Gardnerella symptoms. Gardnerella in women - what is it?

Gardnerellosis is an acute bacterial disease genitourinary system, which can occur in both men and women. The causative agent of this disease is the bacterium Gardnerella vaginalis.

Highlight following reasons development of such sexually transmitted infection:

1. Frequent changes of sexual partners (unprotected sexual contact, both in men and women).
2. Untimely (not frequent enough) replacement of gaskets. This is especially true during menstruation, when the microflora in the vagina is especially vulnerable and susceptible to various pathogenic microorganisms.
3. A sharp violation in hormonal background(may occur during puberty or pregnancy).
4. Daily use of thin pads, which creates all the conditions for the spread of infection.
5. Not following the rules intimate hygiene.
6. Long-term treatment with antibiotics.
7. A sharp decrease in the immune system.

In addition, untreated dysbiosis, frequent adherence to an unbalanced diet, various optional pathologies of the reproductive system, as well as long-term use of contraceptives can contribute to the appearance of Gardnerella vaginalis disease.

All predisposing factors to the active progression of the bacterium Gardnerella vaginalis are united by reduced immunity, since in this state a person becomes highly vulnerable to this kind diseases. In turn, it can give impetus to weakening of the immune system. severe stress, chronic fatigue, physical exhaustion of the body or recent illnesses (or surgical interventions).

There are three main ways of infection with this type of bacterial vaginitis:

1. Sexual penile-genital contact is the most common route of infection with such vaginosis. It is worth noting that the bacterium can get from a carrier of infection to healthy person like through traditional sexual contacts, and with anal or oral sex. A condom won't help much in this case. In most cases, this type of contraception is aimed only at preventing unwanted pregnancy.
2. Vertical transmission of Gardnerella vaginalis occurs during childbirth. In this case, the bacterium infects a newborn child, but, fortunately, does not develop further in its microflora, since infants simply do not yet have the substance glycogen, which is so necessary for this bacterium for normal growth.
3. Contact-household infection can occur when using shared hygiene products (towels, linen, washcloths, etc.). Less commonly, bacteria enter the bathhouse or sauna when a person touches the skin of the genitals to dirty seats.

Based on the above methods of infection, Gardnerella vaginalis cannot be called a disease transmitted exclusively through sexual contact. Despite this, in most cases this pathology is detected precisely in those women who are actively sex life and often change sexual partners. This pattern is due to the fact that during unprotected sexual intercourse, the healthy vaginal microflora of a woman collides with the affected male microflora.

After this, the infection-carrying partner simply transmits the bacterium to the woman, who, finding herself in favorable vaginal conditions, begins to actively multiply there. As for carriage of Gardnerella vaginalis only, the incubation period in this case can last for years. In this case, a person may not even notice obvious signs diseases. Despite this, the disease will still begin to manifest itself sooner or later.

Moreover, gardella will constantly suppress the immune system, making a person weakened and susceptible to other pathologies. To identify this nonspecific vaginal anaerobe, you should take a DNA test, a culture (smear) from the genitals, and a PCR test. It is also important to do this as early as possible, because timely diagnosis and treatment can protect against the development of dangerous consequences.

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Gardnerella vaginalis: symptoms and diagnosis

In most cases, Gardnerella vaginalis practically does not manifest itself in men, since they are often only carriers of this infection and do not suffer from it themselves (there are no pronounced symptoms). Rarely, minor inflammatory processes in the urethra, slight purulent discharge and pain when urinating can be observed.

In more advanced cases, a man (with prolonged damage to the vaginal gardnerella) may develop infertility, inflammation of the testicles and prostatitis. It should be noted that in more than 95% of all cases, when the vaginalis is affected by Gardnerella, the man will not even realize that he is sick and infects his partner during sexual intercourse.

In women, Gardnerella vaginalis is accompanied by obvious inflammatory processes in the vagina and cervix. The main feature of this disease there will be the appearance of mucous or purulent discharge from the vagina, which will have a pronounced non-specific smell of “spoiled fish”.

This is especially noticeable during sexual intercourse without using a condom. The patient also often experiences itching and burning in the genitals, the appearance of sticky yellowish discharge and pain during sexual intercourse. Less common are discomfort during urination, irritation and redness of the vaginal mucosa.

