Have you ever heard of the name `Gardnerella vaginalis`? Maybe you've heard it from your doctor or a friend. Hearing this name can make some people feel a little scared, "Is this some kind of disease?" But it's actually a normal bacteria that's found in everyone's vagina . So before you panic, let's get to know it better.
What is `Gardnerella vaginalis`? Simply put...
Simply put, `Gardnerella vaginalis` is a type of bacteria that lives inside your vagina. Yes, you heard right, it`s a bacteria . But not all bacteria are bad. Our bodies, especially in places like the vagina, have good bacteria as well as some bad bacteria. All of these together make up what`s called the `vaginal flora` or `microbiome`.
Think of your vagina as a small garden. Just as there are different types of plants in this garden, there are different types of bacteria in your vagina. These bacteria live in a delicate balance with each other. As long as this balance is right, your vagina is healthy and protected from infections. `Gardnerella vaginalis` is just one member of this garden.
So, what is the function of this `Gardnerella` bacteria?
You might be thinking, "So what's the point of having these bacteria?" Yes, they do! The main job of these bacteria in the vagina is to keep the vagina healthy. They're like little guards.
In the past, when scientists discovered `Gardnerella vaginalis` around 1955, they thought it was a bad, infection-causing bacteria. But recent research has shown that the story is not so simple. Because `Gardnerella` is present in the vaginas of both people with vaginal infections and healthy people without any infections . This means that `Gardnerella` alone cannot be responsible for vaginal infections. It mainly depends on how this `Gardnerella` bacteria is balanced with other good bacteria, such as `Lactobacillus`.
Another thing is that `Gardnerella` also helps maintain a healthy `pH` value, that is, a healthy acidic level, in the fluid in the vagina. The `pH` value of a healthy vagina is usually between 3.8 and 4.5. When this acidity is at just the right level, it is difficult for germs that cause infections to grow there. So, this collection of bacteria in the vagina works to maintain this acidic level. However, if for some reason this acidic level decreases and the amount of `Gardnerella` increases too much, then infections can occur.
Where exactly is `Gardnerella vaginalis` found in our body?
This is probably clear to you now. `Gardnerella vaginalis` lives inside your vagina. It is a normal member of the `vaginal flora`, that is, it lives alongside other microorganisms that live there.
What causes an increase in `Gardnerella vaginalis`? Is this contagious?
Here's something to remember: Gardnerella vaginalis is not something you can "catch" from someone else. It's a natural part of your vaginal environment . The problem only arises when the amount of Gardnerella bacteria increases too much . If that happens, you can develop a vaginal infection called Bacterial Vaginosis (BV).
How do you know if your `Gardnerella vaginalis` level is unbalanced? What are the symptoms?
When the Gardnerella bacteria start to grow too much, you may develop symptoms of a condition called Bacterial Vaginosis (BV). You may notice changes in your vaginal discharge. For example:
- The discharge may appear whitish, gray, or green.
- There may be an unpleasant odor, similar to a fishy odor . This odor may be worse after sexual intercourse or during menstruation.
- Sometimes you may feel itching or burning in the vaginal area.
However, some people can have BV without any symptoms , so it's best to see a doctor if you have any concerns.
Are `Gardnerella` and `Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)` the same thing?
No, they are not the same thing, but they are related . Having too many Gardnerella bacteria in your vaginal fluid is a sign that you may have BV. BV occurs when the balance of bacteria that keeps your vagina healthy is disrupted . This often happens when there is an imbalance between two main types of bacteria in your vagina.
People with BV have low levels of good bacteria called Lactobacilli in their vaginas, and high levels of Gardnerella bacteria. Lactobacilli are the bacteria that help keep the vagina acidic. When these Lactobacilli are low, the pH of the vagina rises above 4.5, which means it becomes less acidic.
In this less acidic environment, the `Gardnerella` bacteria start to multiply rapidly. Some other bacteria also attach to this `Gardnerella` and grow together. That's when you get `BV`. But remember, `Gardnerella` alone does not cause `BV` . `BV` is caused by an imbalance in the bacterial flora of the vagina.
Is `Gardnerella vaginalis` a sexually transmitted infection (STI)?
No. `Gardnerella vaginalis` is not a `Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI)`. In fact, it is not possible to say for sure that sexual activity alone causes an overgrowth of `Gardnerella` bacteria or `BV`. This is because even people who are not sexually active can develop an overgrowth of `Gardnerella` bacteria and develop `BV`.
