Gardnrella Vaginallis (GV) is a bacteria commonly found in vagina that is mainly transmitted through sexual contact. The symptoms of GV include an unpleasant “fish like” odor and vaginal irritation. Since vaginal infection caused by GV is insignificant, it is always described as bacterial vaginosis, but not vaginitis. The symptoms of GV in men are unnoticeable. When men are infected with GV, they seldom notice and pass the bacteria out to their partners.
After infection, a gray discharge can be found in the vagina and odor is expected. Itch normally comes along with the infection. As sex will lead to the growth of GV, odor becomes even stronger after sex. When men are infected, the symptoms are unnoticeable and mild, e.g. discharge in the penis and itchy feeling. Symptoms are also unnoticeable and mild for women, e.g. increase in the amount of vaginal discharge, itchy feeling, and unpleasant scent.
Gardnrella Vaginallis (GV) usually passes on through sexual intercourse. GV belongs to the anaerobic bacteria family and lives in an alkaline environment. That means they are not active living in a healthy woman’s vagina. However, when the acidity of the vagina declines, the anaerobic bacteria will multiply and the amount of aerobic bacteria will drop. It leads to the ecological imbalance that the growth of GV will inhibit the bacteria that maintain a slightly acidic environment in vagina, causing the rise of acidity. Under this perfect habitat GV can reproduce in large scale, which causes irritation and odor in women. After sexual intercourse, alkaline semen will also alkalize the vagina that creates a suitable acidity for GV.
What does the test involve?
It only takes a few seconds and is not painful. The sample is sent to a laboratory for testing, the result is usually available within a few days.
Treatment is simple for both men and women.
What happens if Gardnrella Vaginallis is not treated?
If GV is not treated, women will risk having vaginitis and uterine infection. If GV is associated with other pathogens, it will cause bacterial vaginosis and affected women would have following typical symptoms: vaginal odor and discharge, vulvar irritation (less common), dysuria or dyspareunia (rare). Pregnant women will have premature labor or infected newborn.
If men are infected but not treated, it can lead to genitourinary infection. That includes urethritis, cystitis, prostatitis, and balanoposthitis. In severe cases, systemic disease may be developed, e.g. sepsis, pulmonary abscess, and perinephric abscess.