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Is Bacterial Vaginosis A Sexually Transmitted Infection?
Question: 4 years ago, i had an affair. I have been 100% faithful since then but my wife recently tested positive for bacterial vaginosis. she does not use douches, no recent sexual contacts besides myself. i can understand her anxiety that i have been unfaithful. I know that the CDC doesn't classify BV as an STD but can you explain why it is not considered an STD and how it is possible for her to have BV [no other obvious risk factors]
Brief Answer:
It can be due to imbalance in normal vaginal flora.
Detailed Answer:
Hello Sir,
Thanks for trusting us again about your wife health care.
I have gone through your history and understand your concerns.
Bacterial vaginosis is not considered a STD because it can occur in women without sexual exposure through out in their lives and it is usually occurs due to imbalance in normal vaginal bacterial flora due to so many causes.
I know she is not having very common causes which can cause imbalance in normal vaginal flora and cause BV but imbalance can occur from anything( not only through sexual exposure and douching).
Diet changes,sex without condom,IUCD,perfumed soap can also cause BV.
Hope found useful, feel free to ask more information.
Good luck.
Regards
It can be due to imbalance in normal vaginal flora.
Detailed Answer:
Hello Sir,
Thanks for trusting us again about your wife health care.
I have gone through your history and understand your concerns.
Bacterial vaginosis is not considered a STD because it can occur in women without sexual exposure through out in their lives and it is usually occurs due to imbalance in normal vaginal bacterial flora due to so many causes.
I know she is not having very common causes which can cause imbalance in normal vaginal flora and cause BV but imbalance can occur from anything( not only through sexual exposure and douching).
Diet changes,sex without condom,IUCD,perfumed soap can also cause BV.
Hope found useful, feel free to ask more information.
Good luck.
Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you for your answer. She doesn't really have those other factors like diet change, new soaps. When you say sex, can she have gotten it from sex with me?(I.e.can I be a carrier?) can stress do it?
Brief Answer:
Yes it could be due to stress
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
You are most welcome.
Yes,stress can also cause BV.
Yes,you can also transmit the infection to your wife.( have you done unprotected sex?)
Hope found useful .
Good luck.
Regards
Yes it could be due to stress
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
You are most welcome.
Yes,stress can also cause BV.
Yes,you can also transmit the infection to your wife.( have you done unprotected sex?)
Hope found useful .
Good luck.
Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
I had unprotected sex 5 years ago when I had an affair. can I be a carrier? I have not read anywhere that men can carry this
Brief Answer:
The infection in male can not be detected.
Detailed Answer:
Hello Sir,
You are right that bacterial vaginosis is not a sexually transmitted diseases and can not be passed to women through sexual intercourse but yes if female have recurrent bacterial vaginosis and cause are not find out it can be transferred through unprotected sex( without using condom).
Though the disease is not detected in men by any investigation but treatment of men along with women can prevent disease in female also.
So studies shows bacterial vaginosis may present in men also but at such a level can not be detected by any test.
I am not saying you are carrier from previous interaction.
In her case stress is also one of the cause of BV.
Hope found useful, feel free to discuss more information.
Good luck.
Regards
The infection in male can not be detected.
Detailed Answer:
Hello Sir,
You are right that bacterial vaginosis is not a sexually transmitted diseases and can not be passed to women through sexual intercourse but yes if female have recurrent bacterial vaginosis and cause are not find out it can be transferred through unprotected sex( without using condom).
Though the disease is not detected in men by any investigation but treatment of men along with women can prevent disease in female also.
So studies shows bacterial vaginosis may present in men also but at such a level can not be detected by any test.
I am not saying you are carrier from previous interaction.
In her case stress is also one of the cause of BV.
Hope found useful, feel free to discuss more information.
Good luck.
Regards
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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