What are the symptoms of gardnerella in women, how to treat it? Gardnerella vaginalis: dysbiosis with a characteristic “aroma.”

Gardnerella or gardnerellosis is a female disease. The causative agent of the disease is considered to be the microorganism Gardnerella vaginalis. Essentially, this is an imbalance of microflora in the vagina. Bacterial vaginosis is also called gardnerellosis.

The normal state of the vagina is characterized by a predominance of lactobacilli. They help form lactic acid and hydrogen peroxide. This does not provide conditions for the proliferation of opportunistic microorganisms. The causative agent is opportunistic, which is always present in the vagina. Normally there is little of it, it is in a dormant state.

The causes of vaginal dysbiosis are:

• douching;
• some vaginal contraceptives;
• change of sexual partner.

During the disease, other opportunistic microflora are also activated - mycoplasma and anaerobic infection.

People consult a doctor about gardnerella as often as about thrush. According to the old classification, this is an STI, but according to ICD 10, Gardnerella is not classified as an STI. The most common lesions are the vagina, cervix and urethra.

The disease in women is characterized by the presence of scanty or copious discharge from the vagina and urethral canal. Characterized by discomfort in the genitals, itching and burning. Coitus can be painful. The discharge has a characteristic “fishy” odor.

But sometimes the disease for certain women with good immunity proceeds unnoticed. They pose a risk of infecting their sexual partners.

For men, damage to the urethra and the occurrence of sluggish urethritis are also possible. It is even possible to develop chronic prostatitis or inflammation of the foreskin.

The bacterium was discovered and described in 1955. The name of one of the scientists who discovered the bacterium, G. Gardner, became the basis for the name of the pathogen.

The incubation period usually corresponds to a week - one and a half, sometimes up to five weeks.

The main cause of the disease is considered to be a decrease in the immune status of the body. It is necessary to treat, first of all, the pathology that contributed to this. It is also necessary to adjust your lifestyle. Otherwise, gardnerella can be treated many times and a lasting positive effect will not be obtained.

Local treatment is carried out if bacterial vaginosis is not just dysbiosis, but there is inflammation in the affected organs. Correction of immunity is dangerous for pregnant women. The vagina is locally sanitized using drugs that are safe for the fetus. Such activities are carried out in the second or third trimester of pregnancy.

The severity is divided into compensated, subcompensated and decompensated forms of the disease. Recurrences of symptoms of the disease are possible in the future if immunity deteriorates.

A man is often only a carrier of Gardnerella, but both men and women need to be treated. But even if the couple has been treated, the woman may experience a relapse.

Treatment is aimed at destroying Gardnerella vaginalis. Vaginal suppositories and tablets are used orally. Nutrition for gardnerellosis consists of dietary meat, sea fish and seafood, cottage cheese, fermented milk products, vegetables, cereals, and fruits. Steamer dishes, boiled and stewed, are healthy. Frequent small meals are required. Dishes made from “heavy” meat are excluded. Fried, smoked, spicy and overly salty foods, and foods high in sugar are also excluded. The consumption of strong tea and coffee drinks is also limited. The consumption of alcoholic and sweet carbonated drinks is excluded.

Men are treated to improve their immune response and treat urethritis locally.

Treatment of gardnerella in women

Gardnerellosis in women has very sparse symptoms. Very similar in its manifestations to similar female diseases, for example, thrush.

The main signs are the presence of scanty, uniform, gray-white or yellowish vaginal discharge with the smell of “rotten” fish. When inflammatory phenomena occur, the discharge is accompanied by itching and burning in the vagina, pain in the lower third of the abdomen and uncomfortable coitus. The vagina and nearby organs are inflamed.

Gardnerella vaginalis itself does not cause much harm. But against its background, trichomonas, mycoplasmas, and yeast-like fungi successfully develop, which can be very dangerous for the female body. So the sooner treatment is started, the better.

Gardnerella is not a dangerous sexually transmitted disease.

Very often, such bacterial vaginosis is promoted by:

• a large number of sexual partners;
• casual sex;
• changes in hormonal levels;
• douching with chlorhexidine and miramistin;
• use of contraceptives with 9-nonoxynol:
• chronic stress;
• some antibacterial drugs.

Gardnerella needs to be treated comprehensively. Treatment consists of overcoming the imbalance of microflora in the vagina and strengthening the immune defenses in the vagina. It is also necessary to improve the state of general immunity.

Therapy must be carried out in two stages.

During the first stage, the number of gardnerella in the vagina must be sharply reduced.

During the second, it is necessary to colonize the vagina with lactobacilli. The effectiveness of the second stage is determined by the quality of the first.

At the first stage, antibiotic therapy is used.

We will talk specifically about drugs later.

If there are contraindications to the prescription of antibiotics (for example, pregnancy or breastfeeding, allergic reactions), then the drugs are used topically.

