Gardnerella bacteria in women. Gardnerellosis treatment in women and men. Symptoms and treatment regimens for gardnerellosis with drugs. Effective treatment of chronic gardnerellosis. Causes of gardnerellosis
During her life, the female body may encounter unpleasant symptoms, which are expressed in copious vaginal discharge with an unpleasant odor. The reason for this may be gardnerella, an anaerobic bacterium (that is, one that lives and reproduces in an oxygen-free environment).
Currently, doctors have different opinions about the causes of this infection, its course and the risk factors that contribute to its introduction. Let's try to understand what kind of disease this is, how it manifests itself and what treatment for gardnerella is considered optimal.
Gardnerella belongs to the group of opportunistic bacteria, which includes microorganisms that are constantly in human body without harming him. But when unfavorable factors they may multiply rapidly.
Some doctors consider gardnerella to be the cause bacterial vaginosis among women. Therefore, the word “gardnerellosis” is sometimes used as a synonym for this disease.
This happened historically - the bacterium was discovered in 1955 in a woman who suffered from vaginitis. Then gardnerella was named the main reason for the imbalance in microflora.
After this, it was found that the bacterium is not always detected in this pathology. Thus, other microorganisms may become the culprit of the imbalance.
The bacterium can be detected in tests of many healthy women and men, but this does not mean that gardnerellosis has developed and requires treatment. However, when it actively reproduces, it is capable of changing acid-base balance vagina, promoting the emergence of other pathogens.
Infection
Doctors currently do not have a consensus on whether this disease is a sexually transmitted infection (STI).
On the one side, main way transmission of gardnerella is sexual. On the other hand, men do not develop any negative reactions in the presence of Gardnerella, and they can be carriers of it for only a few days.
In addition, the presence of risk factors is necessary for gardnerella to begin to multiply in female body. Thus, gardnerellosis does not always develop when the bacterium is transmitted.
However, this fact does not affect the treatment regimen: gardnerella requires the same treatment as sexually transmitted diseases.
Factors that contribute to the onset of the disease include:
- immune suppression (due to autoimmune pathologies, pregnancy, radiation sickness, chemotherapy, HIV, alcoholism, etc.);
- disturbed intestinal microflora;
- hormonal imbalance;
- diabetes;
- inflammation of the genitourinary area;
- the use of condoms with lubricant containing 9-nonoxynol, and contraceptive suppositories with the same active substance(“Patentex-Oval”);
- long-term use of antibiotics;
- unjustified frequent vaginal douching;
- insufficient intimate hygiene.
Some doctors believe that risk factors themselves can act as a cause of gardnerellosis without sexual contact - through the multiplication of the bacterium that already lives in the vagina as an opportunistic flora. But they do not deny that in this case, treatment for gardnerella should be mandatory.
In addition to the vagina, gardnerella “loves” to live in the urinary organs. Incubation period usually lasts one week.
Rarely, another route of transmission is possible - during the passage of the child through the mother’s reproductive tract in natural childbirth. However, gardnerella takes root in newborns extremely rarely, which is due to the fact that its nutrition requires glycogen from epithelial cells, the presence of which depends on the work of estrogens. The level of this hormone before a girl reaches puberty is extremely low, so the bacterium quickly dies.
Household transmission of the microorganism is practically reduced to zero, but it cannot be completely eliminated.
Gardnerella does not take root in the male body; its short presence does not bring any discomfort. Being a carrier of the infection, a man can transmit it to a healthy woman.
Thus, male body acts as a transit route for infection. It is for this reason that gardnerellosis requires treatment in men whose partners suffer from this pathology.
Tests can usually detect the presence of a microorganism in a man only in the first days after contact with an infected woman.
When a woman is confirmed to have the bacteria, but a man does not, this may become a reason to accuse the companion of infidelity, although the partner himself contributed to the infection.
However, cases where the bacterium penetrated the urethra and became the cause of inflammatory processes in a man are rarely detected. This happens when the immune system is severely suppressed due to serious illness or in the presence of other infections (chlamydia, etc.).
When they talk about sexual transmission of this microorganism, they most often mean traditional transmission. There is a chance of infection through other sexual practices, but it is low (the bacterium practically cannot survive on the mucous membranes of the pharynx or intestines). We can only talk about temporary carriage of microorganisms.
