Gardnerella Vaginalis

commonly found in the bacterial flora of the vagina.

The vagina is a musculomembranous canal populated by lactobacilli, which acidify its pH to keep away - or in any case under control - potential pathogens, including Gardnerella vaginalis.

Known more simply as Gardnerella, Gardenerella vaginalis it is a Gram-variable bacterium, belonging to the category of coccobacilli, non-spore-forming, devoid of motility and with a diameter between 1 and 1.5 microns.

Infection with Gardnerella vaginalis it takes its name from the bacterium that causes it, therefore gardenerella.

, since about 30% of the healthy female population harbor this bacterium in their vagina.

Gardnerella in Sexually Active Women

The overgrowth of the bacilli of Gardnerella it is involved in the appearance of one of the most common vaginal diseases in childbearing age, bacterial vaginosis. This pathology is characterized by a net reduction of the lactobacilli population in favor of facultative anaerobic microorganisms, among which figure precisely Gardnerella.

The risk of developing bacterial vaginosis increases with increasing frequency and sexual promiscuity; the main route of contagion seems to be the latter, without forgetting that the slightly alkaline pH (7.4-7.6) of the sperm decreases vaginal acidity favoring the engraftment and proliferation of pathogens.

Among the most significant risk factors are also reported an "incorrect intimate hygiene (for example excessive use of douching), the use of antibiotics or intrauterine mechanical contraceptives such as the IUD, previous pregnancies and a certain genetic predisposition (apparently for example that the black population is statistically more affected).

and markedly malodorous, especially if placed in contact with alkaline solutions (such as normal soap).

This feature is exploited by a simple diagnostic test whose name - fishy odor test (fish smell test) - it is explanatory of what you are investigating.
In practice, this test provides that a drop of 10% potassium hydroxide is placed in contact with the vaginal secretion, with the aim of releasing the pungent odor typical of an "important infection by Gardnerella. The vaginal pH also passes from the normal 4 - 4.5 to neutrality or mild basicity.

To obtain further diagnostic confirmation, the gynecologist can swab some desquamated cells and search under the microscope for the presence of the usually abundant bacterium.

Infection with Gardnerella it also manifests itself with a modest burning sensation and a sense of irritation, common elements - albeit with varying intensity - in all sexually transmitted genital infections.

Gardnerella in "Man

Man too can contract gardnerella.
Normally, the source of the infection is the infected sexual partner.

Infection with Gardnerella in man it tends to be asymptomatic, so much so that the patient very often does not realize that he is affected.

or a real pelvic inflammatory disease, to the point of seriously compromising female fertility.

Therapy must therefore always and in any case be prescribed by the doctor. You cannot and should not cure bacterial vaginosis by doing your own thing and relying on simple over-the-counter remedies or the advice of a "friend."

One of the first choice drugs, because it is directly active against Gardnerella, is the antibiotic metronidazole, which can be taken both orally and topically (cream to be applied vaginally); another frequently used drug is the antibiotic clindamycin, for which it is generally taken topically.

Alongside the use of antibiotics, it is common to resort to vaginal douching with acid content, with the indication to be carried out at the end of sexual intercourse and after the end of the menstrual flow.
The main purpose of these treatments is to promote the restoration of normal vaginal flora, with consequent acidification of the microenvironment and removal of the pathogens that survive with difficulty in it, Gardnerella including.

To learn more, read: Medicines for the Treatment of Gardnerella

Gardnerella in "Man: the Cure

Treatment of gardnerella in men involves the use of the antibiotics metronidazole and / or clindamycin, exactly as occurs when the infection affects women.

local. We recommend the use of a soap with a physiological pH (4 or 5), while intimate deodorants and internal washing should be limited.

Avoid wearing synthetic underwear, such as jeans and pants that are too tight, as they retain moisture and heat, creating favorable conditions for the development of Gardnerella. The same goes for panty liners, which should be changed frequently on flow days.

The continuous rubbing of the garment against the genitals can also cause local irritation. It is therefore better to choose cotton, which guarantees greater transpiration than synthetic fibers.

Always use a condom in occasional sexual intercourse; if an infection is suspected (signaled by symptoms such as itching and foul-smelling discharge) it is important to have sexual rest until the medical diagnosis is made and, if this is positive, until the end of any antibiotic therapy. Always extend care to your partner, even if symptom-free.

Avoid the common use of towels and underwear, at home, in the hotel, or in any other conditions.

Avoid staying long with the wet swimsuit.

Follow a healthy and balanced diet (reduce, in particular, the consumption of sweets and simple sugars); indulge in regenerating breaks from time to time and practice regular physical exercise; these small attentions to your body will be rewarded with a better immune efficacy and, consequently, with a better balance of the vaginal flora and greater protection from Gardnerella.