A Sneaky Bacteria Called Gardnerella Could be the Source of Your Vaginal Infection

If you think that you may have a yeast infection, but find that the over-the-counter remedies are not working for you, then you need to investigate the cause of your infection symptoms a little further. A lot of women will suffer from bacterial vaginosis some time in their lifetime. This is a bacterial infection that is mainly caused by the bacteria gardnerella. This type of bacteria can mimic most of the symptoms of a yeast infection. But the great news is that bacterial vaginosis caused by gardnerella can be cured. Read on to examine this bacterial infection a little more closely.

Gardnerella is the most common source of bacterial infections found in the vaginas of sexually active females. The symptoms will include a grayish-white discharge that increases after sexual intercourse or after washing with an alkaline soap. This discharge may have a "fishy" odor. Your doctor can confirm the presence of gardnerella by placing vaginal secretions on a glass slide and applying a solution of ten percent potassium hydroxide. This will cause a definite release of the "fishy" odor, which confirms the presence of the bacteria.

This type of bacterial infection may occur when there is an upset in the delicate balance of the natural bacteria in the vagina. Things that can upset this balance include the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics, excessive douching, and retained tampons. The use of intrauterine contraceptive devices such as diaphragms, contraceptive sponges, and any contraceptive cream or product that contains nonoxynol-9 can also upset the balance and cause bacteria to flourish. Multiple sex partners and a history of STDs have also been key factors in developing vaginal infections caused by gardnerella.

This vaginal bacteria can be treated with antibiotics such as metronidazole and clindamycin. There is also a new medication that was recently approved by the Food and Drug Administration to treat this type of bacteria. It is called tinidazole. As with any type of prescription medication, you may experience side effects. If you do, talk with your doctor about them. If the side effects are mild, such as nausea, he may recommend that you stay on the medication. Never douche if you have a bacterial infection. This can drive the bacteria up into the uterus and cause severe damage.

You should never leave any type of vaginal bacterial infection untreated. Bacterial vaginosis is associated with pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility, and tubal pregnancies. There is also the risk of premature births and babies being born with a very low birth weight if the mother has an untreated bacterial vaginosis infection.

So there you have a great overview of the bacteria gardnerella, which is one of the main causes of bacterial vaginosis. See your doctor for a correct diagnosis and start treatment right away.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kristi_Patrice_Carter