At the second stage, a more difficult task is to restore the normal microflora of the vagina. Repopulate the vagina with lactobacilli. Treatment should be not only local, but also general. Because, along with bacterial vaginosis, intestinal dysbiosis is also observed. The course of saturating the body with lactobacilli lasts about one month. It is also necessary to increase the overall immune status of the body. For this purpose, vitamin complex preparations (such as Bomax, Vitrum, Alphabet) and preparations of natural immunomodulators (tincture of Echinacea and Schisandra) are used.

Treatment should not take place against the background of an active sexual life, and if sex does occur, then only protected sex. To assess the effectiveness of treatment, it is necessary to undergo control tests.

If gardnerella remains in the body, the treatment is prolonged. If a woman who has one sexual partner gets sick again, then it is necessary to treat him from a preventive point of view. Because it is the cause of re-infection.

Even if he has no symptoms, he is a carrier.

During the first trimester of pregnancy, vaginal suppositories are used. They are safe for the developing fetus.

If necessary, general treatment is used in the second trimester.

The third trimester is characterized by the use of drugs with clindamycin. The most important thing during pregnancy is not to kill the pathogen, but to reduce its number and eliminate inflammation of the vagina.

Untreated gardnerellosis can cause diseases of the reproductive system and MPS of the female body.

Drugs for treatment

At the first stage of treatment, antibacterial drugs are used to combat Gardnerella vaginalis.

First, a test is required to determine the sensitivity of the pathogen to various drugs. It is also necessary to treat the sexual partner if PCR shows the presence of the pathogen. Treated with tetracyclines, lincosamides and fluoroquinolones.

• metronidazole (trichopolum);
• tinidazole;
• doxycycline;
• clindamycin (dalacin);
• levofloxacin.

Metronidazole is treated with tablets for internal use and vaginal tablets.

Treatment takes about ten days.

The antibacterial and antiprotozoal agent tinidazole is treated according to the course of treatment individually prescribed by the attending physician. Doxycycline (a tetracycline group of antibiotics) and levofloxacin (a fluoroquinolone) are often treated for gardnerellosis in men.

Tablets for internal use - clindamycin (an antibiotic of the lincosamide group) are very good at suppressing Gardnerella vaginalis. But the prescription of drugs is made only by the attending physician.

Self-medication is unacceptable.

Miramistin solution, Metronidazole gel or Betadine vaginal suppositories are used locally.

To prevent gardnerella, you should not get carried away with douching.

Give preference to loose underwear made of good natural fiber, strictly observe intimate hygiene, and strengthen the immune system. And be sure to get treatment and consult a doctor. Only the doctor decides whether to continue treatment or not.

Traditional medicine against gardnerella

The first stage - treatment with antibacterial drugs prescribed by a doctor - must be completed.

At the second stage, the effect of traditional medicine is good for restoring the vaginal microflora. With regular prevention, we achieve constancy of the vaginal microflora. But pregnant women must consult a doctor before treatment.

The first remedy to strengthen the immune system at the cellular level.

The first infusion is prepared on the leaves of birch, geranium, mint, celandine, thyme, flowers of chamomile and meadowsweet.

Identical parts of these medicines are taken. This raw material is poured with boiling water and left for about 6 hours. Take 0.5 cups three times a day before meals. Store refrigerated at 4 C. Treatment takes about a month. 4 times a year.

The second remedy is also to strengthen the immune system at the cellular level.

Another infusion is also prepared using sweet clover herb, nettle, cudweed, lavender, marshmallow and leuzea roots. And the same portions are also taken. Infusions should be taken one at a time, first with the first course, then with the second.

Third remedy.

A walnut, or rather an infusion of its leaves, is used to stabilize the amount of Gardnerella vaginalis. 5 crushed raw leaves per glass of boiling water. Or dried leaves - 1 tablespoon per 200 ml of boiling water. You should drink this infusion little by little throughout the day. And so, about two weeks.

Fourth remedy.

An infusion of sage leaves to restore the health of the vaginal mucosa. Take this infusion between meals. 200 ml morning and evening. One tablespoon of sage is poured into two hundred milliliters of boiling water for half an hour.

If you drink these infusions alternately for a whole year, then both the vagina and the adjacent organs will be fine. These infusions are excellent preventative agents, not just therapeutic ones.

What's happening? This is the question a woman asks when she sees a heavy, unpleasant odor. Tests for all kinds of sexually transmitted infections are negative. The reasons for this condition can be very different. One of them is gardnerellosis.

Whether Gardnerella vaginalis is an infectious agent or not is an open question, since this rod-shaped bacterium is part of the vaginal microflora in small quantities. In a healthy body, it behaves quietly, does not betray its presence in any way and does not reproduce actively.

