FAQs

Recurring Infections

Recurring BV is rarely caused by poor hygiene. The most common overlooked cause is partner microbiome transmission — your partner may silently carry BV-associated bacteria that disrupt your vaginal ecosystem during sex, even without showing any symptoms themselves. Treating only yourself breaks the cycle temporarily, not permanently.

BV is considered recurrent when it occurs three or more times within 12 months. Recurrent BV affects up to 50–70% of women who are treated, often returning within 3 months of antibiotic therapy. If you are experiencing this pattern, partner microbiome assessment is strongly worth exploring as a cause.

Yeast infections (caused by Candida) can be transmitted between partners, though this is less common than with BV-associated bacteria. Men can carry Candida on the penis without symptoms and reinfect their partner during sex.

Recurring yeast infections with a consistent sexual partner are worth investigating through couples microbiome testing.

Post-sex UTIs can be triggered by bacteria introduced during sexual activity — including bacteria from a partner's microbiome. While E. coli from the gut is the most common cause, the penile microbiome can introduce other disruptive organisms. Recurring UTIs after sex in a monogamous relationship may point to a partner microbiome imbalance.

For a single episode, treating only the woman is standard practice. For recurring BV — three or more episodes — recent clinical guidelines suggest considering partner treatment. A landmark trial found treating both partners reduced BV recurrence from 63% to 35%. At minimum, understanding both partners' microbiome profiles is a critical first step.

Yes. BV has been linked to reduced fertility outcomes, higher risk of preterm birth, and complications in IVF implantation. Disrupted vaginal Lactobacillus levels associated with BV can affect cervical mucus quality and increase susceptibility to other infections that impact reproductive health. Addressing recurring BV before conception is advisable.

The Biology

The vaginal microbiome is the community of bacteria and microorganisms living in the vagina. A healthy vaginal microbiome is typically dominated by Lactobacillus bacteria, which maintain an acidic pH that protects against infection. Disruption to this balance is a primary cause of recurring conditions like bacterial vaginosis (BV) and yeast infections.

Yes. Research shows that male partners can silently carry BV-associated bacteria on the penile skin and in the urethra without experiencing any symptoms. During sex, these bacteria transfer to their partner's vaginal environment, disrupting the microbiome balance and triggering recurring infections — even after successful antibiotic treatment.

The penile microbiome is the community of microorganisms living on and in the penis — on the skin, at the glans, and in the urethra. Studies show the penile microbiome can harbour BV-associated bacteria like Gardnerella vaginalis without causing symptoms in men, while still disrupting their partner's vaginal microbiome during sexual activity.

Yes. Scientific research confirms that microorganisms exchange between partners during sexual activity. Studies of monogamous couples show significant overlap in vaginal and penile microbiome composition, with BV-associated bacteria found in correlation between partners. This 'microbiome concordance' is a key driver of recurring infections in couples.

BV recurs because antibiotics treat the woman's symptoms but leave the source of reinfection untreated. If a partner carries BV-associated bacteria, they can reintroduce disrupting microbes during sex — often within weeks of treatment. Research shows that when both partners address their microbiome, recurrence rates drop significantly.

BV is not classified as a sexually transmitted infection (STI), but it is strongly linked to sexual activity. It rarely occurs before sexual debut and can be triggered by a new partner, multiple partners, or the partner's microbiome — particularly in men who carry BV-associated bacteria without symptoms. BV does not appear on standard STI panels.

Anteros Bio tests for a clinically relevant panel of bacteria and fungi commonly associated with the genital microbiome. This includes organisms linked to symptoms, imbalance, and overall genital health.

The Testing Kit

The Anteros Bio kit is the first at-home genital microbiome test designed specifically for couples. It includes two swab kits —one for each partner — that analyse the vaginal and penile microbiome. Results are delivered through a personal online portal and include the Anteros Score: a snapshot of each partner's microbiome health and compatibility.

You collect a swab sample at home using the included non-invasive swab. Both partners complete their own collection privately. The samples are sent to a CLIA, CAP, and CLEP certified lab using a prepaid return label. Results are available in your secure online portal within 7–10 days of the lab receiving your samples.

No. The Anteros Bio test analyses the microbiome — the community of bacteria and fungi in the genital area — and does not test for sexually transmitted infections (STIs). It is designed to identify microbiome imbalances that contribute to recurring infections like BV, yeast infections, and UTIs. For STI testing, consult your healthcare provider.

Anteros Bio's test is performed by a CLIA, CAP, and CLEP certified laboratory — the same certification standards used in clinical settings. The at-home swab collection method is validated and non-invasive. Laboratory analysis provides a detailed breakdown of bacterial and fungal composition in your genital microbiome.

The test screens for the bacteria and fungi present in the vaginal or penile microbiome, including BV-associated bacteria (such as Gardnerella vaginalis), Lactobacillus levels (the 'good bacteria'), Candida (yeast), and the overall microbiome composition. It provides a profile of beneficial, context-dependent, and potentially disruptive microorganisms.

No.You can order the kit online. No doctor's visit is needed. No lab visit is needed. No prescription is needed.You collect your sample at home. Then you mail it back with the prepaid label. Your results arrive in your secure online portal.

Results are typically available within 7–10 business days of the lab receiving your sample. You will receive a notification when your results are ready to view in your personal Anteros Bio online portal. Both partners receive their own separate portal access.

