Traditionally, new evidence suggests that bacterial vaginosis may be sexually transmitted between men and women. Recognized by this, women's telemedicine company Wisp is now offering partner treatment for male bacterial vaginosis (BV).
New York City-based WISP is a direct consumer company that provides treatments for different sexual and reproductive health needs, including birth control, sexually transmitted diseases and hormonal health. According to the announcement, BV is the largest category of WISP. This happens when natural bacterial levels are out of balance and can cause vaginal pain and discomfort.
The new treatment approach is for men assigned at birth who have a positive sexual relationship with the assigned female at birth whose partner is either prescribed for prescription treatment or has confirmed the current diagnosis of BV. They are prescribed twice a day for 500 mg oral metronidazole for 7 days, and 2.5 grams of 2% topical clindamycin cream applied to the skin of the external penis twice a day for 7 days. Both are intended to be taken at the same time.
According to WISP's website, male BV treatment costs $99.
Research shows that 60% of BV cases return within a year. This is likely because male partners have not traditionally been tested or treated for the disease, resulting in infections that are transmitted back and forth between partners.
“BV has long affected the condition of one-third of women and is seen as a problem with only women,” WISP CEO Monica Cepak said in an email. “Now, there is new evidence to support what many of us already know, that is, it actually affects women and male partners, conversations about BV and women's vaginal health are generally open.
“As a one-stop shop for all women and reproductive healthcare needs, it’s important to have a conversation for us, which is why we are launching the first ever male BV partner treatment so our patients and their partners can better and more effectively treat this stubborn and very prevalent infection.”
Other digital health companies that provide treatment for BV include Dr. B and Hey Jane. However, these companies do not seem to offer male treatment as WISP does.
By providing treatment for male BV partners, WISP hopes to provide couples with “quick and easy access to discreet OTC and RX solutions that are not only affordable but also very effective,” Cepak notes.
“In doing so, we are removing the stigma associated with women’s daily health needs,” she said. “Other than that, we want to offer the couple options, not just women as a problem. This new treatment does that.”
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