Symptoms of the disease and diagnosis
With gardnerellosis, a woman develops: white or gray(less often transparent or yellowish) with an unpleasant “fishy” odor on the underwear and on the vaginal walls, itching in the perineal area, painful sensations during sexual intercourse. Sometimes the symptoms are not pronounced.
Gardnerellosis, if left untreated in a woman, can cause:
- infectious complications after childbirth;
- salpingitis;
The bacterium does not pose a danger to the fetus if the disease manifests itself during pregnancy, since the placenta is a reliable barrier. Only very advanced cases, if left untreated, inflammatory processes may begin reproductive system: uterine bleeding, birth of a low birth weight baby.
Gardnerella multiplies in men, as a rule, in the urethra, which leads to the appearance of urethritis. It may appear 5–6 days after infection or later. May be observed:
- greenish discharge from the urethra;
- burning and discomfort when urinating.
If you suspect a disease, you should contact a gynecologist (female), urologist (male) or dermatovenerologist.
The main diagnostic method is a general smear from the mucous membranes. In addition to this, the presence of key cells (on which gardnerella develop) is also determined; in women, the pH of the vaginal secretion is measured (under normal conditions it should be acidic, but in this disease it becomes alkaline).
Additionally, the doctor must conduct a study to identify concomitant infections that develop in the presence of gardnerellosis - treatment must be comprehensive. This pathology is often observed in conjunction with candidiasis, ureaplasmosis (which is also caused by a common household bacterium) or other sexually transmitted diseases.
Treatment of the disease
The basis for the treatment of gardnerellosis in women and men is medicines with the active ingredient metronidazole. It is used topically in the form of gels or suppositories and orally (tablets).
Due to its action against obligate anaerobic bacteria, which includes gardnerella, treatment with drugs such as Metronidazole, Trichopolum, Trickside, Klion, turns out to be the most effective.
In addition, products with doxycycline, clindamycin, levofloxacin, and azithromycin can be used.
Since antibiotics often cause a fungal infection, fluconazole (Flucostat, Diflucan), natamycin (Pimafucin) or nystatin are used to prevent it during the treatment of gardnerellosis.
Some doctors consider it necessary during a woman’s therapy to use medications that normalize the vaginal microflora (“Vagilak”, “Bioselak”, “Acilakt”, “Lactonorm”, etc.).
Treatment of gardnerellosis in women expecting a child differs little from that prescribed non-pregnant women, but with some restrictions (for example, metronidazole cannot be used in the first trimester, in the remaining two - under the supervision of a doctor). In addition, it is preferable local remedies, not oral.
It must be remembered that immunity against the disease is not developed, therefore reinfection perhaps even during therapy: for this reason, doctors recommend sexual rest during the course of treatment or the use of condoms during sexual intercourse.
If the condom breaks, it is necessary to wash off the secretions from the mucous membranes with water and introduce a local antiseptic (for example, Miramistin).
During treatment for gardnerellosis, it is necessary to take smears to determine the dynamics of the decrease in the number of bacteria. A control test is taken 4–6 weeks after therapy.
Prevention
Main preventive measures are: selectivity of sexual contacts, use of barrier contraceptives during casual meetings or at the beginning of a new relationship, when there is no confidence in the partner.
So, gardnerella is a bacterium that can be present in small quantities in the female body. When revealed increased level, therapy should be prescribed that will reduce it.
Useful video about gardnerellosis
Replies
Gynecologists say that the gardnerella bacterium is the cause of bacterial vaginosis in women. More precisely, the disease is provoked not by the bacteria themselves, which inhabit the healthy flora of the vagina in small quantities, but by their excess, caused by pathological division, causing the appearance imbalance in the body.
Bacterial vaginosis is often called gardnerellosis due to the fact that the disease is caused by the bacterium of the same name. “Where does gardnerella come from and what could cause its concentration to increase?” - these questions concern many women.
