Itchy vag while pregnant

Vaginal Itching During Pregnancy: Causes, Symptoms, and More

Pregnant women often experience vaginal itching at some point during pregnancy. This is a normal and common occurrence.

Many things can cause vaginal itching during pregnancy. Some may be the result of changes your body is going through. Other causes may not be associated with your pregnancy at all.

Read on to review the potential causes of vaginal itching during pregnancy, plus learn hands-on information about treatment and prevention.

These conditions may cause vaginal itching during pregnancy:

Bacterial vaginosis

Bacterial vaginosis can occur if the balance between the good and bad bacteria in the vagina changes. This common vaginal infection typically happens to sexually active women, whether they’re pregnant or not. Symptoms include:

a thin, opaque or grayish discharge
itching
burning
redness
a fishlike odor, especially after sexual intercourse

Yeast infection

In addition to bacteria, your vagina normally contains a small amount of yeast. The hormonal changes associated with pregnancy can disrupt the pH balance of the vagina, causing yeast to multiply. For this reason, yeast infections are common during pregnancy.

Symptoms can include:

itching
burning
a thick vaginal discharge that has the texture of cottage cheese

Increase in vaginal discharge

The amount of vaginal discharge and cervical mucus you secrete may increase throughout pregnancy. Hormonal changes causes this as well as the softening of the cervix and vaginal walls.

Discharge is designed to protect your vagina from infection, but it can irritate the skin of the vulva, making it red and itchy.

Vaginal dryness

Hormonal changes may cause vaginal dryness to occur in some people during pregnancy. Anecdotal evidence indicates that those who are breastfeeding when they conceive are more likely to experience this symptom.

Redness, irritation, and pain during sex may also occur.

Low progesterone may also cause vaginal dryness in some pregnant women. Since this hormone is necessary for sustaining pregnancy, talk to your doctor if you have this symptom.

Sensitivity to products

During pregnancy, the vagina becomes engorged with blood, and your skin may feel stretched and more sensitive than usual.

Products that you used comfortably before conceiving may now irritate your skin, causing it to itch and redden. Products that can cause this to occur include:

detergent
bubble bath
body wash
soap

Urinary tract infection (UTI)

The uterus sits on top of the bladder. As it expands during pregnancy, greater pressure is placed on the bladder. This can block the expulsion of urine, causing an infection to occur.

For this reason, pregnant women can be at greater risk for getting a UTI.

Bacteria can also cause UTIs, such as group B strep bacteria (GBS). Around 1 in 4 pregnant women test positive for GBS. GBS in adults doesn’t usually show symptoms. Since the GBS bacteria can be harmful to a newborn, your doctor will test you for it during pregnancy.

Symptoms include:

frequent and urgent need to urinate
abdominal pain
vaginal itching and burning
blood in urine
pain during intercourse

Cholestasis of pregnancy

This liver condition may occur late in pregnancy. Why it happens isn’t completely understood. Experts think genetics and pregnancy hormones play a role.

Cholestasis of pregnancy causes extreme itchiness on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. The itching may start to affect the entire body, including the vaginal area. Rashes and redness don’t occur with this condition.

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)

STIs, such as genital herpes, HPV, and trichomoniasis, may all have vaginal itching as an early symptom.

You can become pregnant while you have an STI or get one during pregnancy. Since STIs may not show symptoms, it’s important to let your doctor know if you think you may have one contracted one.

If an STI does show symptoms, you may have:

rash
burning sensation
warts
fever
vaginal discharge
flu-like symptoms

STIs can adversely affect you and your baby, but you can get treated while you’re pregnant, eliminating those risks.

Vaginal itching during pregnancy is often nothing to worry about and can often be resolved with at-home treatments.

However, during this time it may make sense to be especially proactive and talk with your doctor about any troubling symptoms you experience.

