What does gardnerella mean. Foul-smelling disease: symptoms and treatment of gardnerellosis in women. Causes of gardnerellosis in women

Gardnerellosis is an acute inflammatory disease of the genitourinary system in men and women associated with vaginal gardnerella.

Causes of gardnerellosis

Vaginal gardnerella (Gardnerella vaginalis) is an anaerobic actinobacteria of small size (slightly larger than gonococcus). The bacterium freely lives and multiplies in the microflora of the vagina and genitourinary tract.

It was previously believed that gardnerella is the cause of nonspecific vaginosis in women, which was previously called gardnerella vaginitis or gardnerellosis of the vagina. On the this moment such diagnoses are not made to patients, since it is known that gardnerella can easily exist on the mucosa in healthy women without disturbing the normal microflora of the vagina; those infected with gardnerella are called gardnerellosis only conditionally. The decisive role of gardnerella vaginalis in the development of bacterial vaginosis was also refuted by clinicians, since gardnerella is often not detected in women with symptoms of this disease, even with a pronounced deficiency of normal vaginal lactoflora. But usually with bacterial vaginosis, Mobiluncus spp. is present in the vaginal microflora. and Atopobium vaginae, which are not detected on a healthy vaginal mucosa, which is a decisive factor in making a diagnosis.

Gardnerella is sexually transmitted, this is the main way of infection with gardnerellosis, and oral-genital and anal-genital contacts do not save from transmitting the bacteria to a partner. Also possible contact-household way infection (when using contaminated linen, hygiene items). Gardnerella is also transmitted from mother to fetus, but it does not develop in the microflora of the child, since glycogen is needed to feed the gardnerella, which is too small in girls, since little estrogen is produced before puberty.

A carrier of gardnerellosis (when a person is infected, gardnerella are detected, but there is no disease as such) is also potentially dangerous for others in terms of infection, moreover, carriage is the risk that, under favorable conditions (decreased immunity, systemic diseases, etc.), gardnerella will manifest itself disease will develop. For men, unlike women, temporary carriage of gardnerella is characteristic (from several hours to weeks), while the carrier is also contagious to a sexual partner.

Microflora in bacterial vaginosis

Gardnerella symptoms

The presence of gardnerella in small quantities in the microflora of the vagina is considered the norm and does not cause any inconvenience to the woman, does not cause any symptoms of gardnerellosis. Up to 25% of healthy sexually active women are carriers of gardnerella vaginalis.

With a high concentration of gardnerella in the vagina, specific symptoms occur. The pathology is indicated by the appearance of a homogeneous, watery, grayish-white discharge from the vagina with an unpleasant smell of rotten fish, but not abundant. Allocations evenly cover the walls of the vagina. The specific smell of secretions, reminiscent of rotten fish, is associated with the production of proteolytic enzymes by vaginal gardnerella, the interaction of which with vaginal proteins and sperm proteins gives polyamines that decompose into diamines - putrescine and cadaverine, they give this specific symptom of gardnerellosis.

Typically, these symptoms accompany bacterial vaginosis, but gardnerella can also be the cause. inflammatory diseases pelvic organs in women, and endometritis after childbirth or abortion.

But in men, persistent carriage of gardnerella vaginalis may indicate chronic urethritis or prostatitis. Gardnerella can also accompany men with anaerobic balanoposthitis (inflammation of the glans penis). Gardnerella-associated balanoposthitis is accompanied by a sharp unpleasant odor, slippery and sticky coating in the region of the coronal sulcus of the glans penis and unexpressed erythema of the glans penis and foreskin. Often, such balanoposthitis goes away without treatment, but the likelihood of infecting a partner during the period of symptoms is very high. There is evidence of the occurrence of gardnerella-associated balanoposthitis in boys. With disorders in the immune system, balanoposthitis can turn into urethritis (inflammation of the urethra). Symptoms of this will be scant mucous discharge and discomfort in the area of ​​​​the external opening of the urethra. Gardnerella-associated cystitis (inflammation of the bladder) is rare.

The spread of gardnerella throughout the body may be associated with more severe, systemic diseases such as sepsis, lung abscess, polynephrotic abscess, Reiter's syndrome.

Diagnosis of gardnerella vaginalis

The most common disease associated with gardnerella vaginalis is bacterial vaginosis. Although gardnerella is not the main causative agent of this disease, the presence of symptoms of its presence is still considered a marker of bacterial vaginosis. Gardnerella is determined by the results of a general smear. It makes no sense to carry out a more in-depth examination to detect gardnerella (sowing, PCR), since gardnerella can be an inhabitant healthy microflora vagina.

Symptom "key cells", the presence of a specific odor and positive test with 10% KOH are included in the Amsel criteria for bacterial vaginosis. A positive KOH test is also associated with the breakdown of proteolytic enzymes by alkali. Key cells are associated with a high adhesive ability of vaginal gardnerella, resulting in their "sticking" to the vaginal epithelium. The name of the symptom has nothing to do with the keys. In English literature, "clue" - a key - denotes an important specific symptom (like the Russian expression a clue)

Gardnerella vaginalis morphotypes are included in the Nugent scoring system for diagnosing bacterial vaginosis.

Absence inflammatory response in bacterial vaginosis is associated with the occurrence of disorders functional activity leukocytes (suppression of chemotactic ability and phagocytosis) in the presence of vaginal gardnerella.

Treatment upon detection of gardnerella

Treatment of gardnerellosis in women, see the article "Treatment of bacterial vaginosis". Gardnerella are resistant to tetracyclines, sulfonamides, aminoglycosides and cephalosporins. For treatment, metronidazole (Trichopol) is usually prescribed orally or in the form of vaginal tablets, gel (Flagyl, Metrogil).

In men, when gardnerella is detected in the tests, there is no need for treatment if there are no symptoms of any disease associated with gardnerella. In some cases, if the partner is planning a pregnancy, treatment may become necessary.

Complications of gardnerellosis

The presence of gardnerella in the vaginal microflora is already a risk factor for inflammation of the uterine appendages, and therefore female infertility. During pregnancy - the risk of complications and premature birth.

Doctor venereologist Mansurov A.S.

Gardnerella or gardnerellosis is female disease. The causative agent of the disease is considered to be the microorganism Gardnerella vaginalis. In fact, this is an imbalance of the microflora in the vagina. Bacterial vaginosis is also called gardnerellosis.

