The Science Show

Lab Notes: 1 in 3 women get this infection. To cure it, treat men

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March 10, 2025 8:20pm

13m

For women who get bacterial vaginosis or BV, a common condition that can cause a fishy-smelling discharge, many will get it again (and again).

Why some people were prone to recurrent BV was a mystery … until now. 

Australian researchers have shown that BV-related bugs can be sexually transmitted, and treating male partners significantly cuts recurrence rates.