Gardnerellosis is a non-inflammatory infectious disease, also known as bacterial vaginosis. It belongs to the group of the most common female pathologies that occur in the genital area.
Why does it arise? What symptoms indicate its presence? And how is gardnerellosis treated? Now it is worth discussing.
Causes of occurrence
Bacterial vaginosis has a rather complicated pathogenesis. If you do not go into details, then this disease occurs due to imbalance in the vaginal microflora, which occurs under the influence of exogenous or endogenous factors.
The result is a decrease in the density of contamination of the vaginal mucosa by lactobacilli. And these are symbionts, the most important component of microflora. They inhibit the growth of fungi and pathogenic bacteria. And if their number decreases, then the protection of the female body is also sharply weakened.
How does this happen? Lactobacilli are replaced by parasites and microbes that negatively affect the body - gardnerella and anaerobes. Why does this happen? Provoking factors include:
- Hormonal and physiological changes. For example: menopause, pregnancy, puberty.
- Menstrual dysfunction.
- Active use of improperly selected hormonal and antibacterial drugs.
- Surgical intervention.
- Previously transmitted diseases of the genital organs, which were inflammatory in nature.
- Background processes of the cervix.
- Prolonged use of the intrauterine device.
As a rule, girls and women aged 16 to 40 years are at risk.
Symptoms of the disease
They must be considered before proceeding to the study of features related to the treatment of gardnerellosis. Symptoms and signs of this pathology can be distinguished in the following list:
- Vaginal discharge. Their features: grayish-white color, pasty uniform consistency, an unpleasant "fishy" smell.
- Discomfort, itching, burning sensation when urinating. The woman feels the same sensations during sex.
- Inflammatory changes in the cervix, urethra and vagina.
- Signs of cystitis.
- Inflammation of the inner layer of the uterus (endometritis) and appendages.
The intensification of symptoms is observed after unprotected sexual intercourse. This is due to the alkaline environment of sperm. And indeed, the interaction of secretions with alkali of any type provokes the progression of the previously listed symptoms and increased odor. A paradox, but even the use of soap enhances this manifestation.
In general, the clinical picture is ambiguous. It is impossible to diagnose the disease and prescribe treatment of gardnerellosis after just examination and questioning. In addition, this disease usually develops along with candidiasis (thrush), and in some cases it even accompanies infection with gonococcus and Trichomonas.
Disease in men
Representatives of the stronger sex cannot have vaginal dysbiosis due to their lack of this organ. However, gardnerells are able to penetrate into their urogenital system from the female vagina during unprotected intercourse.
Bacteria themselves are not dangerous. Moreover, they cannot even adapt in the male body. So they are excreted with a stream of urine for three days. But if a man’s immunity is weakened, then problems can be. In this case, gardnerella provoke inflammation of various etiologies.
The greatest risk of infection progression if a man:
- Takes antidepressants.
- For a long time experiencing physical or emotional stress.
- Recently recovered from diseases of the genitourinary sphere.
- Has a history of antibiotic therapy.
In the presence of such conditions, gardnerella in the male body begin to develop. This is a specific, special case, so for treatment should contact an andrologist, urologist or venereologist.
What about the symptoms? The clinical picture is usually quite blurry. The presence of infection can only be indicated by the presence of watery, mild, gray discharge from the urethra, which has an unpleasant odor.
Macmirror
Since we are talking about the treatment of gardnerellosis in women, it is necessary to list the drugs that are most effective in combating this disease. And, of course, briefly talk about them.
Macmirror is a derivative of nitrofuran, which has a powerful antimicrobial effect. This drug has antifungal, antibacterial and antiprotozoal properties. In addition, it, despite its wide range of actions, is low toxic.
These pills not only contribute to the treatment of gardnerellosis. They also fight infections that manage to join due to the nature of the disease. Therefore, in fact, it is prescribed not only for gardnerellosis.
The drug is universal. It can be assigned to both a man and a woman. By the way, if a girl found this disease, then her partner also has it, so they will have to undergo a course of treatment for both. But with a drug like Macmirror, therapy is greatly facilitated. In addition, the use of this medication serves as a prevention of reinfection.
