Experts have issued a new warning about a condition that is very common in women, suggesting it can be transmitted through sexual intercourse and increase the risk of serious diseases, including cancer.
It's about bacterial vaginosis (BV) - a disorder that affects up to one in four women and occurs when the natural balance of bacteria in the vagina is disrupted.
What is bacterial vaginosis?
BV is usually a mild condition and can cause:
vaginal secretions
unusual smell
However, about half of women have no symptoms at all.
Despite this, it is not harmless.
Health risks
Studies show that BV is associated with:
higher risk for sexually transmitted infections (such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, and HIV)
pregnancy complications (spontaneous abortion, premature birth)
Furthermore, doctors warn that this condition creates favorable conditions for the HPV virus – which is responsible for almost all cases of cervical cancer.
Is it transmitted through sex?
Traditionally, BV has not been considered a sexually transmitted infection because it is not caused by a single pathogen, but by a bacterial imbalance.
But recent research is changing this view.
Studies show that:
treating male partners together with women significantly improves outcomes
Men can carry the bacteria without having symptoms.
untreated partners can re-infect women
This suggests that BV can be spread during sexual intercourse.
Why does it come back so often?
BV is usually treated with antibiotics, but:
about 50% of women experience it again within 6 months
One of the main reasons is precisely reinfection from an untreated partner.
What are the experts recommending?
Specialists require that BV:
be treated as a sexually transmitted infection
include treatment of both partners
This would help break the cycle of reinfection.
How is it currently treated?
In some countries like the USA, Canada and Australia:
BV is now managed within the framework of sexual health
World Health Organization guidelines are followed
While in other countries, partners are not routinely treated – which can increase the risk of infection returning.
Bacterial vaginosis is more than just a minor inconvenience. It can have serious consequences for reproductive health and increase the risk of infections and cancer.
Recent developments suggest that it can be transmitted sexually – highlighting the importance of treating both partners and raising awareness about the condition. /GazetaExpress/
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