For normal state the vagina is characterized by the predominance of lactobacilli. They help form lactic acid and hydrogen peroxide. It does not provide conditions for reproduction conditionally pathogenic microorganisms. The causative agent is opportunistic, which is always present in the vagina. Normally, there is not much of it, it is in a dormant state.

The causes of vaginal dysbacteriosis are:

• douching;
• some vaginal contraceptives;
• change of sexual partner.

During the illness, another conditionally pathogenic microflora Mycoplasma and anaerobic infection.

Regarding gardnerella, the doctor is treated as often as about thrush. According to the old qualification, this is an STI, but according to ICD 10, gardnerella does not belong to an STI. The most common lesions are the vagina, cervix and urethra.

The disease in women is characterized by the presence of scanty or copious discharge from the vagina and urethral canal. Characteristic discomfort in the genitals, their itching and burning. Coitus can be painful. A "fishy" odor is characteristic.

But sometimes the disease for certain women with good immunity proceeds unnoticed. They pose a risk of infecting their sex partners.

For men, damage to the urethra and the occurrence of sluggish urethritis are also possible. It is even possible to develop chronic prostatitis or inflammation of the foreskin.

The bacterium was discovered and described in 1955. The name of one of the scientists who discovered the bacterium, G. Gardner, became the basis for the name of the pathogen.

The incubation period usually corresponds to a week - one and a half, sometimes up to five weeks.

The main cause of the disease is considered to be a decrease in the immune status of the body. It is necessary to treat, first of all, the pathology that contributed to this. You also need to adjust your lifestyle. Otherwise, gardnerella can be treated many times and a lasting positive effect cannot be obtained.

They are engaged in local treatment if bacterial vaginosis is not just dysbacteriosis, but there is inflammation in the affected organs. Correction of immunity is dangerous for pregnant women. The vagina is locally sanitized with drugs that are safe for the fetus. Such events are carried out in the second or third trimester of pregnancy.

The severity is divided into compensated, subcompensated and decompensated forms of the disease. Recurrences of the onset of symptoms of the disease are possible in the future if immunity deteriorates.

A man is more often only a carrier of gardnerella, but both a man and a woman need to be treated. But even if the couple is treated, the woman may relapse.

Treatment is aimed at the destruction of gardnerella vaginalis. Apply vaginal suppositories and tablets orally. Nutrition for gardnerellosis consists of dietary meat, sea fish and seafood, cottage cheese, fermented milk products, vegetables, cereals, fruits. Useful dishes from a double boiler, boiled and stewed. Frequent fractional nutrition. Dishes from "heavy" meat are excluded. Also excluded are fried, smoked, spicy and overly salty foods, and foods with great content Sahara. It also limits the use strong tea and coffee drinks. The use of alcoholic and sweet carbonated drinks is excluded.

Men are treated to improve their immune response and treat urethritis topically.

Treatment of gardnerella in women

Gardnerellosis in women has very poor symptoms. It is very similar in its manifestations to similar female diseases, for example, thrush.

The main features are the presence of often scarce, uniform, gray-white or yellowish discharge from the vagina with the smell of "rotten" fish. When they join inflammatory phenomena, then the discharge is accompanied by itching and burning in the vagina, soreness of the lower third of the abdomen and uncomfortable intercourse. The vagina and nearby organs are inflamed.

Gardnerella vaginalis itself does not deliver great harm. But against its background, trichomonas, mycoplasmas, yeast-like fungi successfully develop, which can be very dangerous for the female body. So the sooner treatment is started, the better.

Gardnerella is not a dangerous sexually transmitted disease.

Very often, such bacterial vaginosis is promoted by:

• a large number of sexual partners;
• casual sex;
• changes in the hormonal background;
• douching with chlorhexidine and miramistin;
• use of contraceptives with 9-nonoxynol:
• chronic stress;
• some antibacterial drugs.

Gardnerella needs to be treated comprehensively. Treatment consists of overcoming the imbalance of the microflora in the vagina and strengthening the immune defenses in the vagina. It is also necessary to increase the state of general immunity.

The therapy should be carried out in two stages.

During the first stage, the number of gardnerella in the vagina must be drastically reduced.

During the second - it is necessary to populate the vagina with lactobacilli. The effectiveness of the second stage is due to the quality of the first.

The first step is antibiotic therapy.

We'll talk more about drugs later.

If there are contraindications to prescribing antibiotics (for example, pregnancy or breastfeeding, allergic reactions), then the drugs are applied topically.

At the second stage, a more difficult task, you need to restore the normal microflora of the vagina. Repopulate the vagina with lactobacilli. Treatment should be not only local, but also general. Since, along with bacterial vaginosis, intestinal dysbacteriosis is also observed. The course of saturation of the body with lactobacilli lasts about one month. It is necessary to increase the overall immune status organism. For this, vitamins are used. complex preparations(such as Bomax, Vitrum, Alphabet) and preparations natural immunomodulators(tincture of echinacea and lemongrass).

Treatment should not take place against the background of active sexual life, and if there is sex, then only protected. To evaluate the effectiveness of treatment, it is necessary to pass control tests.

If the gardnerella remains in the body, then the treatment is extended. If a woman who has one sexual partner falls ill again, then it is necessary to treat it from a preventive point of view. Because he is the cause of re-infection.

Even if he has no symptoms, he is a carrier.

During the first trimester of pregnancy, vaginal suppositories are used. They are safe for the developing fetus.

Apply if necessary general treatment in the second trimester.

The third trimester is characterized by the use of drugs with clindamycin. The most important thing during pregnancy is not to kill the pathogen, but to reduce its number and remove inflammation of the vagina.

Untreated gardnerellosis can cause disease reproductive system and MPS of the female body.

Medicines for treatment

At the first stage of treatment, antibacterial drugs are used to combat gardnerella vaginalis.

First, be sure to conduct a test for the sensitivity of the pathogen to various drugs. It is also necessary to treat the sexual partner if PCR showed the presence of a pathogen in him. Treated with tetracyclines, lincosamides and fluoroquinolones.

• metronidazole (Trichopolum);
• tinidazole;
• doxycycline;
• clindamycin (dalacin);
• levofloxacin.

Metronidazole is treated with tablets for internal use and vaginal tablets.

Treatment takes about ten days.

