Well a bacterial infection can begin from...bacteria. And as simple as this may sound ,can occur anywhere, from anything at anytime.
Let's just say I knew of someone who got it BAD from his/her sex toys. Not only is it important to clean the sex toys with a good sex toy cleaner (mine cost $20 for the bottle), but the rinsing, and the DRYING of the toys is equally important in the process. The problem for them was some of toys as you know have areas that are difficult to clean, and rinse, and most of all, dry. My cleaner is so strong, that when I reached in to grab the toys (which must be submerged in about a gallon of water), I got a little freaked when I saw my hand - it was deathly white and looked like my skin was coming off - like acid! And I can tell you first hand that you better rinse well, or you're going to be running around the house, hopping and crying and holding yourself! Not pretty..LOL
It can be transmitted, yes.
The warmer seasons also bring these things on for us (lovely - be so glad you're men!) as bacteria loves warm, wet, dark areas to grow (what's that sound like?). I advise she wear a little sundress around the house without any panties (you won't mind, will you?) in order for more light and air to surround the area. Also, wear only 100% cotton underwear always, and that will reduce the frequency of infections hugely.
And, we all could wash our hands way more than we all do. I know of providers that carry those antibacterial hand cleaners that you don't need water..and has that by the bed during appointments. Not a bad idea..
And then there's the wiping after using the restroom. Front to back..etc, etc.

Hope this helped.

Sedona

From http://my.webmd.com/content/article/41/1689_51827.htm?lastselectedguid={5FE84E90-BC77-4056-A91C-9531713CA348}

Affecting as many as a quarter of all U.S. women, bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most common type of vaginal infection. Most women with the infection have no symptoms. When symptoms occur, they may consist of a thin, white or gray vaginal discharge, a fishy or foul-smelling odor, and, sometimes, a sensation of vaginal itching or burning. These symptoms often increase after a menstrual period or sexual intercourse.


From http://www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH/WSIHW000/9339/11045.html

Doctors are not exactly sure why bacterial vaginosis develops. Because it occurs more commonly in people who are sexually active, bacterial vaginosis is considered by some to be sexually transmitted. However, bacterial vaginosis also occurs in people who either are not sexually active or have been in long-term monogamous relationships.

Treatment of male sex partners doesn't necessarily prevent re-infections in women who have had bacterial vaginosis. Scientists currently have no explanation for why some women have problems with recurrent infection, but in some cases treating the male partner may be helpful.

. . .Currently, doctors do not recommend any routine treatment for the male sex partners of women who have bacterial vaginosis.


-- Modified on 6/28/2003 4:56:01 AM