How long is gardnerella treated. Among these factors

In our body there is a huge number of not only harmful, but also beneficial bacteria. They live everywhere: on the surface of the skin, in the intestines, on the mucous membranes and in the vagina. Thus, almost every organ has its own individual microflora, which ensures its normal functioning. The beneficial bacteria that live in the vagina allow it to fight various infections. But quite often, the delicate balance of microflora is disturbed, resulting in more harmful microbes, the most common of which are gardnerella. This leads to the development of a disease of the same name that harms the body and requires treatment.

Definition of gardnerellosis in women

Gardnerellosis, or bacterial vaginosis, is a pathological condition in which the gardnerella microorganism predominates in the vagina. It is the smallest bacterium that, under normal conditions, also lives in the human body along with many others. It is believed that in a healthy woman, acidifying lactobacilli predominate in the vagina, which create an optimal environment. If this ratio is violated, gardnerellosis occurs with all the accompanying symptoms.

The predominance of gardnerella in the microflora of the vagina is called bacterial vaginosis.

The disease occurs both in women of all ages, and in men. Representatives of the stronger sex suffer from the disease much less frequently, since they have a smaller volume of the mucous membrane compared to girls.

How many microorganisms in a smear is considered the norm

If the number of gardnerella exceeds the allowable values, the patient begins to develop the main symptoms of the disease. Under normal conditions, this bacterium can also be detected in analyzes. The following indicators are important for diagnosis:

10 5 -10 6 microorganisms in a smear of a healthy woman is considered the norm;
10 7 -10 9 - indicates a stable infection;
10 4 microorganisms in a pregnancy smear is a cause for concern.

Can gardnerella be in the mouth

If the disease exists in the body for a long enough time (six months or more), the bacteria gradually spread through the bloodstream and migrate into the oral cavity. And also infection can occur during oral sex without protection. Gardnerella settle on the oral mucosa and begin to actively grow and multiply, accumulating in the tonsils and pharynx. Often this ends with the development of inflammatory processes (stomatitis, pharyngitis, laryngitis).

Gardnerellosis of the oral cavity is accompanied by the formation of plaque on the mucous membrane

Table: difference between gardnerellosis and thrush

comparative sign	Gardnerellosis	Thrush
A type of microorganism that causes a disease	Bacterium
What do selections look like?	Greenish brown, cloudy	White, yellowish
There is a specific smell	Spoiled fish or rotten meat, sharp	Sour, curdled, barely perceptible
Number of selections	Up to 250 milliliters per day	50–200 milliliters
Increased symptoms after sexual contact	Expressed	Virtually absent
Damage to other organs and systems	Occurs extremely rarely	Oral cavity, gastrointestinal tract

Existing varieties of the disease

Classification of the disease according to the course of the pathological process:

acute (occurs when a large dose of the pathogen enters the body during sexual contact, symptoms increase in 2-3 days);
subacute (formed in one and a half to two weeks);
chronic (exists for six months);
recurrent (exacerbation phases are replaced by remission).

Varieties of the disease according to the nature of the discharge:

serous form - a yellow tint of discharge predominates;
purulent - mostly green color of the secret;
fibrinous - there are bloody streaks in the discharge.

Classification of the disease by the presence of a secondary infection:

isolated gardnerellosis;
combination with:
- chlamydia;
- syphilis;
- trichomoniasis;
- gonorrhea;
- candidiasis.

Why does gardnerellosis occur?

In order for such a disease to develop, not only the presence of a bacterium is necessary, but also some acting factors. Most often they include:

frequent change of sexual partners;
uncontrolled intake of antibacterial drugs;
daily douching;
the use of ordinary soap as a means for intimate hygiene;
visits to public places such as baths, saunas, swimming pools, gyms;
neuro-emotional shocks;
wearing tight underwear made of synthetic fabrics;
work in conditions of high temperature and humidity;
infectious diseases;
pathologies of the immune system (HIV, primary damage to the bone marrow).

Ways of transmission of the disease

The disease can occur in a perfectly healthy woman if the normal microflora of the vagina is disturbed, even if she did not have unprotected sexual intercourse. However, the leading route of infection is still sexual (oral, anal and vaginal penetration have the same risk of infection). Gardnerellosis can also be transmitted by wearing shared underwear, using under-treated sex toys.

The duration of the incubation period

On average, clinical symptoms of the disease begin to appear 2–14 days after infection. Their intensity depends on the age of the patient, her state of health and the presence of other sexually transmitted diseases.

In the elderly, in 80% of cases, the disease is almost asymptomatic, which is associated with slower metabolic processes.

