Bacterial vaginosis: a double-blind randomized trial of the effect of treatment of the sexual partner

Abstract

In a double-blind randomized controlled trial we assessed the effect of metronidazole treatment of the male partner on the recurrence rate of bacterial vaginosis. Women who fulfilled the diagnostic criteria for bacterial vaginosis were treated with metronidazole given in single doses of 2 g on days 1 and 3. The sexual partners were randomized to receive either the same dosage of metronidazole or a placebo. A total of 107 pairs completed the study. One week after the start of treatment 89% of the women considered themselves improved or cured and 93% no longer had the diagnostic criteria for bacterial vaginosis. At assessment 5 weeks after the treatment, 75% reported that they were cured or improved and the diagnostic criteria were not present in 73%. Treatment of the male partner did not affect subjective symptoms, clinical signs and isolation rates of Gardnerella vaginalis at 1 and 5 weeks after treatment.