispatus (CCFM1110™), Lactobacillus rhamnosus (HN001™), and Lactobacillus acidophilus (LA-14®) that have all been clinically studied through clinical trials for supporting vaginal health and women's health.

In fact, in preclinical testing, Happy V's unique blend of Lactobacillus strains demonstrated the ability to inhibit Gardnerella growth (aka the main culprit behind BV) and support a more Lactobacillus-dominant vaginal environment, both key factors in maintaining long-term vaginal balance and preventing recurring infections²⁰.

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Cleaning Sex Toys Properly

Clean and sterilize sex toys before engaging in any sexual activity (yes, every single time!). Sex toys can harbor bacteria and transfer them between partners or reintroduce bacteria to your own vagina²¹.

Washing Before Sex

Encourage your partner to wash his penis with water before sexual activity, especially if it's been several hours since his last shower. This simple step can reduce the bacterial load that might be transferred during sex²².

Considering Partner Treatment

While not standard practice in the United States, some healthcare providers and clinicians may consider male partner treatment with antibiotics, particularly in cases of persistent recurrent BV and BV recurrence in heterosexual couples²³. This approach is more common in other countries (including randomized controlled trials conducted in regions like Uganda) but may be worth discussing with your healthcare provider during follow-up appointments if you're experiencing frequent reinfections despite following all other prevention strategies.

What Happens If You Leave BV Untreated?

We know that chronic and recurrent BV can be frustrating, especially if you feel like it's linked to a particular sexual partner²⁴. And if giving up that partner isn't an option, you might be tempted to just live with the symptoms. But that would be a mistake.

You can break the cycle of recurrent BV, and more than that, it's important you do. Leaving BV untreated has been linked to:

• Increased risk of STIs and other sexually transmitted infections
• Increased risk of getting HIV/AIDS (BV and STIs both increase this risk as a risk factor)
• Increased risk of developing post-surgical infections after an abortion or a hysterectomy
• Fertility problems
• Increased chances of miscarriage, preterm birth, and low birth weight of a newborn
• Increased risk of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), or the inflammation and infection of the ovaries, uterus, or fallopian tubes that can result in infertility

Research published in medical journals has consistently shown these complications, making proper treatment and prevention essential for women's health.

Final Thoughts

BV and sex have a complicated relationship. While men can't get BV themselves, they play a significant role in the bacterial exchange that can trigger or perpetuate infections in their female partners. Understanding the connection between the penile and vaginal microbiomes, practicing good sexual hygiene (for both partners), and supporting your vaginal health with targeted probiotics can help you break free from the frustrating cycle of recurrent BV.

If you're experiencing persistent BV despite following prevention strategies, don't hesitate to talk to your healthcare provider. They may have additional treatment options or can help identify other underlying factors contributing to your recurrent infections.

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Disclaimer: This blog is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Statements about supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. For more information about vaginal infections, visit the CDC or speak to a licensed healthcare provider.