Video: the doctor talks about the features of the onset of the disease

The main symptomatic signs of pathology

Bacterial vaginosis is characterized by the predominance of local manifestations over the general ones. The disease progresses extremely slowly, and an increase in symptoms is observed after a viral infection (SARS, colds), stress, physical activity or sexual activity.

The main symptoms of the disease:

Pain in the pelvic area. It has a weak aching character, the intensity increases with urination. During the period of menstruation, unpleasant sensations intensify several times, become compressive and cramping.
Pathological secretions. They have an unpleasant odor that can be felt from several meters away, as well as a yellow, brown or green color. The secretions are quite difficult to wash off from clothes and can overwhelm a panty liner.
Swelling of soft tissues. The labia minora and clitoris swell, become extremely sensitive and sharply painful. After some time, in the absence of wiping and the use of absorbent wipes, a dark coating appears on them, which is easily peeled off.
Itching and burning during urination indicate the penetration of bacteria into the urethra and bladder. This symptom occurs in the later stages of the development of the disease.

Gardnerellosis and childbearing

With a long-term disease, the likelihood of becoming pregnant decreases every year. If conception did occur, the expectant mother faces a huge risk of infection for the baby: bacteria enter the fetus through the child's place. There is a high chance of infection during childbirth.

Symptoms of the disease during pregnancy intensify: a woman experiences unbearable itching and burning, and the amount of discharge increases to 300–350 milliliters per day. Often, during a night's sleep, the victim injures the mucous membrane of the external genital organs with her nails, which ends with the addition of a secondary infection.

I happened to participate in the delivery of a woman who had suffered from gardnerellosis for a long time. She was unable to cure the disease before pregnancy, as a result of which the baby was also confirmed to have this infection. The child was born much prematurely, as a result of which he could not breathe on his own. Doctors decided to nurse the baby in intensive care. A few months later, he began to recover, but in the future, such an infection causes a serious lag in physical and neuropsychic development from peers.

How is the disease diagnosed?

External manifestations of gardnerellosis have similar signs with many other pathologies that are sexually transmitted. This greatly complicates the diagnosis. Bacterial vaginosis has to be differentiated from:

trichomoniasis;
candidiasis;
chlamydia;
ureaplasmosis;
mycoplasmosis;
gonorrhea.

Remember that before visiting the gynecologist and taking a smear, you should not douche the vagina with antiseptic solutions. During my work in a medical laboratory, I have repeatedly encountered the fact that women independently washed off all pathogenic microflora, as a result, the study had to be redone again. If you want to get a reliable result, it is recommended to postpone the hygiene measures for a while. This is the only way to identify the disease at an early stage.

Ways to confirm the diagnosis:

Leading methods of treatment of gardnerellosis in women

Treatment of bacterial vaginosis is based on the normalization of the vaginal microflora. For this, doctors use not only pharmaceuticals, but also a special diet. And also in the recovery period, it is permissible to use various physiological procedures that help strengthen immunity. In most cases, the disease treatment is mandatory. Extremely rare episodes of self-elimination of the disease without medical intervention (mainly in young patients).

The sexual partner of a woman needs therapy only if he also has an increased level of gardnerella. For this, a man needs to pass special tests from a urologist (smear from the urethra).

Video: doctor's opinion on the need for therapy

Treatment of the disease with the help of pharmaceuticals

Drug therapy for gardnerellosis includes the use of both local and general drugs. The former can be used in the form of suppositories and solutions for douching, as well as in the form of ointments and gels. The latter are represented by tablets, capsules and injections for intramuscular or intravenous administration. The duration of therapy and the choice of drugs is determined by the gynecologist. Self-treatment can lead to aggravation of already existing problems in the body.

Gardnerella is sensitive to antimicrobial agents. That is why they are the first group of drugs that help to cope with the disease.

Local preparations used to combat the disease:

Candles with an antibiotic can prevent the growth of gardnerella and its further development in the body. The most commonly used drugs are:
- Metronidazole;
- Clindamycin;
- Acylact;
- Iodoxide;
- Hexicon.
Antifungal ointments and suppositories prevent the development of fungal microflora and prevent thrush from forming. For this purpose, use:
- Nystatin;
- Pimafucin;
- Levorin;
- Fluconazole;
- Flucostat.
Candles containing a large number of lactobacilli help to normalize the internal environment of the vagina. The most famous drugs:
- Lactobacterin;
- Vaginorm-S;
- Vagilak;
- Lactoginal.
Antiseptic washing agents help to remove harmful microflora. For this purpose, diluted solutions of Miramistin, Chlorhexidine, Furacilin are used.