But he has contraindications and a list of possible side effects. It is important that the doctor prescribes the drug, as there are compatibility nuances that need to be considered.
Hexicon
Continuing to talk about the treatment of gardnerellosis in women, this drug should also be noted with attention. This is an antiseptic for local use, available in the form of a solution. It is good because it does not adversely affect lactobacilli. In addition, it continues to be active even in the presence of blood or pus.
It should be added that “Hexicon” is effective both in the treatment of gardnerellosis and in its prevention. And it can also be used as an emergency tool. If, for example, an unprotected sexual intercourse has occurred with a person to whom there is no particular trust, then “Hexicon” should be used within the next two hours.
It is used not only for gardnerellosis. "Hexicon" is indicated for the prevention of sexually transmitted infections. It helps to cope with genital herpes, gonorrhea, ureaplasmosis, syphilis, chlamydia and trichomoniasis. And this is one of the main advantages of this drug. After all, as mentioned earlier, gardnerellosis can develop in parallel with other diseases or infections.
The solution also helps in the prevention of infectious and inflammatory complications and in the treatment of colpitis with bacterial vaginosis of any form.
Clindamycin
Since we are talking about the symptoms and treatment of gardnerellosis in women, it is also necessary to talk about this drug.
“Clindamycin” is a semi-synthetic antibiotic belonging to the group of lincosamides. It has a wide spectrum of action, but mainly inhibits protein synthesis in parasitic microorganisms, due to which they then die.
Proper administration of "Clindamycin" helps to get rid of gardnerellosis, as well as other infectious diseases.
True, he has one drawback, and it is in the form of the release of the drug. This antibiotic is a solution for injection. But only with this disease, patients are not hospitalized. Therefore, the person who was prescribed the drug “Clindamycin” for the treatment of gardnerellosis, will either need to learn how to give injections, or get the help of nursing staff.
If there is no opportunity to inject at home, then the patient is hospitalized for the duration of the therapy. Because injections should be done three times a day.
Ornidazole
Another effective drug that helps in treating gardnerellosis in women. This is an antiprotozoal agent, the mechanism of action of which is to disrupt the DNA structure of sensitive microorganisms.
“Ornidazole” is included in the list of the most preferred medications for the treatment of this disease. Tablets are taken vaginally. There is only one contraindication - pregnancy, in other cases, the drug is allowed.
These pills are prescribed because infection with gardnerelli can provoke the development of other infections - trichomoniasis, chlamydia, etc.
Taking only Ornidazole alone, the girl will save herself from having to drink several different antibiotics at once. This drug has a wide spectrum of action. It even affects those parasitic microorganisms that for one reason or another could not be detected during the examination.
This drug has many analogues. These include Batsimiks, Tiberal, Ornion, Gayro, Rairo, Ornidazol-Vero, Combiflox, Dazolik and Lornizol.
"Metronidazole"
This is the name of an effective antiprotozoal agent, which is available in the form of a gel for local therapy. Treatment of gardnerellosis with Metronidazole does not present any difficulty - you just need to enter it inside the vagina twice a day. And so for five days.
You can combine the gel with the use of tablets "Metronidazole". They need to be consumed twice a day at 250 mg. The duration of treatment lasts 1 week. At this time, you must give up alcohol. The use of alcohol significantly reduces the effectiveness of this medication.
It should be noted that taking the drug also helps to cope with diseases such as trichomoniasis, giardiasis, amoebiasis, as well as with many infections caused by anaerobic bacteria. But this medication is contraindicated in patients under the age of 18, as well as in pregnant women.
Unidox
If you believe the reviews, the treatment of gardnerellosis with the previously listed drugs is not suitable for everyone. Unidox, a tetracycline antibiotic, has a mild but effective effect.
The mechanism of its action is easy to understand if you imagine the gardnerella in the form of live parasites. Unidox, entering the body, attacks these microorganisms, as a result of which their metabolism and protein synthesis are disrupted. In simple terms, conditions that are comfortable for their existence are destroyed.
