Remedy for Gardnerella

Gardnerella vaginalis is a cause of bacterial vaginosis in women. This foul-smelling discharge is often grayish and thin, and symptoms can include irritation, redness or itchiness of the vagina and vulva. Many women may experience this uncomfortable condition, and it makes everyday activities---from walking to sexual intercourse---extremely difficult. Fortunately, a variety of medical treatments and vigilant home care can cure the condition and leave a woman feeling healthy.

Metronidazole

• Metronidazole, an anaerobic bacteria, is the most common treatment for Gardnerella. Because Gardnerella supplants and replaces healthy vaginal bacteria, antibiotic treatment is the only effective solution. This treatment causes the formation of toxins that the Gardnerella bacteria cannot process and results in the eventual defeat of the bacteria. Medicine is usually administered in relatively high doses, twice a day for about a week (although sometimes a doctor may recommend a longer treatment period). While oral treatment is most common, a gel may also be prescribed. Side effects of the drug commonly include a numbness in the extremities; because the treatment may react with other medicines or alcohol, it is recommended that a woman discuss treatment options with her doctor before submitting to a Metronidazole regimen.

Antibiotics

• Sometimes a doctor may choose to administer treatment other than Metronidazole. One of the most popular regimens is the medicine Cephradine. But although Cephradine alleviates the symptoms of the bacterial infection, it has demonstrated little effect in reducing the anaerobic cultures that allow the bacteria to thrive. Clyndamycin may be used to similar effect as Metronidazole. Oral or vaginal suppositories in addition to (or even in conjunction with) traditional antibiotic treatment may be administered at the behest of a doctor.

Home Care

• Cold water can often help to offset the symptoms of bacterial infection and allow a woman to feel better; however, it does not take care of the bacterial infection at the root of Gardnerella. Douching, although anecdotally recommended, may in fact cause the infection to worsen. Diets supplemented with yogurt (due to the high amount of healthy bacteria) have not been demonstrated to be particularly helpful in warding off Gardnerella. Cold baths and compresses are excellent follow-up care for infection. Additional care, such as restricting activities, is unnecessary once antibiotics have been administered. In severe cases, however, restricting activities may relieve some of the pain and discomfort associated with the affliction.