Does my wife have an STD?

Awhile back my wife told me that I needed to take an oral antibiotic for a vaginal infection that she had.  I complied and didn't think twice (and don't know the name of the pill).  Over time, and looking at medical websites, the academic information seems to suggest that male partners are not treated with antibiotics for Yeast infections; nor are they generally treated for bacterial vaginoisis.  And if BV is the diagnosis, it is more likely in a female who is having multiple sex partners.
Bottom line question, "is the clinical practice different than what one finds academically, and there is a possibilty that I was being treated for something other than tich and it is something quite benign?"

wonderif

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

The term 'bacterial infection' in women with vaginal symptoms usually refers to bacterial vaginosis (BV).  I cannot say that is what your wife had, but it seems likely.  Although standard recommendations are that the partners of women with BV don't need treatment, some providers don't follow the guidelines and may treat partners 'to be safe'.  I suppose it is possible your wife (or more likely, her provider) was covering for chlamydia, trichomonas, gonorrhea, or something else.

If you aren't certain your wife or her provider aren't levening with you, then you and/or your wife need to ask him or her directly what is going on and why you needed treatment.  But the best bet is that her provider doesn't understand BV and wrongly believes that treating the partners is a good idea.

I hope this helps. Best wishes--  HHH, MD

[wonderif]

Dr. HHH
Thanks-
The one thing that you did not address is whether or not clinically you have noticed that BV is assoicated with a recent change in sexual parters or having multiple sex partners.
Thanks
Wonderif