Gardnerella Vaginosis

Clients having sexually transmitted diseases are very secretive and private about their condition. They often do not want to let anyone know that they have it. Even going to the clinic for a check up would embarrass them as well as buying the medications. One of the most famous diseases of the female reproductive system would be bacterial vaginosis. This disease was formerly known as nonspecific or Gardnerella vaginitis. This is the most common cause of vaginal discharge in women, although many clients do not present with any symptoms (asymptomatic).

Bacterial vaginosis is linked to sexual activity, particularly having multiple sex partners, although not all cases are caused by sexual activity. It is often seen in women who do douching every after intercourse as a form of contraceptive technique. This technique would prove to be ineffective and it can lead to a lot of genital infections such as this one. Like many other organisms responsible for infections, the causative bacteria are found in the vagina.

The infection is caused by a number of overgrowths of different organisms, including gardnerella vaginalis and vaginal anaerobes. Overgrowth may occur when the normal flora and the pH of the vagina are altered and replaced with high numbers of anaerobic bacteria. The manifestations produced by bacterial vaginosis may be mild and asymptomatic. The main manifestation of the infection would include a mild to moderate, malodorous vaginal discharge. The discharge is usually thin and watery, grayish white and tends to adhere to the vaginal wall. The odor is described as fishy and is often more noticeable after sexual intercourse.

Manifestations are almost always confined to the vulvovaginal area. Mild vaginal burning may occur, but redness and pruritus are not common. Evaluation Is mainly by physical examination of the vagina, microscopic examination of the discharge, and determination of the pH of the discharge. The diagnosis is determined by at least three of the following manifestations: (1) A homogeneous gray or white discharge that adheres to the vaginal wall. (2) Vaginal fluid pH above 4.5 in which the normal is 4-4.5. (3) Positive result of the “whiff” test– a fishy odor elicited when potassium hydroxide is added to the vaginal fluid. (4) Presence of clue cells which are desquamated vaginal epithelial cells characteristically stippled by the adherence of coccobacilli to their surfaces on either a saline wet mount or a Gram’s stain of vaginal fluid. When a positive diagnosis is made, it is very important that the woman undergo antibiotic therapy with metronidazole given orally or intra vaginally for 7 days.

Single dose regimen can be used to foster compliance, but they are less effective than the 7-day regimen. Pregnant women are treated with a low dose of metronidazole to minimize exposure to the fetus. Other alternative drug regimen would be high, single dose of metronidazole, or clindamycin orally or intra vaginally. Bacterial vaginosis is not necessarily transmitted sexually although its occurrence is associated with sexual activity. Treatment of male partners is recommended only with the current or resistant infection as recurrence is common.

You can also implement lifestyle modifications in order to prevent the development of gardnerella vaginosis.

1.) Quit smoking

As we all know, smoking has always been a causative agent of numerous diseases most especially cancer. However, this unhealthy habit is also known to disrupt the bacterial balance in the body since smoking can increase one’s body temperature. With an increased body temperature, it would be more prone to develop infection. By quitting smoking, the balance could once again be attained and the necessary treatment methods would be effective.

2.) Engaging on multiple sex partners

If you are experiencing a weird vaginal odor, you might want to look back if you have a history of sexually transmitted diseases. Remember that these diseases are more susceptible to individuals with multiple sex partners. Furthermore, it can also be another cause for another infection. If this is the case, it is imperative for you to stop this habit. Sometimes this won’t even be enough because your lifetime partner may also be having multiple sex partners as well. That is why you and your partner must be aware about sexually transmitted diseases can be acquired.

3.) Dressing attires

Unfortunately, the clothes you are wearing may also be another cause of bacterial infection in your genitals. Knowing this, it is strongly suggested to stop wearing those clothes that are very tight since these attires may cause skin abrasions, hence, increasing the chance of gardnerella vaginosis infection. It is much better to use underwear that is not too tight and those made of cotton. That way, even your genitals can have enough air circulation.

4.) Proper diet

If you are having a bacterial vaginosis infection, it is highly important to shift your diet to a healthy type in order to increase the defenses in your body. Here are some things that you should include in your diet:

a.) Limit starchy foods

Your diet should never include foods that have very high amounts of starch. Furthermore, the same rule also applies to those processed foods.

b.) Nutritious oils

There are certain oils in various food products that are known to be healthy for the body. Fishes like tuna, sardine and mackerel contain omega-3 fatty acids that are good to fight bacterial infection. Moreover, other oils like flaxseed oil, primrose oil and borage are known to be healthy oils as well. It is recommended of have at least a tablespoon of these oils per day.

c.) Foods rich in vitamin B and vitamin B supplements

A healthy diet should consist of different foods rich in vitamin B. You may also want to take vitamin B complex supplements in lieu of foods rich in vitamin B if you are not favorable to them. By having enough amounts of vitamin B, you can multiply the number of good bacteria in the body that can dominate the harmful ones. When this is achieved, the good bacteria will eradicate all harmful pathogens in the body.

d.) Yogurts

Yogurts are known to have a special type of bacteria known as acidophillus. The bacteria can treat the infection. It is recommended to regularly include at least four yogurts in one day.

In preventing gardnerella vaginosis and be free from the foul vaginal odor, it is very important to engage in lifestyle modifications in order to reduce those activities that make you more prone from having infection. It may take some time for you to adjust but in the long run, you will be able to live healthy and have an enjoyable life without being embarrassed from some type of infection.