Alfred researcher honoured for reframing a “women’s issue”

Prof Bradshaw, who works at Alfred Health’s Melbourne Sexual Health Centre (MSHC), is being recognised for over 20 years of work on Bacterial Vaginosis (BV), culminating in a landmark paper proving that it is sexually transmitted. 

The findings explain why more than 50 per cent of women who receive treatment for BV get it back again within three months. 

“It is humbling and really encouraging to have sexual health, and in particular women’s health, recognised in this way,” Prof Bradshaw said. 

BV is a condition that affects 1 in 4 women globally. Its symptoms are uncomfortable and if untreated can lead to premature birth, miscarriage and Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID).  

Already, Prof Bradshaw’s findings have prompted many couples to seek partner treatment and sparked a high level of interest from those in the medical community. 

“We have had lots of people – men and women – telling us this has confirmed what they always suspected or knew, and they felt validated,” Professor Bradshaw said. 

“Patients have told us that receiving partner treatment finally broke the cycle of reinfection, saving them from further frustration and despair.” 

Professor Bradshaw’s work, and that of her research team, will forever change the way BV is treated across the world. 

“This must be the pinnacle of the clinician-researcher experience,” Professor Bradshaw said. 

“In the day to day, your focus is on improving health for people, and you don’t always get such an incredible opportunity – like this one – to achieve long lasting change.” 

A new website developed by the Melbourne Sexual Health Centre aimed at consumers and health professionals provides all the information needed to prescribe and access partner treatment.   

“The information has been co-designed with consumers and participants in our trial and health professionals to make it accessible to all,” Professor Bradshaw said. 

“Changes in national and international treatment guidelines always take time, so we felt an obligation to provide accurate online and downloadable information at the time that the results of the trial are published.” 

Access everything you need to know about Bacterial Vaginosis here.