This is a firsthand account submitted through SWHR’s Share Your Story portal, as part of SWHR’s Women’s Health Perspective series.
In early April, I visited acare center in Fairhope, Alabama for a health concern and was diagnosed with bacterial vaginosis (BV). During my appointment, the physician explicitly told me that BV is not a sexually transmitted infection (STI) and that my sexual partner did not require treatment.
This information was concerning to me, as I had come across research suggesting a potential link between sexual activity and BV. Specifically, I found a study published in Obstetrics & Gynecology in 1983 (Hill LV, et al.) that indicated treating male partners of women with BV significantly reduced the rate of recurrence.
Being told that BV was not an STI and that partner treatment wasn’t necessary directly contradicted what I had read and left me feeling confused and concerned about the potential for reinfection and the accuracy of the information I received. It made me question the standard understanding and management of BV within the health care system.
My experience highlights a potential gap in the knowledge shared with patients about BV. If there is evidence suggesting a sexual component to BV, it’s crucial that health care providers are aware of relevant research and that patients receive accurate and up-to-date information, including the potential benefits of partner treatment in preventing recurrence.
BV is also not typically included in routine STI screenings during gynecological visits. This is concerning because many women with BV are asymptomatic or may be hesitant to report symptoms like the characteristic foul odor, especially if they believe their routine tests cover all potential issues. This lack of proactive screening can lead to missed diagnoses and delayed treatment.
I believe it’s important for organizations like the Society for Women’s Health Research to be aware of these evolving findings and to advocate for better education and updated clinical practices regarding BV. Ensuring women receive accurate information about their health is paramount, and addressing potential misinformation surrounding common conditions like BV is a vital step in improving women’s health outcomes.