Photo gallery: preparations for local therapy for gardnerellosis

Polygynax - suppositories with an antibiotic that affects gardnerella Clotrimazole helps prevent thrush Lactonorm promotes the growth of lactobacilli Miramistin creates conditions for the death of harmful bacteria

Systemic drugs

Medications for systemic treatment of the disease:

Antibiotics in tablets and capsules are used when local therapy has not brought the expected effect. The most common drugs:
- Azithromycin;
- Ornidazole;
- Dalacin;
- Unidox Solutab.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs help to get rid of itching and burning, and also reduce the severity of discomfort in the pelvic area. For this purpose, use:
- Diclofenac-Sodium;
- Indomethacin;
- ibuprofen;
- Pyroxifer;
- Ortofen;
- Rodanol;
- Celecoxib;
- Rofecoxib;
- Viox;
- Celebrex;
Immunostimulants improve the recovery processes in the body, promoting the formation of new cells. The most famous medicines of this group:
- Viferon;
- Wobenzym;
- Amiksin;
- Polyoxidonium;
- Tsitovir.

Photo gallery: drugs for systemic therapy of gardnerellosis

Doxycycline is an antibiotic that kills gardnerella Meloxicam relieves inflammation Immunal helps to strengthen the immune system

Traditional medicine as an aid

Quite often, patients do not have the opportunity to immediately consult a doctor (business trip, vacation), or the doctor's appointment is scheduled after a few days, and the discomfort continues to overcome. In these cases, the use of traditional medicine is acceptable. Various douches and tampons will help get rid of the main manifestations of the disease and make it easier to wait. Remember that such treatment will not completely solve the problem, since pharmaceutical preparations are necessary to restore normal microflora.

I happened to encounter a patient who completely abandoned traditional therapy, preferring to use herbs and plants in order to eliminate bacterial vaginosis. Regular douching with high-dose solutions led to the fact that the patient not only did not cure gardnerella, but also acquired a serious chemical burn of the vaginal mucosa. The victim was taken by ambulance to the gynecology department, where she underwent reconstructive plastic surgery. Unfortunately, as a result of this procedure, the woman has lost her sensitivity and is experiencing problems with her sexual life.

The most popular folk recipes:

Table: physiotherapy in the treatment of the disease

Method name	How is the procedure carried out	Main Effects
Radon baths	Immersion of the patient waist-deep in water enriched with this chemical element	Causes the death of most pathogenic microorganisms, while not damaging the normal microflora
	Point impact of the smallest impulses on certain parts of the body	Helps accelerate the recovery and regeneration processes in the human body
Medicinal electrophoresis with anti-inflammatory drugs	The introduction of drugs into the body with the help of current	Faster and more efficient administration of the substance and its distribution in soft tissues
inductothermy	Application of magnetic fields of different intensity	Reducing discomfort, preventing the formation of adhesions

Photo gallery: physiotherapy in gynecology

Radon baths cause the death of pathogenic microbes Electrical stimulation accelerates the formation of new cells Medicinal electrophoresis is used to administer anti-inflammatory and antibacterial agents.

Changes in diet and lifestyle in gardnerellosis

To restore the normal microflora of the vagina, doctors recommend that women follow a certain diet. To do this, you must adhere to the following rules:

use only fresh and natural products without chemical additives (you can buy on the market or from private sellers);
Be sure to have breakfast, lunch and dinner. There should also be two snacks so that the breaks between meals do not last longer than three hours;
drink up to one and a half liters of pure water daily;
stop drinking alcohol;
bake, stew or boil food so that vitamins are preserved in it;
do not eat sweets, as they contain a lot of fast carbohydrates and sugars, which create an optimal environment for the reproduction of bacteria;
reduce the amount of salt to 5 grams per day.

What foods must be included in the diet:

Rules for women for the period of treatment

During the treatment of gardnerellosis, you will have to slightly change your usual lifestyle and give up some habits until you fully recover. Do not forget that following these rules will help you achieve positive results in just a few weeks. What is not recommended for bacterial vaginosis:

epilate bikini and perineum - these procedures are stressful for the body;
visit baths, saunas, lie in a hot tub or jacuzzi for a long time;
have sex - there is a risk of infecting a partner;
drink antibiotics on your own;
wear tight underwear;
swim in open water and pools.

Treatment prognosis and possible adverse effects

Therapy of gardnerellosis is an extremely complex and lengthy process. Often, it takes a very long time to restore normal microflora, and some women quit treatment before even reaching half. Remember that rehabilitation after such a disease is much slower with the following ailments:

diabetes;
hypertension;
phlebeurysm.

In adolescent girls and young people, gardnerellosis disappears with practically no visible consequences if therapy is started in a timely manner. In older women and the elderly population, due to slow metabolic processes, rehabilitation lasts up to several years.

