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. In fact, this is an imbalance of the microflora in the vagina. Bacterial vaginosis is also called gardnerellosis.

For a normal state in the vagina, the advantage of lactobacilli is characteristic. They help form lactic acid and hydrogen peroxide. This does not provide conditions for the reproduction of conditionally pathogenic microorganisms. The causative agent is opportunistic, which is always present in the vagina. Normally, there is not much of it, it is in a dormant state.

The causes of vaginal dysbacteriosis are:

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

During the disease, another opportunistic microflora is activated - mycoplasma and anaerobic infection.

Regarding gardnerella, the doctor is treated as often as about thrush. According to the old qualification, this is an STI, but according to ICD 10, gardnerella does not belong to 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. Uncomfortable sensations in the genitals, their itching and burning are characteristic. Coitus can be painful. A "fishy" odor is characteristic.

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

For men, damage to the urethra and the occurrence of sluggish urethritis are also possible. Perhaps the development of even 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. You also need to adjust your lifestyle. Otherwise, gardnerella can be treated many times and a lasting positive effect cannot be obtained.

They are engaged in local treatment if bacterial vaginosis is not just dysbacteriosis, but there is inflammation in the affected organs. Correction of immunity is dangerous for pregnant women. The vagina is locally sanitized with drugs that are safe for the fetus. Such events 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 the onset of symptoms of the disease are possible in the future if immunity deteriorates.

A man is more often only a carrier of gardnerella, but both a man and a woman need to be treated. But even if the couple is treated, the woman may relapse.

Treatment is aimed at the destruction of gardnerella vaginalis. Apply vaginal suppositories and tablets orally. Nutrition for gardnerellosis consists of dietary meat, sea fish and seafood, cottage cheese, dairy products, vegetables, cereals, fruits. Useful dishes from a double boiler, boiled and stewed. Frequent small meals are needed. Dishes from "heavy" meat are excluded. Fried, smoked, spicy and overly salty foods, and foods high in sugar are also excluded. The use of strong tea and coffee drinks is also limited. The use of alcoholic and sweet carbonated drinks is excluded.

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

Treatment of gardnerella in women

Gardnerellosis in women has very poor symptoms. It is very similar in its manifestations to similar female diseases, for example, thrush.

The main signs are the presence of more often scanty, homogeneous, gray-white or yellowish discharge from the vagina with the smell of "rotten" fish. When inflammatory phenomena join, the discharge is accompanied by itching and burning in the vagina, soreness of the lower third of the abdomen and uncomfortable intercourse. The vagina and nearby organs are inflamed.

Gardnerella vaginalis itself does not cause much harm. But against its background, trichomonas, mycoplasmas, 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 the hormonal background;
• 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 the microflora in the vagina and strengthening the immune defenses in the vagina. It is also necessary to increase the state of general immunity.

The therapy should be carried out in two stages.

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

During the second - it is necessary to populate the vagina with lactobacilli. The effectiveness of the second stage is due to the quality of the first.

The first step is antibiotic therapy.

We'll talk more about drugs later.

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

At the second stage, a more difficult task, you need to restore the normal microflora of the vagina. Repopulate the vagina with lactobacilli. Treatment should be not only local, but also general. Since, along with bacterial vaginosis, intestinal dysbacteriosis is also observed. The course of saturation of the body with lactobacilli lasts about one month. It is necessary to increase the overall immune status of the body. To do this, use vitamin complex preparations (such as Bomax, Vitrum, Alphabet) and preparations of natural immunomodulators (tincture of echinacea and magnolia vine).

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

If the gardnerella remains in the body, then the treatment is extended. If a woman who has one sexual partner falls ill again, then it is necessary to treat it from a preventive point of view. Because he 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, apply general treatment 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 remove inflammation of the vagina.

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

Medicines for treatment

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

First, be sure to conduct a test for the sensitivity of the pathogen to various drugs. It is also necessary to treat the sexual partner if PCR showed the presence of a pathogen in him. Treated with tetracyclines, lincosamides and fluoroquinolones.

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

Metronidazole is treated with oral tablets 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 (tetracycline group of antibiotics) and levofloxacin (fluoroquinolone) often treat manifestations of bacterial vaginosis in men.

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

Self-medication is unacceptable.

Topically apply Miramistin solution, Metronidazole gel or Betadine vaginal suppositories.

For the prevention of gardnerella, douching should not be carried away.

Give preference to loose underwear made of good natural fiber, strictly observe intimate hygiene, and strengthen immunity. And be sure to get treated 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 preparations is good for restoring the microflora of the vagina. By regular prophylaxis, we achieve the constancy of the microflora of the vagina. But pregnant women must consult a doctor before treatment.

The first means to strengthen the immune system, at the cellular level.

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

The same parts of these medicines are taken. This raw material is poured with boiling water, and infused for about 6 hours. Take before meals 0.5 cup three times a day. Store refrigerated at a temperature of 4 C. Treatment takes a period of about a month. 4 times a year.

The second remedy, also to strengthen immunity at the cellular level.

Another infusion is also prepared on the grass of sweet clover, nettle, cudweed, lavender, marshmallow root and leuzea. And they also take the same portions. Infusions should be taken alternately, first in the course of the first, then the second.

Third remedy.

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

Fourth remedy.

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 with two hundred milliliters of boiling water for half an hour.

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

What's happening? Such a question is asked by a woman at the sight of an abundant, unpleasant odor,. Tests for all kinds of sexual infections are negative. The reasons for this condition can be very different. One of them is gardnerellosis.

Whether Gardnerella vaginalis is the causative agent of infection 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 actively reproduce.

In the female body (as well as in the male body), about 10 thousand species of microorganisms constantly live. Their total weight is about a kilogram. If we take into account the size of bacteria (10 bacterial cells live in each human cell), then 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 quantitatively does not leave it.

Problems arise when the biological program fails. For some reason (internal or external), the number of some bacteria decreases, while others immediately seek 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 dysbacteriosis and gardnerellosis

Normally, the vagina is dominated by bacteria that constantly secrete lactic acid. Milk in Latin lactis, therefore, microorganisms are called lactobacilli (another name is Doderlein sticks). An acidic environment does not contribute to the reproduction of pathogenic bacteria, including gardnerella.

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

In the case of a weakening of the body's defenses, a decrease in the number of lactobacilli and an active reproduction of opportunistic gardnerella occur. Dysbacteriosis of the vagina develops. Often this leads to an inflammatory process in the vagina - nonspecific vaginitis and other ailments.

With dysbacteriosis, gardnerella (or other pathogenic bacteria) stick around the epithelial cells of the vagina, forming the 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 state.

The internal causes leading to vaginal dysbacteriosis and, as a result, to gardnerellosis include:

• Changes in the hormonal status of a woman (including during pregnancy);
• stressful state;
• physical exhaustion;
• Diseases of a chronic nature.

External causes of gardnerellosis include:

1. The use of antibiotics, hormonal agents;
2. Bad ecology;
3. Venereal diseases;
4. Change of sexual partners;
5. Operations, including abortions;
6. Violation of the menstrual cycle;
7. Allergy;
8. The use of intrauterine contraception;
9. The 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 out;
12. The 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, irregular menstruation. However, the consequences of the excess content of gardnerella will not keep you waiting. To prevent complications, it is necessary to undergo an examination by a gynecologist at least twice a year.

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

• Bad smell;
• Allocations;
• Burning;
• Pain sensations.

Any alkali aggravates the symptoms, especially the smell. An alkaline reaction has an ordinary soap, sperm.

With nonspecific vaginitis, it is necessary to take 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 cause:

1. Staphylococci;
2. Streptococci;
3. Protea;
4. coli;
5. candida;
6. Enterococci and others.

A pathogen in vaginitis along with bacteria can be a fungus. Therefore, gardnerellosis should first of all be differentiated from the equally common

Possible consequences of gardnerellosis

Gardnerella are conditionally pathogenic bacteria. “Possibly pathogenic” means not very dangerous. However, a bacterium, having taken a foreign niche, attracts its own kind there. For example, her "faithful companion" is often mobiluncus, which enhances the negative effect of gardnerella on the vaginal biocenosis. Thus, one should not treat them with complete indifference, 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 occurs intestinal dysbacteriosis which leads to problems with the gastrointestinal tract.
• Inflammation from the vagina can spread to the appendages and cervix. It is possible that the occurrence 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 make a reservation right away that such common methods as PCR, seeding, PIF, in the diagnosis of gardnerellosis are secondary. With their help, only the presence of the 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 -. 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 the vaginal discharge the smell of rotting fish. Sometimes a blood test for leukocytes is prescribed (with gardnerellosis, they become smaller). But this is an additional analysis.

