Many women sometimes experience minor discomfort in their vagina. Maybe there is a strange odor, or a different type of discharge than usual. It is normal to feel scared when something like this happens. But one of the main reasons for this may be the activity of a bacteria called 'Gardnerella Vaginalis'. Don't be scared when you hear this name. Today we will talk about everything very simply, in a way that you can understand.
What exactly is Gardnerella Vaginalis?
Simply put, Gardnerella vaginalis is a type of bacteria that naturally lives in your vagina. Just like our garden has different types of trees and flowers, our vagina (which we call `vaginal flora`) also has a balance of different types of bacteria. Keeping this bacterial environment healthy is very important for vaginal health.
Think about it, there is a small balance between these bacteria. As long as this balance is good, there is no problem. But if for some reason this balance is broken and some types of bacteria, such as `Gardnerella vaginalis`, increase too much, then that is when a vaginal infection called Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) occurs.
The most important thing is that BV is not a sexually transmitted disease (STI), so there is no reason to be unnecessarily afraid or embarrassed about it.
What function does this bacteria have in our body?
In fact, almost every bacteria in the vagina has a small role to play. At first, scientists thought that `Gardnerella` was a bad, disease-causing bacteria. But later research found that the story is not so simple. Because this bacteria is present in the vaginas of healthy women without any infection, as well as those with vaginal infections.
That means that the Gardnerella bacteria alone does not cause infections. The problem starts when the balance is disrupted with other bacteria, especially the "good" bacteria called Lactobacillus .
The relationship between vaginal pH and bacteria
To maintain a healthy environment in our vagina, it needs to have a certain level of acidity. We measure this with pH.
- A healthy vagina has a pH between 3.8 and 4.5, which means it is slightly acidic.
- A good bacteria called `Lactobacillus` helps a lot in creating this acidic environment.
- This acidity makes it difficult for germs that cause infections to grow there.
However, if for some reason the amount of `Lactobacillus` bacteria decreases, the acidity of the vagina decreases and the pH value increases above 4.5. This kind of environment is very suitable for bacteria like `Gardnerella` to grow. Then they multiply rapidly, disrupting that balance and causing an infection called BV.
Are Gardnerella and Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) the same thing?
No. The two are related, but not the same.
- Gardnerella vaginalis: A type of bacteria that naturally lives in the vagina.
- Bacterial Vaginosis (BV): An infection caused by an imbalance of bacteria in the vagina (specifically an increase in Gardnerella and a decrease in Lactobacillus).
Simply put, an excessive amount of Gardnerella is a major cause of BV.
What are the symptoms of increased Gardnerella?
If you have an overgrowth of Gardnerella bacteria in your body and have BV, you may notice some changes in your vaginal discharge. These are the main symptoms.
| Symptom | Description |
|---|---|
| Change in vaginal discharge | Vaginal discharge may be whitish, gray, or greenish in color. It may also be thinner than usual. |
| An unusual odor | There may be a fishy odor, especially after sex or during menstruation. |
| Other difficulties | Some people may experience discomfort such as itching around the vagina or burning when urinating, but this is not very common. |
Importantly, some women may not have any symptoms even though they have BV.
Is this a sexually transmitted disease (STI)?
No. Let's be clear again, BV caused by an overgrowth of Gardnerella is not a sexually transmitted disease (STI). It can occur even in women who are not sexually active.
But here's the thing: Sexual activity can affect this.
- Having a new sexual partner
- Having multiple sexual partners
In cases like this, the natural balance of bacteria in the vagina can change, increasing the risk of developing BV. But that doesn't mean it's a sexually transmitted disease.
Is there a treatment for Gardnerella imbalance?
Yes, absolutely. This is a condition that can be completely cured with treatment. If you have symptoms of BV, see your doctor immediately. Your doctor will take a sample of your vaginal discharge and examine it under a microscope to confirm the condition.
Antibiotics are usually given as treatment.
- These can be taken orally.
- Or it can be in the form of a cream or gel that is inserted into the vagina (intravaginal).
This condition usually resolves completely after 5-7 days of treatment. It is very important to follow the doctor's instructions exactly.
What happens if you don't get treatment?
BV is not a serious disease, but if left untreated for a long time, the risk of certain complications increases.
- During pregnancy: Risks such as miscarriage and premature birth may increase.
- Other infections: Increases the risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV.
- Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID): The infection can spread to the upper parts of the reproductive system, such as the uterus and fallopian tubes.
Therefore, it is essential to seek treatment if symptoms are present.
Things we can do to maintain a healthy balance in the vagina
There are some simple things you can do to prevent BV from recurring and maintain vaginal health.
| Do's/Don'ts | Why is that? |
|---|---|
| Avoid douching. | Douching is the act of flushing the vagina with water or other fluids. This destroys the good bacteria that are naturally present and disrupts the bacterial balance. The vagina naturally cleanses itself. It doesn't need any outside help. |
| Avoid using scented soaps and sprays. | Scented soaps, feminine hygiene sprays, and scented tampons can change the pH of the vagina, leading to infections. A mild, unscented soap is sufficient for external cleansing. |
| Use condoms. | Using a condom during sex can help to some extent prevent changes in the bacterial balance in the vagina. |
| Wear cotton underwear. | Underwear made from natural fabrics like cotton allows for good air circulation, which reduces moisture retention and controls bacterial growth. |
What does it mean if a test is 'positive' for Gardnerella?
Don't panic if your test report says `Gardnerella vaginalis positive`. As we said before, this bacteria is present in the vagina of every healthy woman. Therefore, it is normal for it to be positive. What matters is whether its amount is unbalanced and whether you have symptoms. Your doctor is the best person to make a decision about that.
Take-Home Message
- Gardnerella vaginalis is a type of bacteria that naturally lives in your vagina. Its presence is not a disease.
- The problem only arises if the balance between this bacteria and other bacteria is lost and there is too much 'Gardnerella'.
- The infection called `Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)` that occurs as a result is not a sexually transmitted disease (STI).
- A gray/green vaginal discharge with a foul odor is a key symptom of BV.
- If you have these symptoms, don't be afraid or embarrassed, see a doctor immediately.
- This is a condition that can be easily treated with antibiotics.
- Avoiding douching and using scented products inside the vagina is very important to maintain hygiene.
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