The disease is prone to recurrence. A cure does not guarantee that in a couple of months or years you will not have gardnerellosis again.

Compliance with the rules of personal hygiene plays a special role in restoring the normal microflora of the vagina. During the treatment period, it is extremely important that you have the opportunity to clean the perineum every few hours and change the pads. I happened to participate in the treatment of a patient who spent twelve hours at work in a hot shop. She practically did not have the opportunity to wash herself, and in the hot season, even despite the ventilation, the temperature in the room was high, as a result of which the woman was constantly sweating. Excessive formation of sebum contributed to the appearance of itching and burning, and all ongoing therapy for gardnerellosis was useless. Only after the patient managed to take a vacation for two months and go to a sanatorium, the treatment became effective. Sea water and warm air, combined with pharmaceuticals and good hygiene, helped the woman forget about her illness.

What complications and negative consequences occur in patients with gardnerellosis:

problems with conception - an altered microflora causes the death of spermatozoa when they do not have time to reach the egg;
the formation of adhesions - growths of connective tissue in the pelvic cavity, which disrupt the normal attachment of the embryo in the uterus;
long-term infertility of a different nature;
inflammatory diseases of the pelvic organs: uterus, tubes, ovaries, bladder and urethra;
decreased immunity;
intrauterine infection of the fetus;
the penetration of bacteria into the body of the child during childbirth.

Photo gallery: complications of the disease

Long-term jaundice indicates infection of the newborn Inflammation of the ovaries occurs when the microflora penetrates from the vagina The adhesive process is characterized by the growth of connective tissue and disrupts the processes of conception and fetal development.

How to protect yourself from developing the disease

Treatment of gardnerellosis requires a large amount of effort and money. That is why it is much easier to protect your body from the development of such a disease than to undergo a course of therapy. To this end, doctors have developed rules for individual prevention of the disease.

During my fourth year at the Medical University, I had the opportunity to do an internship at the Department of Gynecology in Serbia for several months. At this time, doctors were just conducting a study on the prevention of bacterial vaginosis by taking lactobacilli and dairy products. For the study, a group of patients was selected who throughout their lives in the winter season faced with garnerellosis and its unpleasant consequences. More than half of them had problems with immunity (often got sick, caught a cold). Throughout the fall, doctors advised them to take certain pills with a high content of Latobacteria, and the women added dairy products (cheeses, sour cream, sourdough) to their diet, which they consumed several times every day. With the approach of cold weather, the doctors took the necessary tests from the patients - swabs from the vagina. In 95% of the studied patients, practically no gardnerella was observed in the material. Another 5% admitted that they did not always strictly follow the recommendations of doctors and consumed alcoholic beverages. Thanks to this technique, most of all the victims were able to forget about their disease forever.

Rules for individual prevention of gardnerellosis in women:

Do not forget about the constant change of hygiene products. Panty liners are the source of most of the harmful microbes that penetrate the vaginal mucosa and begin to actively multiply there. Doctors strongly do not recommend wearing them for more than two or three hours. Absorbent pads during menstruation should be changed every four hours, as they cause irritation. Special bowls and swabs are also a source of bacteria. That is why they need to be replaced or emptied every two hours, and women with a tendency to thrush are advised to stop using them altogether.
Use personal protective equipment with new sexual partners. Condoms are best suited for this purpose: both male and female variations are currently produced. They are made of latex, which not only has lubrication and does not injure the vaginal mucosa, but also does not allow various microorganisms to pass through it.
Male and female condoms protect against transmission of bacteria
Wear underwear in size and only from natural fabrics. Synthetic tight pants with seams in uncomfortable places can rub the crotch, resulting in the formation of tiny wounds and cracks. In the hot season, this area often sweats, and harmful microorganisms multiply in the skin folds, which subsequently penetrate the vagina, causing a violation of the microflora.
Do not take antibacterial drugs without a doctor's prescription. Antimicrobial agents help not only fight pathogens, but also kill beneficial flora. It takes weeks and even months to recover, so doctors often try to choose more gentle antibiotics with minimal traumatic effect.
Do vaginal lavage only when necessary. Many women believe that douching is an integral part of daily hygiene. However, all useful microorganisms are washed out by the flow of water, as a result of which the mucous membrane is completely defenseless. Also, such procedures lead to vaginal dryness due to the removal of natural lubrication. In such conditions, cracks or tiny tears often appear during intercourse.
Don't give up animal products. Meat, fish, eggs, milk, cottage cheese, kefir and various yogurts are a source of beneficial lactobacilli and protein products. With prolonged adherence to a vegan or vegetarian diet, the reserves of nutrients in the body are depleted, as a result of which regeneration processes suffer.
Dairy products are necessary to maintain optimal microflora

