Symptoms of gardnerellosis and methods of treating bacterial pathology

Gardnerellosis, as we have already noted, is a fairly common disease. It is caused by the bacteria corresponding to its name that gets on the vaginal mucosa.

A small amount of these microorganisms can be contained in the body of a healthy woman, but the manifestation of symptoms characteristic of the disease is accompanied by an excess of the concentration level in the vagina of Gardnerella.

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

As doctors note, gardnerellosis is much easier to prevent than to deal with its long-term therapy later.

Most often, it is almost impossible to prevent infection.

• Since gardnerella belongs to the opportunistic microflora.
• However, efforts can be made to prevent this microflora from actively reproducing.
• First of all, it is recommended:

• Avoid unprotected sex and always use condoms

• remember that frequent changes of partners negatively affect the vaginal microflora and can contribute to the development of the disease
• monitor your own immunity, not allowing it to weaken under the influence of various negative factors
• observe basic hygiene rules by taking full care of your genitals every day
• promptly treat chronic diseases that can negatively affect the immune system and contribute to the exacerbation of gardnerellosis
• do not ignore other sexually transmitted infections, treating them in a timely manner, since gardnerellosis often accompanies sexually transmitted diseases

Timely and full use of preventive recommendations, of course, cannot protect against the disease 100%.

However, the likelihood of encountering pathology will be significantly reduced if you do not forget about prevention.

Main causes of infection:

• Frequent change of sexual partner. Especially without preliminary diagnosis.
• Intimate relationships without protection. These should only include a condom.
• Using topical means of preventing unwanted pregnancy, such as spermicidal creams or tablets.
• Regular douching, as well as the use of local antiseptics.
• Hormonal imbalances, as well as endocrine pathologies. In some cases they may be physiological, such as pregnancy and menopause.

Factors:

• The use of underwear made from synthetic material, as well as certain models that facilitate the penetration of other bacteria.
• Frequent use of personal care products such as scented shower gels or sanitary pads.
• Insufficient hygiene of the external genitalia.
• Poor nutrition and metabolic disorders.
• Having bad habits.
• Installation of intrauterine systems for pregnancy protection.

The main reason for the development of the disease is vaginal dysbiosis, which is provoked by the following factors:

• Hormonal disbalance.
• Inflammatory processes in the mucous membrane.
• Promiscuous sexual intercourse.
• Cysts and polyps in the vagina.
• Microtraumas and wounds of the mucous membrane.
• Reduced number of lactobacilli.
• Shift of the pH environment of the vagina to the alkaline region.
• Frequent rinsing with a syringe.
• Using intimate hygiene products with a high content of sulfates.
• Decreased protective functions of the immune system.
• The use of substances that destroy sperm after unprotected sexual intercourse.
• Presence of viral infections.
• Therapy with antibiotics and antifungal drugs over a long period of time.
• Radiation and chemical therapy.
• Chronic inflammatory processes in the pelvic organs.
• Lack of vitamins in the body.
• Eating disorder.
• Carrying out endoscopic examinations and surgical intervention.
• Alcohol abuse.
• Diabetes.
• Sexual infections.
• Insufficient consumption of fermented milk products.
• Frequent wearing of synthetic underwear.
• Stressful situations, overexertion.
• Neglect of intimate hygiene standards.

These causes of gardnerellosis in women can cause not only vaginal gardnerellosis, but also candidiasis and dysbiosis. Often these diseases affect women who are promiscuous and do not use barrier methods of contraception.

Gardnerellosis, or bacterial vaginosis, is one of the most common gynecological pathologies. According to statistics, every fifth woman develops it at least once.

What are the causes of gardnerellosis in women? Since the infection is bacterial in nature, it can be contracted through unprotected sexual contact from a partner. However, it should not be classified as a sexually transmitted disease.

One of the possible routes of transmission of infection is sexual

But more often gardnerellosis develops regardless of sexual contact. According to research, a small number of Gadnerella bacteria are found in the vagina of healthy women.

As long as their quantity does not exceed a critical norm, they cannot cause pathological changes in the body and are considered absolutely safe. If the proportion of beneficial lactobacilli decreases, and these opportunistic microbes occupy dominant positions in the vaginal microflora, the disease develops.

Gardnerellas belong to UPM

Therefore, the causes of gardnerellosis in women may be as follows:

• decreased immunity (due to unfavorable living conditions, chronic diseases, stress);
• long-term use of high doses of antibiotics;
• natural hormonal changes in the body - pregnancy and lactation, menopause;
• concomitant infections of urinary tract infections and sexually transmitted diseases;
• endocrine pathologies: diabetes mellitus, low thyroid gland;
• failure to comply with personal hygiene rules;
• douching (especially with antiseptic solutions - Chlorhexidine, Miramistin);
• taking certain medications (GCS, antidepressants, drugs based on 9-nonoxynol).

Long-term antibiotic treatment is one of the risk factors

Most often, gardnerellosis develops in women who often change sexual partners and have sex without a condom. In addition, due to the common routes of transmission of infection in this category of patients, the risk of infection with gonorrhea, chlamydia, ureaplasmosis and other sexually transmitted diseases increases significantly.

Symptoms of gardnerellosis in women

The following signs should be noted for the symptoms of gardnerellosis:

• Initially, this is discharge from the genital tract. They are quite abundant and increase is observed after physical exertion, stressful situations, sexual relations without using a condom, etc. They have the smell of rotten fish characteristic of gardnerellosis, which is a big problem for women. The consistency is predominantly creamy, white with small veins in rare cases of yellow or green.
• There is no pronounced inflammation in the vagina; the mucous membrane has the usual pink color. The cervical canal, as a rule, is also unchanged.
• After the discharge appears, severe itching is noted, both in the vaginal area and on the skin. It is due to the constant itching and moisture of the skin that you can notice irritation and the addition of purulent inflammation.
• Violation of the normal act of urination. Severe itching or minor pain appears. The urethra may become irritated and red.
• The woman’s general well-being is not affected, there is no pain in the lower abdomen, as well as weakness and malaise.
• Women do not notice any discomfort during or after sexual intercourse; this is a distinctive feature of gardnerellosis from other diseases that are sexually transmitted and cause inflammation.

The most favorable environment conducive to the proliferation of gardnerella is the vagina.

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

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

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

Advanced cases of the disease often develop into cystitis or pyelonephritis. If the disease is relevant, pregnant women may experience uterine bleeding.

In addition, they may also experience rupture of the membranes, and premature labor may begin.

Subsequently, as a result of the disease in question, the newborn has low weight, and the woman in labor experiences symptoms characteristic of postpartum endometritis.

Gardnerellosis is also an actual disease among men, but they generally have no symptoms.

This is explained by the fact that gardnerella are bacteria that specifically attack the squamous epithelium, which, in turn, is located in the vagina.

In some cases, in which gardnerellosis is accompanied by some other sexually transmitted disease, it becomes possible to diagnose it, which in other cases practically does not happen due to the characteristics of the disease. The course of gardnerellosis in men can occur in the form of balanoposthitis.

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

Also, medical practice indicates cases in which gardenerellosis in men led to prostatitis and urethritis, as well as inflammation of the seminal appendages (epididymitis). In any case, the listed serious complications that this disease can cause are rather an exception to the rule.

The disease can be recognized by the following characteristic signs:

1. The presence of white, greenish and gray discharge with a thick consistency.
2. Unpleasant odor from the vagina.
3. Pain during sexual intercourse.
4. Increased volume of discharge during menstruation.
5. Pain syndrome in the lower abdomen.
6. Burning and pain during urination are rarely observed.

The noted symptoms intensify after unprotected sexual intercourse, since the entry of sperm into the vagina creates a favorable environment for the proliferation of Gardnerella.

Which doctor should I contact?

If signs of gardnerellosis appear or if this pathogen is detected in a laboratory, it is imperative to contact a specialist. Several doctors are solving this problem at once, everything will depend on what symptoms the patient comes with and to whom. A urologist deals with severe urinary problems.

An obstetrician-gynecologist or dermatovenerologist helps women cope with odor and discharge problems.

Men most often turn to dermatovenerologists.

Hello! Gardnerellosis often develops in expectant mothers. This is due to both powerful hormonal changes in the body and a possible decrease in immunity during pregnancy.

Source: http://roddom4ufa.ru/blog/gardenelez-simptomy-lechenie/

Gardnerellosis

Gardnerellosis is a vaginal dysbiosis associated with a sharp quantitative and qualitative disruption of the normal vaginal microflora, a decrease in the number of lactobacilli and the proliferation of opportunistic microorganisms, including gardnerella. It is characterized by the appearance of copious vaginal discharge of a grayish tint with an unpleasant odor. Untreated bacterial vaginosis increases the risk of developing inflammatory diseases of the female genital area and miscarriage.

Gardnerellosis is the most common variant of bacterial vaginosis, i.e. an imbalance in the natural microflora of the female genital organs. Gardnerellosis is observed in 20% of women during the reproductive period.

Lactic acid microflora, which normally predominates in the vagina, with bacterial vaginosis is replaced by opportunistic species, the leader among which is gardnerella. The mode of transmission of gardnerella is sexual; gardnerella is most often detected in women who are sexually active.

Men usually act as carriers of the infection, therefore, in order to exclude relapses of gardnerellosis, all sexual partners should be treated simultaneously.

Gardnerellosis in its advanced form can cause inflammation of the urinary tract, uterus and appendages, infertility, and complications during pregnancy and childbirth. With gardnerellosis, mixed infection with other microorganisms is often observed: gonococci, trichomonas, mycoplasmas, chlamydia, candida, etc.

Gardnerellosis

Bacterial vaginosis (gardnerellosis) occurs as an imbalance in the composition of the natural microflora of the vagina, when “non-physiological” types of microorganisms, primarily gardnerella, begin to dominate. External and internal factors can disrupt the normal microflora of the genitourinary organs.

Among the external factors that determine the development of gardnerellosis, the predominant ones are:

• unfavorable environment;
• recent and frequent change of sexual partner;
• poor nutrition, diets lacking lactic acid products;
• venereal diseases;
• use of antibiotics (including suppositories, ointments);
• use of contraceptives (vaginal suppositories containing 9-nonoxynol, condoms with spermicidal lubricant, hormonal drugs);
• use of hygiene products (pads, tampons, perfumed intimate hygiene products) and frequent douching;
• wearing underwear and clothes made of synthetic materials that fit tightly to the figure.

Internal factors causing gardnerellosis include:

• endocrine disorders and changes (including pregnancy);
• decreased level of immune defense, immunodeficiency states;
• emotional and physical fatigue, stress;
• chronic diseases, imbalance of the microflora of the intestinal and genitourinary tract.

Normally, more than 15 types of microorganisms are found in the vagina of an adult woman. Lactobacillus acidophilus predominates, a smaller part consists of bifidobacteria (10%), peptostreptococci (~ 5%). Lactoflora, thanks to lactic acid, maintains the acidic environment of the genital mucosa, which performs local protective and immune functions.

Anaerobic bacteria (mobiluncus, bacteroides, gardnerella, etc.), genital mycoplasmas, trichomonas, and candida are found in small quantities in the vagina of women. A sharp increase in the number of these microorganisms disrupts the microbiological balance, causing vaginal dysbiosis or bacterial vaginosis.

It is characterized by a decrease in the amount of Doderlein microflora (lactobacteria) and a predominance of opportunistic species. More often than others, women with bacterial vaginosis are diagnosed with vaginal gardnerella, which is the main, although not the only, cause of these disorders.

Therefore, the condition of bacterial vaginosis is called gardnerellosis.

In addition to gardnerella, the number of other bacteria increases (coccal species, trichomonas, mycoplasmas, mobiluncus, yeast-like fungi).

The role of Gardnerella in the development of bacterial vaginosis is that it creates a favorable background for the proliferation of opportunistic and pathogenic microorganisms.

The vaginal environment becomes alkalized, gardnerella metabolic products aggravate the resulting disorders of the mucous membrane, and a basis for the penetration of other infections arises. Therefore, gardnerellosis contributes to the development of inflammatory diseases of the genitourinary system in women.

Gardnerellosis has a course somewhat similar to other inflammatory diseases of the genitals in women. With gardnerellosis, the following are observed: grayish vaginal discharge (homogeneous, pasty, with an unpleasant “fishy” odor); burning, itching, discomfort during urination and sexual intercourse.

Gardnerellosis has an adverse effect on pregnancy: premature births are more common, children are born weakened, premature, and the fetus may become infected during childbirth.

The presence of gardnerella in the urogenital tract of men, in most cases, does not manifest itself in any way; occasionally it causes a sluggish inflammatory process with signs of urethritis.

Then there may be a slight discharge from the urethra (seropurulent, grayish in color with a “fishy” odor), discomfort when urinating.

Complications are possible in the form of prostatitis, inflammation of the testicles and appendages, and the development of infertility.

To confirm the diagnosis of gardnerellosis, vaginal smears are taken from the woman during a consultation with a gynecologist.

In the diagnosis of gardnerellosis, it is not so much the presence of gardnerella that matters, but rather their number and the ratio of microorganisms in the vaginal secretion.

Gardnerella are present in the vaginal flora of most healthy women without the development of dysbiosis. The diagnosis of gardnerellosis is established on the basis of:

• patient complaints and clinical manifestations (presence of homogeneous pasty grayish-white discharge);
• increased pH of vaginal secretions (> 4.5);
• the presence of “key” cells in microscopy of smears from the vagina and urethra (“key cells” are epithelial cells covered with small rods (gardnerella) - an important sign of gardnerellosis);
• amine test

With gardnerellosis, during their life activity, gardnerella and anaerobic microorganisms produce volatile amines (putrescine, triethylamine, cadaverine), which, when decomposed, give an unpleasant “fishy” odor.

