Penis Microbes Might Increase Bacterial Vaginosis Risk In Sexually Active Women

Sexually active women suffering from vaginal itching may have their male partners to blame, said a new study.

About one in three women (29%) suffer from bacterial vaginosis -- a very common infection that can lead to intense itching, abnormal vaginal discharge and burning urination alongside a foul smell. It is a type of vaginal inflammation caused by the overgrowth of bacteria, found naturally in a woman’s vagina. The overgrowth creates an imbalance in the natural setting.

The source of this infection has always remained a mystery. Now, the experts at the University of Illinois, Chicago, found penis microbes may play a significant role since the male reproductive organ is home to bacterial colonies just like the gut.

From Kenya, 168 heterosexual couples took part in a yearlong survey. The researchers initially tested each of them for genital bacteria while also confirming the women didn’t have an infection already. Among the male participants, 56% of them had circumcised penises -- an important factor in the makeup of the penis’ microbiota. They were then followed for 12 months to periodically monitor their bacterial activity over time.

Here’s what they found:

• At the end of the study, 31% of the women participants developed bacterial vaginosis
• The rate of infection was 37.3% if the male partner was uncircumcised and 26.3% if the men were circumcised

Their findings suggested the penis had a larger influence over vaginal health than previously believed. The researchers were able to identify 10 species of penile bacteria that correspond with cases of vaginosis including Sneathia sanguinegens and Gardnerella which have been cited in previous studies on women as responsible for the infection.

Although the correlation didn’t exactly prove that men or their hygienic habits were at fault, the researchers pointed out the study wasn’t exactly conclusive since only 46% of the participants took part in all the four appointments during the study.

"I would like for clinicians, researchers and the public to be inclusive of male sex partners in their efforts to improve women’s reproductive health. Not to place directionality or blame on one partner or another, but to increase the options and opportunity for improved reproductive health, and hopefully reduce stigma from bacterial vaginosis," the study’s lead researcher Supriya D. Mehta told New York Post.