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:

The use of antibiotics, hormonal agents;
Bad ecology;
Venereal diseases;
Change of sexual partners;
Operations, including abortions;
Violation of the menstrual cycle;
Allergy;
The use of intrauterine contraception;
The effect of toxicants on the body;
Use of contraceptive suppositories with 9-nonoxynol;
Unreasonably frequent douching, as a result of which the protective microflora of the vagina is washed out;
The use of tampons, pads, various cosmetic liquids for intimate hygiene;
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:

Staphylococci;
Streptococci;
Protea;
coli;
candida;
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:

Refuse uncontrolled intake of antibiotics;
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;
Use hormonal drugs only after consulting a gynecologist;
Raise the number of lactobacilli with the help of Linex, Bifidumbacterin;
Do not interfere with the body's self-healing by minimizing douching.
Avoid antibacterial suppositories.
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. And:

Refusal of intrauterine contraceptives;
Prevention and timely treatment of inflammatory diseases of the genital area;
Fight against sexual promiscuity;
Refusal of uncontrolled use of antibiotics;
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

Gardnerellosis is widespread among gynecological diseases in women. It received its second name "bacterial vaginosis" due to the development of Gardnerella vaginalis bacteria in the vagina.

In a normal state, the microflora of a healthy woman always contains these bacteria in small quantities.

But an increase in the concentration of gardnerella and their imbalance with lactobacilli leads to the appearance of pronounced symptoms of gardnerellosis. Treatment of this disease with the help of drugs should begin when the first signs are detected.

Causes

Where does gardnerella come from in women, and what is it? This bacterium is present in the vagina of every woman. A stage may simply come when its quantity increases and it becomes pathogenic.

Factors contributing to development gardnerellosis:

Taking antibiotics, hormones and other drugs that affect the normal microflora of the body.
Very frequent change of sexual partner. This leads to the fact that infection with one of the sexually transmitted diseases can occur, and only then a violation of the microflora and the growth of gardnerella bacteria.
Overwork, hypothermia, stress.
. In women, hormonal disruptions occur quite often, and they are the cause of the development of a disease, as well as the cause of an increase in the number of bacteria.
General systemic diseases.
Sexual infections and venereal diseases in women.
Local procedures that upset the balance in the vagina: douching, the use of suppositories, tampons and vaginal capsules with active substances.

Under the influence of these factors, vaginal dysbiosis, gardnerellosis, candidiasis and other nonspecific inflammatory diseases occur.

Symptoms of gardnerellosis in women

Symptoms indicating the development of gardnerellosis in women are very few and similar to signs of other gynecological diseases.

The main, and in most cases, the only symptom of gardnerellez is mild, homogeneous, gray-white or yellowish vaginal discharge, which has an unpleasant odor (the smell of "rotten fish").

The appearance of such symptoms, discomfort and pain during intercourse, indicates the development of inflammatory processes in the vagina and other organs of the small pelvis in women.

Risk of disease during pregnancy

The presence of this disease can lead to:

Fetal infection.
Endometritis.
Small weight in a child who has just given birth.
The development of complications after a caesarean section.
Inflammation of the lungs in a newborn.
The development of uterine bleeding, which is of great danger.
Rupture of the amniotic membrane, and at a very early stage.

That is why you should not ignore the symptoms of gardnerellosis and start treatment, especially if the woman is in an "interesting" position, as this can lead to unpleasant consequences.

More about douching

When douching, the normal microflora of the vagina is washed out, which is replaced by opportunistic bacteria (for example, Gardnerella vaginalis).

Often, when symptoms of gardnerellosis (unpleasant smell of vaginal discharge) occur, women resort to douching on their own, linking the unpleasant odor with poor hygiene. In this case, douching causes an even greater exacerbation of gardnerellosis.

According to modern concepts, douching has neither hygienic, nor preventive, nor therapeutic effect. Moreover, it is a risk factor for gardnerellosis, inflammation of the appendages, ectopic pregnancy.

Treatment of gardnerellosis in women

When the first symptoms of gardnerellosis are detected in women, treatment should be started as soon as possible. Therapy for the disease includes several drugs used in the form of vaginal gels and creams, as well as oral tablets. Usually the duration of treatment is 7 days and includes the medicines described below.

