Science Quickly

Treating Bacterial Vaginosis as an STI Could Improve Outcomes

Apr 9, 2025

Catriona Bradshaw, a sexual health medicine professor at Monash University, and Lenka Vodstrcil, a senior research fellow at Melbourne Sexual Health Center, dive into the complexities of bacterial vaginosis (BV). They discuss how BV may act like a sexually transmitted infection, especially after new sexual partners. Their research reveals that treating both partners increases success rates, challenging traditional treatment methods. They also address the stigma surrounding BV and the necessity for improved communication and resources for affected individuals.

19:29

Episode guests

Lenka Vodstrcil

Catriona Bradshaw

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Quick takeaways

Bacterial vaginosis may function like an STI, suggesting that dual treatment for both partners can significantly improve outcomes for women.

The complexity of BV’s causes highlights the need for ongoing research, particularly into the role of specific bacteria and inclusive treatment strategies.

Deep dives

Understanding Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is identified as a condition characterized by an imbalance in the vaginal microbiome, where healthy bacteria, specifically lactobacilli, are replaced by pathogenic bacteria. This imbalance leads to symptoms such as an unusual vaginal discharge and an unpleasant odor, largely due to the chemicals produced by the BV bacteria. Research indicates that BV is common, affecting one in four women globally, and poses risks such as increased susceptibility to sexually transmitted infections, including HIV. Despite its prevalence, the precise cause of BV remains unclear, as no single infectious agent has been definitively identified to be responsible for the condition.

Intro

5min

Reevaluating Bacterial Vaginosis: A Case for STI Classification

2min

Innovative Approaches in Bacterial Vaginosis Treatment

3min

Understanding Bacterial Vaginosis: Navigating Stigma and Shared Responsibility

5min

Exploring Unanswered Questions in Bacterial Vaginosis Treatment

4min

Bacterial vaginosis (BV), an overgrowth of pathogenic bacteria in the vagina, affects nearly one in three people with a vagina. While you can get BV without ever having sex, a new study has found that, in some cases, it could be functioning more like a sexually transmitted infection. That’s in part because of the increased risk of BV after sex with a new partner and a high recurrence of BV symptoms after treatment.The study examined women with BV who were in a monogamous relationship with a male partner and found that treating both people was significantly more effective than treating the woman alone. Host Rachel Feltman speaks with study co-authors Lenka Vodstrcil, a senior research fellow at Melbourne Sexual Health Center at Monash University in Australia, and Catriona Bradshaw, a professor of sexual health medicine at Monash University and Australia’s Alfred Hospital.

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Science Quickly

Treating Bacterial Vaginosis as an STI Could Improve Outcomes

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Deep dives

Understanding Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)

BV as a Potential Sexually Transmitted Infection

Future Directions in BV Research and Treatment

Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts