A certain balance of microorganisms is maintained in the vagina. When this balance is disturbed, dysbiosis occurs, it is also called gardnerellosis. In women, the symptoms of the disease may not appear, but it must be treated, especially when planning a pregnancy, since the reproduction of the bacteria Gardnerella vaginalis can adversely affect the fetus.
Causes of gardnerella and symptoms
Bacterial vaginosis is characterized by a reduced content of lactobacilli, which prevent the propagation of opportunistic flora. Against this background, anaerobic microorganisms and Gardnerella vaginalis begin to develop. Bacteria grow especially fast with:
- hormonal disorder;
- imbalance of intestinal microflora;
- the use of antibiotics;
- inflammatory processes in the organs of the genitourinary system;
- the use of hormonal drugs and antidepressants.
If there are several favorable conditions for the multiplication of bacteria, then it is highly likely that gardnerellosis in women will develop, the symptoms of which will be described below.
In general, these bacteria are sexually transmitted, so with an active sex life you need to be tested periodically. For men, Gardnerella vaginalis poses no danger, so partners can often be carriers of infection. The incubation period lasts up to 10 days. In this short time, gardnerellosis in women develops. Symptoms of the disease are:
- yellow-gray, creamy, sticky discharge;
- unpleasant odor reminiscent of fish;
- itching, irritation, burning, inflammation in the vagina;
- pain during intercourse.
Depending on the characteristics of the body, symptoms may be pronounced or not very pronounced. There are cases when there were no manifestations of gardnerellosis in women at all. Infection during pregnancy can lead to:
- uterine bleeding and infection of the fetus;
- chronic inflammation of the genitourinary system;
- early rupture of the amniotic membranes in childbirth;
- postpartum endometritis;
- various complications after cesarean section;
- pneumonia of the newborn;
- low weight babies.
The risk of pathologies in newborns is significantly reduced if a disease such as gardnerellosis in women, whose symptoms are present in one form or another, is timely examined and treated.
Diagnosis of the disease
The diagnosis is made according to the clinical picture and the results of a smear from the vagina. For diagnosis, the pH of the vagina is also determined, since with the multiplication of anaerobic bacteria and gardnerella, the medium becomes alkaline, that is, the pH increases. In medical practice, an isonitrile test is also used, which determines a large number of Gardnerella vaginalis.
Treatment of gardnerellosis in women: candles and pills
Treatment is usually done with antibiotics, but remember that gardnerella is resistant to tetracyclines, sulfonamides, cephalosporins, aminoglycosides. The most effective drugs are ampicillin and clindamycin. They are preferably used in combination with vaginal suppositories or tablets.
For local processing use metronidazole gel, clindamycin cream. Inside, metronidazole, clindamycin is often prescribed. It should be remembered that when using antibiotics, alcohol is contraindicated! To accelerate recovery, strengthening and immunostimulating agents are added to the treatment regimen.
In the article, we examined what gardnerellosis in women is, symptoms, treatment of the disease. However, it must be remembered that the disease is easier to prevent than to treat. Therefore, you need to have a permanent partner, maintain immunity, and for any pain and discharge, consult a gynecologist.