The treatment regimen for gardnerella is complex, and consists of two parts:

Reducing the number of gardnerella living on the vaginal mucosa. This is achieved by ingestion of systemic antibiotics (in the form of tablets): clindamycin and metronidazole. In combination with them, local forms are used - clindamycin cream and metronidazole gel.
Restoration of the normal microflora of the vagina. It is achieved by ingestion of probiotics containing lactobacilli (Lactobacterin, Laktonorm), as well as local treatment in the form of suppositories (Acilact, Laktonorm).

For successful treatment, it is also important to follow dietary recommendations, which include avoiding fatty, fried, spicy foods, and drinking alcohol. It will be useful to take fermented milk products and yogurts containing lactic acid bacteria.

All actions in the treatment of gardnerellosis in women are aimed at restoring a healthy vaginal microflora. The effectiveness of treatment can be judged by the disappearance of symptoms of gardnerellosis (reduction of burning sensation, pain, dryness; no discharge and unpleasant odor from the vagina).

The control bacterioscopy is prescribed a week after the completion of the course of treatment, repeated - after 1-1.5 months.

Prevention

First of all, it is necessary to limit promiscuous sexual relations that contribute to the spread of STIs, timely approach the treatment of various diseases of the body, primarily related to its hormonal levels and the sexual sphere, eat right, pay great attention to rest, and avoid stress that affects the state of immunity.

Gardnerella vaginalis refers to the transient gram-negative microflora of the genitourinary organs. Under adverse conditions, bacteria lead to inflammatory diseases of the genitourinary tract - vaginitis, urethritis, cystitis, endometritis. Most often, gardnerellosis affects women who are sexually active and do not use contraceptives. The basis of treatment is antibiotic therapy.

The normal microflora of a woman has more than 40 types of microorganisms, among which the bacteria Gardnerella vaginalis (Gardnerella vaginalis) are also present in a small amount. The total content of conditionally pathogenic microorganisms in the genitals does not exceed 2-5%. In bacterial vaginosis, when the microbiocenosis of the vagina is disturbed, the replacement of lactobacilli, which are destroyed by pathogenic microorganisms, occurs. According to experts, gardnerella vaginalis is the cause of bacterial vaginitis in more than 50% of cases.

Gardnerella vaginalis are small, rod-shaped bacteria that live in an anaerobic (oxygen-free) environment. In the course of their vital activity, they produce lactic, acetic, formic acid and amino acids. The localization of the bacteria is the urinary tract and genital organs. The pathogenicity of the microorganism increases sharply with a change in the acidic environment of the vagina (in the direction of increasing alkalinity).

Gardnerella vaginalis

The incubation period lasts 7-10 days. In men, as a result of infection, urethritis, prostatitis, inflammation of the epididymis, seminal vesicles and Cooper gland occur, in women - vaginitis, cystitis, inflammation of the cervical canal and uterine appendages, complicated pregnancy. Both partners may become infertile. Gardnerella vaginalis increases the risk of contracting other sexually transmitted infections, including sexually transmitted diseases and HIV. In a newborn baby, when infected during childbirth, meningitis and pneumonia are subsequently possible, since the enzymes secreted by microorganisms lead to the destruction of surfactants lining the alveoli in the lungs. Contraception helps prevent transmission of the disease, but in some women, bacterial vaginosis returns after a while after treatment.

Getting into the urogenital tract of men and women, Gardnerella vaginalis actively destroys epithelial cells. Their absorption by the leukocytes of the host-carrier is incomplete, which leads to self-dissolution of human cells under the action of their own enzymes. These bacteria cause functional disorders in leukocytes and produce a substance that is aggressive towards vaginal cells - vagolysin, which enhances the activity of microorganisms hundreds of times. Gardnerella vaginalis is often associated with chlamydia (88%), mycoplasmas, ureaplasmas, gonococci, Trichomonas.

Causes

The disease is transmitted exclusively through sexual contact, the microorganism is practically not detected in smears in girls who are not sexually active. Risk factors for infection and growth of pathogenic rods are the following:

infectious diseases of the genitourinary system in history;
frequent change of sexual partners;
long-term use of antibiotics, including vaginal suppositories, hormonal drugs, immunosuppressants;
use of synthetic underwear;
improper use of sanitary pads and tampons, poor hygiene;
hormonal disbalance;
violation of the intestinal microflora;
douching abuse;
irrational nutrition, lack of fermented milk products that help maintain normal microflora;
long-term use of intrauterine devices;
smoking.

Gardnerella bacterial vaginosis often occurs during pregnancy (especially in the first trimester). Complications can be premature birth, rupture of amniotic fluid, postpartum infections. An increased concentration of pathogenic microorganisms leads to inflammation of the fetal membranes, which can later cause infection of the fetus and endometrium of the uterus, generalization of infection (penetration of bacteria into the blood). If a pregnant woman has already had complications in her anamnesis, then it is necessary to undergo an examination for the presence of vaginosis - even in the absence of symptoms.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

There are two variants of the clinical course of gardnerellosis - with symptoms and asymptomatic. In women, the second variant is observed in 19-50% of cases.