It is important to know

The situation changes when the bacteria Gardnerella vaginalis becomes too numerous and it begins to harm the woman’s microflora. This is especially dangerous when reduced immunity and pregnancy. To detect a Gardnerella vaginalis infection, the patient should take a swab from the vagina (urethra for men) and send it for further microscopic examination.

This is the most the right way, which will allow you to accurately identify the causative agent (focus) of the disease, its type, etc. As auxiliary diagnostic techniques It is recommended to undergo an examination by a gynecologist (urologist), take a test for other anaerobic bacteria and test sensitivity to the bacteria using PCR.

Gardnerellosis in women: features of manifestation, dangers and treatment during pregnancy

The general scheme of manifestations of gardnerellosis in women has three stages: carriage, active phase (period of manifestation of the disease), microflora disturbance or development bacterial vaginosis.

After the initial infection, this sexually transmitted pathogen (gardnerellosis in women) “takes root” in the vagina and, under favorable conditions, begins active reproduction.

If a woman strong immunity, then most likely most of bacteria will die without ever taking root. In this case, gardnerellosis in a woman will have a carrier form. After the first phase, a period of active reproduction of the bacterium begins. In this case, the patient will have itching, burning and bad smell from the genitals. It is also not uncommon for mucous discharge and inflammation to occur. Already at the first appearance of these symptoms, it is recommended to consult a gynecologist, and not wait until gardnerellosis in women begins to manifest itself “in all its glory.”

As shown medical practice, gardnerellosis in women has a long course, often accompanied by complications. The danger of this disease is that bacterial replication changes total balance microflora of a woman. In turn, this provokes the development vaginal dysbiosis or dysbiosis.

At the same time, this lactobacilli contributes to the fact that a woman becomes very susceptible to various inflammatory diseases genitourinary system. It is for this reason that it is very important to promptly diagnose and treat gardnerellosis in women. When gardnerellosis is detected in women during pregnancy, it is prohibited to prescribe traditional antibiotics, as they can adversely affect the fetus.

In this case, it is recommended to use special vaginal suppositories, which have a strong antimicrobial and antibacterial effect. Duration similar treatment should be selected by a doctor individually. Also in this case, the patient’s sexual partner should also undergo treatment.

How to treat gardnerella: different treatments for gardnerella vaginalis

Before finding out how to treat Gardnerella, it is worth mentioning the importance of therapy specifically in males. The fact is that even in the absence of obvious symptoms of the disease, a person will develop chronic inflammation and impaired immunity. This, in turn, can lead to serious disorders of a man’s sexual function (urethritis due to the spread of ureaplasma, prostatitis, urinary disorders and even infertility).

Moreover, if a man is an active carrier, then with each unprotected sexual intercourse he will infect a woman, causing her microflora to be disrupted, a decrease in the number of beneficial lactobacilli and the development of dysbacteriosis. As for gardnellosis in women, it must be treated, because the general functioning of the patient’s reproductive system and even the state of her reproductive function largely depend on this.

How to treat gardnerella with drugs

If you have been diagnosed with Gardnerella vaginalis, how to treat it will advise qualified specialist, often requires long-term therapy and carefully selected medications. Traditional treatment involves the prescription of immunomodulatory drugs and antibiotics. They must be taken for at least ten days in a row. After this, tests are repeated and, if necessary, therapy is extended.

Many people wonder how to treat gardnerella so as not to infect a sexual partner. The answer is simple: for the period of therapy you need to give up intimate connection, especially without using a condom. The gynecologist (urologist) must personally supervise the process of general therapy for the treatment of Gardnerella vaginalis. Only a specialist knows how to treat this infection; under no circumstances take medications without his prescription and do not self-medicate.

Antibiotics are considered very effective in therapy. They are aimed at suppressing bacterial activity. Metronidazole or Clindamycin are usually prescribed for this purpose. They can be used in the form of tablets, vaginal suppositories or gels. The duration of treatment with antibacterial drugs should be ten days.

At the second stage of treatment, the patient needs to “populate” “good” bacteria (lactobacillus) into the microflora.. Most effective means This group includes the drugs Acylact, Laktonorm and Lactobacterin. During the treatment period, the patient needs to follow a special diet. The diet includes a complete abstinence from alcohol, fried, fatty, sweet, flour and spicy foods.

The basis of the diet should be porridge, dairy products, soups, fish and vegetables. To prevent the formation of dysbiosis in the intestines, bifidobacteria (probiotics) are prescribed. Linex or Filak Forte are considered the best. A month after the start of treatment, the patient needs to take all tests again. Further therapy depends on the results obtained.

