There is evidence from as far back as 1982 that men carry bacterial vaginosis-related bacteria in their urogenital tract. One study1 looked into Gardnerella vaginalis in the urethra of 430 men who attended a sexual health clinic, with 11 found to be carrying the bacteria.
Heterosexual men were far more likely to carry G. vaginalis than homosexual men.
In another study2, 15 men gave urine samples from which G. vaginalis was isolated. Ten of the 15 men had symptoms or signs of inflammation. Men can have G. vaginalis infections in their urethras.
References
- 1.Dawson SG, Ison CA, Csonka G, Easmon CSF. Male carriage of Gardnerella vaginalis. Sexually Transmitted Infections. Published online August 1, 1982:243-245. doi:10.1136/sti.58.4.243
- 2.Smith S, Ogbara T, Eng R. Involvement of Gardnerella vaginalis in urinary tract infections in men. J Clin Microbiol. 1992;30(6):1575-1577. doi:10.1128/JCM.30.6.1575-1577.1992