Is Gardnerella a sexually transmitted disease?

Gardnerella is not considered to be a sexually transmitted infection but it is not clear if Gardnerella can be passed from males to females during intercourse.

How do you get Gardnerella bacteria?

This bacteria is naturally present in your vaginal flora and is healthy in limited quantities. When your vaginal pH levels are disrupted by sexual activity, douching, STIs, or incorrect vaginal hygiene, GV can grow abnormally and contribute to infection.

What does it mean if you test positive for Gardnerella?

What if my test is positive? Gardnerella vaginalis (main bacteria causing BV) is a curable infection. However, if a patient does not experience symptoms, she is not advised to get treatment.

Can gardnerella be cured?

Gardnerella is curable and can be treated with a short course of antibiotics. You should abstain from sexual intercourse until your treatment is finished, and ensure that your sexual partners are also treated to avoid re-infecting each other.

How long does it take for gardnerella to go away?

Generally, the treatment lasts about 7 days for the antibiotic in tablets, or 5 days for the ointments. During this time, keep up adequate intimate hygiene practices, washing only the external genital area with soap that is pH neutral or appropriate for the area.

Can gardnerella cure itself?

BV can clear up on its own. However, if you’re experiencing any symptoms, contact your doctor to get tested and treated. This is especially true if you’re pregnant. Having BV can increase your risk of having a preterm birth.

How can I stop recurring BV?

What can help prevent BV from coming back again?

Pay attention to vaginal hygiene. You don’t need to do much to keep your vaginal area clean.
Wear breathable underwear.
Ask about boric acid suppositories.
Use condoms.
Maintain a healthy vaginal pH.
Take a probiotic.
Find healthy ways to destress.

How do I get rid of BV for life?

BV rarely leads to any other issues and can go away on its own, but if it persists, your health care provider will prescribe antibiotics like metronidazole (Flagyl, MetroGel), clindamycin (Cleocin, Clindesse), and tindazole (Tindamaz) to kill the problem bacteria. These can be prescribed for oral or vaginal use.