The antibacterial and antiprotozoal agent tinidazole is treated according to the course of treatment individually prescribed by the attending physician. Doxycycline (tetracycline group of antibiotics) and levofloxacin (fluoroquinolone) often treat manifestations of bacterial vaginosis in men.

Tablets for internal use- clindamycin (an antibiotic of the lincosamide group) is very good at suppressing gardnerella vaginalis. But the appointment of drugs is made only by the attending physician.

Self-medication is unacceptable.

Topically apply Miramistin solution, Metronidazole gel or Betadine vaginal suppositories.

For the prevention of gardnerella, douching should not be carried away.

Give preference to loose underwear made of good natural fiber, strictly observe intimate hygiene, and strengthen immunity. And be sure to get treated and consult a doctor. Only the doctor decides whether to continue treatment or not.

Traditional medicine against gardnerella

The first stage - treatment with antibacterial drugs prescribed by a doctor, must be completed.

At the second stage, the effect of drugs is good traditional medicine to restore the microflora of the vagina. By regular prophylaxis, we achieve the constancy of the microflora of the vagina. But pregnant women must consult a doctor before treatment.

The first means to strengthen the immune system, at the cellular level.

On the leaves of birch, geranium, mint, celandine, thyme, flowers chamomile and the meadowsweet is preparing the first infusion.

The same parts of these medicines are taken. This raw material is poured with boiling water, and infused for about 6 hours. Take before meals 0.5 cup three times a day. Store refrigerated at a temperature of 4 C. Treatment takes a period of about a month. 4 times a year.

The second remedy, also to strengthen immunity at the cellular level.

Another infusion is also prepared on the grass of sweet clover, nettle, cudweed, lavender, marshmallow root and leuzea. And they also take the same portions. Infusions should be taken alternately, first in the course of the first, then the second.

Third remedy.

A walnut is used, or rather an infusion of its leaves to stabilize the amount of gardnerella vaginalis. 5 crushed raw leaves in a glass of boiling water. Or dried leaves - 1 tablespoon per 200 ml of boiling water. This infusion should be drunk little by little throughout the day. And so, about two weeks.

Fourth remedy.

Infusion of sage leaves to restore the health of the vaginal mucosa. Take this infusion between meals. 200 ml morning and evening. One tablespoon of sage is poured with two hundred milliliters of boiling water for half an hour.

If a whole year alternately drink these infusions, then the vagina and adjacent organs will be in order. These potions are wonderful. prophylactic and not just medicinal.

gardnerella, gardnerella vaginalis, - a type of microorganism, actinobacteria, which develops in the absence of air, a little larger than a gonococcus. Normally, gardnerella in a small amount (no more than 1 percent) is present in the microflora of any woman, but with certain conditions begins to multiply pathologically, resulting in the development of gardnerellosis. For the development of the disease, the microflora of the vagina is an ideal environment.

It is an infectious disease which, although transmitted from a sick woman to a man during intercourse, however, does not apply to STIs, since this bacterium in the vast majority of cases does not cause any symptoms in men, especially unpleasant ones.

Infection develops in women regardless of her age (it can appear even in little girls) and the presence or absence of sexual life due to changes in the microflora that occur as a result of various disorders in the body. It is believed that up to 20 percent of women suffer from this disease.

The main causes of infection

Most often, the pathological reproduction of gardnerella is provoked by the following factors:

Sexually active patients most often suffer from this disease, especially if sexual relations are promiscuous. In this case, it is recommended to use condoms, especially with a new partner. And not always we are talking about the possibility of contracting bacterial vaginosis from a man. The fact is that the pathological reproduction of gardnerella in female body provoked by dysbacteriosis, which, in turn, appears as a result of the incompatibility of the male microflora with the environment of his partner.

Violation microflora female organs also happens after prolonged stress, as a result of diets, intense physical and emotional stress. It is worth noting that the disease often affects women during pregnancy, when it is significantly weakened. immune defense and starts hormonal changes organism.

Symptoms of gardnerellosis

The disease can occur in acute and chronic form. AT acute form in women it is characterized by:

• itching and discomfort in the vagina;
• copious secretions;
• the smell of rotten fish in the discharge, which does not disappear even after hygiene procedures.

Allocations can be different color- yellow, green, white, transparent and white-gray, as well as different consistency - mostly homogeneous creamy or watery, can foam. All this indicates an inflammatory process that occurs in the pelvic organs.

In the chronic stage, there are practically no symptoms. If a chronic stage goes into a period of exacerbation, then a woman may experience itching and burning of the vaginal mucosa, pain during and outside of sexual contact, her labia swell, redden. However, it cannot be said with absolute certainty that a woman suffering from such signs faced gardnerellosis, because a large number of diseases have the same symptoms, including candidiasis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea. Therefore, the appearance of any of them is a reason to immediately consult a doctor.

In men in the body bacterium gardnerella vaginalis unable to exist long time. In 90 percent of cases, a man does not experience discomfort and does not even notice the infection. However, in an extremely rare cases it can manifest itself in the form of balanoposthitis or urethritis. In this case, gardnerellosis is not diagnosed; in men, this disease is diagnosed as a nonspecific gardnerella - an associated, that is, mixed, infection, the signs of which are:

• itching and hyperemia of the glans penis;
• increased urination and discomfort.

In even rarer cases, there may be discharge from the penis, itching, burning and bad smell. If the urine smells of missing fish, an urgent consultation with a specialist is required, since in this case the problem may have gone very far.

Diagnostics

If a woman suspects development of gardnerellosis She needs to see a doctor as soon as possible. First of all, this is important for the reason that the disease must be differentiated from other infections and complications should be avoided.

The doctor must examine the patient and listen to his complaints. Usually women complain about bad breath, which is usually characteristic when gardnerella begin to displace the normal microflora in the vagina and urethra. What it really is, only analyzes and tests can determine. First you need to carry out vaginal examination, then a general smear is taken from the vagina and its microscopic examination, as a result of which an increase in the number of gardnerella bacteria can be detected. Next, the pH of the microflora is measured and the reaction to the substance that emits the very smell of spoiled fish is isonitrile. When confirming the diagnosis, it is advisable to conduct examinations to detect inflammatory processes in the vagina:

men these studies are not carried out.

