What is it?

Gardnerella is often associated with Bacterial Vaginosis and is a very common cause of vaginal infection (vaginitis).  Bacterial Vaginosis is the result of bacterial overgrowth (making it different from thrush/ candida which is caused by a yeast).  There are many possible causes for this imbalance ranging from changing your soap brand to a having a new sexual partner, using an IUD, and not using a condom.

Did you know? …

Gardnerella often has no symptoms but can make you more likely to contract further STIs and lead to complications with your pregnancy. Click here to see the full article.


Most people have no symptoms, but a watery discharge (often grey, green or yellowish in colour), a “fishy” odour, itching, and burning when urinating are all symptoms of Gardnerella.

Gardnerella testing

You can be tested at any of our clinics by providing a urine sample.  The results are available five days from when your sample is received in the laboratory.


A Gardnerella infection can be treated with a short course of antibiotics which can be prescribed by your Better2Know doctor.

Adverse consequences

If left untreated, the infection can make you more likely to become infected with other STIs including HIV, Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea.  You are also more likely to pass Gardnerella and other infections onto a new partner.

In women, Gardnerella can also cause some complications in pregnancy and may lead to Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) if not treated.