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Discomfort in the intimate area, changes in the nature of discharge, or an unpleasant odor can occur for various reasons. One of them is an imbalance of the microbiota, when opportunistic bacteria begin to multiply more actively than usual.

Gardnerellosis is often associated with this kind of imbalance. In women, it more often causes noticeable symptoms, while in men it may remain unnoticed for a long time or cause burning, irritation, or other complaints from the genitourinary system.

In this article, we will explain what Gardnerella is, how gardnerellosis manifests in women and men, and how this condition is treated. We will also explain how the infection is transmitted, why it may be dangerous during pregnancy, and how to reduce the risk of recurrent microbiota imbalance.

What Gardnerella Is in Simple Terms

Gardnerella is an opportunistic anaerobic bacterium that can be part of the normal microbiota of the genital tract. In general, the vaginal microbiota may contain more than 250 types of bacteria. Gardnerella is called opportunistic because, under normal conditions, it may not cause any disorders. However, when the composition of the microbiota changes or other unfavorable factors occur, Gardnerella vaginalis begins to multiply actively.

Gardnerellosis is a condition associated with an increase in the amount of Gardnerella vaginalis. In women, it is most often associated with bacterial vaginosis — a disruption of the normal composition of the vaginal microbiota, which may be accompanied by characteristic symptoms and require treatment.

Doctors at Oxford Medical explain: the mere presence of Gardnerella vaginalis in a test result does not mean that a person needs treatment. The modern review Gardnerella Species and Their Association With Bacterial Vaginosis states that Gardnerella may be detected in more than 50% of women without bacterial vaginosis.

That is why the doctor evaluates not only the test result but the entire clinical picture: complaints, examination findings, smear results, or PCR test results. This helps distinguish asymptomatic carriage of Gardnerella vaginalis from a condition that truly requires treatment.

Gardnerellosis: Causes of Development

The main cause of gardnerellosis is a disruption of the natural balance of the vaginal microbiota. When the number of lactobacilli decreases, conditions are created for active multiplication of Gardnerella vaginalis.

Factors that increase the risk of developing gardnerellosis include:

  • frequent change of sexual partners;
  • unprotected sexual contacts;
  • douching;
  • long-term or uncontrolled use of antibiotics;
  • hormonal changes;
  • decreased local or general immunity;
  • use of aggressive intimate hygiene products.

Gardnerellosis does not occur due to one specific cause. Most often, it is a combination of several factors that lead to disruption of the natural microbiota.

How Gardnerellosis Is Transmitted

Gardnerella vaginalis can be transmitted during sexual contact. However, after the bacterium gets onto the mucous membrane of the genital tract, gardnerellosis does not always develop. If the natural balance of the microbiota is not disrupted, its presence may not be accompanied by any symptoms.

This means that transmission of Gardnerella vaginalis and development of gardnerellosis are not the same thing. The disease usually occurs when conditions are created for active multiplication of the bacterium, in particular when the normal composition of the microbiota is disrupted or local protection of the mucous membrane decreases.

In men, Gardnerella vaginalis can also be transmitted during sexual contact. Most often, it does not cause any complaints, but in some cases it may take part in the development of inflammation of the genitourinary system.

Can Gardnerella Be Transmitted Through the Mouth

At present, there is not enough evidence that Gardnerella vaginalis is transmitted during oral sex in the same way as during vaginal sexual contact. Therefore, this route of transmission is considered unlikely.

Specialists at Oxford Medical emphasize: if unusual discharge, an unpleasant odor, burning, itching, or other symptoms appear after any sexual contact, women should consult a gynecologist, and men should consult a urologist. The doctor will perform an examination, determine the cause of the complaints, and prescribe treatment if necessary.

Gardnerellosis: Symptoms of the Disease

The manifestations of gardnerellosis depend on sex, the state of the microbiota, and the presence of concomitant diseases. In women, symptoms occur much more often, while in men the infection often has an asymptomatic course or manifests as mild discomfort.

How Gardnerellosis Manifests in Women

In most women, gardnerellosis manifests as a change in vaginal discharge. It becomes more abundant, takes on a grayish-white color, and has a characteristic unpleasant odor that many women describe as “fishy.” Most often, it intensifies after sexual contact or during menstruation.

The following may also occur:

  • discomfort or burning in the intimate area;
  • itching;
  • irritation of the mucous membrane;
  • unpleasant sensations during sexual contact;
  • discomfort during urination.

It is important to remember that similar symptoms may also occur with other gynecological diseases. Therefore, it is impossible to determine the cause based only on complaints.

How Gardnerellosis Manifests in Men

In men, Gardnerella vaginalis often does not cause any symptoms. If an inflammatory process develops, slight discharge from the urethra, burning or discomfort during urination, redness in the area of the external urethral opening, or unpleasant sensations after sexual contact may occur.

In rare cases, Gardnerella may be one of the factors in the development of inflammation of the genitourinary system, in particular urethritis, balanoposthitis, prostatitis, and sometimes cystitis. If such symptoms appear, men should consult a urologist for examination and determination of the cause of the complaints.

How to Detect Gardnerellosis

How to Detect Gardnerellosis

Since the symptoms of gardnerellosis may be similar to manifestations of other infectious and inflammatory diseases, it is impossible to establish a diagnosis based only on complaints. A doctor’s examination and laboratory tests are needed for this.

During the appointment, the doctor clarifies the complaints, then performs an examination and prescribes the necessary tests.