It is also important to simultaneously test for the presence of other pathogens: trichomonas, candida, chlamydia, gonococci and others, as well as for syphilis, hepatitis B and HIV.

Often gardnerellosis called bacterial vaginosis, but latest research in this area proved that with vaginosis in some cases gardnerella is not detected at all and is not the only causative agent of this disease. In this case, the gardnerella bacterium can be detected even in the absence of symptoms.

Complications and treatment

The disease requires mandatory treatment, as it provokes the development of many complications and adverse events in women:

Inflammatory diseases affecting organs reproductive system, including the external genitalia, vagina, cervix, extremely negatively affect the state of the body. As a result, endometritis and adnexitis can develop - diseases that then accompany a woman all her life.

Men also likely to develop complications. If a man has not been treated for gardnerella, in the future he may have such consequences as urethritis, prostatitis and infertility. The immediate consequences of gardnerellosis are manifested in the form sharp decline immunity, as a result - an increased risk of diseases of the genitourinary system.

Therefore, both a woman and a man need timely and adequate treatment for gardnerella, which includes:

Generally treatment for gardnerella almost identical to the treatment of sexually transmitted infections. Full course both partners must undergo therapy with prescribed drugs, it is enough for a woman to undergo an examination. During treatment, it is necessary to use a condom during intercourse, otherwise re-infection with gardnerella is possible.

Women are usually treated by a gynecologist, men - by a urologist or venereologist. Most often, drugs such as Metronidazole and Clindamycin are prescribed in the form of a gel (cream) or tablets. The dosage and time of admission is determined by the doctor. After the course of treatment, it is necessary to repeat the tests.

Disease prevention

After the last course of treatment for gardnerella, it is necessary to follow measures that will prevent relapses. To prevent disease and its repetition, you need to take care of your health: strengthen the immune system, do not overcool, eat right, do not overwork and avoid stress. In sexual life, especially with new partners, the use of condoms is mandatory. You can apply antiseptics within two hours after sexual intercourse. You should also avoid birth control pills that contain nonoxynol-9.

Another important point is douching. Many women are fond of "washing" the vagina, thereby violating its microflora and giving fertile ground for the reproduction of gardnerella. Under no circumstances should this be done.

And most importantly: see a doctor at the first symptoms and treat as soon as possible to prevent the development of the disease and the occurrence of complications. Do not self-medicate! A man is also advised to contact a specialist if he suspects such an infection in his partner.

In our body there is a huge number of not only harmful, but also beneficial bacteria. They live everywhere: on the surface of the skin, in the intestines, on the mucous membranes and in the vagina. Thus, almost every organ has its own individual microflora, which provides it normal functioning. The beneficial bacteria that live in the vagina allow it to fight against various infections. But quite often, the delicate balance of microflora is disturbed, resulting in more harmful microbes, the most common of which are gardnerella. This leads to the development of a disease of the same name that harms the body and requires treatment.

Definition of gardnerellosis in women

Gardnerellosis, or bacterial vaginosis, is pathological condition, in which the gardnerella microorganism predominates in the vagina. It is the smallest bacterium that normal conditions also lives in human body along with many others. It is believed that healthy woman acidifying lactobacilli predominate in the vagina, which create an optimal environment. If this ratio is violated, gardnerellosis occurs with all accompanying symptoms.

The disease occurs in women different ages, as well as in men. Representatives of the stronger sex suffer from the disease much less frequently, since they have a smaller volume of the mucous membrane compared to girls.

How many microorganisms in a smear is considered the norm

If the number of gardnerella exceeds the allowable values, the patient begins to form the main symptoms of the disease. AT normal conditions you can also detect this bacterium in the analyzes. The following indicators are important for diagnosis:

• 10 5 -10 6 microorganisms in a smear of a healthy woman is considered the norm;
• 10 7 -10 9 - indicates a stable infection;
• 10 4 microorganisms in a pregnancy smear is a cause for concern.

Can gardnerella be in the mouth

If the disease exists in the body for a long enough time (six months or more), the bacteria gradually spread through the bloodstream and migrate into the oral cavity. And also infection can occur during oral sex without protection. Gardnerella settle on the oral mucosa and begin to actively grow and multiply, accumulating in the tonsils and pharynx. Often this ends with the development of inflammatory processes (stomatitis, pharyngitis, laryngitis).

Table: difference between gardnerellosis and thrush

Existing varieties of the disease

Classification of the disease according to the course of the pathological process:

• acute (occurs when a large dose of the pathogen enters the body during sexual contact, symptoms increase in 2-3 days);
• subacute (formed in one and a half to two weeks);
• chronic (exists for six months);
• recurrent (exacerbation phases are replaced by remission).

Varieties of the disease according to the nature of the discharge:

• serous form - a yellow tint of discharge predominates;
• purulent - mostly green color secret;
• fibrinous - there are bloody streaks in the discharge.

Classification of the disease by the presence of a secondary infection:

• isolated gardnerellosis;
• combination with:
  • chlamydia;
  • syphilis;
  • trichomoniasis;
  • gonorrhea;
  • candidiasis.

Why does gardnerellosis occur?

In order for such a disease to develop, not only the presence of a bacterium is necessary, but also some acting factors. Most often they include:

• frequent change of sexual partners;
• uncontrolled intake of antibacterial drugs;
• daily douching;
• usage ordinary soap as a means for intimate hygiene;
• visit public places by type of bath, sauna, swimming pool, gym;
• neuro-emotional shocks;
• wearing tight underwear made of synthetic fabrics;
• work in conditions of high temperature and humidity;
• infectious diseases;
• pathologies of the immune system (HIV, primary damage to the bone marrow).

Ways of transmission of the disease

The disease can occur in a perfectly healthy woman if the normal microflora of the vagina is disturbed, even if she did not have unprotected sexual intercourse. However, the leading route of infection is still sexual (oral, anal and vaginal penetration have the same risk of infection). Gardnerellosis can also be transmitted by wearing shared underwear, using under-treated sex toys.

The duration of the incubation period

On average, clinical symptoms of the disease begin to appear 2–14 days after infection. Their intensity depends on the age of the patient, her state of health and the presence of other sexually transmitted diseases.

In the elderly, in 80% of cases, the disease is almost asymptomatic, which is associated with slower metabolic processes.