When giving comments, the doctor explains that everything is quite individual for a person. But according to medical statistics, inflammatory process, in which an excessive amount of gardnerella is the cause of the disease, most often manifests itself in the following cases:
- This disease in most cases is caused by promiscuity. Therefore, doctors classify it as an infection that is not sexually transmitted, but is most often transmitted through sexual contact without barrier contraception;
- Disdainful attitude towards intimate hygiene during critical days can cause gardnerellosis, causes unpleasant symptoms are also hidden in ordinary things of daily use. For example, improper use of panty liners or wearing synthetic underwear that is too thick can provoke the pathological proliferation of gardnerella bacteria - as the cause of bacterial vaginosis;
- Gardnerellosis can also be caused by long-term use of antibiotics, which causes immunodeficiency in girls and women. The appearance of symptoms of infection lies in the fact that drugs kill both pathogenic and beneficial bacteria, allowing it to actively share.
- Hormonal changes the body during puberty and pregnancy - another significant circumstance why gardnerella occurs.
This disease is only possible in women. Where does Gardnerella come from in men? After all, experts say that the disease gardnerellosis, the causes of which lie in the pathological division of bacteria that are part of the normal microflora of the female vagina, does not occur in male patients.
This is explained by the fact that in a healthy man with a strong immune system, bacteria that enter the urethra during unprotected sexual intercourse with a sick woman die without causing pathological phenomena. If things are different, then bacteria provoke the occurrence of urethritis in many men.
Another interesting fact: healthy man, may be a carrier of Gardnerella, the cause of recurrent bacterial vaginosis in a sexual partner. Therefore, if a woman experiences a relapse of the disease, its appearance may be due to bacterial carriage of the sexual partner. In this case, the doctor prescribes an examination of both partners.
Infectious diseases of the genitourinary system of women are of great danger. The first stages are often asymptomatic, but harmful bacteria actively multiply and infect internal organs. Today there is active growth these pathologies, so many are interested in how gardnerella is treated in girls and mature women, what regimens and medications exist.
Gardnerella in women: what is it?
Gardnerellosis is an acute inflammatory disease caused by the gardnerella bacterium. The infection occurs as a result of an increase in the level of harmful microorganisms in the internal microflora of the vagina. This happens as a result of a drop in local and general immunity.
Provoking factors may include:
- a large number of sexual partners;
- unprotected sex (especially with strangers);
- regular failure to comply with personal hygiene rules;
- taking antibiotics, steroid and anti-inflammatory medications;
- use of intrauterine contraceptive devices;
- malfunctions endocrine system, hormonal disorders;
- chronic diseases of the genitourinary system and STDs.
The disease can develop at any age, but the weaker sex during menopause and teenage girls are at risk.
Patients with are also often susceptible to infection.
In most cases, the disease is asymptomatic, and it is detected only in the complication phase. Some girls complain of the following symptoms:
- mucous discharge with a strong odor;
- discomfort during and after urination;
- itching and burning;
- swelling of the external genitalia.
Gardnerella does not cause clearer symptoms, so the disease is often confused with other pathologies.
Despite the fact that this disease is considered female, it can also penetrate long time maintain their vital functions in the body of men. At the same time, representatives of the stronger sex act as carriers of the infection and can infect other women. In this case, men may also feel discomfort and itching during urination. In addition, gardnerella in men can cause an inflammatory process, and as a result, an exacerbation of prostatitis.
Gardnerella in women is dangerous and can cause a number of complications, including serious pathological inflammatory processes, so it is better to carry out treatment in a timely manner and according to a specialist’s regimen.
Video “Drugs and methods of treating gardnerellosis”
Traditional treatment regimen
The treatment regimen for gardnerellosis is determined exclusively by the attending physician. It is prescribed according to the stage of the disease, its cause and the age of the patient.
First, the woman must undergo a complete examination. The main diagnostic method is a gynecological smear. By using laboratory analysis you can not only detect the presence of gardnerella, but also estimate their number and stage of development. Additionally, they may also prescribe an ultrasound of the lower pelvis to exclude possible complications.
The traditional scheme involves three-stage therapy; only the use of all stages can provide complete relief from the problem.
The scheme consists of the following stages:
- The first stage is antibacterial therapy. With the help of antibiotics, harmful microflora is eliminated until complete cleansing. Regular laboratory tests are used to monitor the process.
- The second stage involves the improvement of microflora and its colonization with lactobacilli. These microorganisms provide normal level pH and acidic environment, necessary to combat gardnerella and other harmful organisms.
- The third stage is the final one, it involves increasing immunity with the help of stimulants. This stage is necessary for full recovery. Any infection leads to a decrease in immune defense.