Treatments for vaginal itching will vary based on the cause. They include:

Over-the-counter antifungal treatments. If your doctor has confirmed that you have a yeast infection, you can use an OTC antifungal cream or suppository to treat it. Don’t use fluconazole (Diflucan). This prescribed antifungal medication has been linked to an increased risk of miscarriage and shouldn’t be taken during pregnancy.
Baking soda. Itchy skin can be soothed by soaking in a baking soda bath or using a baking soda compresses on the area.
Cool water. Cool baths and cold compresses may also help reduce itching.
Product elimination. If you think the products you’re using are causing your symptoms, try eliminating all of them and use all-natural, gentle products designed for use during pregnancy or for babies.
Antibiotics. You’ll need prescription medication if you have a UTI, STI, or bacterial vaginosis.
Corticosteroids. Topical anti-itch creams such as corticosteroids may help reduce itching.
Other medications. If you have cholestasis, your doctor will monitor you and might recommend you use anti-bile medications.

It may be hard to completely avoid vaginal itching during pregnancy, but certain proactive behaviors may help. Consider these tips:

Try to keep your vaginal pH in the healthy range by eating yogurt that contains live cultures. You can also take a Lactobacillusacidophilus supplement daily with your doctor’s approval.
Wear underwear made from cotton or another breathable fabric.
Avoid wearing clothing that’s too tight.
Immediately change out of damp clothing, such as bathing suits or exercise gear.
Avoid using products that contain scents, chemicals, or irritants.
Practice good hygiene, especially after going to the bathroom. Always wipe from front to back.
Don’t douche. Douching alters the vagina’s natural pH balance. Follow our guide to clean your vagina and vulva.
Try to reduce your stress levels with prenatal yoga, meditation, or deep breathing.

Mention any uncomfortable symptom that worries you during pregnancy to your doctor. If you have vaginal itching that doesn’t respond to at-home treatment within a few days, have your doctor check it out.

If vaginal itching is accompanied by other symptoms, such as pain or a thick, smelly discharge, see your doctor to rule out an infection. Also see your doctor if you notice streaky blood in your discharge.

Vaginal itching is a common occurrence during pregnancy and often nothing to worry about. It’s mostly associated with the normal hormonal changes you can expect during this time.

If you’re concerned about this symptom, or other symptoms accompany it, such as pain or odor, your doctor will be able to prescribe treatments that can help.

Vaginal Itching During Pregnancy: Causes, Symptoms, and More

Pregnant women often experience vaginal itching at some point during pregnancy. This is a normal and common occurrence.

Many things can cause vaginal itching during pregnancy. Some may be the result of changes your body is going through. Other causes may not be associated with your pregnancy at all.

Read on to review the potential causes of vaginal itching during pregnancy, plus learn hands-on information about treatment and prevention.

These conditions may cause vaginal itching during pregnancy:

Bacterial vaginosis

a thin, opaque or grayish discharge
itching
burning
redness
a fishlike odor, especially after sexual intercourse

Yeast infection

Symptoms can include:

itching
burning
a thick vaginal discharge that has the texture of cottage cheese

Increase in vaginal discharge

The amount of vaginal discharge and cervical mucus you secrete may increase throughout pregnancy. Hormonal changes causes this as well as the softening of the cervix and vaginal walls.

Discharge is designed to protect your vagina from infection, but it can irritate the skin of the vulva, making it red and itchy.

Vaginal dryness

Redness, irritation, and pain during sex may also occur.

Low progesterone may also cause vaginal dryness in some pregnant women. Since this hormone is necessary for sustaining pregnancy, talk to your doctor if you have this symptom.

Sensitivity to products

During pregnancy, the vagina becomes engorged with blood, and your skin may feel stretched and more sensitive than usual.

Products that you used comfortably before conceiving may now irritate your skin, causing it to itch and redden. Products that can cause this to occur include:

detergent
bubble bath
body wash
soap

Urinary tract infection (UTI)

The uterus sits on top of the bladder. As it expands during pregnancy, greater pressure is placed on the bladder. This can block the expulsion of urine, causing an infection to occur.

For this reason, pregnant women can be at greater risk for getting a UTI.

Symptoms include:

frequent and urgent need to urinate
abdominal pain
vaginal itching and burning
blood in urine
pain during intercourse

Cholestasis of pregnancy

This liver condition may occur late in pregnancy. Why it happens isn’t completely understood. Experts think genetics and pregnancy hormones play a role.