The basis for diagnosing gardnerellosis is the detection of at least three of these criteria. It is also necessary to be examined for the presence of intestinal dysbiosis, which can provoke the development of bacterial vaginosis, and to treat it.

This will reduce the risk of relapse of gardnerellosis.

Early and accurate diagnosis of gardnerellosis allows for timely treatment.

The treatment methods used by modern gynecology allow the patient to recover and avoid the development of complications, but do not guarantee the absence of relapses of the disease in the future.

Therapeutic treatment of gardnerellosis should eliminate the causes and manifestations of the disease and create conditions for the normalization of the microflora of the genital organs.

To avoid the development of vaginal candidiasis when treating gardnerellosis, clotrimoxazole (cream) is prescribed. When managing pregnancy in women suffering from gardnerellosis, treatment begins in the second trimester of pregnancy with the same drugs (orally and locally as prescribed by a doctor).

In the first trimester, oral use of metronidazole and clindamycin is unacceptable.

Treatment of gardnerellosis is carried out under the control of clinical and laboratory tests, and is considered complete when complaints, symptoms disappear and laboratory criteria normalize.

During treatment of gardnerellosis, it is necessary to avoid sexual intercourse without a condom, give up alcoholic beverages, and not use pads for “every” day, or tight synthetic underwear.

The second stage of treatment for gardnerellosis includes the use orally and locally of drugs containing lacto- and bifidumbacteria, vitamins, and immunostimulants.

The need for examination and treatment of male sexual partners of women with gardnerellosis remains controversial. Relapses of gardnerellosis in women can occur after treatment of both sexual partners. Nevertheless, in case of persistent and recurrent cases of gardnerellosis, it is advisable to carry out such treatment in representatives of the stronger sex.

Preventive measures aimed at eliminating the causes of bacterial vaginosis will help to avoid the development of gardnerellosis and its relapses. The wide prevalence and danger of the consequences of gardnerellosis require not only immediate treatment of the disease, but also its regular household and medical prevention. Women are recommended:

• have a regular sexual partner and exclude casual sex;
• use a barrier method of contraception (condom), minimize the use of local contraceptives;
• do not use vaginal antibacterial suppositories and tablets frequently and without supervision;
• use vaccination to create local immunity;
• observe general and intimate hygiene.

Source: https://www.KrasotaiMedicina.ru/diseases/zabolevanija_gynaecology/gardnerella

Gardnerellosis or bacterial vaginosis - cause, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment

Gardnerellosis (another name is bacterial vaginosis - Gardnerella Vaginitis) is an infectious disease of the genital organs in women of reproductive age, dysbacteriosis (dysbiosis) of the vagina, caused by a sharp imbalance of the vaginal microflora of the vagina.

Doctors aren't entirely sure why bacterial vaginosis develops.

Because it occurs more often in people who are sexually active, bacterial vaginosis is considered a sexually transmitted disease by some people.

However, bacterial vaginosis also occurs in people who are either not sexually active or are in a long-term relationship with only one person.

StockSnap/Pixabay

The causes of gardnerellosis can be:

• Chronic decreased immunity;
• Various changes in hormonal levels (pregnancy, childbirth, puberty);
• Climate change;
• Poor nutrition;
• Stress;
• Douching;
• The use of contraceptives that contain 9-nonoxynol;
• Change of sexual partner;
• The use of vaginal tablets and suppositories with a wide spectrum of action.

Bacterial vaginosis is the most common cause of abnormal vaginal odor and discharge. It is caused by a change in the type of bacteria found in the vagina.

Normally, bacteria, mainly belonging to the Lactobacillus group, live harmlessly in the vagina and produce chemicals that keep the vaginal pH slightly acidic.

In bacterial vaginosis, Lactobacillus bacteria are replaced by other types of bacteria that are usually present in lower concentrations in the vagina.

Bacterial vaginosis - risk factors

Scientists do not fully understand the reason for this change.

Risk factors that appear to increase the likelihood of bacterial vaginosis include a history of multiple-sex partners, sex with a new partner, cigarette smoking, vaginal douching, and use of an intrauterine contraceptive device. Although most of these risk factors are related to sexual activity, women who have never had vaginal intercourse may also develop bacterial vaginosis.