In women, the following may be used to confirm the diagnosis:

  • microscopic examination of a smear;
  • determination of vaginal pH;
  • amine test;
  • PCR test to detect Gardnerella vaginalis and other infections, if necessary.

In men, the scope of examination depends on the presence of symptoms. The doctor may prescribe:

  • a smear from the urethra or other laboratory tests;
  • PCR test to detect Gardnerella vaginalis and other infectious agents;
  • if necessary — bacterial culture.

Doctors at Oxford Medical recommend not undergoing laboratory tests on your own without consulting a specialist. Test results must be evaluated together with clinical manifestations, because the mere presence of Gardnerella vaginalis does not always indicate disease.

Can Gardnerellosis Go Away on Its Own

Yes, in some cases the balance of the vaginal microbiota can recover on its own, and the amount of Gardnerella vaginalis can decrease without special treatment. Most often, this applies to cases when a woman has no complaints, and the bacterium was detected accidentally during an examination.

If gardnerellosis is accompanied by characteristic symptoms, it is not worth waiting for it to disappear on its own. In this case, it is necessary to complete a course of treatment prescribed by a doctor.

Doctors at Oxford Medical recommend not postponing a visit to a doctor if an unpleasant odor, unusual discharge, or other symptoms appear. The sooner the cause of the microbiota imbalance is identified and treatment is started, the lower the risk of complications and recurrent episodes of the disease.

Gardnerella and Pregnancy: Impact on Conception and the Course of Pregnancy

Gardnerella and Pregnancy: Impact on Conception and the Course of Pregnancy

The presence of Gardnerella vaginalis by itself does not prevent pregnancy. However, a disruption of the vaginal microbiota associated with excessive multiplication of this bacterium should preferably be detected and, if necessary, treated at the stage of pregnancy planning.

Doctors at Oxford Medical note: even if there are no complaints during preparation for conception, it is recommended to have a preventive examination by a gynecologist. This allows timely detection of microbiota disorders, infectious and inflammatory diseases, and other conditions that may require treatment before pregnancy occurs.

During pregnancy, gardnerellosis does not always lead to complications. However, if the microbiota disorder is pronounced and accompanied by symptoms, it must not be ignored. This condition may increase the risk of premature rupture of membranes, preterm birth, and postpartum infectious complications.

If gardnerellosis is detected during pregnancy, the doctor determines the tactics individually, taking into account the term, complaints, and examination results. Antibacterial drugs or vaginal products must not be used independently, because not all drugs are allowed during pregnancy.

Doctors at Oxford Medical recommend informing the doctor during pregnancy care about any changes in vaginal discharge, the appearance of an unpleasant odor, or discomfort. This makes it possible to conduct an examination in time and, if necessary, safely start treatment.

How to Get Rid of Gardnerellosis

Treatment of gardnerellosis depends on the presence of symptoms and examination results. If Gardnerella vaginalis is detected accidentally and there are no complaints, treatment is not always needed. At the same time, in confirmed gardnerellosis accompanied by symptoms, therapy is selected individually.

According to the recommendations of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the doctor may prescribe:

  • local antibacterial drugs (vaginal creams, gels, or suppositories);
  • oral antibacterial drugs;
  • probiotics or other agents to restore the normal vaginal microbiota — if indicated after completion of the main course of treatment.

Uusually treatment of gardnerellosis in men involves the use of antibacterial drugs. If Gardnerella vaginalis has caused urethritis or other inflammatory changes in the genitourinary organs, treatment is aimed at eliminating the inflammatory process and its cause. The doctor determines the therapy regimen, duration of the course, and the need for additional drugs based on the examination results.

If gardnerellosis is detected, examination of the sexual partner is important. This makes it possible to identify possible disorders in time and determine whether he needs treatment.

Doctors at Oxford Medical recommend not interrupting the course of treatment after symptoms disappear. Completing therapy according to the doctor’s prescriptions helps increase its effectiveness and reduce the risk of recurrent gardnerellosis.

Prevention of Gardnerellosis

Prevention of Gardnerellosis

Prevention of gardnerellosis is aimed at maintaining normal vaginal microbiota and eliminating factors that may disrupt its balance. Since the disease most often develops against the background of such changes, proper intimate health care helps reduce the risk of its occurrence and recurrent episodes.

For prevention, it is recommended to:

  • follow the rules of intimate hygiene and use mild products with an appropriate pH level;
  • not overuse douching and antiseptic products without a doctor’s prescription;
  • avoid unjustified use of antibacterial drugs;
  • use barrier methods of contraception during sexual contacts with a new or unverified partner;
  • regularly undergo preventive examinations by a gynecologist, even in the absence of complaints.

The general state of the body also plays an important role. Adequate nutrition, sufficient sleep, control of chronic diseases, and reduction of stress exposure help maintain the body’s natural defense mechanisms and the normal composition of the vaginal microbiota.

Doctors at Oxford Medical recommend not ignoring the appearance of unusual discharge, an unpleasant odor, or other discomfort. Timely consultation with a doctor makes it possible to detect the disorder at an early stage, carry out the necessary treatment, and reduce the risk of recurrent gardnerellosis.

The information in the article is provided for informational purposes and is not an instruction for self-diagnosis or self-treatment. If symptoms of the disease appear, you should consult a doctor.

Sources:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

PubMed Central

National Center for Biotechnology Information