Drugs for the treatment of gardnerella in women are prescribed exclusively by a doctor; self-medication in this case can be dangerous.
Popular antibacterial agents for the treatment of gardnerella
The gardnerella bacterium demonstrates high resistance to various types of antibiotics, so it can be difficult to choose the right drug. In some cases, it is necessary to use several at once to increase efficiency.
It is worth immediately excluding some drugs: antibiotics from the group of cephalosporins and tetracyclines are not used, other drugs are prescribed. It is important to understand that antibiotics for gardnerellosis are the most effective and necessary remedy. They are not prescribed only in case of individual intolerance or during pregnancy.
Today on pharmacy shelves you can find many types of drugs for the treatment of infectious diseases. women's diseases, but a specialist will help you choose the right one. The most popular means are discussed below.
1. McMicor
Macmicor is an effective tablet for gardnerellosis and other infectious diseases of the lower pelvis in women. Used exclusively orally. The drug acts comprehensively: it kills harmful microflora and fights the symptoms of inflammation.
McMikor is modern remedy strong action. It is prescribed exclusively by the attending physician, the course and daily dosage described in the instructions, but not more than 10 days of use. It can be prescribed to both women and men. In addition, Macmicor can be prescribed as a prophylaxis.
2. Clindamycin
Semi-synthetic antibacterial drug in the form of a solution for injection. It is considered one of the most effective due to complex action, because the active components remove not only bacteria, but also several types of fungi.
For the treatment of gardnerellosis it is prescribed only to women. In this case, the daily dose is 3 ampoules (for three times a day), the full course is 7-10 days, depending on the patient’s condition.
If we talk about the benefits of the drug, it is worth mentioning that it is well tolerated and has a low number of side effects. But, unfortunately, women often refuse injections, preferring tablets and local remedies.
3. Metronidazole
This antibiotic wide range action, which is used in 50% of cases. This active use can be explained by its fast action.
The active substance of the product acts directly on the DNA of the bacterium, affecting its vital functions. Metronidazole affects a large number of anaerobic bacteria, so it is used in the treatment of many infectious diseases.
The antibiotic is available in two forms: tablets and gel for external use. When the form is running, two types are assigned at once. At the same time, tablets are considered more effective, but can cause a number of similar actions. The full course of treatment with two daily doses lasts 5-7 days.
4. Unitabs
A modern antibacterial drug from the tetracycline group. The active substance of the product is aimed at disrupting the synthesis of harmful bacteria in the body. But at the same time beneficial microorganisms remain intact and resume normality.
Unitabs refers to strong drugs, it is prescribed extremely rarely. Indications for this may include intolerance or ineffectiveness of other drugs, as well as running form diseases with many complications.
The disadvantages of the drug include a large number side effects and contraindications.
5. Vilprafen
This is a new generation antibacterial agent, belongs to the group of macrolides. It is used to treat many genitourinary infections, in particular gardnerellosis.
It is very important not to interrupt treatment, as this significantly reduces the effectiveness of therapy.
Most known anaerobic bacteria are completely paralyzed active component. An antibiotic is prescribed by the attending physician after full examination. The course cannot last more than 10 days, daily intake makes two tablets.
Vilprafen is prescribed quite often, but problems with the digestive organs arise as side effects, so women with chronic dysbacteriosis the drug is contraindicated.
6. Terzhinan
Terzhinan is used in the treatment of many genitourinary tract infections in women. The drug belongs to a complex acting agent that destroys all anaerobic microflora, but at the same time has a strong effect on beneficial bacteria. Available only in the form vaginal suppositories, therefore used to treat women.
The key advantage of this medicine is the fact that the composition provides protection to the mucous membrane from erosion.
Take the drug according to the schedule for a week - one suppository at night. Gynecologists allow Terzhinan to be taken as a prophylactic agent, but the course should not exceed 5 days.
Local remedies against gardnerella
Oral medications demonstrate high efficiency, but often doctors prescribe additional medicine for gardnerella in women in the form of suppositories or vaginal tablets. It is advisable to use them in the following cases:
- contraindications for oral medications, for example, during pregnancy;
- intolerance internal antibiotics due to problems with the digestive system;
- as an additional means to enhance therapy;
- as preventive measures.
