Bacterial vaginosis(also known as BV) is a common, treatablevaginal infection.
This leads to an infection that can cause discharge and irritation.
Because BV affects the vagina, people with a penis can’t get it.
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Research studies sometimes don’t use the terminology in this way.
What Causes Bacterial Vaginosis?
Bacterial vaginosis is the result of an imbalance of bacteria that naturally live in the vagina.
When disturbed, harmful bacteria strains overgrow and cause an infection.
Experts are still researching what exactly causes this imbalance in BV infections.
Can Men Spread BV?
Just like the vaginal environment, naturally occurring bacteria live on the penis and the male urinary tract.
Is BV an STI?
What Conditions Cause Similar Symptoms in Men?
Thrush
Penile thrushis a yeast infection on the penis.
It happens when a naturally occurring yeast known asCandida albicansovergrows on the penis.
This can lead to symptoms like discharge, pain with urination, and itchiness.
STIs
STIsare transmitted primarily through sexual contact with another person who has the infection.
They include:
Consistently practicing safer sex can helpprevent STIs.
Symptoms usually include discharge from the penis and pain, burning, or irritation while urinating.
There are several risk factors for developing a UTI, including having unprotected sex.
Balanitis
Balanitisis a condition that causes inflammation on the head of the penis.
Many people notice discharge, itchiness, and pain during urination.
Balanitis is not transmitted through sex.
It’s more common in people who haveuncircumcised penises.
Fortunately, there are some steps that mayhelp prevent this infectionfrom forming.
Experts are still researching the reasons behind how and why this may occur.
Frequently Asked Questions
There are no treatment options for male partners of a person with BV.
seems as if male partners can play a role in your BV infection.
These chances may be greater in male partners who are uncircumcised.
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Planned Parenthood.STD awareness: is bacterial vaginosis a sexually transmitted disease?.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Sexually transmitted infections treatment guidelines, 2021: bacterial vaginosis.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office on Womens Health.Bacterial vaginosis.
Planned Parenthood.How can I avoid getting vaginitis?.
2021;128(4):75667. doi:10.1111/1471-0528.16430