Video: the doctor talks about the features of the onset of the disease

The main symptomatic signs of pathology

Bacterial vaginosis is characterized by the predominance of local manifestations over the general ones. The disease progresses extremely slowly, and an increase in symptoms is observed after a viral infection (SARS, colds), stress, physical activity or sexual activity.

The main symptoms of the disease:

1. Pain in the pelvic area. It has a weak aching character, the intensity increases with urination. During the period of menstruation, unpleasant sensations intensify several times, become compressive and cramping.
2. Pathological secretions. They have an unpleasant odor that can be felt from several meters away, as well as a yellow, brown or green color. The secretions are quite difficult to wash off from clothes and can overwhelm a panty liner.
3. Swelling of soft tissues. The labia minora and clitoris swell, become extremely sensitive and sharply painful. After some time, in the absence of wiping and the use of absorbent wipes, they appear dark patina which is easy to clean.
4. Itching and burning during urination indicate the penetration of bacteria into the urethra and bladder. This symptom occurs in late stages development of the disease.

Gardnerellosis and childbearing

For a long time an existing disease the chance of getting pregnant decreases every year. If conception did occur, the expectant mother faces a huge risk of infection of the baby: bacteria through children's place enter the fetus. There is a high chance of infection during childbirth.

Symptoms of the disease during pregnancy intensify: a woman experiences unbearable itching and burning, and the amount of discharge increases to 300–350 milliliters per day. Often, during a night's sleep, the victim injures the mucous membrane of the external genital organs with her nails, which ends with the addition of a secondary infection.

I happened to participate in the delivery of a woman who had suffered from gardnerellosis for a long time. She was unable to cure the disease before pregnancy, as a result of which the baby was also confirmed to have this infection. The child was born much ahead of time which resulted in him not being able to breathe on his own. Doctors decided to nurse the baby in intensive care. After a few months, he went on the mend, but in the future, such an infection causes a serious lag in the physical and neuropsychic development from peers.

How is the disease diagnosed?

External manifestations of gardnerellosis have similar signs with many other pathologies that are sexually transmitted. This greatly complicates the diagnosis. Bacterial vaginosis has to be differentiated from:

• trichomoniasis;
• candidiasis;
• chlamydia;
• ureaplasmosis;
• mycoplasmosis;
• gonorrhea.

Remember that before visiting the gynecologist and taking a smear, you should not douche the vagina. antiseptic solutions. During my work in a medical laboratory, I have repeatedly encountered the fact that women independently washed off all pathogenic microflora, as a result, the study had to be redone again. If you want to get a reliable result, it is recommended to postpone the hygiene measures for a while. This is the only way to identify the disease at an early stage.

Ways to confirm the diagnosis:

Leading methods of treatment of gardnerellosis in women

Treatment of bacterial vaginosis is based on the normalization of the vaginal microflora. For this, doctors use not only pharmaceuticals, but also special diet. And also in recovery period It is permissible to use various physiological procedures that help strengthen immunity. In most cases, the disease treatment is mandatory. Extremely rare episodes self-elimination disease without medical intervention (mainly in patients young age).

The sexual partner of a woman needs therapy only if he also has an increased level of gardnerella. To do this, a man must pass special analyzes at the urologist (smear from the urethra).

Video: doctor's opinion on the need for therapy

Treatment of the disease with the help of pharmaceuticals

Drug therapy for gardnerellosis includes the use of both local and generic drugs. The former can be used in the form of suppositories and solutions for douching, as well as in the form of ointments and gels. The latter are represented by tablets, capsules and injections for intramuscular or intravenous administration. The duration of therapy and the choice of drugs is determined by the gynecologist. Self-treatment can lead to aggravation of already existing problems in the body.

Gardnerella is sensitive to antimicrobial agents. That is why they are the first group of drugs that help to cope with the disease.

Local preparations used to combat the disease:

1. Antibiotic suppositories help prevent the growth of gardnerella and its further development in the body. The most commonly used drugs are:
   • Metronidazole;
   • Clindamycin;
   • Acylact;
   • Iodoxide;
   • Hexicon.
2. Antifungal ointments and suppositories prevent the development of fungal microflora and prevent thrush from forming. For this purpose, use:
   • Nystatin;
   • Pimafucin;
   • Levorin;
   • Fluconazole;
   • Flucostat.
3. Suppositories containing a large number of lactobacilli help to normalize internal environment vagina. The most famous drugs:
   • Lactobacterin;
   • Vaginorm-S;
   • Vagilak;
   • Lactoginal.
4. Antiseptic washing agents help to remove harmful microflora. For this purpose, diluted solutions of Miramistin, Chlorhexidine, Furacilin are used.

Photo gallery: preparations for local therapy for gardnerellosis

Polygynax - suppositories with an antibiotic that affects gardnerella Clotrimazole helps prevent thrush Lactonorm promotes the growth of lactobacilli Miramistin creates conditions for the death of harmful bacteria

Systemic drugs

Medicines for systemic treatment diseases:

1. Antibiotics in tablets and capsules are used when local therapy has not brought the expected effect. The most common drugs:
   • Azithromycin;
   • Ornidazole;
   • Dalacin;
   • Unidox Solutab.
2. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs help get rid of itching and burning, and also reduce the severity discomfort in the pelvic area. For this purpose, use:
   • Diclofenac-Sodium;
   • Indomethacin;
   • ibuprofen;
   • Pyroxifer;
   • Ortofen;
   • Rodanol;
   • Celecoxib;
   • Rofecoxib;
   • Viox;
   • Celebrex;
3. Immunostimulants improve the recovery processes in the body, promoting the formation of new cells. The most famous medicines of this group:
   • Viferon;
   • Wobenzym;
   • Amiksin;
   • Polyoxidonium;
   • Tsitovir.

Photo gallery: drugs for systemic therapy of gardnerellosis

Doxycycline is an antibiotic that kills gardnerella Meloxicam relieves inflammation Immunal helps to strengthen the immune system

Traditional medicine as an aid

Quite often, patients do not have the opportunity to immediately consult a doctor (business trip, vacation), or the doctor's appointment is scheduled in a few days, and the discomfort continues to overcome. In these cases, the use of traditional medicine is acceptable. Various douches and tampons will help get rid of the main manifestations of the disease and make it easier to wait. Remember that such treatment will not completely solve the problem, since pharmaceutical preparations are necessary to restore normal microflora.