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

Be sure to conduct a survey on the inflammatory processes of the genital area.

Treatment of the disease

How to cure bacterial vaginosis? First of all it is necessary to get rid of the reasons, as a result of which there was a surge in the number of microorganism. Necessary:

1. Refuse uncontrolled intake of antibiotics;
2. Do not frequently change sexual partners or use condoms. However, it should be remembered that condoms with spermicidal lubricant containing 9-nonoxylol are contraindicated in case of bacterial vaginosis;
3. Use hormonal drugs only after consulting a gynecologist;
4. Raise the number of lactobacilli with the help of Linex, Bifidumbacterin;
5. Do not interfere with the body's self-healing by minimizing douching.
6. Avoid antibacterial suppositories.
7. Use vegetable (Eleutherococcus, ginseng) or synthetic (Vitrum, Biomax) immunomodulators.

Not every antibacterial agent is suitable for fighting gardnerella. In addition, if antibiotics are prescribed, then local drugs are preferred, and only in the case of a severe course of 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 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. For this, probiotics are taken orally and in the form of suppositories. For internal use, Laktonorm, Lactobacterin are recommended. They must be consumed for 30 or more days. Three weeks apply candles Laktonorm or Atsilakt.

Not superfluous, as with any dysbacteriosis, will be the observance of proper dietary nutrition. Spicy, fried, fatty foods and alcohol should be replaced with fermented milk products.

A smear (control study) is performed after 1.5–2 months. During the treatment period during sexual intimacy, condoms must be used.

Gardnerellosis and pregnancy

Immediately reassure expectant mothers - gardnerellosis is not transmitted to the child. The bacteria are unable to cross the placenta and infect the fetus. And in the process of childbirth, this will not happen due to the low pathogenicity of gardnerella.

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

The pregnant woman does not experience any special symptoms of gardnerellosis: all the same pains, rotten smell, itching. Often, these signs may not be. Especially if the bacteria are in the vagina in an uncritical amount. Most importantly, they do not suppress beneficial lactobacilli. But if, nevertheless, there are any signs of infection, a 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 remedies are used. These are gels and ointments with clindamycin. Secondly, even ointments cannot be used in the first three months. In extreme cases, Betadiene and Hexicon candles 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 agreement 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 germ with the help of folk remedies.

This disease is new. Rather, they began to recognize it not so long ago. Therefore, folk recipes fight only with unpleasant secretions and restore the vaginal microflora.

Despite the seeming harmlessness of folk methods, pregnant women should in no case use them without consulting a gynecologist!

Folk recipes for douching

The use of tampons with folk remedies

You can make a tampon yourself from folded gauze, or you can purchase it at a pharmacy. Soak the swab with sea buckthorn oil or a mixture of aloe juice and olive oil (1:1). The procedure is done in the evening, leaving the tampon overnight.

For more effective treatment, you can independently prepare an immunomodulatory tincture:

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

And the main folk treatment is proper nutrition: fresh vegetables, unsweetened bakery and sour-milk 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, difficulty urinating, burning.

Very rarely occur and. They manifest 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. It is recommended for this period to give up smoked meats and spicy snacks, alcohol, and also to use protective equipment during sexual intercourse. The diet should include vegetables, cereals and dairy products. To maintain immunity, it is useful to take immunomodulating agents.

Prevention of gardnerellosis

No matter how banal the expression may seem, it is still much easier, cheaper, safer to prevent any ailment than to treat. This also applies to gardnerellosis. Measures that will help prevent this disease will also protect against many other ailments. At the core is a healthy lifestyle. As well as:

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

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

Video: specialist on gardnerellosis in women and men

Gardnerella - what is it? This type of microorganisms is called Gardnerella vaginalis (Gardnerella vaginalis), it is normally present in small quantities in the microflora of women.

