Gardnerella is a kind of bacteria responsible for a condition called vaginitis, according to a December 2004 article in the "American Family Physician." Gardnerella vaginalis in particular can cause various symptoms to occur during infection. When gardnerella infects the vaginal area, it disrupts the delicate balance of the beneficial bacteria in the vagina. Such an infection increases the risk of infection by other diseases, such as herpes and chlamydia, explains the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Burning Sensation while Urinating
Gardnerella vaginalis can cause a burning sensation to occur while urinating, notes the CDC. The burning sensation may be felt around the general area of the vagina, notes MayoClinic.com. The precise intensity of the pain experienced during the act of urinating may vary from woman to woman. However, it is possible for some women to be asymptomatic.
Vaginal Discharge
Gardnerella vaginalis typically causes changes in the normal vaginal discharges, notes MayoClinic.com. The bacterial infection causes an acidic, gray, milk-like substance to appear, notes a December 2004 article in the "American Family Physician." The discharge generally has a distinctly fishy odor, explains the CDC. The discharge can become more noticeable during and after coitus, explains MayoClinic.com, although it is also possible for infected women to not manifest this symptom.
Itchiness in the Vaginal Area
During a gardnerella infection, the vaginal area can experience itchiness and general irritation, notes MayoClinic.com. The intensity of the itchiness may be related to the concentration of gardnerella in the vaginal region. The itching normally manifests outside the vagina, explains the CDC.
Painful Sexual Intercourse
The infection of the vaginal area by gardnerella can cause pain during sexual intercourse, according to MayoClinic.com. The severity of the pain experienced can vary depending on the extent of infection. Some patients never manifest this symptom, explains notes a December 2004 article in the "American Family Physician."
Reduced Levels of Lactobacilli in the Vagina
Gardnerella can also reduce the levels of the normal lactobacilli in the vaginal area, explains the CDC. Lactobacilli are responsible for producing hydrogen peroxide, a substance that can help restrict the growth of harmful bacteria in the vaginal area.
Bleeding in the Vaginal Area
Gardnerella may also cause the vaginal area to bleed slightly, notes MayoClinic.com. The bleeding may occur as a result of the higher levels of anaerobic bacteria in the vagina, an imbalance caused by the increasing levels of gardnerella.
American Family Physician; "Management of Vaginitis"; 2004 December - http://www.aafp.org/afp/2004/1201/p2125.html
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: STD Facts - Bacterial Vaginosis - http://www.cdc.gov/std/bv/STDFact-Bacterial-Vaginosis.htm#Symptoms
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Vaginal Discharge-STD Treatment Guidelines 2006 - http://www.cdc.gov/std/treatment/2006/vaginal-discharge.htm
MayoClinic: Vaginitis - http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/vaginitis/DS00255/DSECTION=symptoms
MayoClinic: Vaginitis Definition - http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/vaginitis/DS00255
References
- Bleeding in the Vaginal Area; Gardnerella may also cause the vaginal area to bleed slightly, notes MayoClinic.com. The bleeding may occur as a result of the higher levels of anaerobic bacteria in the vagina, an imbalance caused by the increasing levels of gardnerella. Sources American Family Physician; "Management of Vaginitis"; 2004 December
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: STD Facts - Bacterial Vaginosis
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Vaginal Discharge-STD Treatment Guidelines 2006
- MayoClinic: Vaginitis
- MayoClinic: Vaginitis Definition
