Gardnerella, also known as bacterial vaginosis, is the most common bacterial infection in women, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This infection is caused by an overgrowth of bacteria in the vagina. It can cause itching, burning, or discharge, increase a woman's susceptibility to HIV, and complicate a pregnancy. There are high risk activities that can predispose a female to this infection.
Step 1
Abstain from sex, or do not have multiple sex partners. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, bacterial vaginosis is associated with having multiple sex partners. Not having sex or being monogamous can decrease a person's susceptibility to getting this infection.
Step 2
Abstain from douching. Douching can sometimes predispose a woman to a bacterial infection like gardnerella, as it can cause changes in the normal flora of the vagina, which can result in infection.
Step 3
Look for symptoms of gardnerella, which include itching, burning, or discharge. These symptoms are similar to other vaginal problems or sexually transmitted diseases. It is important that women with these symptoms visit their medical providers to identify the problem and get treated if necessary.
Step 4
Visit your gynecologist annually for an exam. It is important that every woman visit her gynecologist annually or as frequently as recommended for an exam. Some persons with infections do not realize that there is a problem that needs to be treated.
Step 5
Talk to your doctor about the risks for vaginosis if you are using an intrauterine device for birth control. Some women who use an IUD have a higher risk for vaginosis.
Step 6
Wash with fragrance-free soaps and avoid irritating soaps, tampons with fragrances or other irritating chemicals or substances. Sometimes, fragrances or chemicals can cause an irritation, which can lead to an infection.
Step 7
Take all medication prescribed by your doctor if you are diagnosed with gardnerella. Even when symptoms stop, it is important that persons affected finish their treatments to make sure that the infection clears up and does not recur.
Step 8
Use a latex condom during sexual intercourse. This can help to prevent the most common sexually transmitted diseases. It should be noted however that women that do not have sex can still contract bacterial vaginosis.
Step 9
Visit your doctor if you think that you have been exposed to someone with bacterial vaginosis; it can be transmitted through sexual contact to both men and women.