Bacterial vaginosis often occurs during pregnancy. This can lead to premature labor and delivery, premature rupture of membranes, and uterine infections after childbirth. That's why pregnant women with a history of preterm labor or other complications may be tested for bacterial vaginosis even if they don't have any symptoms.

Having bacterial vaginosis can make it easier to become infected with HIV if your sexual partner has HIV.

Symptoms

Symptoms of gardnerellosis in women include copious, homogeneous, creamy vaginal discharge of a grayish-white color, adhering to the walls of the vagina, the smell of which resembles the smell of spoiled fish. There is redness and swelling of the labia, and irritation in the form of itching and burning occurs during urination and sexual intercourse.

But approximately 50% of women diagnosed with bacterial vaginosis have no symptoms. In other cases, it causes an unpleasant "fishy" vaginal odor and yellow or white vaginal discharge. For some women, these symptoms are especially bothersome during or after sexual intercourse.

The discharge seen with bacterial vaginosis is typically thinner than the "cheesy" thick discharge seen with vaginal yeast (Candida) infections. Bacterial vaginosis usually does not cause significant vulvar irritation or pain during intercourse.

If you have these symptoms, your doctor will check for other possible causes.

Diagnostics

Diagnosis is based on the clinical picture and the results of a general smear.

When examining the cells of a vaginal smear under a microscope, epithelial cells (the layer of cells lining the inside of the vagina) are visible, covered with a “thick” layer of microbes. Measuring the acidity of the vagina reveals an alkaline reaction (normally acidic). The reaction to the detection of isonitrile, a substance that gives the discharge the smell of rotten fish, is positive.

The doctor will also ask about your medical history, including:

• Date of last menstrual cycle;
• Number of sexual partners;
• Have you had any previous vaginal or urinary tract infections?
• Have you had any sexually transmitted diseases or pelvic infections?
• Contraceptive method used;
• History of pregnancy;
• Personal hygiene habits such as douching and using feminine deodorant;
• Using tampons;

The doctor may also ask if you have any other medical conditions, such as diabetes.

A doctor can diagnose bacterial vaginosis based on the results of a pelvic examination and laboratory tests of vaginal fluid. There is no perfect test, but if three of the following four criteria are present, it is very likely that women have bacterial vaginosis:

• White, thin coating on the walls of the vagina;
• pH test, which shows low acidity (pH above 4.5);
• A pungent odor when a sample of vaginal discharge is combined with a drop of potassium hydroxide on a glass slide (“smell test”);
• Vaginal skin cells covered with bacteria, visible under microscopic examination of vaginal fluid.

Your doctor may order other lab tests to look for other causes of vaginal discharge.

Gardnerellosis in men

The causative agent of gardnerellosis, having entered the male genitourinary system, causes an inflammatory reaction of the mucous membrane.

In this case, greenish discharge from the urethra is observed, which does not cause much discomfort.

In men, the disease is asymptomatic in 95% of cases and very rarely in the form of inflammation of the urethra with unpleasant sensations when urinating and a drop of cloudy fluid released in the morning.

Treatment

For most women, bacterial vaginosis is just a nuisance. However, women with symptoms of bacterial vaginosis should be treated.

Gardnerellosis is treated with a number of therapeutic measures aimed at eliminating factors contributing to the development and recurrence of bacterial vaginosis. For the treatment of gardnerellosis in men, we can limit ourselves only to local treatment and immunomodulatory therapy.

Medicines

Doctors usually treat bacterial vaginosis in non-pregnant women with metronidazole or clindamycin. Either can be taken orally or applied as a vaginal cream or gel.

Research shows that seven days of treatment with oral metronidazole or five days of treatment with vaginal metronidazole gel are equally effective in non-pregnant women. Clindamycin vaginal cream is slightly less effective than either type of metronidazole.

However, the CDC recommends that all pregnant women with symptoms receive oral medications because the medications are safe and work better than vaginal creams or gels.

Prevention

In some women, bacterial vaginosis continues to return after treatment. Scientists don't understand why this happens. In some cases, treatment of the male sexual partner or routine use of condoms can help prevent this, but these interventions do not always help.

Some women should be screened for bacterial vaginosis even if they have no symptoms. Many experts recommend that pregnant women who are at high risk for preterm labor and delivery should be tested for bacterial vaginosis and treated if the bacteria is found.

Some doctors also recommend that women undergoing certain gynecologic procedures be tested for bacterial vaginosis and treated, even if there are no symptoms.

This is because gardnerellosis is associated with the development of pelvic inflammatory disease and other infections after endometrial biopsy, surgical abortion, hysterectomy, intrauterine device, cesarean section and uterine curettage.

