Generality
Gardnerella vaginalis is the name of a small microorganism, a bacterium commonly found in the bacterial flora of the vagina. This musculomembranous channel is mainly populated by lactobacilli, which acidify its pH to keep away - or at least under control - potential pathogens, including the gardnerella vaginalis.
Causes
Childhood
At pre-birth age the finding of this bacillus in the vaginal environment of asymptomatic girls is quite rare. For this reason, some authors argue that the presence of gardnerella in childhood should be considered an indication of a probable - though unsafe - sexual abuse. The situation is different in adulthood, since about 30% of the healthy female population hosts this bacterium in their vagina.
Sexually active women
The overgrowth of Gardnerella bacilli is called into question in the appearance of one of the most common vaginal affections in fertile age, bacterial vaginosis . This pathology is characterized by a clear reduction of the lactobacilli population in favor of facultative anaerobic microorganisms, such as Gardnerella. The risk of developing bacterial vaginosis increases with increasing frequency and sexual promiscuity; the main way of contagion seems to be the latter, without forgetting that the slightly alkaline pH (7.4-7.6) of the sperm, decreases the vaginal acidity favoring the engraftment and the proliferation of pathogens.
Among the most significant risk factors we must also mention incorrect intimate hygiene (for example excessive use of lavender), the use of antibiotics or intrauterine mechanical contraceptives such as the spiral, previous pregnancies and a certain genetic predisposition (it seems for example that the black population is statistically more affected).
Symptoms and diagnosis
In most patients (over 50%), the presence of Gardnerella in the vagina is absolutely asymptomatic. In other cases, the abnormal growth of the pathogen is associated with the appearance of abundant greyish-white and strongly malodorous secretions, 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 - is already a whole program. In practice, a drop of 10% potassium hydroxide is placed in contact with the vaginal secret, with the aim of releasing the pungent odor typical of an important gardnerella infection. Moreover, vaginal pH changes from normal 4 - 4.5 to neutrality or mild basicity. To obtain further diagnostic confirmation, the gynecologist can take some desquamated cells with a swab and seek the presence of the bacterium, usually abundant, under a microscope.
Gardnerella infection also manifests itself with a modest burning sensation and irritation, common elements - albeit with varying intensity - somewhat to all sexually transmitted genital infections.
Care
In the article dedicated to bacterial vaginosis, we have warned the female population of the fact that this disease - if neglected - can cause subsequent alterations in the cervix or a real pelvic inflammatory disease, seriously compromising female fertility .
The therapy must therefore always be prescribed by the doctor. Bacterial vaginosis cannot and should not be treated by doing one's own thing and relying on simple over-the-counter remedies or the advice of a friend.
One of the drugs of first choice, because it is active directly against Gardnerella is metronidazole .
The use of topical therapies and the adoption of appropriate behavioral measures is common or in place of it, which is taken orally according to medical indications. The main purpose of these treatments is to reconstitute the normal vaginal flora, with consequent acidification of the microenvironment and removal of the pathogens that in it survive with difficulty, including Gardnerella. Vaginal lavages will therefore be used - but only if strictly with an acid content - at the end of sexual relations and after the end of the menstrual flow. There are also antibacterial drugs for local topical application (creams, ova, glow plugs based, for example, on metronidazole itself).
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Prevention
To keep the vaginal flora in balance and to avoid the risk of Gardnerella overgrowth is important:
- properly clean intimate areas. Both poor personal hygiene and obsessive cleansing contribute to altering the local microflora. We recommend the use of a soap with physiological pH (4 or 5), while intimate deodorants and internal washes 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 the panty liners, which should be changed frequently in the days of flow.
- The continued rubbing of the garment against the genitals can also cause local irritation. Therefore, it is better to choose cotton, which offers greater breathability than synthetic fibers.
- Always use condoms in occasional sexual intercourse; if an infection is suspected (signaled by symptoms such as itching and bad smelling losses) sexual rest is important until the medical diagnosis 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 condition.
- Avoid staying long with the wet swimsuit.
- Follow a healthy and balanced diet (in particular, reduce the consumption of sweets and simple sugars); occasionally giving oneself regenerating breaks and practicing regular physical exercise; these small attentions to one's body will be rewarded with a better immune efficacy and, consequently, with a better balance of the vaginal flora and greater protection from the gardnerella.
Gardnerella medications »