Gardnerella vaginalis: how to treat using traditional medicine

Traditional therapy can be practiced, but only if the disease is not very advanced and under the strict supervision of a doctor. One of best recipes For such treatment, use sitz baths with the addition of a decoction of birch buds, chamomile or oak bark.

These plant liquids have a pronounced antibacterial effect, so they will help quickly eliminate the source of infection. As an auxiliary therapy, women are allowed to install bandage tampons soaked in fresh kefir. It will normalize the vaginal microflora.

Gardnerella infection in men: symptoms, complications and prevention

Gardnell infection in men has the following stages of development:

1. The period of carriage when the disease does not manifest itself in any way.
2. The appearance of active bacterial replication and the spread of Gardnerella infection.
3. The appearance of the first signs of the disease in a man (itching, burning, redness, the appearance of small ulcers on the head of the penis). After this, there will be pain when urinating and a burning sensation during sexual intercourse.
4. Development of diseases against the background of Gardnerella infection. In this case, a man may experience balanoposthitis or urethritis.

If you do not start timely treatment, the gardnerella infection will begin to spread throughout the body along with the blood, affecting not only the mucous membranes, but also the organs. Thus, the patient may develop a lung abscess, inflammation Bladder, sepsis and Reiter's syndrome.

It is worth knowing that gardnerella infection, if detected during pregnancy, can cause cystitis, premature birth, infection of the fetus or its birth with anomalies. Moreover, in a woman, gardnerella infection can cause blood poisoning, chronic inflammation, deterioration of the bladder and impaired reproductive function.

To reduce the risk of contracting a gardnerella infection, you should follow the following medical recommendations:

1. Twice a year, undergo a control examination by a gynecologist (by a urologist for men) and get tested by a venereologist.
2. Have a regular sexual partner and avoid casual sex. You should always use a condom with non-regular sexual partners.
3. Promptly treat all diseases of the reproductive system that increase the risk of developing gardnerella infection.
4. Wear underwear only made from natural fabrics.
5. Carefully observe intimate hygiene.
6. Strengthen your immune system (exercise, avoid stress, eat well).
7. Under no circumstances should you use other people’s personal hygiene products or allow them to take your own towels, etc. even close people.

Gardnerella is found quite often in women with weakened immunity and vaginal dysbiosis; it is the one that causes Gardnerella vaginosis, which will be discussed in this article.

Gardnerella in women - what is it?

Very often, bacterial vaginosis is caused by gardnerella (gram-variable or gram-negative rods). This bacterium belongs to the facultative anaerobes; it does not form capsules and spores, and exhibits good adhesion on the surface of the mature vaginal epithelium. Actively multiplying in the vaginal environment, gardnerella secretes its metabolic products - amino acids. From these amino acids, volatile amines arise - compounds that give vaginal discharge an unpleasant fishy odor.

The main symptom of this pathology is considered to be “ key cells" This is the name of mature epithelial cells, on the surface of which a huge number of coccobacilli or gram-variable rods are attached: Gardnerella vaginalis, Mobiluncus spp., obligate anaerobic bacteria.

Gardnerella in a smear

Gardnerella in women - where it comes from

Infectious syndrome of non-inflammatory nature, which is based on vaginal dysbiosis, in scientific literature called bacterial vaginosis. This pathology is characterized by very high level obligate anaerobic microbes and a significant decrease in the number of lactobacilli in vaginal secretions, up to their complete absence.

Due to a pronounced decrease in the level of lactobacilli that produce lactic acid, the pH in the vagina increases, causing it to become neutral. These conditions promote reproduction in the vagina various organisms(both pathogenic and opportunistic). So, bacterial vaginosis is a consequence pronounced violation microflora balance, in which the natural vaginal flora is replaced by anaerobic bacteria - Gardnerella vaginalis, Bacteroides spp., Mobiluncus spp., Mycoplasma hominis, peptostreptococci and some others. The concentration of these microorganisms may exceed valid values very much - 1000 times. Thus, the opportunistic gardnerella living in the woman’s genitals begins to actively reproduce.

Factors for the development of gardnerellosis in women

An increased risk of spreading gardnerella is associated with the following factors:

Inflammatory processes of the genital area.

Menstrual irregularities.

Taking some medical supplies(antibiotics, drugs containing hormones, immunosuppressants).

