Gardnerella: what is it and how dangerous?

Gardnerella is a fairly common disease that affects both women and men. Therefore, many are interested in questions about how the human body gets a gardnerella, what it is and what problems it can lead to. Is there an effective treatment for the infection?

Gardnerella: what is it?

Gardnerella vaginalis is an anaerobic bacterium that lives in the human genitourinary system . Until recently, it was thought that the most common cause of nonspecific vaginitis was the activity of gardnerella in women. The reasons, certainly, can be connected with growth and reproduction of these microorganisms. But at the present time such a bacterium is considered to be conditionally pathogenic.

Infection does not always lead to the emergence of inflammatory processes - for many months, microorganisms can live in the genitourinary system, without causing any external signs. By the way, hidden carrier is more typical for men.

Recent studies have shown that the activity of gardnerella in women leads to a change in acidity and disruption of the normal vaginal microflora. Against the background of such violations, intensive growth and reproduction of other pathogenic microorganisms is observed . Therefore, most often gardnerellez is associated with other infectious diseases - the cause of the inflammatory process can be several varieties of pathogenic bacteria.

Gardnerella: what is it and how does it get into the body?

Most often, human infection occurs during unprotected intercourse. And the danger is not only vaginal, but also oral and anal contacts. The household way of transmission is also possible, but only in cases where there is a joint use of purely personal items, for example, underwear, intimate hygiene products, etc. It is possible to transmit infection from the mother to the fetus during pregnancy or childbirth.

Gardnerella: what is it and to what diseases does its activity lead?

As already mentioned, the infection can exist in the body, without manifesting itself. The appearance of the inflammatory process, as a rule, is associated with weakening of immunity, hormonal failures, hypothermia, stress and any other factors weakening the immune system.

In women, gardnerel activity often leads to the development of nonspecific vaginosis. Patients complain of the appearance of uncharacteristic vaginal discharge with an unpleasant odor, itching of the external genitalia, pain during intercourse or even at rest.

In men, a similar infection can lead to inflammation of the walls of the urethra. As is known, urethritis is accompanied by severe pain and incision during urination, increased urge to empty the bladder, as well as redness and swelling of the glans penis.

How to treat gardnerella?

Certainly, patients with a similar problem need medical care. After all, in the absence of treatment, the infection can spread higher through the genitourinary tract, leading to inflammation of other organs.

Therapy primarily involves taking antibacterial drugs. Since gardnerelles are resistant to most antibiotics, patients are prescribed metronidazole. In addition, it is appropriate to use some external means, in particular, vaginal suppositories or gels, for example, "Metrogil" or "Flagin". Undoubtedly, it is necessary to take drugs containing live cultures of beneficial bacteria, since it is extremely important to restore normal vaginal flora. Sometimes an additional immunotherapy.