Remember, having Gardnerella vaginalis in your vagina does not mean you have an infection. Gardnerella is also present in healthy vaginas . This is not like some other STIs; the presence of the bacteria or virus in your body is an infection.
However, even though Gardnerella is not a bacteria that causes an STI, sexual activity is not a risk factor for developing BV. It can be a risk factor. Although the exact causes of BV are not yet clear, if you have multiple sexual partners, or if you have a new sexual partner, you are more likely to develop BV.
How to check the level of `Gardnerella vaginalis`?
Your doctor can take a small sample of your vaginal discharge and examine it under a microscope to see if there are too many Gardnerella vaginalis bacteria or if there are special cells called "clue cells" that are associated with BV.
What are the treatments if the amount of `Gardnerella` is unhealthy?
If you have an imbalance of `Gardnerella vaginalis` in your vagina and have a condition called `BV`, it is not a good idea to leave it untreated . Untreated `BV` can lead to some complications. For example:
- Pregnancy complications such as miscarriage or premature birth during pregnancy.
- Increased risk of contracting other STIs (sexually transmitted infections).
- Conditions such as `Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)`.
Your doctor will likely prescribe antibiotics to restore Gardnerella levels and cure BV. These can be given either as oral pills or as intravaginal medications.
Important: It is very important to take the full course of antibiotics prescribed by a doctor. Do not stop taking them just because your symptoms have subsided.
What does it mean if you get a positive test result for `Gardnerella`?
This is a common misconception. Everyone with a vagina has some amount of the bacteria Gardnerella in their vagina. So, just because you test positive for Gardnerella doesn't mean you have an infection. It only becomes a problem when there is an unhealthy or unbalanced amount of this bacteria in your vagina. That's when you have a condition called BV.
Some tips for maintaining a healthy vaginal flora
These things can help maintain a healthy balance of bacteria in your vagina:
- Don't douche: Your vagina can maintain a healthy level of bacteria on its own. Douching can upset the balance of bacteria in your vagina, leading to infections.
- Use condoms or dental dams during sex: Unprotected sex can disrupt the vaginal flora and lead to conditions like `BV`.
- Limit the number of sexual partners: Having multiple sexual partners increases the risk of infection.
- Do not use scented soaps or feminine hygiene sprays in the vaginal area: These can change the vaginal pH and disrupt the bacterial balance. It is sufficient to use plain water and a mild, unscented soap to clean the outside.
- Avoid wearing tight underwear or underwear made from synthetic fabrics: These reduce ventilation, trap moisture, and can promote bacterial growth. Choose underwear made from natural fabrics like cotton.
Does having `Gardnerella` mean you have `HPV` (human papillomavirus)?
No. Health researchers are still studying whether there is a definite link between `Human Papillomavirus (HPV)` infection and `Gardnerella`. There is no firm conclusion yet. Therefore, there is no need to be afraid of `HPV` once you know that you have `Gardnerella`.
Don't panic if you find that your Gardnerella vaginalis bacteria levels are abnormal. This is a common type of bacteria that should be present in your vagina . If your doctor tells you that you have Gardnerella overgrowth, or Bacterial Vaginosis (BV), remember that it is a treatable condition . A course of antibiotics can restore your vaginal flora to a healthy level within about a week.
The most important things to keep in mind (Take-Home Message)
Okay, so let's recap the main points you need to remember from what we've talked about:
- `Gardnerella vaginalis` is a bacteria that is normally found in the vagina . Its presence is not a problem.
- The only problem is if the balance between this bacteria and other good bacteria is lost .
- If this balance is disrupted and Gardnerella increases, an infection called Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) can occur.
- The main symptom of BV is an unusual vaginal discharge with a fishy odor . However, some people may not have any symptoms at all.
- `Gardnerella vaginalis` is not a sexually transmitted infection (STI) .
- BV can be easily treated with antibiotics .
- Things like not douching, practicing safe sex, and not using harsh soaps around the vagina help maintain vaginal health.
If you have any further questions or concerns about this, it's best to talk to your doctor.
` Gadnarella vaginalis, bacterial vaginosis, vaginal infections, vaginal discharge, women's health, vaginal pH, lactobacilli
💬 අදහස් (0)
තවමත් කිසිදු අදහසක් පළ කර නොමැත. ඔබේ අදහස පළමු වරට මෙහි එක් කරන්න.
ඔබේ අදහස එක් කරන්න