Gardnerellosis treatment

The normal vaginal microflora in small quantities may include Gardnerella vaginalis, Mycoplasma hominis, and anaerobic bacteria (genus Mobiluncus) and others. These microorganisms are present in small amounts in the vagina of most healthy women. Gardnerellosis is caused by an imbalance of the vaginal microflora. Normally, it is represented mainly by lactobacilli. These bacteria form lactic acid and hydrogen peroxide, preventing the reproduction of opportunistic microorganisms.

As a result of douching; use of contraceptives containing 9-nonoxinol (suppositories «Patentex Oval», suppositories «Nonoxinolum»); change of sexual partner decreases the proportion of lactobacilli in the vaginal microflora. At the same time, the proportion of Gardnerella vaginalis – Gardnerella, Mycoplasma hominis and anaerobic bacteria increases. In this case, vaginal dysbacteriosis occurs — the so- called gardnerellosis.

• Frequent douching; (often women with symptoms of gardnerellosis (unpleasant smell of vaginal discharge) by themselves resort to douching, linking the unpleasant smell with insufficient hygiene. At the same time, douching causes an even greater worsening of gardnerellosis.)
• Douching with chlorine-containing antiseptics (Gibitan, Miramistin);
• Use of contraceptives containing 9-nonoxynol (Patentex Oval, suppositories, Nonoxynol suppositories );
• Use of condoms with spermicidal lubricant (9-nonoxynol);
• Multiple sexual partners;
• Recent change of sexual partner;
• Taking the broad-spectrum antibiotics.

Gardnerellosis in men

Gardnerellosis is by definition a vaginal dysbiosis. Sometimes the causative agents of gardnerellosis cause urethritis in men, which is manifested by burning and pain on urinating. In this case, treatment is necessary.

Gardnerellosis in women

Symptoms of gardnerellosis in women include non-profuse, unpleasant-smelling, uniform, watery, grayish-white discharge from the vagina, covering uniformly its walls. At the same time, the smell of secretions from the vagina resembles the smell of rotten fish.

Factors contributing to the development of gardnerellosis:

Gardnerellosis infection

Gardnerella does not belong to the classic venereal diseases. It is closely related to risk factors for sexually transmitted diseases (multiple sexual partners, recent change of sexual partner). Therefore, women with gardnerellosis should be examined for major venereal diseases.

Complications of gardnerellosis.

Gardnerellosis is considered a risk factor for inflammation of the uterine appendages, female infertility, premature birth, pregnancy and childbirth complications.

Diagnosis of gardnerellosis

Diagnosis is based on the clinical presentation and the results of the swab. Detection of Gardnerella vaginalis causative agents during inoculation by direct immunofluorescence. A small amount of Gardnerella is present in the vagina of most healthy women.

Prevention of gardnerellosis

Prevention adds up to the refusal of douching and the use of contraceptives containing 9-nonoxinol (Patentex Oval, Nonoxinol). Condoms should be used for casual sexual contact and for contact with non-permanent sexual partners. Until the end of treatment, it is recommended to avoid sexual contact in the vagina without a condom. Treatment of a sexual partner does not reduce the frequency of relapses in women.