A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine finds bacterial vaginosis (BV) recurrence drops significantly when male partners are treated, reshaping how healthcare providers and couples should approach care
Nationwide — A groundbreaking study published in the New England Journal of Medicine has revealed what many women with recurrent bacterial vaginosis (BV) have long suspected: male partners may be a hidden part of the problem—and now, they can be part of the solution.
The study showed that when men were treated with both oral and topical antibiotics, BV recurrence in women dropped to 35%, compared to 63% when male partners were left untreated. The evidence is clear: partner treatment significantly reduces recurrence.
Additionally, a consumer survey of 664 men and women in monogamous relationships reveals that although women carry the emotional burden of BV, when men are made aware of how they can help lessen the recurrence, a sweeping majority are ready and willing. The survey, commissioned by FemiClear, a leading brand in natural over-the-counter vaginal health, revealed 100% of Black men who participated are likely to help improve their partner’s vaginal health compared to 83% of his male counterparts, and 100% of Black men are willing to take action to prevent infections by using a cream compared to 83% of his male counterparts. And Black women are craving shared responsibility, with 93% of them responding that it would mean a lot if their male partner helped prevent recurring BV, compared to 90% of her female counterparts.
Although the cause of BV is related to the overgrowth of bacteria that can occur due to a pH imbalance or other factors, and doesn’t have to involve intimacy, sexual contact is often the culprit. FemiClear’s Infection Protection for BV & Yeast, a topical cream that both women and their male partners can now use to help reduce recurrence and support long-term wellness, is naturally formulated to minimize recurrence.
Why should Black men and women care? According to the National Institutes of Health’s National Library of Medicine, the burden of BV is not equally shared among women. Black and Mexican-American women experience significantly higher rates of BV–51.6% and 32.1%, respectively, compared to just 23.2% among white, non-Hispanic women. These disparities point to deeper issues of inequity in access, awareness, and culturally responsive care.
“BV has too often been seen as solely a ‘women’s issue’, and it’s time to change the conversation around vaginal health and intimacy,” said Caroline Goodner, CEO & Founder of FemiClear. “Our survey and this study prove what women and healthcare providers have observed anecdotally for years. The path to healing can and should involve both partners.”
Originally designed as a preventative product for women, FemiClear’s Infection Protection for BV & Yeast over-the-counter, natural, cream-based formula makes it uniquely appropriate for external use by men as well to help break the cycle of reinfection.
This new emphasis on couples-based care signals a larger shift in sexual wellness, one rooted in partnership, prevention, and shared responsibility. Considering 96% of Black women believe feeling confident in their vaginal health directly impacts their ability to be intimate compared to 89% of her female counterparts, and 95% of Black men are likely to abstain from sex if their partner has a vaginal issue compared to 89% of his male counterparts, they must work together to address the issue to maintain their intimate relationship.
Awareness is key. According to the overall survey, 52% of all men had never heard of BV, and 64% did not know men could carry the bacteria that cause it.
Why FemiClear Infection Protection is a smart choice for male partners too:
• Highly Effective Natural Solution – Avoids synthetic antibiotic prescription
• Cream, not ointment – Suitable for external male application
• Integrated with existing routines – Already used preventatively by women
• Encourages shared care – Empowers women to invite partners into the conversation
• Over-the-counter availability online and at select major retailers – No prescription required
“We’re helping to start a conversation, based on facts, not stigma,” added Goodner. “Women have carried the burden of recurring BV for too long. Now we have scientific data to show it will be mutually beneficial for partners to play a more active role in prevention.”
About
FemiClear is an award-winning brand of natural, OTC products that solve common health issues like BV, yeast infection, genital herpes, and urinary health, created by women for women. With clinical studies that demonstrate efficacy and a commitment to clean formulations, FemiClear helps consumers take control of their wellness—naturally.
Support graphics, photography, and survey executive summaries can be found here.
For press inquiries, contact Betsy Helgager Hughes, betsy@blhconsulting.net; 404-771-9793