Previously, it was believed that gardnerellosis does not cause harm. Currently, it is considered a risk factor for inflammation of the uterine appendages, female infertility, premature birth, complications of pregnancy and childbirth.

Source: https://medicgo.ru/bez-rubriki/gardnerellez-ili-bakterialnyj-vagi/

Gardnerella in women: symptoms and treatment, where it comes from and how signs of gardnerella appear, should pregnant women worry?

There are many diseases that affect the female reproductive system. One of the most common diseases is gardnerellosis.

This pathology is not considered a classic venereal disease, but its course can be protracted and the path to full recovery can be long.

Let's look at all the details: what are the symptoms and signs of gardnerellosis in women, treatment of the disease, possible consequences.

The essence of the disease and the bacterium Gardnerella vaginalis

In a woman’s vagina there is a certain microflora, including a lot of microorganisms, both beneficial (lactobacillus) and opportunistic. Their ratio in a healthy woman is optimal for the health of the reproductive system and the whole body.

In certain situations, opportunistic flora begins to actively multiply, displacing beneficial flora.

When the biocenosis is disrupted due to the use of antibiotics, promiscuous sexual intercourse, or the use of contraceptive suppositories, Gardnerella vaginalis actively multiplies , displacing beneficial microorganisms.

Where does the pathology come from: causes and routes of transmission

Where does Gardnerella come from in women, what are the reasons for its appearance? Gardnerellosis develops for a number of reasons , which gynecologists consider classic:

• the use of potent antibiotics that kill microflora in the intestines and vagina, undermining the optimal ratio of microorganisms;
• douching that women do on their own, as a result, the beneficial flora is simply washed away;
• use of antiseptics with a powerful antibacterial effect for douching;
• the use of contraceptives containing the substance 9-nonoxynol, which can have a detrimental effect on lactobacilli;
• promiscuity, frequent change of sexual partners;
• sexual intercourse without contraception.

• For gardnerella to begin to actively multiply, causing bacterial vaginosis, several reasons are needed.
• Although in women with a weakened immune system, the disease can start in the presence of one factor.
• Infection occurs through sexual contact without barrier contraception.

Is gardnerella transmitted from woman to man and vice versa, can a man infect a woman? The source of infection is a sick woman. The main routes of infection are from women to men and vice versa.

Although doctors say that gardnerella cannot take root in the male body, men act as a carrier of the microorganism.

Classification

Like most diseases affecting the female genitourinary system, gardnerellosis has a certain classification. Gynecologists often classify the disease according to its severity:

• bacterial vaginosis of the compensated type - with this course, analyzes indicate a slight presence of opportunistic flora in patients;
• bacterial vaginosis of the subcompensated type - the number of beneficial lactobacilli is significantly reduced with an increase in opportunistic flora, including gardnerella;
• vaginosis of the decompensated type - beneficial flora is almost completely replaced by pathogenic flora, the inflammatory process is strong, pronounced, changes in the epithelial layer are characteristic.

Clinical picture

1. The disease can affect women at any age, including very young girls and older women.

2. How does gardnerella manifest itself in women?
3. Pathology can develop:

• asymptomatic - the disease is diagnosed by tests, the woman does not make any complaints, there is no pain or discharge;
• with a pronounced clinical picture - pain and cramping, discharge, poor health.

• The incubation period of gardnerella in women - from the moment gardnerella enters the genital tract until the moment of manifestation - ranges from a week to 20 days.
• During this period, pathogenic flora begins to gradually spread, displacing beneficial flora.
• The onset of the disease is characterized by mild symptoms - slight discomfort, weak discharge .

The main signs indicating the development of gardnerellosis:

• A bad odor from the genital tract is the first symptom of the development of vaginosis; the smell is fetid, pungent, similar to the aroma of decaying fish, which is caused by the decomposition of amines due to the rapid proliferation of gardnerella.
• Vaginal discharge - its nature varies depending on the severity. At the initial stage, the discharge looks like a mucous translucent and turbid liquid; as the pathology worsens, the discharge becomes gray, opaque, viscous, and acquires a green or yellow tint. At an advanced stage, the discharge forms layers on the walls of the vagina, causing swelling and redness. A characteristic feature of discharge from gardnerellosis is a foul odor.
• Sudden disruptions in the menstrual cycle may indicate the development of bacterial vaginosis.
• Discomfort in the area of ​​the genitourinary organs - as the pathogenic flora multiplies, itching and burning appear in the urethra, labia, vagina, the mucous membranes may look swollen and inflamed.
• The development of diseases affecting the organs of the urinary system - urethritis, cystitis indicate gardnerellosis. This is due to the close proximity of the genital and urinary organs.
• Pain during sexual intercourse - pain can occur immediately during intimacy and persist after it.
• Pain during urination - occurs when infection spreads to the urethra.
• General malaise - pathology can lead to a general disturbance of health, a feeling of weakness, possibly an increase in temperature, as a result of the active proliferation of negative microbes.

