BV and the effects on men?

Posted , 5 users are following.

Good morning all,

My partner was diagnosed with BV 2 and a half years ago which was around the exact same time my symptoms began to appear (I am male). My symptoms have been very sore penis tip, burning after urinating and ejeculating, some testicular pain and have gone through periods where there has been discharge.

I have had all tests - urine, blood, semen, sexual health, swabs of urethra and two Cystcopys amd every test has come back clear/negative. The Urolgists have told me they are stumped with what it could be. My partner has also had same tests and been cleared of everything except for the BV.

Recently my partner was sent to a gynocologist who was a professor of BV who has completed numerous research journals/experiments on men who's partners have been diagnosed with BV (I can't remember his name right now). He was adamant that my partner's BV is linked to my symptoms? He prescribed both of us a course of Antibiotics to treat BV - which hasn't worked - and has asked us both to assess our diets and continue pursue doctors about our connection.

Does anyone agree with the link or have experienced this if male?

Any insight would be appreciated. We are at a loss with what to do. Both of us have BV symptoms and don't know how to get rid of it. I have recently been referred to specialist in London now who specialise in this field, but until then we are at a loss.

Thanks in advance

Danny

0 likes, 17 replies

17 Replies

  • Posted

    Good morning Daniel.  This disease really does stump everyone...my husband has never gotten symptomatic from me having BV, but that’s not to say it can’t happen to others.  I would definitely recommend trying that new antibiotic that I found.  It is called Solosec and the FDA just approved it.  I have had zero recurrence so far, after struggling for 8 years with this.  I hope you find some answers and help!
    • Posted

      Michele,

      Where is this Solosec antibiotic sold? I have tried everything under the sun to get rid if this horrible condition. NOTHING has worked so far RX wise and home remedy wise. 

      Thank you,

      -Laura

    • Posted

      Solosec will have to be prescribed by your doctor.  It is considered a special order in the pharmacy, so it usually takes a day or two to come in.  Be aware that this probably won’t be covered by insurance because it is so new to the market.  But if you go to Solosec’s website, there is a coupon that you can download and get a very discounted price.  Hope this helps!!
    • Posted

      Thank you so much, I am going to talk to my Doctor about making an appt. to see if she will even prescribe it for me to try. As I have been in so many times and tried so many different meds and nothing has worked. 
    • Posted

      It’s been almost a month!  No recurrence yet, so the next test will be my period.  I’m cautiously optimistic 🤞

    • Posted

      Believe me, I understand your frustration.  My doctor wasn’t even aware of this new medication...I’m so grateful that I happened upon it!
    • Posted

      Hi Michele,

      Unfortunately I can't get Solosec in the UK apparently. Myself and partner are at a loss as to what to do. I am now being referred to a specialist in BV in London but this could take months. It's just so disheartening that every specialist I see tell me that they are stumped on what to do to help me. As mentioned in OP, every test I have had has been negative but I am really having horrible symptoms (same as partner). I hope it sorts soon

  • Posted

    Hello Danny,

     I have had chronic BV for two years, which I am certain I got from unprotected sex with a partner two years ago. I have tried everything (RX and home remedies). NOTHING has worked, it gets worse some days more than others. I notice carbs and sugar set it off as well as alcohol. I would suggest taking a probiotic with live cultured once a day and eating a clean diet. Also, I have not tried this Silosec that Michele mentions in the previous comment. However If it is FDA approved, I would try that as well. Try one thing at a time to see what actually helps the most. And of course, try to use protection every time. I have not had sex since I got BV and it still wont go away. 

    Good luck to you,

    -Laura

  • Posted

    Hi Danny, from my personal experience there is absolutely a link between partners. Unfortunately I started symptoms 8 years ago after dating my now husband due to his promiscuous ways when he was younger. Now completely cured, unprotected sex not a problem. I studied probiotic culture development to find a solution.
    • Posted

      I too feel like there’s a link between partners & I think men can pass it to women.  When I got a new partner, we had sex without protection after about 6mos of dating & I got it. I’ve never had it before.  Not realizing the link because doctors make you feel it’s an infection that’s only for women. Well once I took my last round of antibiotics, I said that’s it! We now use condoms & I’ve been BV free for 2 years when Aug comes. How  did your husband get cured? We want to have a kid but I also don’t want BV ever again, so I don’t know what to do. 

    • Posted

      Did your partners have symptoms? This is what is baffling me. I have all of these symptoms and the professor who saw my girlfriend said he was positive my symptoms were from my girlfriend's BV. I didn't think BV could cause me issues? It's been 2 and a half years that we have both been having discharge and pains. We have been told it is nothing STI related and negative on all health checks for everything else. My partner was also tested all the way through pregnancy twice and nothing was picked up at all.

    • Posted

      Bv is a very wide term generally meaning bacterial imbalance. Many women say they are tested negative however still have symptoms. This means they are negative on the strains of bacteria typically known to cause bv however the symptoms are saying there are unknown strains still lingering. It will largely depend on what bacteria is causing it for you. This may be extremely difficult to test for as the doctor won't know what strains to test for, there are thousands upon thousands of strains of bacteria. I have my theory on cure but I'd be curious what your specialist says.

    • Posted

      Not to my knowledge but when we first started dating & I asked him about any STD history & he said “no, but there he was one girl that said I gave her something but the doctor said there’s no way men could get it.” So I never thought nothing of it. Until I noticed a smell that I’ve never smelled before & after googling & going to a doctor it  was BV. So that’s when I put 2 & 2 together. 

    • Posted

      Thanks for all of the replies. My partners gyno believes we are definetely linked somewhere due to all of my sexual health checks being clear, plus the scans and general health checks.

      I have just bought a test for Gardnerella? As symptoms seem spot on and I have been told this can be found in men who have been sexually active with a female with BV.

      I need to try everything really. I have an MRI referral coming up and I have also requested a new Urologist as I keep being told that I am a rare case and they don't know what to do for me. Very comforting.

      The last 2 and half years have been hell tbh.

      Thanks for your time

    • Posted

      I hope you find a cure 😢 I hope we all do.

      Its scary when health professionals don’t even have an answer for us...

      Hoping somethhing gives for us all. 

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