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Question:
I was diagnosed with gardnerella vaginitis almost a year ago. I have had the same sexual partner for almost 2 years now. I still have one symptom of my diagnosis, the thick discharge. My fiance does not cum in me, always on me. The last 2 times, his semen has been thick and white as opposed to the normal thin and clear. Is it possible that he now has my problem? Can it be transmitted to a man and if so, what symptoms would there be?
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Answer:
by Raven James: (05/24/2007)
Vaginitis is an inflammation of the vagina. It often is caused by infections, some of which are associated with serious diseases. The most common vaginal infections are Bacterial vaginosis, Trichomoniasis and Vaginal yeast infections. Some vaginal infections are transmitted through sexual contact, but others, such as yeast infections, probably are not.
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most common cause of vaginitis symptoms among women of childbearing age. It previously was called nonspecific vaginitis or Gardnerella-associated vaginitis. Health experts are not sure what role sexual activity plays in BV.
BV reflects a change in the growth of vaginal bacteria. This chemical imbalance occurs when different types of bacteria outnumber the normal, “good” ones. Researchers are studying the role that each of these germs may play in causing BV, but they do not yet understand the role of sexual activity in developing BV. A change in sexual partners, using an IUD (intrauterine device), and douching may increase a woman’s risk of getting BV. Health care providers use antibiotics such as metronidazole or clindamycin to treat women with BV. Generally, male sex partners will not be treated.
In most cases, BV causes no complications. There have been documented risks of BV, however, such as an association between BV and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). PID is a serious disease in women which can cause infertility and tubal (ectopic) pregnancy.
Were you treated for this when you were diagnosed? As men are generally not treated, it is however, important that you were to reduce the risk of complications of untreated BV. A thick, white discharge is not necessarily abnormal in a man. The best advice I can offer is for you both to be tested for bacterial STDs, just to be on the safe side. Good luck, and write back if you have any other questions.
Reviewed by: Kathleen VanKirk DHS
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