What happens if a man has sex with a woman who has bacterial vaginitis?

When a woman with bacterial vaginosis engages in sexual intercourse, her male partner may experience various health effects, including balanitis, urethritis, genital itching, urinary discomfort, and psychological stress. The details are as follows:

1. Balanitis: Pathogenic bacteria from the female's vagina may be transmitted to the male glans during intercourse, causing inflammation of the glans. This can manifest as redness, swelling, and pain of the glans. In severe cases, ulcers or abnormal discharge may occur, affecting genital health.

2. Urethritis: If pathogenic bacteria enter the male urethra, they may trigger urethral inflammation, leading to congestion and swelling of the urethral mucosa. Symptoms include frequent urination and urgency, often accompanied by a burning or painful sensation during urination, which disrupts normal urinary function.

3. Genital Itching: After infection, the skin or mucous membranes of the male genital area may become irritated, resulting in persistent itching. Excessive scratching may cause skin damage, worsening discomfort or leading to secondary infections.

4. Urinary Discomfort: In addition to frequency and urgency, some men may experience cloudy urine or a burning sensation in the urethra during urination. These symptoms reduce urinary comfort, and if not treated promptly, may prolong the duration of discomfort.

5. Psychological Stress: A partner’s health issue can cause anxiety, especially when symptoms recur or complications arise, increasing psychological burden on the male partner and potentially affecting the relationship.

Women with bacterial vaginosis should avoid sexual intercourse to prevent cross-infection. Men who experience any of the above symptoms should seek medical evaluation and treatment promptly. Daily attention to genital hygiene and maintaining good personal cleanliness habits can help reduce the risk of infection.