Long-term use of intrauterine contraception.

Weakened immune system.

Disturbed intestinal biocenosis.

Mental stress and stress.

How is gardnerella transmitted?

Gardnerella can be passed from one sexual partner to another. In men who have sexual contact with a woman who has been diagnosed with gardnerella, it is also often found in the urethra. True, treatment of the sexual partner is not required if there is no additional pathogens sexually transmitted infections and acute symptoms.

Gardnerella in women: symptoms

Gardnerellosis can occur in chronic or acute form. At chronic course symptoms may not be present or may be very sparse. The symptoms are not specific, they are typical for many STDs. In the acute form of gardnerellosis the following is noted:

Itching and burning in the genitals;

Pain during sexual intercourse;

Copious discharge;

An unpleasant fishy smell is perhaps the only difference from other infections.

We have a detailed differential diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis with trichomoniasis, ureaplasmosis, and thrush in women on our website.

Symptoms of the disease become obvious when the leukocyte response is reduced. Scientists have suggested that gardnerella is capable of producing a leukotoxic factor. Under its influence, functional and even structural changes leukocytes.
Changes in the vaginal flora associated with gardnerellosis can lead to serious consequences. Endometritis or salpingoophoritis may develop. Pregnant women face a difficult birth and a high risk of spontaneous abortion.

Gardnerella in women: photo

Methods for diagnosing gardnerella in women

Diagnostic criteria for this pathology are:

■ Presence of so-called “key cells” in smears. Lactobacilli, as well as polymorphonuclear leukocytes, are absent.

■ Homogeneous creamy consistency of the discharge.

■ Positive result with amino test. (A sample of the secretions is placed on a glass and a little potassium hydroxide solution is added. When gardella is present, the smell of rotting fish appears).

■ The pH value in the vagina is greater than or equal to 4.5.

If at least three of the four specified criteria are present, the diagnosis can be considered confirmed.

Normal indicators in a smear

Additional diagnostic methods include:

Gas chromatography of vaginal discharge, mass spectrometry (trimethylamine is detected).

High-voltage electrophoresis for the detection of volatile amines.

Microbiological tests (detection of Gardnerella vaginalis). The norm in tests is less than 10 to 5 degrees CFU or no more than 103 - 105 CFU/ml.

LSC (laser correlation spectroscopy) method.

Gardnerella in women: treatment

The goal of treatment is to kill gardnerella and restore normal vaginal microflora.

Antibacterial therapy for gardnerellosis in women

Gardnerella is highly sensitive to the following drugs: ornidazole, ampicillin, clindamycin and metronidazole. But this bacterium is resistant to aminoglycosides, tetracyclines, sulfonamides, and cephalosporins.

Treatment regimen for gardnerellosis in women

For gardnerellosis, the drugs of choice include the following:

- metronidazole (efloran, metrogil, metrid, flagyl, trichopol) – take 1 g per day in 2 divided doses for a week;

Ornidazole (meratin, tiberal) - take 500 mg 2 times a day, for a ten-day course;

Nimorazole (naxogin) - 500 mg twice a day, for a six-day course. (recommended when vaginosis is combined with trichomonas and bacteroides).

Alternative drugs

List of alternative remedies for the treatment of gardnerella:

- Dalacin (clindamycin hydrochloride) in capsule form (considered the main alternative means) – 300 mg twice a day. Duration of treatment is a week.

- Dalatsin C in the form of a cream (2%) – 5 g once a day topically for a week.

- Ampicillin. Used in combination with metronidazole 4 times a day, 500 mg. Duration of treatment: from a week to 10 days.

- Tinidazole. Take according to the following scheme. On the first and second days - 2 g once a day. On the third and fourth days - 0.5 g twice a day. Total for the course – 6 g.

- Terzhinan. 1-2 candles per day. The duration of the course is 12 days.

- Meratin-combi. 1 candle before bed. Course – 12 days.

- Betadine. 1 candle per day. Course duration is from 1 to 2 weeks.

- Ginalgin. 1 candle at night. Course – 10 days.

- Klion-D 100. One tablet is placed deep into the vagina before bed. The course of treatment lasts 10 days.

All medications can only be used after consulting a doctor; only a specialist can prescribe the treatment you need.

Restoration of normal vaginal microflora

After etiotropic treatment, they move on to the next stage of therapy - restoration of the natural biocenesis of the vagina.

