Gardnerella vaginalis and Gardnerella mobiluncus are two types of bacteria that are a normal part of the vaginal flora. However, when they overgrow and spread, they can cause an infection, which is most commonly known as bacterial vaginosis, or BV. BV is characterized by production of a gray-white discharge and a strong, foul odor.
Also recommended: Bacterial Vaginosis: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment tuasaude.com/en/bacterial-vaginosisTreatment for a gardnerella infection is completed with antibiotics, such as oral metronidazole or clindamycin. The doctor can also prescribe ointments that are applied directly to the vagina. In more mild cases, adequate genital hygiene can eliminate the infection.
Gardnerella infections occur more frequently in women, as gardnerella bacteria is part of normal vaginal flora, but men can also be infected with this bacteria through unprotected sex with an infected partner.
What causes gardnerella infections?
In women, having gardnerella bacteria in low amounts is normal, and is not considered to be harmful.
However high levels that lead to an infection and symptoms are more commonly seen in women that present with risk factors, like multiple sexual partners, smoking, frequent vaginal douching, or having an IUD.
In addition, people with a compromised immune systems (due to HIV, AIDS or cancer treatment) may experience bacterial vaginosis or a gardnerella infection more frequently.
In men, gardnerella bacteria is not naturally found on the penis, however, if it can lead to infection if the bacteria grows and spreads.
Is Gardnerella a sexually transmitted infection?
Although transmission of this bacteria through sexual contact is possible, a Gardnerella infection is not considered an STI, as having the bacteria does not mean you are infected. Gardnerella bacteria is a normal part of vaginal flora, unlike the bacteria that cause other STIs like gonorrhea or syphilis, for example.
Sexually-active people can carry gardnerella bacteria for an incubation period of 2 to 21 days, without any symptoms presenting.
To prevent infection, it is recommended to maintain adequate genital hygiene, to use a condom during all sexual interactions, to avoid wearing very tight underwear and to avoid having multiple sexual partners.
Common symptoms
Gardnerella can present differently in men and women, with one or more of the following symptoms:
It is normal for men with a Gardnerella infection to be asymptomatic. and therefore treatment is not always necessary. However, if infections recur frequently in a woman, the doctor may opt to treat her sexual partner as well, as a couple can reinfect and transmit the infection back and forth through unprotected sex.
In addition, if the infection occurs simultaneously with other bacteria, women may experience inflammation in the uterus and fallopian tubes, which can lead to infertility if treatment is not completed.
Confirming a diagnosis
The diagnosis of the infection can be done in a gynecological or family doctor office. The doctor will assess for signs of infection, especially for changes to discharge or odor. To confirm a diagnosis, the doctor may also recommend a vaginal culture, in which vaginal discharge is collected with a swab and sent to the laboratory for microbiological analysis.
Through a culture, it it is possible to confirm the exact bacteria responsible for the infection and this should be a reference for guiding treatment.
For men, the diagnosis should be confirmed by the urologist, following evaluation of symptoms and assessment of penile dysfunction.
Treatment options
Gardnerella infection is easy to cure, and treatment is usually completed with oral antibiotics, such as metronidazole, secnidazole, or clindamycin. Ointments can also be prescribed, and they should be applied to the genital area.
Generally, treatment with an oral antibiotic lasts about 7 days,, or 5 days for the ointments. During this time, ensure you are performing adequate genital hygiene (e.g. washing only the external genital area with soap that is pH neutral or appropriate for the area. See how else bacterial vaginosis can be treated.
With pregnancy, treatment should only be done with oral antibiotics, under the supervision of the obstetrician. Adequate genital hygiene is also advised. The doctor may also evaluate alternative birth control options if the infection is related to IUD use.