I happened to encounter a patient who completely abandoned traditional therapy, preferring to use herbs and plants in order to eliminate bacterial vaginosis. Regular douching with high-dose solutions led to the fact that the patient not only did not cure gardnerella, but also acquired a serious chemical burn mucous membrane of the vagina. The victim was taken by ambulance to the gynecology department, where she underwent a reconstructive Plastic surgery. Unfortunately, as a result of this procedure, the woman has lost her sensitivity and is experiencing problems with her sexual life.

The most popular folk recipes:

Table: physiotherapy in the treatment of the disease

Photo gallery: physiotherapy in gynecology

Radon baths cause death pathogenic microbes Electrical stimulation accelerates the formation of new cells Medicinal electrophoresis is used to administer anti-inflammatory and antibacterial agents.

Changes in diet and lifestyle in gardnerellosis

To restore the normal microflora of the vagina, doctors recommend that women follow a certain diet. To do this, you must adhere to the following rules:

• consume only fresh and natural products without chemical additives(you can buy on the market or from private sellers);
• Be sure to have breakfast, lunch and dinner. There should also be two snacks so that the breaks between meals do not last longer than three hours;
• drink up to one and a half liters of pure water daily;
• stop drinking alcohol;
• bake, stew or boil food so that vitamins are preserved in it;
• do not eat sweets, as they contain a lot fast carbohydrates and sugars, which create an optimal environment for the reproduction of bacteria;
• reduce the amount of salt to 5 grams per day.

What foods must be included in the diet:

Rules for women for the period of treatment

During the treatment of gardnerellosis, you will have to slightly change your usual lifestyle and give up some habits until you fully recover. Do not forget that following these rules will help you achieve positive results in just a few weeks. What is not recommended for bacterial vaginosis:

• epilate bikini and perineum - these procedures are stressful for the body;
• visit baths, saunas, for a long time lie in a hot bath or jacuzzi;
• have sex - there is a risk of infecting a partner;
• drink antibiotics on your own;
• wear tight underwear;
• swim in open water and pools.

Treatment prognosis and possible adverse effects

Therapy of gardnerellosis is an extremely complex and lengthy process. Often, it takes a very long time to restore normal microflora, and some women quit treatment before even reaching half. Remember that rehabilitation after similar disease proceeds much more slowly with the following ailments:

• diabetes;
• hypertension;
• phlebeurysm.

In adolescent girls and young people, gardnerellosis disappears with practically no visible consequences if therapy is started in a timely manner. In older women and the elderly population, due to slow metabolic processes rehabilitation lasts up to several years.

The disease is prone to recurrence. A cure does not guarantee that in a couple of months or years you will not have gardnerellosis again.

Compliance with the rules of personal hygiene plays a special role in restoring the normal microflora of the vagina. During the treatment period, it is extremely important that you have the opportunity to clean the perineum every few hours and change the pads. I happened to participate in the treatment of a patient who spent twelve hours at work in a hot shop. She practically did not have the opportunity to wash herself, and in the hot season, even despite the ventilation, the temperature in the room was high, as a result of which the woman was constantly sweating. Over-education sebum contributed to the appearance of itching and burning, and all ongoing therapy for gardnerellosis was useless. Only after the patient managed to take a vacation for two months and go to a sanatorium, the treatment became effective. Sea water and warm air combined with pharmaceutical preparations and observance of the rules of hygiene helped the woman forget about her illness.

What complications and Negative consequences occur in patients with gardnerellosis:

• problems with conception - an altered microflora causes the death of spermatozoa when they do not have time to reach the egg;
• formation of adhesions - growths connective tissue in the pelvic cavity, which disrupt the normal attachment of the embryo in the uterus;
• long-term infertility of a different nature;
• inflammatory diseases of the pelvic organs: uterus, tubes, ovaries, bladder and urethra;
• decreased immunity;
• intrauterine infection of the fetus;
• the penetration of bacteria into the body of the child during childbirth.

Photo gallery: complications of the disease

Long-term jaundice indicates infection of the newborn Inflammation of the ovaries occurs when the microflora penetrates from the vagina adhesive process characterized by proliferation of connective tissue and disrupts the processes of conception and fetal development

How to protect yourself from developing the disease

Treatment of gardnerellosis requires a large amount of effort and money. That is why it is much easier to protect your body from the development of such a disease than to undergo a course of therapy. To this end, doctors have developed rules for individual prevention of the disease.

During the fourth year medical university I had a chance to train for several months in the department of gynecology in Serbia. At this time, doctors were just conducting a study on the prevention of bacterial vaginosis by taking lactobacilli and dairy products. For the study, a group of patients was selected, who throughout their lives in winter time years faced with garnerellosis and its unpleasant consequences. More than half of them had problems with immunity (often got sick, caught a cold). Throughout the autumn, doctors recommended that they take certain pills with high content Latobacteria, as well as women, added dairy products (cheeses, sour cream, sourdough) to the diet, which they consumed several times every day. With the approach of cold weather, the doctors took the necessary tests from the patients - swabs from the vagina. In 95% of the studied patients, practically no gardnerella was observed in the material. Another 5% admitted that they did not always strictly follow the recommendations of doctors and used alcoholic drinks. Most of thanks to this technique, she was able to forget about her illness forever.

Rules for individual prevention of gardnerellosis in women:

1. Don't forget about permanent shift hygiene products. Panty liners are the source of most of the harmful microbes that penetrate the vaginal mucosa and begin to actively multiply there. Doctors strongly do not recommend wearing them for more than two to three hours. Absorbent pads during menstruation should be changed every four hours, as they cause irritation. Special bowls and swabs are also a source of bacteria. That is why they need to be replaced or emptied every two hours, and women with a tendency to thrush are advised to stop using them altogether.
2. Use personal protective equipment with new sexual partners. Condoms are best suited for this purpose: both male and female variations are currently produced. They are made of latex, which not only has lubrication and does not injure the vaginal mucosa, but also does not allow various microorganisms to pass through it.
   Male and female condoms protect against transmission of bacteria
3. Wear underwear in size and only from natural fabrics. Synthetic tight pants with seams in uncomfortable places can rub the crotch, resulting in the formation of tiny wounds and cracks. In the hot season, this area often sweats, and in skin folds harmful microorganisms multiply, which subsequently penetrate the vagina, causing a violation of the microflora.
4. Do not take antibacterial drugs without a doctor's prescription. Antimicrobials help not only fight pathogens, but also kill beneficial flora. It takes weeks or even months to recover, so doctors often try to choose more gentle antibiotics with minimal traumatic effect.
5. Do vaginal lavage only when necessary. Many women believe that douching is an integral part of daily hygiene. However, the flow of water is washed away by all beneficial microorganisms, as a result of which the mucous membrane is completely defenseless. Also, such procedures lead to vaginal dryness due to the removal of natural lubrication. In such conditions, cracks or tiny tears often appear during intercourse.
6. Don't give up animal products. Meat, fish, eggs, milk, cottage cheese, kefir and various yogurts are a source of beneficial lactobacilli and protein products. With prolonged adherence to a vegan or vegetarian diet, the reserves of nutrients in the body are depleted, as a result of which regeneration processes suffer.
   Dairy products are necessary to maintain optimal microflora