Preparations for restoring normal vaginal microflora:

Contains lyophilisate of bifidobacteria. The product is used vaginally once a day. To do this, 5 or 6 doses need to be diluted boiled water. Full course lasts from 5 to 8 days. Used in the form of suppositories twice a day for 5-10 days.

- Lactobacterin. Contains lyophilisate of lactobacilli. 5 doses of the drug are diluted in clean water and used vaginally once a day (from 5 to 10 days).

Vaginally, 5 or 6 doses are applied once a day. The treatment course lasts from a week to 10 days.

- Dry colibacterin. 5-6 doses once a day for 5-10 days.

- Vagilak(a drug based on lactobacilli). Use vaginally, one capsule twice a day. Course – 10 days.

- Acylact. For 10 days, one candle every evening before bed.

- Simbiter 2. One bottle of the drug is added to boiled water in a ratio of 1:2, the resulting composition is injected into the vagina with a syringe. Duration of therapy: at least 10 - 15 days.

Treatment of gardnerellosis in pregnant women

Treatment for gardnerellosis can begin after the 2nd trimester of pregnancy. The drugs of choice are:

Ornidazole 2 times a day, 1 tablet for 5 days

Metronidazole 250 mg - 1 tablet 2 times a day.

The course of treatment for pregnant Gardnerella is 10 days.

In addition, they produce local treatment metronidazole or Neo-Penotran forte in the form of cream or suppositories.

Acylact in suppositories can also be used on early pregnancy if there is no thrush.

Prevention of gardnerellosis in women

Preventive measures should be aimed at complying with the following rules:

1. maintain personal hygiene of the genitals;

2. during menstruation, change pads and tampons as often as possible;

3. underwear should be made from natural fabrics and should not rub;

5. lead healthy image life: eat right, exercise, don’t get overtired, etc.

6. undergo examination by a gynecologist once a year.

Despite the fact that gardnerellosis in women is not dangerous and can be treated quite easily, it significantly worsens the quality of life and can become a platform for the development of other pathological processes reproductive organs, therefore, if any abnormalities in the discharge occur, consult a doctor immediately.

Gardnerellosis is a fairly common disease that affects both women and men. Therefore, many are interested in questions about how gardnerella gets into the human body, what it is and what problems it can lead to. Does it exist effective treatment infections?

Gardnerella: what is it?

Gardnerella vaginalis is an anaerobic bacterium that lives in humans. Until recently, it was believed that most often the cause nonspecific vaginitis is the activity of the Causes, of course, may be associated with the growth and reproduction of these microorganisms. But at present, such a bacterium is considered to be opportunistic.

Infection does not always lead to the appearance of inflammatory processes - microorganisms can live in genitourinary system without causing any external signs. By the way, latent carriage is more common among men.

Recent studies have shown that the activity of gardnerella in women leads to changes in acidity and disruption normal microflora vagina. Against the background of such disorders, intensive growth and reproduction of others is observed. Therefore, most often gardnerellosis is associated with other infectious diseases- reason inflammatory process There may be several varieties of pathogenic bacteria at once.

Gardnerella: what is it and how does it enter the body?

Most often, a person becomes infected during unprotected sexual intercourse. Moreover, not only vaginal, but also oral and anal contacts pose a danger. Household way transfer is also possible, but only in cases where there is a sharing of purely personal items, for example, underwear, intimate hygiene products, etc. Transmission of infection from mother to fetus or childbirth is possible.

Gardnerella: what is it and what diseases does its activity lead to?

As already mentioned, an infection can exist in the body without manifesting itself in any way. The appearance of an inflammatory process is usually associated with weakened immunity, hormonal imbalances, hypothermia, stress and any other factors that weaken the immune system.

In women, the activity of Gardnerella often leads to the development of nonspecific vaginosis. Patients complain of uncharacteristic appearance with an unpleasant odor, itching of the external genitalia, pain during sexual intercourse or even at rest.

In men, such an infection can lead to inflammation of the walls urethra. As is known, urethritis is accompanied by severe pain and pain during urination, increased urge to empty the bladder, as well as redness and swelling of the glans penis.

How to treat gardnerella?

Of course, patients with similar problem necessary health care. Indeed, if left untreated, the infection can spread further upstream. genitourinary tract, leading to inflammation of other organs.