About 10 thousand species of microorganisms constantly live in the female body (as well as in the male body). Their total weight is about a kilogram. If we take into account the size of bacteria (there are 10 bacterial cells in every human cell), we can imagine the scale of this neighborhood. Many bacteria do not cause any harm to humans. Moreover, people simply cannot live without them. Each variety of our satellites occupies its own niche and does not leave it quantitatively.

Problems arise when the biological program fails. For some reason (internal or external), the number of some bacteria decreases, while others immediately strive to occupy the vacated space. This also happens in the case of bacterial vaginosis (gardnerellosis): due to a decrease in the number of beneficial lactobacilli in the vagina, opportunistic microorganisms actively multiply. Among them is Gardnerella vaginalis.

Causes of vaginal dysbiosis and gardnerellosis

Normally, the vagina is dominated by bacteria that constantly produce lactic acid. Milk in Latin - lactis, which is why the microorganisms are called lactobacilli (another name is Doderlein bacilli). An acidic environment does not promote the proliferation of pathogenic bacteria, including gardnerella.

Gardnerella, having appeared in a healthy body (for example, as a result of unprotected sexual intercourse), is destroyed by the human immune system. Sometimes a safe amount of bacteria remains in the vagina.

If the body's defenses are weakened, the number of lactobacilli decreases and opportunistic Gardnerella actively multiplies. Vaginal dysbiosis develops. This often leads to an inflammatory process in the vagina - nonspecific vaginitis and other ailments.

With dysbacteriosis, gardnerella (or other pathogenic bacteria) adhere to the epithelial cells of the vagina, forming so-called. “key cells”

There are many reasons for the development of an imbalance in the vaginal microflora. The root cause is immune suppression. Both external and internal factors lead to this condition.

Internal causes leading to vaginal dysbiosis and, as a consequence, gardnerellosis include:

• Changes in a woman’s hormonal status (including during pregnancy);
• Stressful state;
• Physical exhaustion;
• Chronic diseases.

External causes of gardnerellosis include:

1. Use of antibiotics, hormonal agents;
2. Bad ecology;
3. Venereal diseases;
4. Change of sexual partners;
5. Operations, including abortions;
6. Menstrual irregularities;
7. Allergy;
8. Use of intrauterine contraception;
9. Effect of toxicants on the body;
10. Use of contraceptive suppositories with 9-nonoxynol;
11. Unreasonably frequent douching, as a result of which the protective microflora of the vagina is washed away;
12. Use of tampons, pads, various cosmetic liquids for intimate hygiene;
13. Tight synthetic underwear.

Signs and manifestations of the disease

Very often, infectious diseases of the genitourinary system occur without any symptoms. Even specific vaginal discharge is not observed. The woman is not bothered by abdominal pain, bleeding, or irregular menstruation. However, the consequences of excess gardnerella content will not be long in coming. To prevent complications, It is necessary to undergo examination by a gynecologist at least twice a year.

Untreated gardnerellosis leads to nonspecific vaginitis– inflammatory disease of the vagina. Its signs:

• Unpleasant odor;
• Discharge;
• Burning;
• Painful sensations.

Any alkali increases symptoms, especially the smell. Ordinary soap and sperm have an alkaline reaction.

In case of nonspecific vaginitis, it is necessary to undergo tests for microflora to accurately identify the causative agent of infection and undergo a course of adequate therapy. In addition to gardnerella, this disease can be caused by:

1. Staphylococcus;
2. Streptococci;
3. Proteas;
4. Escherichia coli;
5. Candida;
6. Enterococci and others.

Along with bacteria, a fungus can be a pathogen for vaginitis. Therefore, gardnerellosis should first of all be differentiated from the no less common

Possible consequences of gardnerellosis

Gardnerella are opportunistic bacteria. “Conditionally pathogenic” means not very dangerous. However, a bacterium, having occupied someone else's niche, attracts its own kind there. For example, its “faithful companion” is often mobiluncus, which enhances the negative impact of gardnerella on the vaginal biocenosis. Thus, one should not treat them completely indifferently, since they do not always forgive this. Untreated gardnerellosis can become the basis for the development of other, more serious diseases:

• Women sometimes develop vaginitis progressing to(inflammation of the vagina).
• It is assumed that against the background of chronic gardnerellosis, intestinal dysbiosis, which leads to problems with the gastrointestinal tract.
• Inflammation from the vagina can spread to the appendages and cervix. It is possible that endometriosis.

Close attention should be paid to bacterial vaginosis during pregnancy. In this case, early diagnosis is especially important in order to prevent complications.

How to recognize bacterial vaginosis?

Diagnosing an infection is not difficult. Let us immediately make a reservation that such common methods as PCR, culture, PIF are secondary in diagnosing gardnerellosis. With their help, only the presence of a pathogen is detected. However, this is not particularly necessary, because gardnerella can also be present in the vagina of healthy women. The most informative technique is. This analysis allows not only to see the microbe itself, but also to estimate its abundance.

