Gardnerellosis is one of the most common infectious diseases of the genitals in women, characterized by the replacement of the normal microflora of the vagina with opportunistic microorganisms. In the urogenital tract of men, due to the peculiarities of the structure of its mucous membrane and the lack of favorable conditions for the colonization of it by microorganisms, gardnerella are much less common than in women.
In half of women and 90% of men, gardnerellosis does not cause any symptoms. However, the sick person continues to infect their sexual partners.
The main symptom of the disease in a woman is a grayish-white discharge from the vagina, which has an unpleasant “fishy” smell. Also found itching, burning, discomfort in the vulva and vagina. In men, in rare cases, after contact with a sick partner, there may be phenomena of urethritis (inflammation of the urethra), balanoposthitis (inflammation of the skin of the head and foreskin of the penis). Sometimes gardnerella is found in the secretion of the prostate gland, which indicates its possible role in development.
Diagnosis of gardnerellosis includes cytological examination and PCR.
Self-treatment leads to temporary results, which can threaten the transition to a chronic form and complications. It will be necessary to be treated together with sexual partners, otherwise re-infection is inevitable.