Therapy primarily involves taking antibacterial drugs. Since Gardnerella is resistant to most antibiotics, patients are prescribed metronidazole. In addition, it is appropriate to use some external agents, in particular, vaginal suppositories or gels, for example, Metrogyl or Flagin. Of course, it is necessary to take medications containing live cultures beneficial bacteria, since it is extremely important to restore normal vaginal microflora. Sometimes immunotherapy is additionally performed.

Sometimes in the results of a genital smear you can find the mark “ Gardnerella vaginalis" This bacterium is often found in women's vaginas and does not cause any signs of illness. But as soon as the natural balance of microorganisms is disrupted, gardnerella begins to multiply intensively.

In this case, gardnerella becomes one of the causes of bacterial vaginosis. Its symptoms are itching and irritation in intimate area, unpleasant odor, similar to rotten fish. Many women have faced such an unpleasant situation.

If key cells are found in the smear, and there are few Doderlein rods and lactobacilli, this indicates bacterial vaginosis.

The result is usually ready in 1 - 3 days.

The cost of such a smear, depending on the clinic, can vary from 500 to 1200 rubles.

Bacteriological culture

Bakposev - very exact method research. But this is not a survey analysis - on the contrary, with it the doctor must know exactly what exactly he is looking for.

After the material is scraped, it is placed on a special nutrient medium on which a specific microorganism will grow well. Therefore, the doctor needs to know what the patient suspects - different microorganisms need different environments.

Then the container with the nutrient medium is placed in special device- thermostat. There the correct humidity and temperature are created for bacteria, at which they grow well. After a certain time, colonies of microorganisms grow on the medium, which are then examined - both externally and under a microscope.

The advantage of bacteriological culture is that it can test for antibiotics. Samples of antibacterial drugs are added to colonies of microorganisms, and this makes it possible to understand which of them works better. Since gardnerella is resistant to many types of antibiotics, bacterial culture makes it possible not to “play a guessing game”, but to understand exactly what medicine is needed.

In the case of Gardnerella, when sowing bacteria, the quantitative indicator is important. Since gardnerella can be present in a woman in the analysis and is normal, the disease is spoken of only if the number of bacteria exceeds 10 * 4 CFU/ml.

Bacterial culture is a lengthy analysis; it can take more than a week to prepare. The price of the analysis depends on the number of microorganisms that they want to determine. On average, research per microorganism can cost from 800 to 1500 rubles.

Analysis PCR for gardnerella

Polymerase chain reaction is one of the most modern analyzes. The essence PCR is to discover DNA Gardnerella vaginalis. Here the question may arise, what is it - gardnerella vaginalis DNA? This is deoxyribonucleic acid, it carries genetic information about the bacterium and is unique for each type of microorganism.

With polymerase chain reaction on gardnerella vaginalis DNA bacteria are detected accurately. Thereby, PCR makes it possible to find the pathogen, even if there is very little of it, and it is not recognized by other tests.

The hidden presence of gardnerella is a threat further development infections. That's why PCR on gardnerella vaginalis - good way understand if there is cause for concern.

The disadvantage of the analysis is that the usual PCR does not allow you to determine how many bacteria are present in the smear. And since Gardnerella vaginalis can be present in a woman’s smear and is normal, simple PCR is a quick test, often its results are ready on the day of the test or the next day.

An analysis for one type of microorganism costs on average from 300 to 600 rubles.

Cytological examination

A cytological study is a screening, that is, an overview analysis. It allows you to determine cellular composition cervical mucosa. The main purpose of a gynecological cytogram is to recognize and warn in time malignant tumors cervix.

Also, the cytogram can detect inflammation in the tissues and signs of bacterial vaginosis. In this case, the results form indicates that “the cytogram corresponds to bacterial vaginosis.”

But this method is not specific, that is, it does not detect or identify the microorganisms themselves. Therefore, if you receive such a result, you need to undergo tests that will determine the cause of vaginosis.

A cytogram takes an average of 3 days to prepare, the cost of the study ranges from 800 to 1000 rubles.

Getting ready for the gardnerella test

In order for the results to be accurate, you need to properly prepare for the analysis. For all types of research on Gardnerella, general rules can be applied:

the day before the test you cannot have sex;

the day before the test you should not douche or use any vaginal medications;

It is better not to urinate for two to three hours before collecting material;

on the day of analysis, they are washed without using special hygiene products;

Women can be tested no earlier than 3-5 days after the end of their period.

