Do you know what a gardneralla bacterial infection is? Have you been experiencing a gray or yellowish vaginal discharge with a fishy odor? Gardnerella may be responsible for this embarrassing problem. Here is some useful information about Gardnerella, its causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment.

What is Gardnerella Bacterial Infection?

Gardnerella is a condition caused by a bacterial infection of the female genital tract. It is also known as Gardnerella Vaginalis or Bacterial vaginosis. It is the most common type of bacterial vaginitis in sexually active adult women. It can affect any woman regardless of whether she is sexually active or not.

Gardnerella symptoms

a) Vaginal discharge

This infection causes vaginal discharge that can be yellowish, gray, or whitish-gray in color.

b) Vaginal odor

Gardnerella discharge will have a peculiar musty or fishy smell that is often unpleasant.

c) Vaginal itching

Gardnerella can cause vaginal irritation. After intercourse, the itching may become more pronounced.

d) Feeling of pain

Gardnerella can cause a burning or painful sensation when urinating.

What Causes Gardnerella?

In healthy women, the body is able to maintain the normal pH balance that keeps the acidic nature of the vagina intact. This acidity prevents the growth of harmful bacteria in the vagina. These bacteria include strains of Gardnerella Vaginalis and also Gardnerella Mobiluncus and Mycoplasma Hominis. Whenever harmful bacteria multiply in large numbers, the vaginal pH balance is disturbed and infection occurs.

Some of the known causes of this infection include:

a) Antibiotics

Often times, antibiotics can kill the necessary healthy bacteria in the vagina. This makes the vagina susceptible to harmful bacterial infections and the growth of Gardnerella.

b) Buffers

Consistent tampon use can cause vaginal irritation and lead to infections. Using tampons can make the vagina dry and vulnerable to bacterial infections.

c) Contraceptives

The use of contraceptives such as diaphragms and intrauterine devices (IUDs) and also douching can upset the balance of healthy bacteria in the vagina. This makes the vagina more susceptible to attack by harmful bacteria.

d) Copulation

Although sexual activity has not been shown to be a cause of Gardnerella infection, it may be an underlying factor. This is because the condition is more common in women with multiple partners. However, it can also affect virgins and women who have never had sex.

e) Pregnancy

Gardnerella is a very common infection that affects young pregnant women.

Gardnerella bacterial infection is not a life-threatening disorder. It can affect any woman and is not a sexually transmitted disease. The treatment options for this infection are many. There are conventional medicines, natural cures, and herbal remedies to treat the condition.