Gardnerellosis is a disease during which disturbances occur in genitourinary system both in women and in men. The causative agent of this disease is considered to be an aerobic pathogen. In medicine, the considered female disease is called a little differently, namely, bacterial vaginosis. But in each individual case, this disease develops in different ways, affecting various organs of the reproductive system. We will tell you more about this disease below.

Gardnerella is a small microorganism. This organism is constantly female vagina and urinary organs. Therefore, the detection of gardnerella in a smear is not considered an indicator to make a diagnosis of gardnerellosis. As a rule, the diagnosis can be made in cases where clinical symptoms have been detected at the same time.

Gardnerella begin to develop actively after a person decreased local immunity. As a rule, this happens in the following cases:

• In the presence of concomitant infectious disease
• During and after taking antibiotics
• After the use of drugs that lower a person's immunity, for example, glucocorticosteroids
• Frequent change of sexual partners
• With diabetes
• If a person is very fond of sweets

Gardnerella can be transmitted during sexual intercourse. But the disease can develop only after the failure of dysbiosis in the genital tract and their loss. beneficial microflora, which loses its own protective function.

Symptoms in women:

Approximately 1/4 of all girls and women are considered carriers of this disease. At the same time, the disease itself may not develop in them, since these carriers have an ideal tension of the immune system.

The rest of the women experience certain clinical symptoms. The main ones are:

• Periodic secretion from the vagina watery discharge having a grayish white color
• These secretions have an unpleasant odor that often smells like rotten fish.

• During the examination, the doctor may notice how these secretions are evenly distributed over the entire surface of the vagina.

Gardnerella very often provoke the occurrence of other infectious diseases. These bacteria excite endometritis that develops after childbirth or after an abortion.

Symptoms in men:

The disease is characterized by slightly different symptoms than in women. Bacteria often cause chronic urethritis or chronic prostatitis.

Sometimes these microorganisms can cause balanoposthitis. All these forms of manifestation of the disease have certain symptoms.

• Discharge has an unpleasant fishy odor
• The discharge itself is viscous and sticky
• Head male organ becomes very sensitive, it acquires a reddish tint

With a pronounced failure of the immune system, the disease will certainly begin to progress. It can even lead to damage to the organs of the genitourinary system.

Treatment of gardnerellosis in women and men

If it was carried out timely diagnosis and qualified therapy, there is a chance for a complete recovery and prevention of complications. It is possible that after treatment a relapse may occur.

Thanks to therapy, it is possible to eliminate all the causes of the onset of the disease and its symptoms. Plus, you can normalize the state of the microflora of the woman's vagina.

• On the initial stage doctors spend antibiotic therapy. They reduce the acid-base level.
• Depending on the indications, doctors may prescribe an immunomodulator, estrogen, a drug that has antihistamine action. During unpleasant symptoms The patient is given an anesthetic.

• The next therapeutic stage of treatment is the restoration of microflora in the vagina. A few days after the antimicrobial treatment ends, the patient is prescribed eubiotics.
• Since treatment is considered complex, it is strictly forbidden to exclude at least one of the possible stages.

The therapeutic course itself is controlled with the help of laboratories and research. It will end after absolutely all the symptoms have been destroyed, the patient will stop complaining, and his tests will show normal indicators.

Treatment of the disease in men requires integrated approach. During it, activities are carried out that destroy the pathogen and increase the immune system at the same time.

This disease needs immediate treatment, requiring preventive measures of a medical and domestic nature.

Gardnerellosis treatment: drugs

The main treatment of gardnerellosis, as a rule, is carried out with the help of drugs, which include active substance metronidazole. The drug can be applied topically (gels, suppositories) or orally (using tablets).

• Due to their own action against strong anaerobic microorganisms, the most effective drugs are considered the following means: "Metronidazole" and "Klion".
• In addition, doctors often prescribe drugs that contain doxycycline, clindamycin, levofloxacin, azithromycin.
• Since antibiotics can often cause fungal infections, to prevent them, it is necessary to use the following drugs: Flucostat, Pimafucin.
• During treatment, it is recommended that women use medications that normalize the vaginal microflora. For example, "Vagilak" or "Acilact".

The treatment of pregnant women practically does not differ from the treatment of ordinary women. But still there are slight differences. For example, metronidazole is forbidden to use in the first three months of pregnancy. In addition, it is desirable to use drugs that have local action but not oral.

You should know that the immune system a person cannot comprehensively fight the disease. Therefore, there is every chance of contracting this disease even during treatment. That is why doctors advise using condoms during therapy or generally refraining from sex for a while. intimacy.

If a condom breaks during intercourse, you need to conduct thorough hygiene and use local antiseptic, for example, "Miramistin".

Gardnerellosis: suppositories for treatment

Gardnerellosis occurs in women, as a rule, in the following cases:

• after prolonged use of drugs, antibiotics
• after frequent douching
• and also among those representatives who use spermicides

Such situations greatly disrupt the microflora of the vagina and spread in it pathogenic bacteria. Very often, turning to the doctor with a complaint of itching and strong discharge, women describe the medicines that they have already used during the treatment of thrush. After all, the symptoms of this disease are very similar to the symptoms of gardnerellosis. However, this disease is more common than candidiasis. Yes, they have different treatments.

During treatment, mainly used special tablets. But there are also candles, which include the same components.

The required dose and time of the treatment period with such drugs is prescribed only by the attending doctor. You should never treat yourself. There are situations when after the first course the patient is not completely cured. If this happens, the doctor prescribes a second course. However, he corrects it.

