Bacterial Vaginosis and Men

Men Bacterial Vaginosis and Other Misconceptions
By Todd Massey 

Bacterial vaginosis is not considered a sexually transmitted disease (STD) since women who have never engaged in sexual activity can develop BV.

BV is simply caused by a reduction of good bacteria that normally live within the vaginal environment helping to protect it. Followed by an increase in bad bacteria that (which also normally live within the vaginal environment in reduced numbers) cause the major symptoms of increased discharge and sometimes a fishy vaginal odor.

A man cannot get bacterial vaginosis. It is generally thought that men cannot transmit bacterial vaginosis but they can play a role in aggravating the condition. Treating a boyfriend or treatment for a male partner is unnecessary.

It is suspected that women involved in sexual relations with another woman (or lesbian relationships) can spread or initiate BV in other women they are having intimate contact with.

You cannot spread bacterial vaginosis simply by kissing. BV by its nature is strictly limited to the vaginal region but the infection can spread up into the fallopian tubes causing difficulties with pregnancies or future attempts at pregnancy.

If you have an infection of the mouth it may likely be what is commonly called thrush (in children) or is related to a yeast infection. A yeast infection is different from bacterial vaginosis. A yeast infection is caused by an overgrowth of yeast within the body or a particular area and BV is an overgrowth of bad bacteria within the vaginal environment.

Food cannot cause BV and contracting the infection is not based on hygiene or other normal methods of keeping yourself clean, but it is thought that douching and other feminine products can play a role in upsetting the balance of the vaginal environment, leading to bacterial vaginosis.

There should be not lesions or sores if all you have is bacterial vaginosis. It may be possible to develop some irritation or inflammation or that scratching the area excessively may cause sores. But any sores are not directly related to BV and if you have sores you probably have some other condition and should see a doctor.