For Couples

Because microbiomes are connected. During sex, microorganisms transfer between partners — meaning one partner's imbalance directly affects the other. Testing only one partner gives an incomplete picture and often explains why infections persist. Testing both reveals the interaction between your microbiomes and makes targeted treatment possible.

Yes — and this is one of the most clinically significant findings in recent research. Men can carry BV-associated bacteria on the penile skin and in the urethra without experiencing any discomfort, discharge, or other symptoms. This means male partners of women with recurring BV are often unknowing reinfection sources.

Frame it as a science conversation, not a blame conversation. You might say: 'I keep getting infections and I've learned that the microbiomes of couples are connected — there's a test we can both do at home to see what's happening between us.' Emphasising 'we' rather than 'you' makes it a shared health journey rather than an accusation.

No. BV is not an STI and is not a reliable indicator of infidelity. BV can be triggered by your existing partner's microbiome, a new sexual partner, changes in your own microbiome, or non-sexual factors. In monogamous couples, recurring BV is most often related to microbiome compatibility issues between partners — not infidelity.

A couples microbiome protocol is a tailored plan for both partners, based on the specific results of their combined microbiome testing. Rather than treating symptoms in one person, it addresses the microbiome interaction between both

partners — potentially including dietary changes, probiotic support, hygiene recommendations, and targeted interventions specific to the bacteria or fungi identified.

Start by sharing the science: show them research explaining that recurring infections in couples are often a two-person microbiome issue. The test is non-invasive, private, and done at home — there's no clinic visit or doctor involved. Framing it as 'I want us both to understand what's happening' rather than 'I think you're causing this' tends to reduce resistance and make it feel like a shared decision.

Yes.You can securely share your results with your partner. And you can remove access at any time.You stay in control of your information. Always.

For Clinicians & Partners

No. Anteros is designed to complement — not replace — existing diagnostic and clinical workflows. Results can be incorporated into broader clinical decision-making.

Yes. Anteros Bio offers two clinical partnership models: wholesale stocking (carry the kit in-clinic for patients to purchase directly) and a referral partnership (refer patients via our online form). Both are designed to require minimal administrative lift from clinical teams.

A growing body of peer-reviewed research supports partner microbiome involvement in BV recurrence. A 2021 landmark trial (StepUp) found that treating both partners reduced BV recurrence from 63% to 35%. Multiple studies show significant microbiome concordance between monogamous partners, and Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology demonstrated that penile microbiome composition predicts new BV episodes in female partners.

Yes. All Anteros Bio tests are analyzed by a CLIA (Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments), CAP (College of American Pathologists), and CLEP certified laboratory. These are the same certification standards required for clinical diagnostic testing in the United States, ensuring analytical rigour and reliability.

You get a unique referral code or link. You do not need to manage inventory. Anteros Bio handles fulfilment, lab processing, results delivery, and patient support.You also get reference materials to help you talk with patients.

The highest-benefit patients are those experiencing recurrent BV (3+ episodes in 12 months), recurrent yeast infections, persistent UTIs following sex, or unexplained recurring vaginal symptoms in a monogamous relationship where standard treatment has not provided lasting relief. Couples planning conception where BV history may affect fertility outcomes are also a strong candidate group.

Results & Next Steps

The Anteros Score is a snapshot of your genital microbiome health presented as four key numbers: the percentage of beneficial microbes (B), context-dependent microbes (I), potentially disruptive microbes (O), and a microbiome expression indicator (ME) that reflects whether your microbiome profile resembles a typical vaginal or penile composition. Together they give a comprehensive picture of your intimate microbiome.

A healthy vaginal microbiome is typically dominated by Lactobacillus species — particularly L. crispatus or L. iners — which produce lactic acid to maintain a low pH (3.8–4.5). This acidic environment suppresses harmful bacteria. A high proportion of Lactobacillus and low levels of BV-associated bacteria (like Gardnerella) generally indicate good microbiome health.

You and your partner each get your own result portal.You can also link your results to view them together.Your report explains your microbiome in plain language. It gives you a clear starting point for your next steps.You can also share it with your healthcare provider if you want extra guidance.

Microbiome rebalancing is gradual and varies by individual. Most people begin to notice changes within 2–4 weeks of starting a targeted protocol. Full stabilisation can take 1–3 months. Consistency matters: both partners following the protocol simultaneously significantly improves outcomes and reduces the risk of reinfection.

The test is performed by a CLIA, CAP, and CLEP certified laboratory, meaning it meets clinical-grade standards. While Anteros Bio is not intended to replace medical care, the results can be shared with your OB-GYN, GP, or sexual health clinic to provide more detailed microbiome context than standard tests typically offer. Always consult your healthcare provider for treatment decisions.

Yes.Your results are easy to read and made to share.You can download them or send them to your healthcare provider.That gives you a simple way to review your results together and decide on next steps.

Once your sample is received by our lab, results are typically available within 5–7 business days. You’ll be notified as soon as your results are ready to view.

General

At this time, Anteros Bio ships within the United States only. We’re actively working toward expanding international availability and will share updates as new regions become supported.

Orders typically ship within 1–2 business days after purchase. Once shipped, you’ll receive tracking information via email so you can follow your kit’s delivery.

We’re unable to accept returns once a kit has been opened or used.

If your kit arrives damaged, is missing components, or you experience an issue with your order, please contact our support team (support@anterosbio.com) and we’ll make it right.