N Engl J Med

Treating male partners reduces recurrence of bacterial vaginosis

March 10, 2025

Study details: The open-label, randomized, controlled StepUp trial involved 164 couples where the woman had bacterial vaginosis (BV) and was in a monogamous relationship with a male partner. Women received standard antimicrobial treatment, while male partners in the intervention group received oral metronidazole and topical clindamycin for seven days. The primary outcome was BV recurrence within 12 weeks.

Results: The rate of BV recurrence was 35% in the partner-treatment group vs. 63% in the control group. The absolute risk difference was −2.6 recurrences per person-year (95% confidence interval, −4.0 to −1.2; P<0.001). Adverse events in treated men included nausea, headache, and metallic taste.

Clinical impact: Treating male partners alongside women significantly reduces the recurrence of BV, supporting the hypothesis of sexual transmission. This approach may improve long-term outcomes for women suffering from recurrent BV and should be considered in clinical practice.

Source:

Vodstrcil LA, et al; StepUp Team. (2025, March 5). N Engl J Med. Male-Partner Treatment to Prevent Recurrence of Bacterial Vaginosis. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40043236/