Women with a common gynaecological condition that is often treated ineffectively have a new hope.
BV, for bacterial vaginosis, has until recently been treated by giving women antibiotics, but now some doctors are starting to also treat their male partners, which can stop the women getting reinfected. And new guidelines are being drawn up that are likely to overhaul treatment across the country.
The change stems from a study that found treating women and their male partners at the same time improved cure rates for women.
The study showed that the condition is sexually transmitted. It was previously thought to be caused by an imbalance in vaginal bacteria.
The new thinking is that while BV does involve raised levels of harmful bacteria, those bacteria are usually passed on during sex.
