The female vagina contains a microflora that includes lactobacilli and opportunistic microorganisms. For the whole organism and the reproductive system, these varieties are optimally correlated with each other. Conditionally pathogenic is the bacterium Gardnerella vaginalis. It is present in small amounts in the genitals or absent altogether.
If a woman has casual sex, contraceptives are used or antibiotics are taken, then this fungus actively multiplies, which displaces lactobacilli from the genital organs and causes inflammation and dysbacteriosis.
Feature of the disease
Bacterial vaginosis, or gardnerellosis, is one of the most common gynecological pathologies. The basis of the development of the occurrence of infection is vaginal dysbacteriosis. At the same time, the normal microflora, represented by lactobacilli, decreases very quickly, and there is an active reproduction of opportunistic bacteria, including gardnerella.
These pathogens actively attach to epithelial structures, increasing their granularity and promoting destruction. Under favorable conditions, they multiply rapidly on the mucous surfaces of the organs of the genitourinary system.
Bacteria depress local immunity and lead to the death of leukocytes. Due to this, pathogens can penetrate into the deepest layers of mucous surfaces. According to studies, the development of gardnerellosis is influenced by mycoplasmas and other anaerobes. Therefore, the disease is considered a mixed infection.
Basic shapes
Doctors distinguish several varieties of gardnerellosis according to the severity of the course, namely:
- compensated;
- subcompensated;
- decompensated.
With the compensated type, the opportunistic microflora changes in a small amount. Subcompensated is characterized by the fact that there is a slight increase in the amount of gardnerella. With the decompensated type of the disease, there is an almost complete displacement of lactobacilli, a change in the epithelium and severe inflammation.
Causes of occurrence
Answering the question of where gardnerella comes from in women, it must be said that this opportunistic bacterium is found in small amounts in the woman's vagina, and begins to activate and leads to illness only when exposed to provoking factors. The main reasons should include such as:
- long-term use of strong antibiotics;
- self douching;
- use of strong antiseptics for douching;
- frequent change of sexual partners;
- use of contraceptives;
- unprotected sex;
- compromised immunity.
A woman becomes infected through the genital tract. Several factors lead to the development of the disease. The carrier of the infection is a man.
Main symptoms
The incubation period of vaginosis is small. It is no more than 5-10 days. The course of the disease is slowly progressive. Despite the fact that the infection is not considered very dangerous and does not lead to serious complications, it should be treated as early as possible. Gardnerellosis not only causes significant discomfort, but can also be transmitted sexually.
Among the first signs should be noted the appearance of an unpleasant odor and discharge from the genital tract. The smell is very rotten. It intensifies after sexual intercourse and even washing, as soap creates an alkaline environment in the vagina. The discharge is not too strong, grayish white or creamy.
As gardnerellosis progresses, women experience symptoms such as:
- itching, burning and discomfort in the perineum;
- pain in the lower abdomen;
- discomfort during sex;
- creamy highlights;
- Pain when urinating, passing urine in small amounts.
Vaginosis often develops against the background of other diseases of the genitourinary system, in particulartrichomoniasis, candidiasis, gonorrhea. In this case, the signs of the disease become erased, which greatly complicates the diagnosis.
Diagnostics
The disease is provoked by gardnerella bacteria. Symptoms and treatment in women can be different, which is why it is possible to choose therapy only after an examination. Pathology is very dangerous for its asymptomatic course. An infected woman, unaware of her condition, can infect sexual partners. If the first signs of the disease appear, then you should definitely visit a gynecologist.
It is important to comprehensively examine the urogenital area, to establish whether there are other diseases, and to separate them from gardnerellosis. The doctor uses diagnostic techniques such as:
- inspection;
- smear for laboratory and microscopic examination;
- test strips for determining the level of acidity of the vagina;
- vaginosis smear;
- blood and urine test;
- colposcopy;
- PCR study.
An infected woman has very few lactobacilli. In addition, there is an increase in leukocytes, and the acidic environment of the vagina is replaced by an alkaline one.
Features of treatment
To eliminate unpleasant symptoms and gardnerella in women, treatment must be comprehensive and well-chosen. First of all, you need to eliminate the factors that provoke the onset of the disease. Standard instruction includes:
- avoiding uncontrolled use of antimicrobials;
- sexualcontact with a regular sexual partner;
- taking oral contraceptives prescribed by a doctor;
- use of condoms;
- refusing to douche;
- he althy and balanced diet.
It is worth remembering that with bacterial vaginosis it is strictly contraindicated to use spermicides, as well as condoms treated with 9-nonoxynol, as this substance leads to alkalization and provokes the reproduction of pathogens.
Medicated treatment
How to treat gardnerellosis in women? Drugs and other means of therapy must be selected by the attending physician after the study. The therapeutic approach is carried out in several stages and is primarily aimed at the destruction of bacteria.
At the first stage, the doctor prescribes "Ornidazole" from gardnerella 500 mg twice a day. Treatment continues for 5 days. This medicine very quickly destroys pathogens and has almost no side effects. It is undesirable to take it in the first trimester of pregnancy, as well as in case of individual intolerance, diseases of the liver and kidneys.
