Gardnerella, known as gardnerella vag, is the causative agent of gardnerellosis, an inflammation of the genitourinary tract. Like thrush, the disease is a common cause of women visiting a gynecologist. Gardnerella is transmitted in most cases through sexual contact and results from infection of the vagina with the bacterium Gardnerella vaginalis. This is evidenced by the fact that the causative agent of the disease is often found simultaneously in both sexual partners.
In small quantities, this bacterium is present in the normal microbial flora of the vagina and even performs a protective function, creating a normal acidic environment there, and thus preventing the propagation of other microorganisms that can cause various inflammatory diseases of the genital organs. However, under the influence of some provoking factors gardnerella vag begins to multiply rapidly, destroying the normal microflora. Such factors are the frequent and erratic change of sexual partners, the long-term independent use of antibiotics and antifungal drugs, the uncontrolled use of various gynecological gels, ointments and vaginal suppositories, the frequent use of gynecological pads and tampons, hormonal imbalance (especially during pregnancy), weakened immunity, etc.
Manifestations of gardnerella vag in women are more pronounced than in men. The main foci of infections in women are the vagina, urethra and cervix. Gardnerella symptoms are often noticed too late. Patients usually complain of too much discharge with an unpleasant, specific odor, swelling, redness and discomfort in the genitals, burning, itching and pain during sexual intercourse.
Gardnerella vag in men it is not found as often as in women, however, as they say, “a phenomenon has a place to be,” therefore, men in this regard need to be no less attentive to themselves than women. Usually, gardnerella in men is asymptomatic and excreted 2-3 days after penetration. However, in some cases (with hypothermia, a decrease in the protective properties of the body, concomitant diseases, etc.), the causative agent of the disease becomes more active, showing signs of urethritis. At such a moment, complaints of frequent, small doses urination, pain or even pain when urinating, discomfort during sex are characteristic.
Gardnerella vag : treatment
It was previously believed that gardnerella vag no harmful effect on the body. However, modern medicine has identified the consequences of the disease as a risk factor for inflammatory diseases of the appendages, infertility, preterm birth, and pregnancy pathology.
Treatment appointed after testing for the pathogen. Women are prescribed antibiotic therapy. Trichopolum (candles and tablets) or clindamycin is usually prescribed. Treatment is best carried out comprehensively, i.e. with the appointment of drugs for local use and oral administration.
In early pregnancy ampicillin is prescribed , in the 2nd and 3rd trimester they are treated with metronidazole. Herpes virus during pregnancy increases the likelihood of developing gardnerellosis, so prevention or timely treatment (during the incubation period) significantly reduces the negative effect of herpes on the female body.
About the need for treatment of gardnerella vag in men, the decision is made in each case individually. In the event that measures are not taken in a timely manner, there remains a high likelihood of developing complications such as chronic prostatitis, pyelonephritis, epidymitis, cystitis.
Qualitative treatment of the disease is possible only if the initial cause of the disease is identified. Modern effective methods for diagnosing this infection can successfully fight it.