At first, vaginal gardnerella was considered the causative agent of STDs. However, recent studies show that it is a component of the normal microflora of the vagina.
Nevertheless, like any opportunistic microorganism, it can cause inconvenience. This mainly occurs with vaginal dysbiosis, when for some reason there are few useful lactobacilli. And they form lactic acid, which inhibits the reproduction of opportunistic flora.
Under such conditions, the number of gardnerella and other microorganisms, such as mobilkus, mycoplasmas, begins to increase actively. This condition is called bacterial vaginosis.
So, the reasons why gardnerella in women can significantly increase their number against the background of a decrease in the number of lactobacilli are as follows:
- a large number of partners or its recent change;
- lubricated condoms or contraceptives with 9-nonoxynol;
- the use of vaginal suppositories, tablets with a wide spectrum of action;
- douching with antiseptics.
Today, gynecologists have great doubts about the beneficial effect of douching. During this procedure, normal microflora is washed out, which is replaced by opportunistic pathogens. In addition, douching contributes to the occurrence of an ectopic pregnancy and inflammation of the appendages.
If the vagina greatly increased its number of gardnerella, the symptoms in women are as follows:
- the appearance of poorly smelling secretions (the smell of rotten fish), they are grayish-white, watery, uniform, not abundant;
- possibly unpleasant sensations, burning, itching, especially during sex.
In addition, this microorganism creates the conditions for the reproduction of other bacteria and fungi. As a rule, gardnerella in women is found only in the vagina and cervical canal, therefore it cannot cause endometritis and salpingo-oophoritis. However, it contributes to the penetration into the genital tract of more formidable infections, including STDs.
Gardnerella in women is detected using a special smear. In addition, the presence of the disease is evidenced by the definition in the analysis of the "key" cells in the flora - the epithelium covered with data and other bacteria.
A very informative analysis is inoculation on pathogenic microflora. It gives an idea of all the bacteria in the vagina and their quantity.
If any microorganism is detected in a large titer, an antibioticogram is made, that is, drugs are selected to which it is sensitive. During this analysis, the number of lactobacilli is also determined. The presence of problems is evidenced by their low titer.
In modern laboratories, the presence of gardnerella in the vagina is determined using PCR. However, it is highly sensitive, so it is rarely used to diagnose this disease. PCR will give a positive result even if there is a very small amount of bacteria in the vagina, which may be normal there.
To treat this disease, antibacterial drugs are used, including topically. After its completion, control studies are carried out in two weeks. During therapy, sexual contact in the vagina is not recommended.
So, gardnerella in women is the norm, but it is important how much it is present and whether it causes any problems. Usually its brown growth occurs due to a decrease in the number of lactobacilli. The main symptom of the disease is an unpleasant odor of secretions. Quite often, women first experience gardnerellosis during pregnancy.