“Key” cells, the pH of the vaginal contents, and the presence of isonitrile are also determined. By the way, it is this substance – isonitrile – that gives vaginal discharge the smell of rotting fish. Sometimes a blood test is prescribed for leukocytes (with gardnerellosis there are fewer of them). But this is an additional analysis.

When gardnerella is identified, the gynecologist may be interested in the number of it and the remaining lactobacilli. These tests are needed to establish a complete picture of the vaginal microflora.

An examination for inflammatory processes in the genital area is required.

Treatment of the disease

How to cure bacterial vaginosis? First of all it is necessary to get rid of the reasons that resulted in the surge in the number of microorganisms. Necessary:

1. Avoid uncontrolled use of antibiotics;
2. Do not change sexual partners frequently or use condoms. However, it should be remembered that condoms with spermicidal lubricant containing 9-nonoxylene are contraindicated in the case of bacterial vaginosis;
3. Use hormonal drugs only after consulting a gynecologist;
4. Increase the number of lactobacilli with the help of drugs Linex, Bifidumbacterin;
5. Do not interfere with the body’s self-healing by reducing douching to a minimum.
6. Avoid antibacterial suppositories.
7. Use herbal (eleutherococcus, ginseng) or synthetic (vitrum, biomax) immunomodulators.

Not every antibacterial agent is suitable for combating gardnerella. In addition, if antibiotics are prescribed, then preference is given to drugs with local action and only in the case of severe nonspecific vaginitis, general antibacterial drugs are prescribed. The treatment regimen consists of two parts:

• Systemic antibiotics (clindamycin - twice a day, 300 mg; metronidazole - also twice a day, 500 mg). Take the pills for a week. At the same time, local forms of these drugs are used.
• After antibiotic therapy, it is necessary to restore the vaginal microflora. To do this, probiotics are taken orally and in the form of suppositories. For internal use, Lactonorm and Lactobacterin are recommended. They must be consumed for 30 days or more. Lactonorm or Acylact suppositories are used for three weeks.

It is not superfluous, as with any dysbacteriosis, to adhere to proper dietary nutrition. Spicy, fried, fatty foods and alcohol must be replaced with fermented milk products.

A smear (control test) is carried out after 1.5–2 months. During treatment, condoms must be used during sexual intercourse.

Gardnerellosis and pregnancy

Let’s immediately reassure expectant mothers - gardnerellosis is not transmitted to a child. Bacteria are unable to cross the placenta and infect the fetus. And this will not happen during childbirth due to the low pathogenicity of Gardnerella.

Gardnerellosis is dangerous for the mother herself. Under the influence of bacteria, chronic ailments worsen or new ones appear in the form of inflammatory processes of the pelvic organs, which, in turn, can lead to premature birth or fetal malnutrition. because of which there is a threat of miscarriage. For this reason, gynecologists suggest that pregnant women take a vaginal smear and fight vaginal dysbiosis.

A pregnant woman does not experience any special symptoms of gardnerellosis: the same pain, rotten smell, itching. Often these signs may not be present. Especially if the bacteria are in the vagina in non-critical quantities. The most important thing is that they do not suppress beneficial lactobacilli. But if any signs of infection nevertheless appear, the woman should contact a medical institution for help.

Treatment of infection in pregnant women

Treatment of gardnerellosis during pregnancy has its own characteristics. Firstly, Only local agents are used. These are gels and ointments with clindamycin. Secondly, in the first three months you cannot even use ointments. As a last resort, Betadiene and Hexicon suppositories are used. The problem is that such antiseptics affect not only unwanted microorganisms, but also beneficial ones.

Important! During pregnancy, any medications can be used only after consultation with the gynecologist.

How to be treated with traditional medicine?

What is good about traditional medicine is its relative safety. Women who fundamentally do not want to use chemicals can try to get rid of the microbe using folk remedies.

This disease is new. Or rather, they began to recognize it not so long ago. Therefore, folk recipes only fight unpleasant discharge and restore vaginal microflora.

Despite the seeming harmlessness of traditional methods, pregnant women should under no circumstances use them without consulting a gynecologist!

Traditional recipes for douching

Using tampons with folk remedies

You can make a tampon yourself from rolled up gauze, or you can buy it at a pharmacy. Soak a tampon with sea buckthorn oil or a mixture of aloe juice and olive oil (1:1). Do the procedure in the evening, leaving the tampon on overnight.

For more effective treatment, you can prepare your own immunomodulatory tincture:

• Place a tablespoon (tablespoon) of dry rowan in boiling water (200 ml) and boil for 15 minutes. Then add a spoonful of honey and grated onion to the broth. Take 1 tablespoon 4 times a day.

And the main folk treatment is proper nutrition: fresh vegetables, unsweetened bakery and dairy products, cereals.