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)

STIs, such as genital herpes, HPV, and trichomoniasis, may all have vaginal itching as an early symptom.

You can become pregnant while you have an STI or get one during pregnancy. Since STIs may not show symptoms, it’s important to let your doctor know if you think you may have one contracted one.

If an STI does show symptoms, you may have:

rash
burning sensation
warts
fever
vaginal discharge
flu-like symptoms

STIs can adversely affect you and your baby, but you can get treated while you’re pregnant, eliminating those risks.

Vaginal itching during pregnancy is often nothing to worry about and can often be resolved with at-home treatments.

However, during this time it may make sense to be especially proactive and talk with your doctor about any troubling symptoms you experience.

Treatments for vaginal itching will vary based on the cause. They include:

Over-the-counter antifungal treatments. If your doctor has confirmed that you have a yeast infection, you can use an OTC antifungal cream or suppository to treat it. Don’t use fluconazole (Diflucan). This prescribed antifungal medication has been linked to an increased risk of miscarriage and shouldn’t be taken during pregnancy.
Baking soda. Itchy skin can be soothed by soaking in a baking soda bath or using a baking soda compresses on the area.
Cool water. Cool baths and cold compresses may also help reduce itching.
Product elimination. If you think the products you’re using are causing your symptoms, try eliminating all of them and use all-natural, gentle products designed for use during pregnancy or for babies.
Antibiotics. You’ll need prescription medication if you have a UTI, STI, or bacterial vaginosis.
Corticosteroids. Topical anti-itch creams such as corticosteroids may help reduce itching.
Other medications. If you have cholestasis, your doctor will monitor you and might recommend you use anti-bile medications.

It may be hard to completely avoid vaginal itching during pregnancy, but certain proactive behaviors may help. Consider these tips:

Try to keep your vaginal pH in the healthy range by eating yogurt that contains live cultures. You can also take a Lactobacillusacidophilus supplement daily with your doctor’s approval.
Wear underwear made from cotton or another breathable fabric.
Avoid wearing clothing that’s too tight.
Immediately change out of damp clothing, such as bathing suits or exercise gear.
Avoid using products that contain scents, chemicals, or irritants.
Practice good hygiene, especially after going to the bathroom. Always wipe from front to back.
Don’t douche. Douching alters the vagina’s natural pH balance. Follow our guide to clean your vagina and vulva.
Try to reduce your stress levels with prenatal yoga, meditation, or deep breathing.

Vaginal itching is a common occurrence during pregnancy and often nothing to worry about. It’s mostly associated with the normal hormonal changes you can expect during this time.

If you’re concerned about this symptom, or other symptoms accompany it, such as pain or odor, your doctor will be able to prescribe treatments that can help.

Itching and burning in the vagina during pregnancy, causes of itching during pregnancy

Pregnancy is undoubtedly the most significant period in the life of every woman. Despite this, it does not always proceed as one would like - without complications and unpleasant diseases. The most common symptoms that occur in women are itching and burning in the vagina . During pregnancy, they can occur both separately and together.

Burning and itching in the vagina during pregnancy is observed in about every second woman. This may be due to both internal and external factors. However, in no case should you self-medicate, or hope that itching and burning in the vagina during pregnancy will go away on their own. These symptoms can signal serious illnesses, so it is advisable in this case to visit your gynecologist.

In this article we will tell you what causes burning and itching in the vagina during pregnancy, what diseases can accompany and how to get rid of these symptoms.

During pregnancy itching appeared in the vagina. Causes of itching

Why does itching occur in the vagina during pregnancy? The reasons for this symptom may be different. First of all, internal causes play a role, they are directly related to pregnancy - reduced immunity and changes in hormonal levels. Reduced immunity increases the risk of various diseases - candidiasis, herpes, dysbacteriosis, chlamydia. Also, during pregnancy, already existing diseases of the organs of the reproductive system - colpitis, vaginitis - which can also often cause itching, can become aggravated.

But if itching appeared during pregnancy in the vagina, the reasons can also be external - synthetic underwear, tight clothing, frequent douching, constant use of soap, shower gels that dry the mucous membrane.

How to eliminate itching and burning of the vagina during pregnancy?