The most popular external remedies are the following medications:
- Chlorhexidine solution. The safest antiseptic used to treat infectious diseases. It can only be used as an additional remedy; it cannot get rid of gardnerella on its own.
- McMicor. Effective candles with gardnerellosis in women. They are noted for their effectiveness, and women appreciate their ease of use.
- Hexicon candles. This is popular antiseptic For local use. Often suppositories are used to prevent genitourinary infections. Side effects are extremely rare.
Oral and local antibacterial agents allow you to destroy harmful microflora. Almost all of them act in a complex manner, so treatment involves the destruction of not only gardnerella bacteria, but also other pathogenic microorganisms, including fungi.
Means for restoring microflora
Gardnerellosis cannot be cured without the use of antibiotics, but such treatment has a number of negative factors. The key one is the negative impact on microflora. First of all, lactobacilli are destroyed and internal acidity is reduced.
At the second stage of treatment, two types of restorative drugs are prescribed:
- probiotics are special biologically active bacteria that actively multiply in the body until the required norm, popular are Linex, Hilak Forte, used internally;
- prebiotics are additional components that stimulate the growth of beneficial bacteria, for example, Duphalac.
Except internal medications, suppositories are also prescribed to restore internal microflora and combat local dysbacteriosis.
The most popular medicine in this area is Lactobacterin suppositories. It is prescribed after active antibacterial therapy, the full course can last up to a month, but it needs to be adjusted with the help of laboratory tests.
Immunostimulants
Treatment of Gardnerella with antibiotics significantly reduces immunity. That's why doctors prescribe additional funds to increase protection.
Two groups of drugs are prescribed:
- Vitamin complexes. You can take absolutely any vitamins, a full course of therapy in accordance with the instructions. Vitamins are quickly restored natural forces body and improve general condition.
- Stimulants. It is better to take such medications as prescribed by a doctor. They raise protective functions, but do not exceed the dose or course. Interferon is considered the most popular immunostimulant today.
Don't neglect the last stage treatment, with reduced immunity the disease may return or cause unpredictable complications.
Conditions for effective therapy
Your doctor will help you choose the right drug, but for maximum effectiveness, you must follow several rules:
- take medications strictly as prescribed by the doctor, without exceeding the dose and course;
- do not combine more than three medications of the same group at the same time;
- follow a diet, at the time of treatment you should give up acidic foods and other irritants that can provoke changes in the internal microflora;
- refuse sexual relations for the entire period of therapy, even protected sex can lead to irritation and complications;
- personal hygiene should be increased; in addition, folk antiseptics can be used.
It is very important to choose the right method and drug for the treatment of Gardnerella during pregnancy.
In this case, antibacterial medications are not prescribed, so only antiseptics are used. In this case, douching is not used, only suppositories and vaginal tablets.
You can also use folk recipes, for example, a decoction of chamomile, sage or calendula. But you can use any medications in case of pregnancy only with the permission of a doctor and after a full examination.
Only safe drugs are allowed that do not penetrate into the general bloodstream and cannot affect the course of pregnancy. Fortunately, gardnerellosis in pregnant women is extremely rare due to hormonal conditions.
Video “What is gardnerella, and how to deal with it?”
Answers from a gynecologist to common questions about Gardnerella.
Gardnerella vaginalis in women (Gardnerella vaginalis) is one of the types of microorganisms that is found in the genital tract even in healthy people. When they live in the vagina in small numbers, no unpleasant symptoms does not appear. However, a number of factors can lead to increased proliferation of the vaginal bacterium Gardnerella. Against this background, after tests, the woman is diagnosed with gardnerellosis.
Let us immediately warn you that usually these bacteria - Gardnerella vaginalis, are present in small quantities in female microflora always, but when certain conditions arise, their active reproduction begins, which leads to the first symptoms of gardnerellosis.
This disease is considered a sexually transmitted disease, but not in its classic form. Many people are concerned about where the gardnerella bacterium appears in excess in women, whether it is transmitted sexually from a man, during unprotected sexual intercourse. In addition to answering these questions, it is very important to know all the options where gardnerella comes from, as well as the symptoms of the onset of development of vaginal gardnerella in a woman and start in a timely manner drug treatment tablets, suppositories, ointments, folk remedies for treating gardnerella with decoctions and infusions of herbs, flowers, douching and oral administration. In general, gardnerellosis is considered not dangerous, since it does not lead to infertility, but it is still necessary to treat deviations from the norm in a timely manner.