Diagnostic measures

The danger of the disease lies in its possible hidden course, without complaints or signs. At the same time, a woman, unaware of the presence of vaginosis, can infect her sexual partners.

With the bright onset of the disease, timely seeking medical help is important. The doctor who treats gardnerellosis is a gynecologist.

Diagnosis of the disease should be comprehensive; it is important to differentiate gardnerellosis from other diseases of the genitourinary system - vulvitis, colpitis, chlamydia.

Basic methods of diagnosis:

• Gynecological examination. At the initial appointment, the doctor collects information about sexual life, contraceptive methods, and cycle regularity. An examination on a chair using gynecological speculum to examine the vagina is mandatory.
• Taking a smear for laboratory and microscopic studies, during which the presence of pathogenic microorganisms will be determined.
• Taking a smear for markers of vaginosis.
• Determining the acidity level in the vagina using special test strips.
• PCR diagnostics is a polymer chain reaction method.
• A reaction to isonitrile is a substance that appears in the vagina during gardnerellosis and gives the discharge the smell of rotten fish.

A general clinical analysis of blood and urine allows us to determine the severity of the pathology and its spread to the urinary organs. After confirming the diagnosis, the doctor may additionally perform a colposcopy to determine the presence of inflammatory processes in the cervix.

Why is infection dangerous?

This disease is not purely sexually transmitted , but concomitant treatment is necessary. With a long course of gardnerellosis without classic signs - discharge, pain, discomfort in the genital tract - serious complications can develop.

1. In women, untimely and incorrect treatment can provoke the development of inflammatory diseases of the pelvic organs, including adhesive disease, metroendometritis - inflammation of the muscular layer of the uterus.
2. Other consequences:
3. With timely access to a gynecologist and adequately prescribed therapy, gardnerellosis can be successfully treated.

How and what to treat: drug regimens

Treatment is carried out in several stages:

• destruction of the pathogen itself;
• restoration of microflora in the vagina;
• general strengthening therapy - to improve immunity.

The first stage, aimed at suppressing pathogenic flora and further preventing its growth. It is important to determine the sensitivity of Gardnerella to antibiotics so that treatment is successful.

The main groups of antibiotics used in the treatment of gardnerellosis:

• broad-spectrum antibiotics - Clindamycin, Metronidazole - kill the culprit of the disease and other microorganisms - staphylococcus, E. coli;
• derivatives of imidazoles - Trichopolum, Tinidazole - these drugs are destructive against gardnerella, trichomonas, which often join the course of the disease;

• antiseptic drugs - Macmiror - act more mildly than antibiotics, but additionally prevent the growth of fungi in the vagina, preventing thrush.

• Antibiotic therapy lasts an average of 7-10 days in dosages calculated depending on the age, weight of the patients, and the severity of inflammation.
• The generally accepted dosage is at least 500 mg per day for drugs containing metronidazole, trichopolum; 300 mg - for Clindamycin.
• For mild to moderate disease, a single dose of Metronidazole in a volume of 2 g is possible.

Candles

The use of suppositories is important when the disease is not advanced. Basically, suppositories are actively prescribed to pregnant women , because their advantage is not a systemic effect on the entire body, but an effect on the problem area - the genital tract, the vagina.

Popular suppositories in the treatment of gardnerellosis:

• Terzhinan is a complex drug in the form of vaginal tablets that contains antimicrobial and antifungal components;
• Metrovagin - contains metronidazole, which is harmful to anaerobic infections;
• Hexicon - suppositories containing chlorhexidine, which destroys harmful microbes without affecting lactobacilli;
• Macmiror in the form of suppositories has a detrimental effect on opportunistic and pathogenic microorganisms, and additionally contains nystatin.

Other medicines

1. After destroying the pathogen, it is important to continue treatment with medications that will relieve unpleasant symptoms in the vagina and restore the balance of microflora.
2. Lactobacilli in the form of suppositories or tablets for oral use will help establish the “correct” biocenosis: itching, burning, and discomfort in the stomach will go away.

3. For such purposes the following are prescribed:

• Bifidumbacterin in the form of lyophilisate;
• Acylact in the form of suppositories;
• Lactobacterin - suppositories and powder.