Gardnerellosis

Gardnerella is anaerobic, i.e. actinobacteria that grows in the absence of air. Its size is slightly larger than a gonococcus. Under certain conditions, gardnerella begin to actively multiply and displace the normal microflora of the vagina and urethra. The disease gardnerellosis develops. This disease is not related to STIs (sexually transmitted infections). What is this bacterium - gardnerella? Photos of this microorganism can be found in medical sources and on multiple sites 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 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 disruptions - they can be caused by various factors, such as pregnancy. Gardnerella during pregnancy, as well as thrush, is often found in smears, and this condition requires some 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 spermicidal condoms, 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. Reduced immunity and immunodeficiency states.
7. Chronic infections leading to an imbalance in the microflora of the intestines and the genitourinary system.
8. Stress and severe physical and emotional overload.

Symptoms

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

In the acute course of the disease, women are concerned about pathological pasty discharge from the vagina with an unpleasant "fishy" odor. They are grayish-white in color, the consistency is uniform. During sexual intercourse and urination, itching and burning are disturbing. During a gynecological examination, inflammatory changes are noticeable in the vagina, urethra and in the cervical region.

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

Usually, the diagnosis of gardnerellosis does not cause difficulties. An examination by a gynecologist and a woman's complaints of discomfort, as well as laboratory data (these microorganisms are clearly visible in stained gynecological smears) confirm this diagnosis. When evaluating 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 evaluated.

Gardnerella during pregnancy. What threatens the baby?

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

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

If a similar 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 activity only without air access, therefore, after hygienic treatment of a newborn, such infection, as a rule, disappears without a trace and complications. But this disease, with an untreated advanced form, can lead to the birth of a baby with a lack of weight or provoke the development of pneumonia and other pathologies in him after birth.

Why is gardnerellosis dangerous for a future mother?

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

Treatment

With 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.

Gardnerellosis men do not need to be treated. But if a woman (sexual partner) is planning a pregnancy, then both should be treated.

Prevention

Violation of the vaginal microflora often occurs due to a decrease in immunity, therefore, 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. Permanent sex partners are a reliable way to protect against STIs. Compliance with elementary hygiene rules is also an important step in 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 the category of childbearing age and are manifested primarily in the appearance of characteristic secretions with a "fishy" smell, can, meanwhile, also occur among men.

general description

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

Bacteria are usually transmitted sexually. 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 of gardnerellosis, as a rule, is about 3-10 days.

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

Symptoms of gardnerellosis in women

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

In addition, abundant discharge of a grayish-green color of a uniform consistency and sticking to the vaginal walls also begins to appear. 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, an increase in symptoms is noted after sexual contact due to the alkaline environment of sperm. In general, it should be noted that the interaction of secretions during gardenerellesis 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.

Launched cases of the course of the disease often develop into or into. In the case of the relevance of the disease in pregnant women, uterine bleeding is possible. In addition, they may also have a rupture of the membranes, and premature birth may begin. Subsequently, as a result of the disease in question, the newborn is underweight, the woman in labor experiences symptoms characteristic of postpartum endometritis.

Gardnerellosis: symptoms in men

Gardnerellosis is an actual disease among men, however, they mostly have no symptoms. This is explained by the fact that gardnerella are bacteria that specifically affect the squamous epithelium, and it, in turn, is located in the vagina. In men, only the first 5 centimeters of the urethra are lined with squamous epithelium, which, accordingly, affects only the navicular 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 another sexually transmitted disease, it becomes possible to diagnose it, which in other cases practically does not occur due to the characteristics of the disease. The course of gardnerellosis in men can occur in the form of balanoposthitis. In this case, pronounced symptoms, again, are absent, however, the appearance of a characteristic unpleasant odor in the region of the foreskin and the surface of the head becomes the determining factor for the disease.

In general, for men it can be noted that the disease is not dangerous. The emergence of serious problems related 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 to inflammation of the seminal appendages (epididymitis). In any case, the listed serious complications that this disease can provoke are rather an exception to the rule. The male body copes with the causative agent of the disease within two to three days. In some cases, men are noted to be 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 provides for the need to conduct appropriate laboratory studies 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 directly 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, is 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 is also applicable in diagnosing a 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, provides for a therapy focused on reducing the total number of microorganisms, as well as the settlement of valuable lactobacilli in the vaginal area with a general increase in immunity inherent in the body. Pathogenic bacteria are destroyed mainly with the use of antibiotic therapy at the local level. Immunomodulators are used to strengthen the immune system.

The most difficult, as, in fact, the longest stage of treatment for women is to colonize the vaginal area with beneficial bacteria. In this case, eubiotics saturated with live 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, while there is no need for antibiotic therapy.

