Gardnerella’ is a bacteria that can cause vaginal infection. This bacterium has been known as ‘haemophilius’, and has also been implicated in a condition called ‘non-specific vaginitis’ or ‘bacterial vaginosis’ Gardnerella is not harmful but can be quite irritating. In men, Gardnerella can go undetected and therefore pass from partner to partner. If a partner has Gardnerella, the male partner must be treated. Condoms should be used to prevent another infection. In pregnancy, proper detection and treatment can often prevent preterm labor and delivery.

Symptoms

Symptoms depend on the amount of bacteria present. While a small amount may cause no symptoms, a moderate to large amount may cause:

• itching
• burning
• pain during intercourse
• grey-yellow discharge
• foul odor (fishy, musty)
• soreness of the vulva and/or vagina

Symptoms may be mild, moderate or severe or Gardnerella may have been identified on a Pap smear or swab without you noticing any changes.

Is Gardnerella sexually transmitted?

Like ‘thrush’, gardnerella organisms prefer to live in the moist environment of the vagina. They are not necessarily sexually transmitted, however, it is possible to acquire or pass on such an infection through sexual contact.

Gardnerella is often present in the vagina without causing any problems. If the other bacteria (‘lactobacilli’), which normally live in the vagina and keep the vagina acidic (pH between 3.5 and 4.5), are disturbed, the vagina becomes alkaline. This tends to favor the overgrowth of gardnerella organisms.

What causes the vagina to become alkaline?

• Antibiotics may kill off the lactobacilli. This can also lead to overgrowth of yeast organisms causing ‘thrush’ (also called ‘monilia’ or ‘candida’).
• Lack of estrogen (e.g. around the time of menopause) or a change in the estrogen/progesterone balance.
• Stress and diet may possibly affect hormonal balance.
• Frequent intercourse may affect the pH of the vagina (semen and vaginal lubricating fluid are both alkaline. Menstrual blood is also alkaline).

What does Gardnerella overgrowth cause?

Under normal conditions the vagina sustains a natural balance of bacteria, however this balance can be disturbed and if harmful bacteria over populates, Bacterial Vaginosis develops. Overgrowth of Gardnerella may be responsible for this condition and as such BV is also known as Gardnerella Vaginalis. A decrease in the good bacteria such as Lactobacilli, which keeps the vagina slightly acidic, will also allow overgrowth of the bad bacteria.

Contracting Bacterial Vaginosis

Though it is understood how BV develops, it is more of a mystery as to how the imbalance of bacteria occurs to begin with.
It is known, however, that BV can affect all women and that factors suspected of raising the risk of developing BV include:

• multiple sexual partners
• oral sex
• douching (rinsing of the vagina)
• stress

BV does not appear to be a sexually transmitted condition though it seems to develop as a result of sexual activity. This can include non-penile penetration such as toys or fingers. It can develop just as easily if a woman has had only one sexual partner or uses protection at all times.

Treatment Options

Always seek professional medical advice about any treatment or change in treatment plans.

• Antibiotics
• Antibiotic cream
• No treatment - some conditions without symptoms, such as those found only on a routine Pap smear, may not need treatment.

Prevention

Because it is not fully understood as to how exactly bacterial vaginosis is contracted, prevention of BV involves reducing the risk of developing it.

• safe sex with condoms;
• Avoid douching;
• Abstinence;
• Limiting number sexual partners;
• Cleaning sex toys before use in the vagina.