Menopause Matters Forum
Menopause Discussion => Other Health Discussion => Topic started by: CLKD on March 06, 2025, 08:06:54 PM
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A common vaginal condition known as bacterial vaginosis (BV) may actually be a sexually transmitted infection (STI), according to researchers.
The NHS currently says BV is caused by "a change in the natural balance of bacteria in your vagina and is not an STI", even though it can be triggered by sex.
However, a study, external claims BV - which affects nearly a third of women worldwide and can lead to infertility, premature births and newborn deaths - is spread during intercourse and fits the definition of an STI.
The Australian trial, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, found treating sexual partners, not just the patient, can be vital to clear the infection.
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My 11 year old daughter gets BV around the time of her period.
Definitely not sexually transmitted!
The reason women are prone to it after sex is because the presence of semen transiently alters the vaginal pH, which can affect the microbiome.
It wouldn't surprise me if receiving a course of antibiotics for an "STI" had led to increased use of condoms or a change in sexual behaviour in these participants.
Just wouldn't want anyone to be worried unnecessarily about this.
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I think it's being wrongly labelled. It may make women not seek medical assistance due to being embarrassed.