By the way, the drug is active against many pathogens. It does not affect only fungi and some strains of Proteus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Wilprafen
This drug belongs to the macrolide antibiotic group. It has a bacteriostatic effect, showing high activity against parasitic intracellular microorganisms, and is indicated in the treatment of chronic gardnerellosis.
Also, this medication is prescribed in cases where a woman has an individual intolerance to the components of the previously listed drugs.
How effective Vilprafen will be depends on the correct dose selection. And the amount indicated for consumption of the drug and the frequency of administration depends on the degree of neglect of the disease. And also from the presence of attached infections.
That is why the partner of an infected woman should not repeat the treatment regimen prescribed by her doctor. In the best case, the gardnerella will not go anywhere. And in the worst, complications and consequences from unauthorized and uncontrolled intake of a powerful antibiotic will arise.
"Trichopol"
And it is also necessary to tell about this drug. This is an antiprotozoal agent that has antibacterial activity. It eliminates many infections and other diseases, the appearance of which provoke other microorganisms.
"Trichopolum" enters the structure of the DNA pathogen, and the active substance destroys it, which first stops the development of the parasite, and then completely destroys it.
Taking such a powerful drug requires compliance with all medical prescriptions. Because even the untimely use of food can affect the effectiveness of the treatment carried out by him. It affects absorption, and hence the concentration of the drug is significantly impaired.
It is important to note that Trichopolum is contraindicated in children and women in the first trimester of pregnancy. The active ingredients of the drug penetrate the DNA structure, which means they can overcome the placental barrier, which will negatively affect the development of the fetus.
Folk remedies
At the end of the topic regarding symptoms and treatment of gardnerellosis, it is necessary to talk about those "medicines" that you can do yourself at home. If it is advisable to use drugs that are popular in alternative medicine, then it will be possible to eliminate the manifestations of bacterial vaginosis.
Here are some recipes:
- In an equal amount mix dandelion rhizomes, birch leaves, wormwood, plantain, yarrow, clover, snake mountain root and flax. 30 grams of the collection pour boiling water (500 ml). Leave to insist for the night. In the morning, strain and drink ½ cup before all meals. The course lasts 90 days, and then a break is made for 2 weeks. In general, this infusion should be drunk for 1 year.
- In equal proportions, mix thyme, chamomile, celandine, birch leaves, geranium grass, licorice, meadowsweet, mint and elecampane. 2 tsp collection pour boiling water (500 ml). Give 10 hours to brew. Then strain. Drink three times a day in 100 ml. The course lasts 3 months. Then a break for 2 weeks, and then treatment of gardnerellosis with alternative methods should be resumed, but use another remedy.
- In equal proportions, mix immortelle flowers and cornflower, knotweed, meadowsweet, crossache, leaves of fireweed, raspberry and walnut, wild rose, horsetail, wormwood and coriander. 2 tbsp. l pour boiling water (500 ml). Leave the composition overnight. Drink ½ cup 3 times a day for 3 months. Then you need to take a two-week break and continue therapy. Every 3 months, fees must be changed. In general, therapy lasts 1 year.
- Mix eucalyptus, cinnamon, pear, rhizome of incense, coltsfoot, tansy, mint, bearberry. All in an amount of 10 g. Pour the mixture with boiling water (500 ml). For 10 hours, you need to remove the mixture. Then filter and drink half a glass three times a day. Therapy lasts a year.
- Combine the same amount of parsley, three-colored violet, grass Veronica, pear, coriander, angelica, fireweed, pine buds, cuff, calendula, wheat grass and mint. Take 2 tbsp. l raw materials and pour a liter of boiling water. Insist for 12 hours. Then filter and drink ½ cup three times a day. The course lasts 90 days. Then a break is made for 2 weeks, and then the treatment of gardnerellosis is continued with alternative means of another type (you can use any of the above fees).
- Rinse and chop five leaves of walnut. Pour boiling water (200 ml). After half an hour, filter. Drink several times a day in 20 ml.
It is believed that these are the most effective alternative methods of treating gardnerellosis. But alone, it will be difficult to cope with the disease, so it is strongly recommended to combine their intake with medications prescribed by a doctor.