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

To diagnose the disease and prescribe appropriate therapy, you need to contact several specialists: a gynecologist, a urologist and a microbiologist.

Many diseases lie in wait for us at a time when immunity is weakened due to some factors. A disease called gardnerella in women occurs as a result of the formation of an imbalance in the microflora of the vagina. Before prescribing treatment, you need to establish the cause of the disease. In almost all cases, gardnerella appears due to an insufficient amount of lactobacilli that 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 vaginal lysis or gardnerella is one of the most common diseases in women. At first, it was believed that its transmission was carried out exclusively through sexual contact. But soon it was possible to establish that initially in the microflora there is a certain amount of pathogenic microbes that can provoke the development of gardnerella in a woman.

The presence of the gardnerella microorganism in every healthy woman is the norm. Lactobacilli prevent the reproduction 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 development 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 a great 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 onset of development in women of gardnerella is accompanied by not the most pleasant signs:

• When infected with gardnerella, abundant vaginal discharge appears, which has a grayish, yellowish or greenish tint. But they can be completely transparent if the woman was able to notice the development of the disease at the very beginning. Allocations with gardnerella have a homogeneous consistency (foamy or creamy).
• The infection provokes the appearance of a strong feeling of discomfort in the vagina - itching, burning, and pain in the region of the external labia are possible.
• With gardnerella, women experience soreness in the perineal region.
• The labia may become red and swollen.
• During intimacy, in the presence of gardnerella, pain, burning, itching appear. As a result of sexual intercourse with an infected partner, a man can become infected.
• Vaginal discharge with gardnerella has a characteristic unpleasant odor, resembling the stench of rotten fish.

Diagnostic methods

If at least one of the above signs of gardnerella is found, a 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 smear cells, on which there is a thick layer of gardnerella. A method for determining the pH level of the vaginal environment is also carried out. At the norm, the vagina is acidic, and as a result of the pathological growth of gardnerella, it changes to an alkaline one.

Thanks to the reaction to isonitrile (this is the substance that gives the vaginal discharge a characteristic unpleasant smell of rotten fish), it becomes possible to finally confirm the correct diagnosis. 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 the infections of the genitourinary system that accompany gardnerella. An examination of the mucous membrane of the vagina, cervix is ​​prescribed using a special optical device, at the end of which there is a light bulb (colposcopy).

Gardnerella during pregnancy - should I be afraid?

Pregnancy is a great stress for the whole body of a woman, 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. What is dangerous, and what consequences this disease that manifests itself during pregnancy can lead to, find out from the following video:

How to treat gardnerellosis in women

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

Medications

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

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

Folk remedies

Treatment of gardnerella is carried out with the help of antibacterial agents. In folk medicine, a large number of medicinal plants are widely used for this purpose. Here are some effective ways:

• Douching with the use of infusions of St. John's wort, pharmacy chamomile, sage. In a glass of boiling water, we brew dry raw materials (2 tablespoons).
• 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, the mixture is passed through a sieve and taken 4 times during the day in a warm form, 0.5 cups each (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 2 times a day. The full course of treatment lasts 3 weeks.
• For topical application of tea tree oil, we 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 it into the vagina, leave it all night, and remove it in the morning. Such medical procedures should be carried out every other day (10-11 procedures).

Disease prevention

It is necessary to work on strengthening 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 proper and healthy lifestyle. It is necessary to completely eliminate the use of alcohol, quit smoking, avoid stressful situations, eat right, learn to alternate work and rest.

Perfectly strengthen the immune system regular walks in the fresh air, playing sports, it is recommended to start hardening. It is important not to allow severe hypothermia of the body and not to forget about intimate hygiene. Particular attention should be paid to the prevention of not only gardnerella, but also a variety of sexually transmitted diseases, sexually transmitted infections.

Frequent change of sexual partner, promiscuity can lead to the development of gardnerella in both women and men. Douching should not be used continuously, especially as a personal hygiene measure. This can lead to a violation of the normal microflora of the vagina, a decrease in the local protective function of the mucous membrane, which contributes to the reproduction of gardnerella. You should not abuse antibiotics, because due to uncontrolled intake, the balance of harmful and beneficial microorganisms in the intestines and vagina is disturbed.