Gardnerellosis in men – myth or reality?

In women, a certain amount of gardnerella may be present in the vagina - and this is the norm. These microorganisms are not part of the male microflora. A man can “get” them after sexual contact with a woman.

Symptoms of infection in men

Men do not have gardnerellosis as such. Bacteria do not take root on the male genital organs, but manage to “give” a man a wide variety of diseases: urethritis (inflammation of the urethra), (inflammation of the head and foreskin of the penis), cystitis (inflammation of the bladder). Usually the first signs appear 2 weeks after intimacy with a woman. Manifested in the form of difficulty urinating, burning sensation.

It is extremely rare to occur. They manifest themselves as pain in the scrotum or lower abdomen.

Treatment

Since the male body itself copes well with gardnerella, treatment is mainly aimed at suppressing the inflammatory processes caused by these microbes. During this period, it is recommended to give up smoked and spicy snacks, alcohol, and also use protective equipment during sexual intercourse. The diet should include vegetables, cereals and dairy products. To maintain immunity, it is useful to take immunomodulatory drugs.

Prevention of gardnerellosis

No matter how banal the expression may seem, it is still much easier, cheaper, and safer to prevent any illness than to treat it. This also applies to gardnerellosis. Measures that will help prevent this disease will protect against many other ailments. The basis is a healthy lifestyle. And:

1. Refusal of intrauterine contraceptives;
2. Prevention and timely treatment of inflammatory diseases of the genital area;
3. The fight against sexual promiscuity;
4. Refusal of uncontrolled use of antibiotics;
5. Avoid early onset of sexual activity.

These measures will help maintain the balance of vaginal microflora at the required level to ensure women's health.

Video: specialist about gardnerellosis in women and men

Gardnerella - what is it? This type of microorganism is called Gardnerella vaginalis; it is normally present in small quantities in the microflora of women.

Gardnerellosis

Gardnerella is anaerobic, i.e. actinobacteria that develops in the absence of air. Its size is slightly larger than a gonococcus. Under certain conditions, gardnerella begins to actively multiply and displace the normal microflora of the vagina and urethra. The disease gardnerellosis develops. This disease is not an STI (sexually transmitted infection). What kind of bacterium is gardnerella? Photos of this microorganism can be found in medical sources and on numerous websites dedicated to women's health.

Men do not suffer from this disease; gardnerella does not develop in their body. But in 10% of cases they can become spreaders of this disease, and also with a decrease in immunity, these microorganisms can cause some complications associated with men's health:

• Ureaplasmosis.
• Epididymitis.
• Pyelonephritis.
• Cystitis.

Reasons for the development of gardnerellosis

Gardnerella - what is it, and under what circumstances does this microorganism cause the disease? Among the factors contributing to the development of gardnerellosis, the most common are:

1. Sexually transmitted infections such as chlamydia, trichomoniasis, gonorrhea and other STIs.
2. Hormonal imbalances - these can be caused by various factors, such as pregnancy. Gardnerella during pregnancy, like thrush, is often detected in smears, and this condition requires certain treatment.
3. Dietary disorders. So, one of the reasons for the development of this disease may be insufficient consumption of lactic acid products.
4. Some contraceptives containing hormonal drugs, 9-nonoxynol or condoms with spermicidal lubricant, as well as the use of antibacterial suppositories and ointments, can lead to an imbalance in the vaginal microflora and provoke the development of gardnerellosis.
5. Frequent change of sexual partners.
6. Decreased immunity and immunodeficiency states.
7. Chronic infections leading to an imbalance of the intestinal microflora and genitourinary system.
8. Stress and severe physical and emotional overload.

Symptoms

This disease can occur in acute and chronic forms. In the chronic course of this pathology, symptoms may be completely absent. In this case, gardnerella is detected in a smear by chance, usually during routine examinations.

In the acute course of the disease, women are bothered by pathological pasty vaginal discharge with an unpleasant “fishy” odor. They are grayish-white in color and have a uniform consistency. During sexual intercourse and urination, itching and burning are bothersome. During a gynecological examination, inflammatory changes are noticeable in the vagina, urethra and cervix.

Complications

Gardnerellosis, if left untreated, can cause complications such as endometritis (inflammation of the uterus) and adnexitis (inflammation of the appendages). These inflammatory processes in this disease can provoke menstruation, artificial termination of pregnancy, childbirth, as well as intrauterine devices.

Diagnostics

Typically, diagnosing gardnerellosis does not cause difficulties. An examination by a gynecologist and the woman’s complaints of discomfort, as well as laboratory data (these microorganisms are clearly visible in stained gynecological smears) confirm this diagnosis. When assessing laboratory data, attention is paid not only to the presence of the pathogen in the smear, but also to its quantity - this is what makes it possible to make a diagnosis. The ratio of microorganisms in the resulting vaginal secretion is also assessed.

