Vaginosis is a term most commonly associated with women, but did you know that men can also be affected by this condition? While the concept of vaginosis in men might sound unusual, it’s a topic that deserves attention. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options is crucial for maintaining good health and avoiding complications.
What is Vaginosis?
Vaginosis, also known as bacterial vaginosis (BV), is an imbalance of the natural bacteria found in the vagina. This condition is characterized by an overgrowth of certain bacteria, leading to symptoms such as abnormal discharge, odor, and discomfort. Though it primarily affects women, the bacteria causing vaginosis can also impact men, particularly through sexual contact.
What Causes Bacterial Vaginosis?
Bacterial vaginosis is the result of an imbalance of bacteria that naturally live in the vagina.
This environment of bacteria—which includes “healthy” (beneficial) and “unhealthy” (unbeneficial) bacteria—is sometimes referred to as vaginal flora. When disturbed, harmful bacteria strains overgrow and cause an infection.
Experts are still researching what exactly causes this imbalance in BV infections. But they do know that certain activities related to personal hygiene and sexual activity can impact the vaginal flora and potentially increase the risk of developing BV. These lifestyle factors include:
- New or multiple sexual partners
- Douching (inserting a solution into the vaginal cavity for rinsing purposes)
- Not using condoms consistently
- Using certain intrauterine devices (IUDs)
- Smoking
What are the Symptoms in Men?
Bacterial vaginosis isn’t possible in men, but there are other conditions that cause similar symptoms like discharge, irritation, and painful urination.
Thrush
Penile thrush is a yeast infection on the penis. It happens when a naturally occurring yeast known as Candida albicans overgrows on the penis. This can lead to symptoms like discharge, pain with urination, and itchiness. Although penile thrush doesn’t meet the criteria to be considered an STI, the fungus can still be transmitted through sexual contact.
STIs
STIs are transmitted primarily through sexual contact with another person who has the infection.
Some STIs in men cause symptoms that are similar to bacterial vaginosis, like discharge and irritation around the genital area. They include:
Consistently practicing safer sex can help prevent STIs.
UTIs
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) in males typically happen when bacteria enter the urinary tract and grow in the bladder, though sometimes they can be caused by viruses. 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
Balanitis is 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 have uncircumcised penises. Other factors can also increase your chance of getting balanitis, such as poor personal hygiene and exposure to chemical irritants.
Can Men Get or Spread Bacterial Vaginosis?
While people with no vagina can’t get bacterial vaginosis (BV), they may be able to transmit it to a partner who has a vagina. Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is an infection caused by having too much of a certain type of bacteria in the vagina. The vagina naturally maintains a balance of lactobacilli, which are beneficial bacteria. These are often referred to as the vaginal flora or microbiota. When vaginal flora is out of balance, harmful anaerobic bacteria take over.
Men can’t get Bacterial Vaginosis spontaneously because the penis doesn’t have the same delicate balance of bacteria. Bacterial vaginosis is not an sexually transmitted infection (STI), even though it can be triggered by sex. It’s worth noting that you’re more likely to get an STI if you have bacterial vaginosis.
Men’s Role in Bacteria Vaginosis Prevention
There are a few preventive steps men can take to help their female partners avoid BV. Some vital preemptive strategies include:
Maintaining good hygiene practices for both men and women, as it can limit harmful bacteria from entering the penile and vaginal microbiomes.
Cleaning sex toys and avoiding possible irritants like perfumed lubricants, condoms, and soaps are all essential ways to help prevent BV.
Using unscented or unflavored condoms, as it is the most effective way to prevent BV. A study published in Sexually Transmitted Diseases found that men with urethritis were likely to carry the bacteria that causes BV on their penis.
Getting tested for STIs regularly is pivotal in not passing infections to sexual partners.
Regular communication and mutual understanding between sexual partners. This encourages healthy practices for preventing BV and other infections.
Seeking medical advice when necessary. If you or your partner is experiencing any symptoms that you suspect are BV, make an appointment with LifeMD to get BV treatment online.
How does one prevent transmitting Bacteria Vaginosis-causing bacteria through sex?
Consistent condom use can lower the risk of BV by providing a barrier. Dental dams are another barrier method that can be used to protect your vulva from disruptive bacteria. While we know the ship has likely sailed, circumcision has also been found to decrease the risk of sexually transmitting BV-causing bacteria.
However, it’s important to remember that a sexual partner’s microbiome is only one of multiple factors that can contribute to the state of your vaginal microbiome. There are other factors such as hormones, your period, and vaginal products that can increase your risk of BV.
Should my partner seek treatment if I have Bacteria Vaginosis?
As far as we know, BV-causing bacteria in the penile microbiome are not harmful to people with penises. (For the record, we have a feeling there would be more research on BV if they were.) The purpose of treating the penile microbiome is to decrease your risk of re-acquiring BV-associated microbes into your vaginal microbiome.
Unfortunately, right now there is no standard, effective strategy that doctors can use for partner treatment. Multiple studies have tried different ways of giving a partner of someone with BV an oral antibiotic, and none of these studies indicated an effective benefit over a placebo.
However, there is hope on the horizon. A recent pilot study was performed with 34 couples where partners were given both oral and topical antibiotic treatments. This study indicated that combination oral and topical partner treatment reduced BV-causing bacteria in both penile and vaginal microbiomes for 12 weeks. Because of the small nature of the study, the results will need to be tested further by increasing the number of participants to effectively assess symptoms and recurrence. The same research group has received approval for a larger study and appears to be actively enrolling patients through the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry. Fingers crossed!
When to Seek Medical Help
If symptoms such as unusual discharge, odor, or discomfort persist, it’s time to see a healthcare provider. Ignoring these signs can lead to complications. Being open and honest with your doctor about your symptoms is crucial. Don’t be embarrassed—your health is worth it.
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a common infection that occurs when there’s a change in the vagina’s normal bacterial balance. The exact cause of BV isn’t clear, but it’s more likely to develop with activities that disrupt the vagina’s bacterial environment, such as douching, new or multiple sexual partners, IUD use, and not using condoms consistently.
Conclusion
Vaginosis in men is an often-overlooked condition that can have significant health implications. Understanding the symptoms, causes, and treatment options is key to maintaining good health and preventing complications. If you experience any symptoms, don’t hesitate to seek medical advice.
While men can’t contract BV, they can play a role in their female sexual partners’ BV infections by transmitting bacteria present in the genital area. Experts are still researching the reasons behind how and why this may occur.
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