One common question is whether Gardnerella and gonorrhea are the same thing. The short answer is: no, they’re not. Gardnerella and gonorrhea are two different things, but they can cause similar symptoms like unusual vaginal discharge and discomfort. Keep scrolling to learn how the two are different, their specific symptoms, and treatment. 

Is Gardnerella the same as gonorrhea?

What is Gardnerella?

Gardnerella is a naturally occurring bacteria often associated with bacterial vaginosis (BV). Bacterial vaginosis is a common vaginal infection that develops when the natural balance of bacteria in your vagina gets disrupted, leading to an overgrowth of anaerobic bacteria — such as Gardnerella vaginalis. 

Although Garderella might live in your vaginal microbiome without causing any issues, it can lead to uncomfortable symptoms when it overgrows. Common symptoms of bacterial vaginosis are: 

  • Abnormal vaginal discharge that might be thin, watery, and gray
  • A strong, fishy odor (especially after sex)
  • Vaginal itching or irritation.

Not all women experience symptoms of bacterial vaginosis, but when they do, unusual discharge and a fishy odor are the most noticeable. 

While Gardnerella isn’t considered a sexually transmitted infection (STI) like gonorrhea, sex can trigger bacterial vaginosis. Having unprotected sex, multiple sex partners, or a new sex partner are considered risk factors for bacterial vaginosis, but sex alone isn’t the only reason why Gardnerella bacteria might overgrow. Other factors that can alter your vaginal flora and lead to a Gardnerella infection include:

Although bacterial vaginosis is typically nothing more than a smelly nuisance, it’s really important to treat it ASAP. Untreated BV can increase your risk of serious complications, including sexually transmitted infections, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), fertility issues, and adverse pregnancy outcomes (such as preterm birth).  

What is gonorrhea?

Gonorrhea, on the other hand, is a sexually transmitted infection caused by a bacterium called Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Unlike bacterial vaginosis, gonorrhea is transmitted through sexual contact with an infected person. Common symptoms of gonorrhea are:

  • Green or yellow vaginal discharge
  • Burning or discomfort while peeing or having sex
  • Pain or tenderness in the lower belly
  • Vaginal bleeding between periods.

Just like bacterial vaginosis, some women with gonorrhea may not have any symptoms at all. If they do show up, they can take weeks or even months to appear. That’s why regular screening, especially if you are sexually active with new or multiple sexual partners, is so important. Like bacterial vaginosis, untreated gonorrhea can lead to serious complications like pelvic inflammatory disease, which may affect your fertility.

Treatment options

The good news is that both bacterial vaginosis and gonorrhea are treatable, but they require different approaches.

BV treatment

Your healthcare provider may prescribe antibiotics like metronidazole or clindamycin to treat BV. These medications can be taken as pills or applied as a gel or cream directly into the vagina. It’s important to complete the entire course of treatment, even if your symptoms improve before the medication is finished. It’s also advisable to abstain from sex until you’ve finished your whole treatment course and your symptoms have cleared up. 

Treating gonorrhea

Gonorrhea treatment involves antibiotics as well, but the medications are different. Usually, a healthcare provider will prescribe ceftriaxone, which is often given as an intramuscular injection, and sometimes an additional antibiotic like azithromycin. 

If you test positive for gonorrhea, your partner(s) needs to get tested and treated, too. This helps to avoid passing the infection back and forth to others. After you finish the treatment, take a week off from sex to help everything clear up. And don’t forget to get re-tested three months after the initial diagnosis to ensure you're all clear.

To reduce the risk of both gonorrhea and bacterial vaginosis, you can:

  • Practice safe sex: Use condoms and dental dams consistently, and wash sex toys before and after each use.
  • Don’t douche: Douching can alter the vaginal pH, and research shows that it increases the risks of contracting sexually transmitted infections as well as developing bacterial vaginosis.
  • Get tested: If you’re sexually active, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends getting tested for sexually transmitted infections at least once a year, or after having unprotected sex with a new sex partner. An Evvy Vaginal Health Test can test for both gonorrhea and BV-causing bacteria. 

When should you see a doctor?

If you experience any unusual vaginal discharge, vaginal odor, or discomfort, it’s always a good idea to see your healthcare provider. They can perform a simple test to determine whether you have BV, gonorrhea, or another infection and provide the appropriate treatment.

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FAQ

What does it mean if you test positive for Gardnerella?

It likely just means that you have the bacteria present in your vaginal microbiome — which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Gardnerella can be a part of your normal vaginal flora without creating issues or symptoms. The problems arise when too much Gardnerella disrupts the natural balance of your vaginal microbiome, causing bacterial vaginosis.

Is Gardnerella serious? 

Gardnerella is only problematic when it overgrows and leads to BV. BV isn’t usually harmful, but it can increase your risk of sexually transmitted infections, PID, and infertility if left untreated.

Does my partner need to be treated for Gardnerella?

Currently, there is no definitive answer on whether partner treatment is necessary for BV. Some studies suggest that treating male partners of women with BV may help reduce the chances of the infection recurring in their female partners. However, there is still no consensus on this issue. It's also unclear if female partners in same-sex relationships need treatment. While BV isn't classified as a sexually transmitted infection, Gardnerella, which is associated with BV, can be transmitted through sex. If your partner is male, they will not be affected by Gardnerella, as men cannot develop BV. In the case of a woman with a female partner, the partner would typically only require treatment if they are also diagnosed with BV.