Gardnerella during pregnancy. What is the risk for the baby?

These microorganisms can cause an inflammatory process in the body of a pregnant woman. As mentioned above, this may be facilitated by hormonal changes during pregnancy.

Gardnerella - what is it, and how can this microorganism threaten the fetus?

If such a disease develops during pregnancy, then while the child is in the womb, nothing threatens him, because it is protected by the placenta. Infection of the baby occurs during labor during the passage of the birth canal. But gardnerella is not a highly pathogenic microorganism, moreover, it can carry out its vital functions only without access to air, therefore, after hygienic treatment of a newborn, such an infection, as a rule, goes away without a trace or complications. But this disease, if left untreated in an advanced form, can lead to the birth of a baby with underweight or provoke the development of pneumonia and other pathologies after birth.

How dangerous is gardnerellosis for an expectant mother?

Gardnerella - what is it and why is it dangerous for a pregnant woman? This microorganism is not so harmless for the health of the expectant mother herself. It can cause inflammation of the genitourinary system, pathological uterine bleeding, premature rupture of membranes during childbirth and complications in the postpartum period, such as the development of endometritis and possible infertility in the future.

Treatment

For gardnerellosis, treatment is mandatory. The causative agent of this disease is resistant to sulfonamides, cephalosporins, aminoglycosides and tetracycline drugs. The disease is treated with the drug "Metronidazole" ("Trichopol"). It is prescribed for oral administration, one tablet per day for 7-10 days. Additionally, vaginal tablets or Metrogyl or Flagyl gel are used.

Men do not need treatment for gardnerellosis. But if a woman (sexual partner) is planning a pregnancy, then both need to be treated.

Prevention

Violation of the vaginal microflora often occurs due to decreased immunity, so during pregnancy it is recommended to take vitamins and eat right.

When treating serious diseases with the use of antibiotics, one should not forget about immunostimulation. Regular sexual partners are a reliable way to protect against STIs. Compliance with basic hygiene rules is also an important stage of prevention.

Gardnerellosis, which may also be known to you as bacterial vaginosis, is one of the most common types of infectious pathology that occurs in the genital area. Gardnerellosis, the symptoms of which are mainly relevant for women of childbearing age and are manifested primarily in the appearance of characteristic discharge with a “fishy” odor, can, however, also occur among men.

general description

Gardnerellosis, as we have already noted, is a fairly common disease. It is caused by the bacteria corresponding to its name that gets on the vaginal mucosa. A small amount of these microorganisms can be contained in the body of a healthy woman, but the manifestation of symptoms characteristic of the disease is accompanied by an excess of the concentration level in the vagina of Gardnerella.

The bacteria are usually transmitted through sexual contact. As for other factors predisposing to the onset of the disease, these include pregnancy, hormonal disorders, and a number of other types of endocrine diseases. The duration of the incubation period for gardnerellosis is usually about 3-10 days.

When considering male morbidity, it can be noted that in this case, gardnerellosis occurs no less often, however, the peculiarities of the course of the disease, characterized by a virtual absence of symptoms at an early stage, do not allow for its timely diagnosis.

Symptoms of gardnerellosis in women

The most favorable environment conducive to the proliferation of gardnerella is the vagina. The peculiarities of the disease in women are the mass reproduction that this microorganism begins to carry out, as well as the gradual displacement of bacteria that form a normal environment for the vagina. Due to such a violation of the vaginal microbiocenosis, characteristic gynecological inflammation begins to appear.

In addition, copious discharge of a grayish-green color of a uniform consistency begins to appear and adheres to the vaginal walls. Also, their peculiarity lies in the presence of a specific fishy smell. Among the manifestations there is severe itching and burning in the genital area.

In particular, increased symptoms are observed after sexual intercourse due to the alkaline environment of sperm. In general, it should be noted that the interaction of discharge from gardenerellosis with any type of alkali provokes an even greater increase in the unpleasant odor. Accordingly, even the use of soap for hygienic purposes enhances this manifestation.

Advanced cases of the disease often develop into either. If the disease is relevant, pregnant women may experience uterine bleeding. In addition, they may also experience rupture of the membranes, and premature labor may begin. Subsequently, as a result of the disease in question, the newborn has low weight, and the woman in labor experiences symptoms characteristic of postpartum endometritis.

Gardnerellosis: symptoms in men

Gardnerellosis is also an actual disease among men, but they generally have no symptoms. This is explained by the fact that gardnerella are bacteria that specifically attack the squamous epithelium, which, in turn, is located in the vagina. In men, only the first 5 centimeters of the urethra are lined with flat epithelium, which, accordingly, affects only the scaphoid fossa. Thus, the male urethra is not the environment that would provide normal conditions conducive to the development of gardnerella.

