Bacterial vaginosis: Treatment of the male partner, ¿myth or reality? Update 2023

Abstract

Objective: To determine the effect of simultaneous treatment of the male partner to prevent the recurrence of bacterial vaginosis. Methods: A systematic review of the literature was carried out in different electronic databases (EMBASE, CINAHL Plus, Scopus, among others), through standardized search terms. Evaluative outcomes include studies where any treatment or intervention was published for male partners of women treated for bacterial vaginosis, recurrence rates, and proportion of male adverse events. Results: 65 articles are included, and they coincide in not recommending the detection and treatment of the male sexual partner of a woman with bacterial vaginosis; since said intervention has not shown benefits in preventing the recurrence of the infection (Grade of recommendation C); a high proportion is reported in the presence of adverse reactions in male partners. Conclusions: The results of published research on whether or not to treat the male sexual partner of a woman with bacterial vaginosis are conclusive in that it is not recommended; however, everything points to the fact that any intervention is ineffective, without offering advantages when it comes to reducing recurrence. Well-designed studies evaluating different more effective and safer treatment interventions to prevent recurrence of bacterial vaginosis are needed.