The relationship between bacterial vaginosis (BV) and the idea of potential infidelity can cause a lot of anxiety for people who are struggling with BV, especially for the first time.

Our health coaches often get asked: is BV a sign of cheating? And the short answer is no, a case of bacterial vaginosis is not a sure-fire sign that your partner is cheating on you.

What is bacterial vaginosis?

Bacterial vaginosis is a vaginal infection caused by a bacterial overgrowth in your vaginal microbiome (most commonly, Gardnerella). 

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), bacterial vaginosis is the most common vaginal infection in women ages 15-44, and almost 30% of people with vaginas get bacterial vaginosis each year.

It can be really annoying to deal with, especially if you have recurrent bacterial vaginosis. The most common bacterial vaginosis symptoms are unusual vaginal discharge that is gray and thin, and vaginal odor that has a fishy smell.

Although scientists still don’t know exactly why this happens, we know that many factors can increase your risk for bacterial vaginosis: 

Though the CDC officially recognized that BV can be transmitted sexually, it’s not a sexually transmitted infection (STI) because any person with a vagina can develop bacterial vaginosis even if they’re not sexually active.

That is all to say that getting bacterial vaginosis, even in a committed, established relationship, is by no means a sign of infidelity. The cause might actually have nothing to do with your sex life! 

On that note, if you feel worried about talking to your partner about having bacterial vaginosis or any other vaginal infection, you’re not alone. Anxiety around discussing vaginal health, even in a long-term committed relationship, is normal. It can be a little awkward and nerve-wracking, but talking frankly about sexual and vaginal health can help build intimacy and trust. 

Check out our tips on how to communicate with your partner about first-time and recurrent vaginal infections.

Recurrent symptoms? Get Evvy's at-home vaginal microbiome test, designed by leading OB-GYNs.
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FAQs

Is bacterial vaginosis an STD? 

No, bacterial vaginosis isn’t a sexually transmitted disease (STD) or sexually transmitted infection. Although it can be passed on via sex, you can get it even if you’re not sexually active. It happens when naturally occurring bacteria overgrow and throw off your vaginal pH. Many things can trigger bacterial vaginosis, including taking antibiotics, being on your period, smoking, and using feminine hygiene products. 

Why did my boyfriend keep giving me BV?

Sex can be a risk factor for bacterial vaginosis for several reasons. Semen can increase your vaginal pH, which creates a more favorable environment for bad bacteria and other pathogens to overgrow. Some studies also show that although men can’t get bacterial vaginosis, they can be carriers of the bacteria and pass it on to people with vaginas during penetrative sex. The best way to prevent bacterial vaginosis (including recurrent BV) after having sex is by using barrier methods, such as condoms or dental dams. One study found that consistent condom use decreased the risk of BV by 45%. Fun fact: women can pass on bacterial vaginosis to their female partners during sex, too.

Can you get BV in a monogamous relationship?

Yes. Anyone with a vagina can get bacterial vaginosis, whether they’re sexually active or not, single, or in a relationship. Sex (especially unprotected sex) can increase your risk of developing bacterial vaginosis, and men can pass the bacteria to people with a vagina during sex, but that doesn’t mean it’s a sign of cheating.

Why is my boyfriend giving me BV?

Sex can be a risk factor for bacterial vaginosis for several reasons. Semen can increase your vaginal pH, which creates a more favorable environment for bad bacteria and other pathogens to overgrow. Some studies also show that although men can’t get bacterial vaginosis, they can be carriers of the bacteria and pass it on to people with vaginas during penetrative sex. The best way to prevent bacterial vaginosis (including recurrent BV) after having sex is by using barrier methods, such as condoms or dental dams. One study found that consistent condom use decreased the risk of BV by 45%. Fun fact: women can pass on bacterial vaginosis to their female partners during sex, too.

Can you get BV from a dirty partner?

While you can indirectly get BV from a partner — whether they’re male or female — it’s not because they’re “dirty”. Your level of cleanliness or personal hygiene is not what causes BV. In fact, overusing feminine hygiene products like douches is a risk factor for BV, as is sexual activity. It’s possible to spread BV-causing bacteria during unprotected sex, even though BV isn’t considered a sexually transmitted infection (STI). Men can carry BV-causing bacteria on their penis and pass them onto a female partner during unprotected sex. Equally, women in same-sex relationships have a higher chance of developing BV after having sex, too. 

Can you get a bacterial infection from your partner cheating?

Yes, you can get a bacterial infection like BV or an STI if your partner had unprotected sex with someone with an infection. That said, bacterial infections aren’t always a sign that someone cheated. It’s possible to develop BV for many reasons, and not all of them are linked to sexual activity. Equally, some STIs can lay dormant for years, which means your partner may have contracted one before you were in a relationship together, but symptoms have just started showing up now. 

Is BV a sign of multiple partners?

While having multiple sexual partners is considered a risk factor for BV, the two aren’t mutually exclusive. You can have multiple sexual partners and not have BV, and vice versa. BV isn’t a sexually transmitted infection, which means you can develop it even if you’re not sexually active. Non-sexual factors like douching, smoking cigarettes, taking antibiotics, and having low estrogen levels are all known risk factors for BV.