Gardnerella Isn’t Cinderella’s Cousin
Gardnerella also known as Bacterial Vaginosis is an imbalance of naturally occurring bacterial flora. The misery of Bacterial Vaginitis can seem unbearable and sometimes embarrassing. Whether it’s the malodorous smell, itching, burning and irritation or the thin white or gray messy discharge that leaves you feeling not so fresh, Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) is no picnic to have. Cervix tenderness or back pain can hurt and cause many women to finally seek treatment. Sometimes fever is present. Other times it is caught early and women are asymptomatic. Little is known as to the direct cause of BV. Sometimes it occurs in women who have never had sexual contact. Smoking and drinking can also contribute. It frequently occurs in pregnant women or women who have a new sex partner or multiple sex partners. Douching can alter the good bacteria in your body and could be a culprit as well.
Feminine deodorant sprays should be avoided if you develop any symptoms of infections. Bacterial vaginosis treatment varies. There are three types of vaginitis: hormone-related, irritant, and infectious. The first is generally found in prepubescent girls, postpartum mothers, women who have already had menopause or ladies who had their ovaries surgically removed. Irritant Vaginitis is the result of allergies, tight, non-porous clothing or poor hygiene. The infectious version is commonly found in women of childbearing age and is usually caused by gonococci, trichomonas or other sexually transmitted organisms. Bacterial Vaginitis has been described by the CDC as an STD although it is commonly acquired and not always classified as such. It is best to immediately see a doctor if you are having symptoms for them to determine what is wrong because many other health issues can exist.
Your gynecologist can provide the best treatment plan after a series of questions and tests. Your doctor will obtain a sample and send it to a lab to be screened for several possibilities. Gonorrhea, Chlamydia and yeast (Candida) can appear to exhibit similar symptoms. The presence of clue cells are important when diagnosing BV. Your doctor may perform a potassium hydroxide test. When it is combined with the discharge it produces a fish-like odor if the infection is present and infected cells can be viewed under a microscope. If you are diagnosed with vaginal bacteriosis, your gynecologist will prescribe something to fight off the infection. Oral treatments include Metronidazole (Flagyl) and Clindamycin (Cleocin).
Topical treatments for bacterial vaginosis are also sometimes necessary. Clindamycin 2% vaginal cream or Metronidazole vaginal gel (Metrogel vaginal) are common cures that are used. Typically a seven-day course is given to combat the bad bacteria that are present. BV can recur after treatment, so it is very important to finish up all medications given by your health care provider and pay attention to your symptoms after you are treated.