A 22-year-old member asked:
Can you get bacterial vaginosis from your partner?
1 doctor answer • 3 doctors weighed in

Dr. Reid Blackwelderanswered
Family Medicine 39 years experience
Yes...maybe: Bacterial vaginosis (bv) is usually caused by an imbalance in the bacterial population of the vagina, with more "bad" present than "good." we are not really sure the cause, one seems to be having a new sex partner, or having multiple partners. In general, having a monogamous relationship than has been ongoing for a while makes it less likely that the sex caused the bv.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Reid Blackwelder commented
Family Medicine 39 years experience
Provided original answer
You may be having a reaction to his semen. Not necessarily an allergy, but sometimes women acn be "allergic to their partner. You could try using a condom to see if that prevents the problem. Eating live yogurt cultures, or taking lactobacillus regularly (available over the counter) might help keep the good bacteria more balanced. Hope this helps
Jan 30, 2012
Similar questions
FL
A 18-year-old member asked:
Should my partner need to be treated if I have bacterial vaginosis?
2 doctor answers • 5 doctors weighed in

Dr. Allison Grecoanswered
General Practice 11 years experience
No!: Bacterial vaginosis (bv) occurs when the normal type of bacteria that live in your vagina get replaced by different types of bacteria. Bv is not sexually transmitted, but instead reflects a naturally occurring change in your vagina that enables the new bacteria to grow - hormones, pH change, recent antibiotic use, etc. Your doctor can prescribe a medication to help restore the normal bacteria.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Anaheim, CA
A 19-year-old female asked:
Is vaginosis bacterial come from your partner?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in

Dr. Karen Shackelfordanswered
Emergency Medicine 28 years experience
No.: Bacterial vaginosis is caused by an imbalance of the good and bad bacteria in the vagina. Something as upset the balance. You can get bacterial vaginosis without ever having sex. It can make you susceptible to sexually transmitted diseases like chlamydia.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Detroit, MI
A 31-year-old female asked:
How is bacterial vaginosis transmitted? Is through having multiple sex partners?
1 doctor answer • 2 doctors weighed in

Dr. Jane Van Disanswered
Obstetrics and Gynecology 20 years experience
Can be: Bacterial vaginosis is a description for when a 'normal' vaginal flora (bacteria) grows in abnormal proportion and becomes the dominant bacteria in your vagina.... Over the normal dominant bacteria (the good bacteria, lactobaccilli). Many things cause bv, including exposure to different bacteria through multiple sex partners, allergens, toxins, changes in exercise, stress, diet.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Loveland, CO
A 49-year-old female asked:
If I have bacterial vaginosis, can my boyfriend get it?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in

Dr. Hunter Handsfieldanswered
Infectious Disease 55 years experience
Bacterial vaginosis: The causes of BV are mysterious. Most research shows no problem in the male sex partners of women with BV, and treatment of the partner makes no difference in chance of recurrent BV in women. OTOH, other data suggest that BV is sexually acquired some of the time. If your BV persists or recurs after treatment, plan on avoiding sex with your partner or consistent condoms for next few weeks. Gd luck!
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
135 viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 38-year-old member asked:
How do you get tested for bacterial vaginosis?
1 doctor answer • 2 doctors weighed in

Dr. Stephen Pappachenanswered
Obstetrics and Gynecology 24 years experience
Wet mount: Your ob/gyn could do this basic test or there are other "send out" tests that can be done. Of course, a thorough history (e.g. Malodorous vaginal discharge, itching, irritation, etc...) and physical exam are the cornerstones of any diagnosis.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Last updated Aug 4, 2017
People also asked
Connect with a U.S. board-certified doctor by text or video anytime, anywhere.
24/7 visits - just $44!
50% off with $19/month membership
Disclaimer:
Content on HealthTap (including answers) should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and interactions on HealthTap do not create a doctor-patient relationship. Never disregard or delay professional medical advice in person because of anything on HealthTap. Call your doctor or 911 if you think you may have a medical emergency.