It is important to remember that tests cannot be performed if you are taking antibiotics - they change the picture of the bacterial flora. In this case, you should first consult your doctor.

Gardnerella is a microbe that can exist in a woman’s body and not interfere with her in any way. Today, gynecologists and venereologists know that a small number of gardnerella is not a reason for treatment. But it is important to remember that this bacterium can still spoil life if the necessary conditions are created for it.

A diagnostic test for the presence of gardnerella in the vagina will help you understand what is happening in the body. Thanks to this, it will be possible to prevent the development of the disease without harming the body through improper treatment.

Women's diseases are different, and women themselves know little about many of them. Gardnerella - what is it in women, is treatment necessary or not? The question is relevant and important. Gardnerella is an anaerobic bacterium that is present in a small population on the vaginal walls and is part of the vaginal microflora, being a conditional pathogen. Identification of this bacterium in large quantities indicates the development of bacterial vaginosis.

Why is Gardnerella dangerous?

Gardnerella is present in the vagina in small quantities. Up to 95% is occupied by lactobacilli. Why is Gardnerella dangerous in women if this anaerobe is normally present in the vagina? Why are gynecologists afraid of gardnerellosis, a disease caused by gardnerella?

As a result of an analysis of vaginal microbiocenosis, women usually see the following entry: “Gardnerella vagina prevotella bivia Porphyromonas spp,” which means the predominance of gardnerella over lactobacilli in anaerobic microflora. In some cases, there is no lactoflora at all. This indicates the development of vaginosis or gardnerellosis.

This bacterium, when actively growing, can significantly reduce the number of lactobacilli, which suppress the growth of pathogenic microorganisms on the genitourinary organs. If the number of Gardnerella is not reduced, they can completely displace the lactoflora, exposing women Health serious danger.

Gardnerellosis is accompanied by inflammation, which can cause infection in the appendage area and cause pregnancy complications. Active reproduction of Gardnerella is especially dangerous if there is a history of frequent abortions, intrauterine contraceptives. On the background traumatic injury gardnerellosis is fraught chronic inflammation and even reproductive problems in the future.

Gardnerellosis can develop in men, but in most cases it occurs in the form of urethritis or without symptoms at all.

Why is the number of gardnerella on the rise?

The reasons for the growth of gardnerella can be very different:

Experts believe that main reason disturbances in microbiological balance - decreased immunity.

Routes of infection

The increase in the number of Gardnerella occurs under the influence of external and internal factors. You can become infected only if your immune system is severely weakened and there are predisposing factors, in particular sexually transmitted diseases.

The male genitourinary organs are not designed for reproduction. anaerobic bacteria type of gardnerella. Therefore, true male gardnerellosis is rare and does not last long.

To reduce the risk of infection, avoid casual sex without contraception. Women are not recommended to frequently use vaginal medications, vaginal lubricants and aggressive hygiene products.

How does the disease manifest?

The disease may not make itself felt, especially if a woman has chronic diseases genitourinary organs, which occur with similar symptoms. Gardnerellosis is accompanied by discharge, which often has a fishy odor, but may not smell at all. Another symptom is discomfort after urinating or intimacy. Local inflammation may lead to redness of the vulva and perineum.

Should I get rid of Gardnerella?

Often recurrent gardnerellosis must be treated for both sexual partners and at the same time strengthen the immune system. It is also important to eliminate the effect of predisposing factors.

Treatment is carried out with agents to which gardnerella and other microorganisms that cause bacterial vaginosis are sensitive.

It is important to choose the right medications, taking into account the test results. Antibiotics can be prescribed both locally and orally. Mandatory use antiseptics, which reduce itching and inflammation of the mucous membrane, and also reduce the risk of additional infection. It is recommended to use barrier contraception for the entire treatment period.

Treatment of pregnant women in the first trimester is not carried out due to the risk of complications and teratogenic effects on the fetus. It is especially dangerous to take drugs such as metronidazole and clindamycin orally, because they immediately enter the systemic circulation and affect developing organism embryo. Local remedies less harmful, but in any case they are used after the approval of a qualified doctor.

Treatment during pregnancy is predominantly local. Medications are prescribed by an obstetrician-gynecologist, assessing the risks and potential benefits for the mother.

The use of folk remedies

Traditional medicine suggests using douching based on decoctions medicinal plants with anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Soda baths are good for eliminating itching - one use is enough to get rid of the discomfort.