In some cases, in which gardnerellosis is accompanied by some other sexually transmitted disease, it becomes possible to diagnose it, which in other cases practically does not happen due to the characteristics of the disease. The course of gardnerellosis in men can occur in the form of balanoposthitis. In this case, there are again no pronounced symptoms, but the determining factor for the disease is the appearance of a characteristic unpleasant odor in the area of ​​the foreskin and the surface of the head.

In general, for men it can be noted that the disease is not dangerous. The occurrence of serious problems relating to reproductive health is noted only in cases of reduced immunity or with a sufficiently high degree of concentration of gardnerella.

Also, medical practice indicates cases in which gardenerellosis in men led to and, as well as inflammation of the seminal appendages (epididymitis). In any case, the listed serious complications that this disease can cause are rather an exception to the rule. The male body copes with the pathogen within two to three days. In some cases, men are carriers of the virus, which, however, excludes the relevance of the appearance of symptoms characteristic of the disease.

Diagnosis of gardnerellosis

Diagnosis of the disease in women involves the need to conduct appropriate laboratory tests of desquamated cells of the vaginal mucosa, as well as secretions. The presence of gardnerellosis is indicated by an increased level of acidity noted in the vaginal environment, a positive result of the amine test and, of course, the presence of the microorganisms that cause this disease.

It should be noted that a pathogenic bacterium in itself is not yet evidence of the relevance of gardnerellosis, because a small number of pathogenic microorganisms of this type, as we have already noted, are acceptable in a normal and healthy state of the body.

The most informative option for determining gardnerellosis in women is PCR (that is, polymerase chain reaction technology). It can also be used in diagnosing the disease in men in the analysis of semen, urine and scrapings. It is noteworthy that the sensitivity of this method is almost 100%.

Treatment of gardnerellosis

The treatment provided for gardnerellosis in women is complex in itself. This, in turn, involves therapy aimed at reducing the total number of microorganisms, as well as the colonization of the vaginal area with valuable lactobacilli with a general increase in the immunity inherent in the body. Pathogenic bacteria are destroyed mainly using antibacterial therapy at the local level. Immunomodulators are used to strengthen the immune system.

The most difficult and, in fact, long-term stage of treatment for women is the colonization of the vaginal area with beneficial bacteria. In this case, eubiotics saturated with living bacteria are applicable. To determine the effectiveness of treatment, special control tests are used, carried out at intervals of several weeks.

As for the treatment of men, it is carried out at the local level, and there is no need for antibacterial therapy.

To avoid re-infection, therapy should be carried out for both partners. During treatment, it is strongly recommended to avoid unprotected sexual intercourse using barrier methods of contraception.

To diagnose the disease and prescribe appropriate therapy, it is necessary to contact several specialists: a gynecologist, a urologist and a microbiologist.

Many diseases await us at a time when the immune system is weakened due to some factors. A disease called gardnerella in women occurs as a result of an imbalance in the vaginal microflora. Before prescribing treatment, the cause of the disease must be established. In almost all cases, gardnerella appears due to an insufficient number of lactobacilli, which provide normal microflora in the female vagina. How dangerous is this disease for women, especially during pregnancy, and how to treat it?

What is gardnerella?

Bacterial vaginalis or gardnerella is one of the common diseases affecting women. At first it was believed that its transmission was carried out exclusively through sexual contact. But it was soon possible to establish that initially the microflora contained a certain number of pathogenic microbes that could provoke the development of gardnerella in a woman.

The presence of the Gardnerella microorganism in every healthy woman is the norm. Lactobacilli prevent the proliferation of these pathogenic bacteria and ensure the maintenance of the correct internal environment of the vagina by producing lactic acid. Lactoflora acts as a local defense system, helping to suppress the growth of bacteria, preventing the onset of the disease.

The main reasons for the appearance of Gardnerella are a sharp decrease in the number of lactobacilli under certain circumstances and the beginning of an active and rapid increase in the number of anaerobic bacteria. As a result, the woman’s vaginal environment becomes alkaline, and there is an excellent opportunity for various kinds of infections to penetrate there. Therefore, gardnerella in almost all cases is complicated by the appearance of inflammatory diseases associated with the genitourinary system.

Symptoms and signs of the disease

The beginning of the development of gardnerella in women is accompanied by not the most pleasant signs:

• When infected with Gardnerella, profuse vaginal discharge appears, having a grayish, yellowish or greenish tint. But they can also be completely transparent if the woman was able to notice the development of the disease at the very beginning. Gardnerella discharge has a uniform consistency (foaming or creamy).
• The infection provokes a strong feeling of discomfort in the vagina - itching, burning, and possible painful sensations in the area of ​​the outer labia.
• With Gardnerella, women experience pain in the perineal area.
• The labia may turn red and become swollen.
• During intimacy, in the presence of gardnerella, pain, burning, and itching appear. As a result of sexual intercourse with an infected partner, a man can also become infected.
• Vaginal discharge with gardnerella has a characteristic unpleasant odor, reminiscent of the stench of rotten fish.

