GARDNERELLA AND BACTERIAL VAGINOSIS
The vagina is usually swarming with bugs. These are the ‘normal’ bacteria and organisms which live there and do no harm. Sometimes a few bugs will overgrow, and upset the normal balance, like bullies scaring the other kids out of the playground. It is thought that gardnerella, and a couple of other bugs may be bullies. They overgrow, and make it hard for the normal healthy bacteria to live there. No one is absolutely certain if these are sexually transmitted, but the condition is rarely seen in people who have never had sex.
Symptoms
Again, the only sign is a smelly vaginal discharge. This is usually watery, and is said to smell a bit fishy (although if fish smelt like gardnerella). There is usually not much itch or pain, but sometimes the excess discharge can lead to discomfort.
Diagnosis
Treatment
Various antibiotics and creams have been used to try to get the normal balance of bugs back again. Frequently the same tablets are used as for trichomoniasis. Creams and douches that change the acidity of the vagina are sometimes recommended, with varying success. Sometimes it seems to go away without treatment. No real benefit has been shown in treating sexual partnets.
This sort of bacterial overgrowth is a nuisance, because it often comes back. Some women will notice symptoms as often as monthly, as it can coincide with the hormonal changes of the menstrual cycle. Some women get it when they are on the oral contraceptive pill, others when they are not taking it, so it is difficult to recommend a sure-fire solution.
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