What is it? 

Gardnerella vaginalis is an anaerobic bacteria species that can be present in your vaginal microbiome. 

Why is it important? 

Gardnerella vaginalis is fine in small relative amounts (percentage). 

However, when Gardnerella vaginalis becomes too dominant in the vaginal microbiome and grows too much, it can develop in to bacterial vaginosis (BV). Therefore, those with too high percentages of Gardnerella vaginalis are often seen to be in vaginal dysbiosis (out of balance), and are more likely to suffer with recurrent infections. 

This is important as an overgrowth of such can have negative implications including: susceptibility to infections such as BV & STDs, general vaginal health and symptoms, and potentially implications for pregnancy^[1]. 

Does this mean it is always bad? 

In short, no. 

Gardnerella vaginalis plays a part in maintaining a healthy vaginal microbiome balance. It is this balance that sustains a healthy pH and an environment which prevents infections. 

 It is only when there is an overgrowth, that Gardnerella vaginalis is the ‘bad guy’!

This is why the relative amount or percentage of Gardnerella vaginalis is important, as while some have Gardnerella present but DO NOT suffer with vaginal infections, others have Gardnerella present and DO suffer with vaginal infections. 

So, does Gardnerella = BV? 

Again, no. 

Gardnerella vaginosis is associated with BV (bacterial vaginalis) and high relative amounts of this is often a sign of BV. However, simply having Gardnerella vaginalis does not mean that you have BV. 

How do I know if I have an overgrowth 

Signs of a Gardnerella vaginalis overgrowth are similar to that of BV. However, it is really important to remember that a lot of the time this is asymptomatic (showing no symptoms), which is why we would recommend getting tested so you know the precise percentages of such present. 

The most common signs are changes to your discharge including: 

• A fishy odour 
• A white or grey coloured discharge 

Is this sexually transmitted? 

So, this is a difficult question to answer, as research itself is still not entirely sure about this. While Gardnerella is not considered an STI, there is evidence that is can be transmitted between some partners^[2]. 

But it is again important to remember that the presence of Gardnerella is not necessarily the issue, the issue is when this overgrows. 

So, how can I protect my vaginal microbiome? 

Practising good intimate health is key to protecting your vaginal microbiome and preventing Gardnerella vaginalis overgrowth. We have lots of easy tips on our site and our Instagram, so check it out! 

Jessica Hobbis

^[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459350/

^[2] https://www.better2know.co.uk/page/gardnerella