What some women will do to help with gardnerella

There are some approaches that women will use to help them deal with their gardnerella infection. If you are concerned about any unusual vaginal discharge you should seek the advice of your caregiver.

Lifestyle choices
Natural therapies
Medical treatments

Lifestyle choices

Some women will try strategies aimed at encouraging an acidic environment in the vagina in the hope of reducing the chances of needing to treat their gardnerella with antibiotics, or to stop it returning soon after treatment. These can include:

	Eating well, resting and drinking plenty of fluids. Some women will eat fresh garlic or garlic capsules, take vitamin C or zinc to boost their immune system and help the body to fight the gardnerella naturally. (Check with your caregiver.)
	Avoiding vigorously cleansing the vagina with lots of perfumed soaps. The normal vaginal discharge naturally cleanses the vagina and is needed to keep the acidity balanced. Some women will use plain water, unscented soaps or sorbelene and glycerine cream as cleanser alternatives.
	Dealing with stress. Deep breathing, meditation and relaxation exercises can be helpful. Some women will organise time off work or mothering, have a massage, rest or look at strategies to take the pressure off.
	Wearing cotton under wear (or none at times if you can and feel comfortable with this). Avoiding tight leggings, stockings etc. for long periods. Changing your clothes detergent to a non-scented brand. Women who experience gardnerella after their birth will often try just sitting on a folded towel at times to have a break from wearing plastic-backed sanitary pads.
	Being aware that semen can aggravate gardnerella. A man's semen is very alkaline and can encourage the growth of gardnerella. You may like to try using condoms until it has cleared.

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