Signs of the disease in the weaker sex are the following:

moderate to profuse yellowish-white, grayish-white, mucus-white vaginal discharge of a creamy, sticky consistency, sometimes frothy;
the unpleasant smell of "rotten fish" in the secretions resulting from the production of waste products of anaerobic bacteria;
increased secretions during or after intercourse;
itching, burning with inflammation of the mucosa, aggravated by sexual contact;
painful urination when combined with cystitis.

To make a diagnosis, it is necessary to conduct a cytological examination, take a smear from the vagina for microflora. If the concentration of bacteria is found in the analyzes in an amount of more than 10 to the 4th degree, then this is a sign of bacterial vaginosis. Microscopic examination reveals a high content of rod-shaped bacteria, enveloping the epithelial cells so that they appear granular. In the most striking cases of the disease, gardnerella vaginalis fills all the free intracellular space of tissues. In the study of the acidity of the medium by immersing indicator paper in the vaginal secretion, pH> 4.5 is determined. To identify the characteristic "fishy" smell, an amine test is carried out - a few drops of 5-10% potassium hydroxide are added to a slide with a smear.

In men, asymptomatic carriage is also possible. The mucosa of the male urogenital tract is more resistant to the influence of opportunistic microflora. Infection in men is promoted by inflammatory diseases of the urethra and prolonged constant contact with a sick woman. The urethra is most often affected, there are few symptoms of urethritis and there is a tendency to self-heal. Complications in the form of prostatitis and inflammation of the genital organs occur in more rare cases.

The most pronounced symptoms in men are:

colorless or whitish discharge from the urethra;
redness of the opening of the urethra and the head of the penis;
painful urination.

To diagnose the disease in men, a scraping is taken from the urethra. Microscopic examination of smears reveals characteristic cellular changes, as in women, but to a lesser extent. If a woman has a recurrent course of the disease (gardnerellosis returns some time after treatment), then this indicates that her sexual partner has a latent carrier of the infection, and mandatory joint treatment is required.

Treatment

The basis of the treatment of the disease in men and women is antibiotic therapy with the following drugs:

Trichopolum.
Metronidazole.
Clindamycin.
Ornidazole.
Dalacin-C.

The "gold standard" in the treatment of bacterial vaginosis caused by Gardnerella vaginalis is Metronidazole. Therapy is carried out within 7-10 days. In the case of a recurrent course of the disease, a combined regimen with two or more drugs (Metronidazole + Miconazole and other options) is used. If the disease arose against the background of a general weakening of the body, then vitamin therapy is indicated.

In complex treatment or with intolerance to oral agents, local preparations are used:

Hexicon (vaginal suppositories and tablets).
Metronidazole gel.
2% vaginal cream Clindamycin.
Vaginal cream Dalacin.
Cream Cotrimoxazole.
Vaginal tablets Vaginorm-S and other means.

In pregnant women, the use of medications in the first trimester is undesirable. Starting from the second trimester, antibiotics can be used to treat herdnerellosis, as well as local remedies (suppositories, ointments, vaginal tablets). Treatment of pregnant women should be carried out under strict medical supervision. During breastfeeding, it is recommended to use local remedies. If there is no effect from them, then oral preparations are used - Macmirror, Clindamycin. Treatment is carried out in short courses of 3-5 days, for the duration of therapy it is recommended to stop breastfeeding. In children with gardnerellosis, the same oral preparations are used as in adults, but at a lower dosage (according to the weight and age of the child).

During antibacterial treatment and a day after its completion, alcohol should be avoided. After antibiotic therapy, after 2-3 days, it is necessary to begin the restoration of the vaginal microflora. For this, drugs are used:

Gynoflor.
Vagilak.
Ecofemin.
Femilex.
Acylact.
Lactonorm.
Lactobacterin.
Floragin and others.

These drugs are used ready-made (vaginal suppositories or tablets) or dry biomass is diluted in boiled water (5-10 ml), a cotton-gauze swab is moistened and inserted into the vagina for 2-3 hours. The procedure is carried out twice a day for 1- 2 weeks.

With the complex treatment of gardnerellosis, a positive result is achieved in 90% of cases. Some experts believe that gardnerellosis is not a dangerous disease and does not require treatment. It should be taken into account that hypoxic phenomena in the tissues and high levels of acidity of the urogenital tract in gardnerellosis contribute to the accumulation of opportunistic microorganisms in high concentrations, which in the future, when triggering adverse factors occur, leads to the appearance of pyoinflammatory diseases of the pelvic organs.

