Symptoms of Gardnerella vaginosis

Symptoms of Gardnerella vaginitis mainly include increased vaginal discharge, odor, and vulvar itching. Gardnerella vaginitis is usually caused by the overgrowth of Gardnerella bacteria in the vagina and may present with symptoms such as gray-white thin discharge, fishy odor, and worsening odor after sexual intercourse.

1. Abnormal secretions

The most typical symptom of Gardnerella vaginitis is an increase in vaginal discharge, which appears gray-white or gray-yellow and has a thin and uniform texture. This kind of secretion often adheres to the vaginal wall. During examination, vaginal mucosal congestion can be seen but there is no obvious inflammation. Large numbers of Gardnerella and anaerobic bacteria were detected in the secretions, while the number of Lactobacilli was significantly reduced.

2. Special odor

Patients often complain that vaginal secretions have an obvious fishy odor, which will be significantly aggravated after using alkaline solutions such as soap or after sexual intercourse. The cause of the odor is the volatilization of amines produced by the metabolism of Gardnerella bacteria, which can be confirmed through the amine test.

3. Vulvar discomfort

Some patients experience mild itching or burning of the vulva, but severe itching or pain is usually not present. Vulvar examination may reveal slight redness and swelling, but in most cases there are no obvious abnormal changes in the vulvar skin. Discomfort often worsens before and after menstruation.

4. Abnormal urination

A small number of patients may experience mild discomfort during urination or symptoms of frequent urination, but usually there is no obvious pain or difficulty in urination. This condition may be related to vaginal discharge irritating the urethral opening rather than a true urinary tract infection.

5. Discomfort during sexual intercourse

Some patients may experience mild discomfort or pain during sexual intercourse, and the odor becomes more obvious after sexual intercourse. This condition may be related to increased mucosal sensitivity caused by changes in vaginal pH and dysbiosis.

It is recommended to maintain good vulvar hygiene and avoid excessive washing and the use of alkaline lotions. Choose breathable cotton underwear and avoid tight pants. Sexual intercourse should be avoided during treatment, and partners should be treated at the same time if necessary. Pay attention to supplementing the diet with fermented foods containing lactic acid bacteria to maintain the normal balance of vaginal flora. If symptoms persist or worsen, you should seek medical treatment promptly for standardized treatment.