To eliminate itching and burning in the vagina during pregnancy, you first need to find out the cause of these unpleasant symptoms. If it's all about intimate hygiene products, or underwear, then it will be enough to change them to relieve the burning sensation and itching of the vagina during pregnancy. Instead of soap and shower gel, you can use ordinary boiled water, or a decoction of chamomile, synthetic linen should be replaced with natural.

But if burning and itching of the vagina during pregnancy are a manifestation of diseases, then etiological rather than symptomatic treatment is required first of all. However, only certain drugs are allowed during pregnancy, which greatly complicates the treatment process. The advantage is given to topical preparations, such as Gynoflor and Fluomizin. But if itching and burning in the vagina during pregnancy do not go away, systemic drugs are also used.

How to prevent burning and itching in the vagina during pregnancy. Prevention first!

How to eliminate itching, burning in the vagina? Pregnancy is a contraindication to the use of many drugs, which makes treatment a little difficult. Therefore, it is best to think about the likelihood of such symptoms in advance and carry out their prevention even before pregnancy!

To choose the right method of prevention, you need to know what causes itching, burning in the vagina. Pregnancy leads to a decrease in a woman's immunity, so it would be advisable to take vitamin and mineral preparations, tonics. To prevent dysbacteriosis, which is often the cause of itching and burning in the vagina, probiotics are often recommended, the introduction of more fermented milk products into the diet. Vaginal suppositories containing various bacteria (lactobacilli, bifidobacteria, acidobacteria), lactic acid are also often prescribed by gynecologists to prevent itching in the vagina.

Pregnancy is the most important and wonderful period in the life of every woman. But in order not to be spoiled by diseases, it is better to engage in their prevention than treatment in the future!

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Itching and burning in the vagina: causes, symptoms, treatment

Itching in the vagina can occur in any woman due to a number of diseases of varying severity or simply insufficient attention to hygiene in the intimate area. Clinically, this deviation is manifested by inflammation of the vagina and vulva, and often by concomitant secretions.

Why does itching appear in the intimate area?

Let us consider in more detail the factors of this symptom, because it is the identification of the root cause that determines the correct diagnosis and the appointment of effective therapy.

Non-medical factors

Itching in the perineum may be due to:

mechanical trauma from shaving or intense intercourse;
the use of synthetic underwear that violates the natural moisture and heat exchange, rubs and irritates the skin;
lack of proper hygiene care for the perineum at least once a day;
ovulation, during which an abundance of secretions from the genitals often leads to discomfort, which normally disappears after 2-3 days.

Non-medical factors can be easily eliminated on your own, without seeking help from a doctor.

Inflammations and infections

Possible causes of burning and tingling in the perineum:

a disease called kraurosis, affecting women of reproductive age, caused by degeneration of mucous tissues - in the absence of proper treatment, the genitals are deformed;
vulvar leukoplakia - symptoms are similar to the previously described disease, but are characterized by pathological proliferation of epithelial tissues;
vulvovaginal candidiasis, also called thrush, caused by a violation of the vaginal microflora and characterized, in addition to itching, pain in the lower abdomen and cheesy discharge - drugs that suppress the fungus minimize the severity of symptoms, but a 3-time or more frequent return of the disease per year is an indication for passing a semi-annual special therapy;
eczema characterized by redness and painful sores in the intimate area;
fungal infection with rash, swelling and pain in the perineum;
infectious inflammation of the Bartholin's gland in the vagina, the large gland of the vestibule - uncomfortable sensations are aggravated by tight underwear and after sexual intercourse;
inflammation of the urethra or bladder mucosa, also characterized by painful urination and sharp pain in the lower abdomen.

Burning and tingling in the groin can be caused by STDs, of which the following are particularly common:

Trichomoniasis, caused by an aggressive tissue-destroying bacterium, acquired from an infected sexual partner through unprotected sex or through neglect of hygiene procedures. It is characterized by itching, painful urination, foul-smelling discharge. Trichomoniasis can cause menstrual irregularities and other complications that affect a woman's reproductive function.
Genital herpes caused by herpes simplex virus type I and II, often occurring for the time being without any symptoms, and therefore can actively spread. It is acquired through contact with infected people at home or during unprotected sex, as well as during spontaneous immunization of the body.
Papillomavirus infection due to weakened immune system or certain medications. This infection has about a hundred varieties, in the first stages it develops most often without symptoms and can only be detected by a PCR test. Developing, the virus is expressed in the appearance of skin neoplasms and damage to the mucous tissues of the perineum.