Metronidazole 500 mg twice a day is also required. This medicine is prescribed for 7 days. For several decades, Metronidazole has remained one of the most popular medicines. This antibiotic has a wide spectrum of action. It is active against many pathogens. Contraindicated in case of individual intolerance, diseases of the nervous system,pregnancy, liver damage.
Vilprafen tablets have proven themselves well from gardnerella in women. They are macrolides. The medicine is mainly prescribed in advanced cases, as well as when other infections are attached.
The drug "Tinidazole" from gardnerella has proven itself well. It also helps to cope with Trichomonas, which begins to multiply actively against the background of dysbacteriosis.
It is important to know how to treat gardnerellosis in women. The drug "Dalacin" is a vaginal cream. You can use it strictly according to the instructions or in the dosage determined by the attending doctor. You can also use the drug "Clindamycin" from gardnerella. This is a cream that is applied once a day. You can use it for 3 days. In addition, the drug is available in tablet form. It helps to stop protein synthesis in bacterial cells, which leads to their death.
"Macmirror" has a very strong antibacterial effect and has low toxicity, which makes it very popular. Many doctors recommend using Unidox Solutab from gardnerella. It is a good antibacterial agent of the macrolide group, which is allowed during pregnancy.
Anti-inflammatory drugs help to get rid of burning and itching. In addition, they reduce the severity of discomfort in the pelvic area. To do this, appoint "Indomethacin", "Diclofenac", "Ibuprofen", "Meloxicam".
Immunostimulants will help normalize the recovery processes in the body. The most famous means"Immunal", "Viferon", "Amiksin", "Tsitovir" are considered.
It is very important to correctly select drugs. How to treat gardnerellosis in women, the doctor can determine only after testing the sensitivity of bacteria to the drug.
Using candles
For therapy, not only systemic drugs are prescribed. How to treat gardnerellosis in women, only the attending doctor should decide. As part of therapy, a specialist often prescribes local medicines in the form of douching solutions, suppositories, gels and ointments. Antibiotic suppositories help prevent the growth of pathogens. To do this, often use tools such as:
- Clindamycin;
- Polygynax;
- "Acilact";
- Metronidazole.
Antifungal suppositories prevent the development of fungal microflora and prevent the formation of thrush. To do this, prescribe suppositories such as:
- "Nystatin";
- "Levorin";
- Clotrimazole;
- Pimafitsun;
- Flucostat.
Suppositories containing lactobacilli help to normalize the microflora of the vagina. The most popular drugs are:
- "Lactobacterin";
- Vagilak;
- Lactonorm;
- Lactoginal.
In some cases, doctors prescribe only topical treatment, but its effectiveness is much lower than the use of systemic drugs.
Features of food
Proper nutrition is very importantimportance for the he alth and normal functioning of all organs and systems. To normalize the microflora of the vagina, the diet should contain lactic acid bacteria in sufficient quantities.
Therefore, women should regularly eat fresh fruits and vegetables, pickled cucumbers and cabbage, kefir and yogurt.
Folk remedies
Folk remedies are widely used as adjuvant therapy. However, it is worth remembering that they can be used only in the absence of concomitant sexually transmitted diseases, as well as signs of inflammation of the fallopian tubes, uterus and ovaries. Folk remedies have certain indications and contraindications that are important to consider, and a doctor's consultation is also required.
Sedentary baths made from decoction of oak bark have proven themselves well. Take 250 g of prepared raw materials, pour 0.75 liters of water and let it brew for 3-4 hours. Then boil the liquid for 15 minutes, cool to room temperature and filter. Apply at bedtime for sitz baths. The duration of therapy is 10-14 days.
You can use tampons with aloe juice. Take 5-10 ml of juice. Soak a cotton swab with it. Insert it into the vagina and leave for 7-8 hours. The therapeutic course is 7 days.
Possible Complications
It is very important to know why gardnerella is dangerous in women. It can cause complications such as:
- endometritis;
- pelvic inflammation;
- bartholinitis;
- urethral syndrome;
- problems conceiving a child.
If a problem occurs during pregnancy, the consequences can be very serious for the fetus. There is a possibility of having a child with low birth weight or congenital diseases. At an early stage, the influence of pathogens can lead to rupture of the amniotic membrane.
It is possible to avoid the unpleasant consequences of gardnerellosis in women with competent therapy. You need to be under the supervision of your doctor at all times.
Forecast
Some women don't think it's a disease and wait for gardnerellosis to go away on its own without medication. The microflora of the vagina can eventually recover on its own, but this happens very rarely and with good immunity. In any case, this is a rather lengthy process, and it is very difficult to endure the symptoms of infection for a long time.
The disease is very successfully treated with a timely visit to the doctor. If all the recommendations of a qualified gynecologist are followed, recovery comes quickly, and the prognosis is favorable.
Prophylaxis
Women who periodically experience this disease need to pay attention to their immunity. Since in most cases it is its decrease that becomes the main cause of the violation of the microflora of the vagina, which leads to frequent hormonal disruptions. Among the main methods of prevention, it is necessary to highlight such as:
- proper nutrition;
- active lifestyle;
- observance of intimatehygiene;
- full he althy sleep;
- presence of a permanent sexual partner;
- timely visit to the gynecologist.
It is important to try to consume as many fresh vegetables and fruits as possible, drink plenty of water, take walks in the fresh air.
Bacterial vaginosis is quite common. Timely treatment and adherence to preventive measures are important.