The course of treatment should be at least 14 days, more often it will take a month for the beneficial microflora to take root and local immunity to rise - in the intestines and vagina.

The following remedies are most effective:

• Wobenzym;
• Genferon in candles;
• Immunal;
• Interferon.

The course is from 10 to 14 days, after a break it can be repeated for better effect.

Folk remedies

Traditional medicine is safe; their action is based on herbs and plant materials with an antimicrobial and astringent effect - oak bark, chamomile, sage, string.

Oils that can heal damaged mucous membranes are used - olive, sea buckthorn.

But despite the safety, it is better not to carry out treatment without a doctor’s permission . Traditional methods can be used in combination along with drug therapy to relieve symptoms.

Herbs and other remedies made from oils and honey are not able to destroy the pathogen and prevent the development of the disease.

Popular traditional medicine recipes for the treatment of gardnerellosis:

• douching with oak bark infusion (200 ml of boiling water per 10 g of raw material) before bedtime for a week;
• douching with an infusion of chamomile and plantain (a glass of boiling water for 20 g of a mixture of herbs) at night, course - 10 days;
• tampons with sea buckthorn oil - soak sterile gauze with heated oil, roll it up and insert it into the vagina overnight, course - 7-10 days.

Optimal duration of therapy, partner treatment

The average duration of treatment for bacterial vaginosis is almost 2 months , of which antibiotic therapy lasts 7-10 days, about 14-30 days the microflora is restored by taking biological products, about 2 weeks are needed to increase the body's defenses.

Difficult to treat - the disease may return. At the slightest provoking factors - hypothermia, stress - gardnerella begins to become active again. Therefore, it is important to repeat courses of drug therapy periodically.

• Men are more often prescribed antimicrobial agents in the form of ointments and creams (Metronidazole gel) - they act on the source of inflammation, destroying the pathogen.
• It is important for both the woman and the partner to carry out a control examination; if there is no infection or clinical manifestations in the smear, the disease is considered defeated.
• The doctor will tell you in detail about the treatment of this disease:

Gardnerellosis in pregnant women

This scourge is also diagnosed in pregnant women at different stages. The disease does not pose a danger to the fetus - bacteria cannot reach the child through the blood and placenta.

But untreated pathology can complicate the course of pregnancy and the birth process, as well as the condition of the woman herself.

List of possible complications:

• premature birth;
• early rupture of the amniotic sac;
• postpartum endometritis - inflammation in the uterus.

It is possible and necessary to treat gardnerella in women during pregnancy. Gynecologists prescribe softer, gentle drugs with local action.

Antibiotics are contraindicated , especially in the early stages. Suppositories with clindamycin or Terzhinan vaginal tablets destroy pathogenic flora in the vagina without being absorbed into the general bloodstream, and penetration through the placenta is excluded.

Equally important for pregnant women being treated for vaginosis is the consumption of fermented milk products in the form of bio-yogurt and kefir. This helps create the right balance of beneficial bacteria.

It is important for pregnant women to periodically undergo smears to determine “harmful” microflora in order to promptly diagnose and treat infectious diseases of the genital tract.

If treatment is carried out competently, using antimicrobial drugs, restoratives and medications that help restore the “correct” microflora, the risk of negative consequences for the body is minimized.

A common complication is a weakening of the body's defenses . He needs time to get back to normal.

In general, the prognosis is favorable, and serious complications are rare. The main thing is to recognize the disease at the very beginning.

Preventive measures

Gardnerellosis is an unpleasant and dangerous disease, so it is better to prevent its development. The basis of prevention is taking care of the health of the genitourinary system and the whole body.

It is important to strengthen your immune system with simple measures:

• proper nutrition;
• rejection of bad habits;
• rational work and rest regime;
• avoidance of stressful and conflict situations.

A woman should avoid hypothermia, regularly maintain genital hygiene, and for these purposes it is important to choose the right cleansers with lactic acid, the use of which will not cause acidity problems in the vagina.

Hygiene should be especially careful during menstrual periods - frequent replacement of pads, avoidance of frequent use of tampons if possible.

Competent sexual behavior will help maintain the health of the reproductive system. Having a trusted partner and using contraceptives will help you avoid contracting sexually transmitted diseases.

If there are any warning signs - slight itching, strange discharge, discomfort - a reason to visit a gynecologist.

Timely detection of infection, an integrated approach to treatment and careful treatment of your body will allow you to maintain excellent health for a long time.

And in conclusion, even more useful and important information about gardnerellosis:

Source: https://beautyladi.ru/gardnerellez-u-zhenshhin/