Penis Microbiome May Lead To Partner's BV Infections, Study Says

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is an infection caused by an imbalance in the vaginal microbiome. If left untreated, BV can increase a woman's susceptibility to sexually transmitted infections1 (STIs) and can lead to fertility issues, according to the CDC. Though BV is common, there's no clear cause of the infection. However, new research from the University of Illinois at Chicago suggests male partners might play a role.

The researchers studied 168 heterosexual couples from Kenya. At the start of the study, none of the female participants had BV. Over the course of one year, more than 31% of women were diagnosed. 

The researchers compared the microbiome of each male's penis and found those whose female partners developed BV had a similar microbiota composition. Most notably, they found 10 BV-related bacteria that may be able to predict the onset of the infection in women. 

Understanding what causes BV in most women can help with prevention and treatment. 

"Antibiotic treatment of BV has limited long-term success, with up to 50% of women having recurrence within six months," public health researcher Supriya D. Mehta, MHS, Ph.D., says in a news release, "so we need more effective approaches to treatment. Male sex partner treatment may be a new strategy."