Gardnerellosis (bacterial vaginosis) is a fairly common gynecological disease that develops as a result of an increase in the concentration of Gardnerella vaginalis bacteria in the vagina. A small amount of these bacteria is present in the microflora of the vagina of every healthy woman, but only an imbalance of lactobacilli and gardnerella leads to the onset of symptoms of the disease.

The most common causes of bacterial vaginosis

Gardnerellosis is characterized by an increase in the concentration of the microorganism Gardnerella vaginalis in the vagina.

promiscuous sex life;
constant wearing of daily pads;
violation of the rules of intimate hygiene during menstruation (untimely change of pads and tampons);
violation of the hormonal balance in the body during puberty and during pregnancy;
wearing tight-fitting underwear made of synthetic materials;
long-term use of antibacterial drugs;
immunodeficiency states.

Symptoms of gardnerellosis

The main and, perhaps, the only symptom of the disease is abundant discharge from the genital tract, which has a uniform consistency, a grayish-whitish or yellowish color and an unpleasant odor resembling the smell of rotten fish. In half of the cases in sick women, an inflammatory process occurs in the vagina (vaginitis). In this case, there is itching and burning in the vagina, which can be aggravated by urination and during intercourse.

If such discharge appears, you should contact a gynecologist for examination. Do not self-medicate, in most cases it is ineffective. Meanwhile, gardnerellosis can be complicated by vaginitis, colpitis and other gynecological diseases that will require more complex and lengthy treatment.

Gardnerellosis in men

The occurrence of gardnerellosis, as a disease, in men is impossible. However, the entry of Gardnerella vaginalis bacteria into the urethra during intercourse, especially in men with reduced immunity, can lead to the development of urethritis, which, in turn, is manifested by characteristic symptoms (itching, burning, pain in the urethra during urination). In men with a normal immune status, gardnerella, getting into the genitourinary tract, does not cause any pathological processes. Nevertheless, a man can be a carrier of gardnerella, therefore, with recurrent bacterial vaginosis in women, it is recommended that her sexual partners be examined.

Treatment of gardnerellosis

For the treatment of gardnerellosis, drugs are used that have a detrimental effect on the pathogenic microorganism, and then drugs containing beneficial microorganisms - lactobacilli.

Treatment of the disease includes two consecutive stages. Moreover, the second stage without the first will be absolutely ineffective.

1. The first stage is necessary to suppress the overgrowth of opportunistic flora, which includes the bacterium Gardnerella vaginalis. For this purpose, antibacterial drugs (metronidazole, clindamycin) are prescribed, in most cases they are applied topically in the form of gels and suppositories, less often in tablet form. The course of antibiotic therapy lasts 7-10 days.

2. The second stage is much more difficult than the first. It consists in the colonization of the vagina with normal microflora (lactobacilli). Before starting the use of drugs with lactic acid bacteria, it is recommended to take an analysis to monitor the effectiveness of the first stage therapy, as well as to exclude, which could develop during antibiotic treatment.

Locally applied vaginal suppositories Atsilakt, Lactobacterin, Laktonorm. Sometimes the doctor prescribes the intake of drugs containing lactobacilli, inside (Lactobacterin, Laktonorm plus).

During treatment, it is recommended to follow a diet that excludes spicy and fried foods, spices, and alcoholic beverages. It is necessary to eat foods containing lactic acid bacteria (bio-kefir, bifid-yogurt, home-made kefir prepared on “Narine” starter cultures).

Usually, in parallel with the treatment of bacterial vaginosis, treatment and prevention of intestinal dysbacteriosis is carried out. Women are prescribed drugs containing prebiotics (Linex, Normoflorin, Bifidumbacterin).

You should also not forget that often in the occurrence of gardnerellez an important role is played by the weakening of the body's immune defenses. In order to correct immunodeficiency, immunomodulating agents, multivitamins (biomax, vitrum), natural immunostimulants (echinacea, magnolia vine) are prescribed.

During treatment, it is advisable for a woman to abstain from sexual intercourse or use barrier contraceptives.

Evaluation of the effectiveness of the treatment is carried out one week after the completion of the course of taking the drugs and the disappearance of the symptoms of the disease. Re-examination is recommended to pass through 1-1.5 months after the first.

Which doctor to contact

If signs of gardnerellosis appear, you should consult a gynecologist. Since this disease does not apply to sexually transmitted infections, a visit to a venereologist is not required. Additionally, you should visit a gastroenterologist and consult with him about the treatment of concomitant intestinal dysbacteriosis.