Can Men Get Bacterial Vaginosis?

Bacterial vaginosis (also known as BV) is a common, treatable vaginal infection. BV happens when the balance of normal bacteria in the vagina is thrown off by an activity like douching or having condomless sex. This leads to an infection that can cause discharge and irritation.

Because BV affects the vagina, people with a penis can't get it. However, research suggests that men can play a role in transmitting this infection to their female sexual partners, likely due to bacteria that live on the penis.

This article provides an overview of bacterial vaginosis and outlines the ways that male sexual partners may contribute to this infection.

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

Early research indicates that genetics may play some part in a person's risk for developing BV, though more evidence is needed.

Can Men Spread BV?

Experts are still exploring exactly how bacterial vaginosis is transmitted, but there is evidence that men play a part in transmission to their female sexual partners.

Just like the vaginal environment, naturally occurring bacteria live on the penis and the male urinary tract. If there are BV-related bacteria present, it's possible that it can be transmitted to a female partner during sex.

Some research points out that BV infections may be particularly likely in people whose male partners have an uncircumcised penis, likely due to the bacteria-friendly environment under the foreskin.

What Conditions Cause Similar 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:

• Chlamydia
• Gonorrhea
• Trichomoniasis 

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.

Prevention

BV is common. It affects roughly 21 million people in the United States each year. Fortunately, there are some steps that may help prevent this infection from forming.

Experts recommend:

• Not douching
• Consistently using condoms
  
• Avoiding feminine sprays, irritating soaps, and scented tampons
• Wearing breathable cotton underwear and loose workout clothes
• Wiping from front to back after urinating 
• Considering another form of contraception other than IUDs if you're prone to BV infections

Summary

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.

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.

A Word From Verywell

Bacterial vaginosis is a very common vaginal infection, so you shouldn’t feel embarrassed or ashamed if it develops. Be sure to seek a BV diagnosis and treatment with a healthcare provider, if accessible to you, because BV is linked to an increased risk of developing STIs, urinary infections, and pregnancy complications.