Gardnerella in women is a microorganism that is found in the female genital tract.
Pathogen
These bacteria are represented by a single species - Gardnerella vaginalis. These are facultative anaerobes that are able to live and develop in an airless environment. Usually they are present in small quantities in the female microflora, but when certain conditions arise, their active reproduction begins.
The main pathological effect of this bacterial microorganism is the suppression and gradual destruction of lactic acid bacteria. They are also called lactobacilli or Doderlein bacilli. IN in good condition they form a healthy acidic environment in which the development of various vaginal bacterial pathogens and fungi is inhibited.
Note. Gardnerella bacteria bacilli synthesize hydrogen peroxide, which disinfects microflora.
When the number of lactic acid bacteria falls below normal, that is, they become less than 95% of all microorganisms present, pathogenic flora develops. Usually they are suppressed not only by Gardnerella, but also by obligate anaerobes and mycoplasma, that is, microorganisms like fusobacteria and peptostreptococci. Ureaplasma and gardnerella are very often combined. For this reason, such pathologies are called mixed infections.
This situation is dangerous mainly because a change in acidity allows other pathogens to quietly develop in the microflora. In simple cases, bacterial vaginosis appears against the background of gardnerellosis, but reduced protection of the genital organs allows more serious viruses to reach them.
Gardnerella vaginalis – bacterial pathogen gardnerella in women. Why does gardnerella develop and where does it come from?
There are two main underlying reasons for the appearance of increased numbers of vaginal gardnerella bacteria in women.
The first reason for the appearance is infection with gardnerella from another person.. To the question of how this pathogen is transmitted, there is one proven answer - gardnerella is sexually transmitted. This is how most healthy women who do not experience problems with infection become infected.
The second reason for the appearance is a failure in the woman’s immune system.. In other cases, the development of the disease is associated with the activation of the pathogenic flora of a particular representative of the fair sex. This is due to problems with the immune system or negative influence on microflora. This happens under the influence of the following factors:
- Use medications, especially antibiotics;
- Carrying out douching, using local antiseptics;
- Use of contraceptives (except for condoms) without medical consultation and prescription (, intrauterine contraception, spermicides);
- Menopause or puberty;
- Changes in hormonal background, which affect the amount of blood appearing during menstruation;
- Hormonal imbalances causing prolongation of the menstrual cycle;
- Inflammatory processes of the uterus, appendages and other genital organs;
- Immunodeficiency conditions developing against the background of the use of cytostatics and immunosuppressants, as well as;
- Foreign bodies in the uterus or vagina;
- Developmental defects.
A woman’s lifestyle occupies a special place in the question of where gardnerellosis comes from. For example, a decrease is often observed. This is also facilitated by a variety of chronic infections, the treatment of which is not given enough attention. Promiscuity is another significant factor in the occurrence of sexually transmitted diseases.
To avoid gardnerella in women during pregnancy and gestation, expectant mothers should undergo regular checks and tests to identify pathogenic bacterial or fungal microflora. If gardnerellosis is diagnosed in time during pregnancy, then it will be easier to cure, and the likelihood dangerous complications will be much lower.
Regular testing to identify pathogenic microflora will help avoid gardnerella in women during pregnancy. Diagnostics
To diagnose female vaginal gardnerellosis, the doctor takes secretions from the vagina itself. Often a smear is enough to identify gardnerella. The acidity of the medium is determined by the reaction of the secretion; an amine reaction is also used, with the help of which a characteristic fishy odor is detected. An isonitrile analysis is carried out, thanks to which the number of bacterial cells is studied.
An important role in the diagnosis of gardnerella vaginalis is played by:
- Desquamated cells that line the mucosa;
- Disappearance of lactobacilli;
- Epithelial cells on which the pathogen attaches;
- The presence of other microorganisms leading to a disease such as bacterial vaginosis;
- Mild inflammatory process, small number of leukocytes.
A number of techniques, such as PIF and, are not used to detect the pathogen; these methods are considered impractical. Gardnerella is always present in a woman’s body, so the analysis should not only identify it, but determine a specific amount.