Diagnostic methods

If at least one of the above signs of gardnerella is detected, the woman needs to be examined by a gynecologist, especially when planning a pregnancy. To determine the disease, the doctor takes a smear. This is a common and most accurate method for diagnosing gardnerellosis. Using a microscope, it is easy to examine the cells of the smear, on which there is a thick layer of gardnerella. A method is also used to determine the pH level of the vaginal environment. Normally, the vagina has an acidic environment, but as a result of pathological growth of gardnerella, it changes to alkaline.

Thanks to the reaction to isonitrile (this is the substance that gives vaginal discharge the characteristic unpleasant odor of rotten fish), final confirmation of the correct diagnosis becomes possible. Sometimes, if gardnerella is suspected, a woman is prescribed a blood test to determine the level of white blood cells, but this is not necessary.

As soon as the presence of the disease is accurately determined, the doctor prescribes the patient to undergo additional tests to determine infections of the genitourinary system that accompany gardnerella. An examination of the mucous membrane of the vagina and cervix is ​​prescribed using a special optical device with a light bulb at the end (colposcopy).

Gardnerella during pregnancy - should I be afraid?

Pregnancy is a great stress for a woman’s entire body, because as a result of a sharp hormonal surge, the body’s defenses decrease. During this period, the risk of developing gardnerella increases several times. Find out what is dangerous and what consequences this disease that appears during pregnancy can lead to from the following video:

How to treat gardnerellosis in women

To prevent negative consequences from this disease, proper treatment is necessary to completely stop the pathological growth of gardnerella in the female body. Therefore, a treatment regimen is prescribed based on antibacterial therapy, which also eliminates ureaplasma (the causative agent of sexually transmitted infections). For more information about the treatment of gardnerellosis in women, see the video below:

Medications

In almost all methods of treating Gardnerella, the patient takes clindamycin or metronidazole. Local treatment is carried out - vaginal suppositories (suppositories), ointments, tablets are used, sometimes called intravenous injections. The duration of the treatment course is 7-10 days. Only the attending physician determines the required dosage of the medicine, taking into account the test data obtained and the degree of neglect of gardnerella, the patient’s body weight and age, and the individual characteristics of the female body.

After 10 days, the next stage of treatment is carried out, which is based on the colonization of the vagina with beneficial microflora (bifidobacteria and lactobacilli). For this purpose, not only oral probiotics are prescribed, but also local use of vaginal suppositories. Before treatment, a control examination of the vagina will be carried out, during which it will be confirmed that the growth of gardnerella has stopped (by this time their number should drop to the normal limit).

Folk remedies

Treatment of gardnerella is carried out using agents that have an antibacterial effect. In folk medicine, a large number of medicinal plants are widely used for this purpose. Here are some effective ways:

• Douching using infusions of St. John's wort, chamomile, and sage. Brew dry raw materials (2 tablespoons) in a glass of boiling water.
• Internal intake of infusion from pine buds. Pour boiling water (500 g) into a thermos and add crushed and dried pine buds (1 tablespoon), leave overnight. In the morning, pass the mixture through a sieve and take 0.5 cups warm 4 times during the day (half an hour before the start of the meal). The full course of treatment lasts exactly 14 days.
• Tea tree oil can not only be taken orally, but also applied topically. Dissolve 1 drop of oil in a tablespoon of milk and take it 2 times throughout the day. The full course of treatment lasts 3 weeks.
• For topical use of tea tree oil, make a solution: dissolve 5 drops of oil in 10 g of any boiled vegetable oil. We moisten clean tampons in the resulting mixture, insert them into the vagina, leave them overnight, and remove them in the morning. Such treatment procedures should be carried out every other day (10-11 procedures).

Disease prevention

It is necessary to strengthen the immune system, because its weakening provokes the onset of the development of gardnerella in a woman. First of all, this applies to maintaining a correct and healthy lifestyle. It is necessary to completely eliminate alcohol consumption, quit smoking, avoid stressful situations, eat right, and learn to alternate work and rest.

Regular walks in the fresh air and playing sports perfectly strengthen the immune system; it is recommended to start tempering yourself. It is important to avoid severe hypothermia and not to forget intimate hygiene. Particular attention should be paid to the prevention of not only gardnerella, but also a variety of sexually transmitted diseases and sexually transmitted infections.

Frequent changes of sexual partners and promiscuous relationships can lead to the development of gardnerella in both women and men. Douching should not be used constantly, especially as a personal hygiene measure. This can lead to disruption of the normal microflora of the vagina, reducing the local protective function of the mucous membrane, which contributes to the proliferation of gardnerella. You should not abuse antibiotics, because due to uncontrolled use, the balance of harmful and beneficial microorganisms in the intestines and vagina is disrupted.