The most common suppositories that are prescribed during the treatment of the disease are:

• "Metronidazole-candles"
• "Metrovagin"

During therapy, it is important to consider the following point: these drugs cannot be combined with alcoholic beverages.

Chronic gardnerellosis: treatment

Chronic gardnerellosis - infectious disease, which does not carry inflammatory changes, but develops the development of dysbiosis in the vagina. This disease is considered the result of a decrease in the number of Dederlein sticks. It also develops due to pathogenic microbes.

Chronic gardnerellosis in a woman can develop for several reasons:

• The patient does not take care of her own health
• She does not visit a gynecologist in a timely manner
• The patient hides complaints during a visit to the doctor
• The disease develops and becomes chronic due to improper treatment.
• Due to non-compliance with the doctor's advice
• The treatment does not involve the woman's sexual partner

During the treatment of the chronic form of the disease, a combination of several drug options and their administration are used.

• Systemic treatment: the drug is taken intravenously or through the oral cavity
• Local treatment: creams or gels are used, which contain metronidazole, as well as suppositories

After graduation treatment course a smear is taken from the patient in order to evaluate the effectiveness of repeated therapy. If during such treatment you strictly follow all the doctor's instructions, take the right medications, then the course itself will be no more than 7 days. The doctor may also prescribe an immunomodulator and vitamins that will strengthen protective qualities human body.

Gardnerellosis: treatment with folk remedies

This disease at home can be cured with the help of medicinal herbs and plants. Medicines are very easy to prepare. After them positive result appears quickly enough. If this problem has affected you, you can use one of our recipes.

First recipe.

• Medicinal chamomile - 200 g
• Sage - 200 g
• Calendula - 200 g

Cooking process:

• Mix all ingredients
• Fill them with water (2 l). Boil over low heat and boil for 30 minutes
• Cool the finished composition
• Use a douche

Second recipe. For this recipe, stock up on the following ingredients:

• Dry medicinal chamomile– 50 g
• Boiling water - 500 ml

Cooking process:

• Soak chamomile in boiling water
• Set the mixture aside for about an hour.
• Strain
• Use for douching

Recipe three:

• If you have gardnerellosis, try using oak bark
• To do this, take 100 g of raw materials, pour boiling water over it (500 ml)
• Boil the composition for about 30 minutes, then strain
• For douching, take 250 ml of the product
• Douche them 2 times a day

Recipe four. For this recipe, stock up on the following ingredients:

• Elecampane root - 50 g
• Wormwood - 30 g
• Licorice roots - 30 g
• Raspberry leaves - 30 g

Cooking process:

• Mix all ingredients
• Steam them with boiling water (1 l)
• Set aside for 9 hours
• Use the resulting composition for douching 2 times a day

Recipe five. If you want to strengthen own organism and saturate it with useful substances, we advise you to use this recipe:

• Take calendula (50 g)
• Fill it with boiling water (500 ml)
• Set aside to cool completely
• Drink warm tea during the day

Recipe six. For this recipe, stock up on a pinch of the following ingredients:

• Chopped bergenia root
• clover flowers
• Eucalyptus leaves
• tansy flowers
• bearberry leaves
• Wintergreen
• Leaves coltsfoot
• Mint
• Yasnotka

Cooking process:

• Mix all ingredients
• Take 1 tablespoon of the composition, pour boiling water (500 ml)
• Drink the resulting remedy every day for 1 tbsp. before meals 3 times

Treatment of gardnerellosis with metronidazole

Usually, during the treatment of gardnerellosis, doctors prescribe metronidazole to patients, since this drug is considered the best and most effective. This medicine exists both for local use (candles or vaginal tablets) and for systemic use (tablets or capsules plus suppositories).

If treatment with metronidazole is not done on time, then the number of lactobacilli begins to actively decrease. As a result, microorganisms multiply rapidly.

During illness, usually severe itching in the genital area and unpleasant burning sensation. And this disease can cause pain during intimacy.

• Metronidazole gel is used for local treatment. The drug must be administered in inner part vagina. The introduction is about 5 days, 2 times a day.
• Metronidazole tablets are suitable for systemic therapy illness. The medicine of 0.5 g is applied orally for at least 7 days, 2 times a day. Note that when taking pills, you should not drink alcohol at all.

If we talk about side effects, then, as a rule, there are very few of them during intravaginal use than during systemic use. You should know and understand that no drug gives a full guarantee of the absence of a relapse. Therefore, it is advisable not to refuse preventive visits to the attending doctor.

Treatment of gardnerellosis during pregnancy

After a disease has been detected in a pregnant woman, her doctor prescribes therapy. As a rule, this is a gentle treatment when compared with treatment non-pregnant woman. Gardnerellosis cannot be completely eliminated during pregnancy, since the disease can only be cured with antibiotics. And as we know, such drugs are strictly prohibited for pregnant women.

Therefore, therapeutic measures against this disease are reduced to the use of local procedures. Complete treatment diseases in the vagina is carried out only after the woman has given birth to a child.

The main task of the doctor in such interesting period is as follows: he carefully monitors the number of microorganisms in the female body in order to prevent the unexpected appearance inflammatory process. During a regular examination for this disease, the doctor examines a woman on a gynecological chair a couple of times a month.

When such an examination is carried out, the woman passes flora analyzes in advance, plus bacterial culture. If signs of inflammation are found, she is prescribed a certain medicine local use, for example, douching, candles, and so on. If a disease is detected a couple of weeks before childbirth, a special preparatory process is carried out.

As a rule, treatment is divided into stages.

• The first stage - the doctor prescribes antimicrobial drugs that eliminate the negative microflora
• The second stage - there is a restoration of the lactic environment of the vagina

Basically, gardnerellosis in pregnant women disappears after preventive measures are taken to cleanse the microflora and douching. This, of course, is possible, but only if the disease occurred during pregnancy or in the absence of its complications.

Based on the foregoing, it is safe to say that a disease such as gardnerellosis can be stopped in almost all cases. The main thing here is timely detection of this disease and prevent its flow into a chronic form. Numerous reviews of women who have been ill similar ailment, indicate that modern methods treatments are very effective if you follow all the prescriptions of the attending physician. Take care of yourself!

Video: Treatment of gardnerellosis in women