Pathologies manifesting as a woman grows up

Various hormonal changes can be accompanied by thinning of mucous tissues, dryness in the perineum. Against the background of these deviations from the norm, other diseases of the female organs develop.

Risks for the pregnant woman

Groin discomfort during pregnancy is often due to hormonal changes. Possible exacerbation of vulvovaginal candidiasis, which also causes discomfort.

Risks for allergy sufferers

Discomfort in the genital area, swelling, redness and rash are often caused by an individual allergic reaction of the body.

Attention!
Both partners need to be treated for STDs. Doctors usually prescribe antifungal medications and antibiotics.

How does the pathology develop?

Itching in the perineum is caused by inflammation and irritation of the vaginal walls, or rather, the reactions of nerve endings to these phenomena.

In addition to physical factors, discomfort can be triggered by problems of the female psycho-emotional state: prolonged psychological stress, neurotic disorder.

Signs

Itching in the intimate area, in addition to an intense restless desire to scratch, is associated with the following manifestations in the female body:

bloody and bloodless discharge;
rashes, edema, excessive blood filling of blood vessels in the tissues of the intimate zone;
occurrence of bad smell;
pain in lower abdomen;
drying of the mucous tissues of the vagina;
feeling of a foreign object in the perineum.

Itching may worsen and worsen. Sometimes the pathology does not bother during the day, but manifests itself in the evening before going to bed.

Unpleasant symptoms are aggravated by the systematic wearing of tight, synthetic clothing and panty liners.

Attention!
At the first sign of itching in the perineum, go for an examination by a gynecologist, as well as additional examinations if prescribed by a general practitioner. Proper diagnosis will help reduce unpleasant symptoms and deal with the root cause in the future.

How is a pathology diagnosed?

During the first visit, a gynecologist determines the main and concomitant symptoms, signs of diseases of the endocrine system.

To find the root cause of itching in the groin and prescribe the correct course of therapy, the specialist prescribes the following examinations:

Advanced or conventional colposcopy. Ultrasound examination of the pelvic organs. Additionally, examinations with a hysteroscope and a laparoscope are sometimes prescribed.
Taking a swab to assess the microflora of the vagina and the presence of pathogens in it.
Microbiological analysis aimed at determining the microbe that provoked inflammation and determining its resistance to drugs.
Serological testing aimed at detecting STDs and identifying the pathogen with high accuracy.
Other laboratory tests: urine, estrogen, blood, depending on the patient's history.

How is itching in the perineum treated?

Conservative methods:

Group B antimicrobials, antibiotics, fungal and protozoal drugs are prescribed to reduce bothersome symptoms. Other types of STDs cause the simultaneous use of two or more drugs.
Estrogen replacement therapy prescribed for colpitis and other pathologies characterized by a deficiency of female hormones. The preparations are released in the form of suppositories, tablets and ointments.
Therapeutic methods to combat inflammation and tissue atrophy: douching, special creams, suppositories. The number and regularity of application varies depending on the overall clinical picture.
Restoration of the vaginal microflora through local exposure to lactic acid bacteria that counteract the development of pathogens. It is indicated for vaginosis, atrophy of the mucous membranes of the vagina and after a course of taking antifungal agents.
Taking antidepressants in cases where vaginal itching is due to a woman's psycho-emotional depression.
A hygienic preparation in the form of a cream helps relieve itching for pregnant patients and allergy sufferers.

Surgery

The operation is performed only in cases of severe pathology. Growths on the skin and mucous membranes are removed by minimally invasive, bloodless methods of laser treatment and cryodestruction.

Attention!
Only a specialist in the field of gynecology can correctly prescribe therapy. Without direct instructions from a doctor, one or another treatment should not be used in order to avoid a deterioration in health.