To identify gardnerella, it is enough to do a smear analysis to identify deviations from the norm. Medication treatment, suppositories
Treatment of gardnerella in women includes eliminating the cause of the disease and suppressing the pathogen. Condition needs to be improved immune system, put your lifestyle in order, follow a diet. Treatment of gardnerella vaginalis in women with antibiotics should only be done under the supervision of a physician. The most commonly prescribed medications are:
- Ampicillin.
In some cases it is required, and only then gardnerellosis. During pregnancy, used for treatment vaginal creams, like Dalatsin, as well as Gino-pevaril suppositories, and. An Internet forum cannot reliably tell a single woman how to treat female vaginal gardnerellosis. It is also impossible to determine your symptoms from photos on the Internet.
Traditional recipes for treating gardnerella in women with herbs
As an additional measure of influence, and only under the supervision of a specialist, you can use folk remedies treatment of gardnerella vaginalis in women - douching with herbs, for which chamomile, calendula, aloe or oak are taken.
- Douching with herbs. Chamomile, St. John's wort and sage flowers are mixed in equal parts. Then two large spoons of raw material are poured with boiling water in an amount of 250 ml, infused until warm state and filter.
- Infusion of pine buds. Considered good antimicrobial agent among the people. Recipe: pour a large spoonful of crushed pine buds into a thermos, pour in 500 ml of boiling water, and leave overnight. In the morning, the tincture is filtered, after which it is drunk warm four times a day before meals. The volume of a single dose is ½ glass. After taking the tincture, it is not recommended to eat for half an hour. Duration of therapy is two weeks.
- Essential oil obtained from tea tree . Add one drop of butter to one large spoon of milk. The product should be taken in the morning and evening hours. The duration of such therapy is 21 days.
- Tampons with oil. Vegetable oil can also be used to prepare healing tampons. You should boil 10 grams of lean, flaxseed or any other vegetable oil, add 5 drops to it essential oil, to stir thoroughly. A sterile tampon must be moistened with prepared oil and inserted into the vagina overnight. Procedures must be carried out at intervals of 24 hours, there should be ten in total.
- Tincture of flowers for oral administration and douching. Mix one and a half small spoons of clover with two small spoons of white water lily flowers, the same number of garden rose petals and white peony, and add three small spoons of chamomile flowers to the mixture. After stirring, brew a large spoonful of the mixture in 500 ml of boiling water and leave for 40 minutes, then filter and drink ½ cup in the morning and evening. The same remedy is recommended for douching. The duration of treatment is 10 days.
To prepare a drink for internal use at home, you need to take the herb St. John's wort, chamomile, and sage in equal quantities and mix well.
Then 2 tablespoons of the resulting mixture are poured into 1 liter of boiling water and left for 8-10 hours. During the day, the infusion is consumed 3 times, ½ cup, 15 minutes before meals. If infusions will be used to wash the vagina, you should take an equal amount of well-crushed herbs and mix. 1 tablespoon of the mixture is poured into 1 liter of boiling water and also left for 8-10 hours. The procedure is carried out 2-3 times a day, drawing 1 glass of liquid into a syringe.
In order for the healing process to be more effective, experts recommend combining douching with oral medication.
However, such measures may delay the recovery process; be sure to consult your doctor.
Treatment of Gardnerella in women includes eliminating the cause of the disease and suppressing the pathogen. In the Video, representative of the KVD (Dermatovenerologic Dispensary) Sergey Gennadievich Lenkin talks in detail about gardnerellosis in women, its symptoms, diagnosis and treatment.
Gardnerella is found quite often in women with weakened immunity and vaginal dysbiosis; it is she who causes gardnerella vaginosis, which is also mentioned we'll talk 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 sign 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
An infectious syndrome of a non-inflammatory nature, which is based on vaginal dysbiosis, is called bacterial vaginosis in the scientific literature. 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 of a pronounced imbalance of microflora, in which the natural vaginal flora is displaced anaerobic bacteria- Gardnerella vaginalis, Bacteroides spp., Mobiluncus spp., Mycoplasma hominis, peptostreptococci and some others. The concentration of these microorganisms can exceed the permissible 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 are no additional pathogens of 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 in leukocytes occur.
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
To additional diagnostic methods relate:
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 remedy) - 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 consultation with 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 with boiled water. The 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 a healthy lifestyle: eat right, exercise, don’t overwork, 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.
