Itching in an intimate place during pregnancy: causes, diagnosis and treatment

2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 00:21

Itching in an intimate place during pregnancy is often a consequence of the development of an inflammatory process in the genitourinary system. It can also be a reaction to external stimuli. If the symptoms are left unattended, this can lead to further spread of the infection, which can adversely affect the development of the fetus. Consider what causes itching in an intimate place during pregnancy. We will also talk about what treatment doctors prescribe.

Why itches

First you need to figure out what is the basis for the development of unpleasant symptoms in the labia and vagina. Many women do not immediately pay attention to this discomfort. However, a timely visit to a doctor is one of the first steps on the road to recovery. The reason for the development of itching in an intimate place during pregnancy can be a badgenital hygiene. It is also important to prevent hypothermia (this is especially true in the off-season). Overheating of this part of the body is also harmful.

Doctors say that the use of sanitary pads and synthetic underwear can also cause unpleasant symptoms such as itching and burning. If before pregnancy a woman liked to use scented products for intimate hygiene, then in an “interesting position” it is better to refuse them. Deserving special attention are laundry detergents, which do not always contain safe ingredients.

Do I need to see a doctor

Undoubtedly, if a woman is worried about severe itching in an intimate place during pregnancy, urgent measures must be taken to eliminate not only the symptoms, but also the causes of its occurrence. Compliance with the rules of intimate hygiene is a good prevention to prevent the development of unpleasant symptoms, in particular itching and irritation. Gynecologists recommend toileting the vulva twice a day (morning and evening).

Most women have experienced thrush at least once in their lives. During pregnancy, this ailment can occur several times. If you find curdled vaginal discharge, whitish plaque on the labia, itching and other irritating factors on the genitals, it is recommended to consult a doctor for recommendations on an acceptable treatment regimen. There are drugs approved for use at all stages of pregnancy, for example, "Pimafucin", which for3-6 days solve problems and normalize the flora in the vagina. They are also recommended by doctors as a prevention of the development of an inflammatory reaction before childbirth. The decision on the timing and recommendations regarding the dosage is made only by the doctor observing the pregnant woman.

Correct diagnosis

Determining the nature of inflammatory processes in the genital tract during pregnancy is better to entrust the attending physician and exclude any methods of self-treatment. Correct diagnosis is possible only after passing the tests. During the examination, the doctor takes a smear to determine the pathological microflora. It may also be necessary to take a biochemical and general blood and urine test. In case of deviations from the norm, consultation of specialized specialists will not hurt.

Internal factors

In addition to external factors that affect the normal state of the genital organs, it is customary in medical practice to single out internal factors as well. The appearance of itching inside the vagina can be triggered by taking medications, which, as a side reaction, can cause this kind of discomfort. Do not exclude the possibility of developing an allergic reaction to food. In this case, in addition to itching, a woman can detect redness of the genitals and swelling. These symptoms are caused by the production of histamine in the body.

Since a woman's hormonal background, mood and psycho-emotional state change during pregnancy, it is worth paying attention to these factors. You can cope with changes by changing the environment and your attitude to what is happening. For example,less nervous, take to heart the negative statements of others. The doctor often reminds of the need to drink vitamins and biologically active food supplements. This recommendation is mandatory, because it allows the body to make up for the deficiency of nutrients that are doubly needed during pregnancy.

Inflammatory processes

Itching in an intimate place during pregnancy may be accompanied by vaginal discharge. Sometimes they are accompanied by an unpleasant odor. This already serves as a clear reason for going to the doctor. It is worth dwelling on this issue in more detail, since the nature of the discharge may be different. Each is observed with a specific type of viral infection. The information below is for informational purposes only.

Violation of the microflora of the vagina is characterized by grayish discharge. Sometimes they have a strong odor. If the disease is started, then a strong inflammatory process can develop with the release of pus. Diagnosis and treatment should be carried out by the attending physician.

Itching in the intimate area in pregnant women also indicates a decrease in immunity. On the one hand, this is a natural reaction of the body to the development of the fetus, which allows it to gain a foothold and develop normally in the mother's body. On the other hand, this is a reason to identify the cause in time and prevent the condition from worsening.

Enterobiosis

This disease is not so common, but it does happen. The thing is that small ones can crawl into the genitals from the anus.pinworms. They can deliver tangible discomfort: burning, unbearable itching, sharp pain. During the examination, the doctor will not be able to determine that they are the culprits of the itching. For this, a fecal analysis is given, in which pinworms are determined.

The disease is accompanied not only by itching, but also by the feeling that something is itching inside the anus. Less often, a woman can see small small white worms in the feces. They reach a length of about a centimeter. It is important during pregnancy to prevent their entry into the gastrointestinal tract. To do this, you need to regularly wash yourself with soap, 2-3 times a day, wash your hands after using the toilet, change your underwear daily.

Liver pathologies

In the third trimester of pregnancy, itching can be caused by cholestasis. If a woman has previously been diagnosed with a similar ailment, then during the period of bearing a baby, you should be especially attentive to the manifestation of unpleasant symptoms. The main impetus for the deterioration of well-being is a change in the hormonal background in the body of a pregnant woman. The most dangerous is the manifestation of cholestasis during the first trimester. If itching is accompanied by yellowing of the skin, doctors may recommend an emergency abortion, and in the last weeks, a caesarean section.

Viral infections

One of the most dangerous viral infections for both maternal and fetal he alth is:

1. Chlamydia, which develops due to the activation of chlamydia. The first symptom is a feeling of moderate itching ingenital area, yellowish discharge. If the disease starts, swelling may occur in the genital area, and touching them can cause pain.
2. Trichomoniasis occurs due to the appearance of Trichomonas in a woman's body. The discharge is frothy, green, yellowish, or white in color, and itching may be mild or absent.
3. Vaginitis is expressed by irritation in the intimate area in pregnant women, a strong odor and itching. The disease can be transmitted during sexual intercourse from a partner. Treatment is worth both.
4. Herpes - often occurs during pregnancy and can pose a threat to its normal course. Characterized by severe itching in the area of the labia and at the entrance to the vagina. With untimely treatment, the surface of the mucosa is covered with papules that burst, forming wounds. If left untreated, they can be a good source of infection.

The most common cause of itching in pregnant women in an intimate place is, as noted above, thrush, or vaginal candidiasis. It develops against the background of the growth of colonies of fungi of the Candida species, which are always found in the vagina of women. As long as the number of fungi is within the normal range, they do no harm. In pregnant women, mushrooms begin to multiply intensively, since in this state women's hormonal levels change, immunity decreases.

Is it possible to cope with folk methods

It is quite possible to cope with the initial signsirritation with folk remedies. With itching in an intimate place during pregnancy, traditional healers' recipes can be used as an addition to the main treatment. One of the easiest ways is baths with chamomile and sage. This will allow you to get rid of unpleasant symptoms for a short time and wait for the time to go to the doctor.

If we talk about folk methods of treating thrush, then doctors advise using ordinary baking soda. It is enough to dissolve a tablespoon of powder in one liter of boiled warm water and stir until completely dissolved. After that, hygiene of the genital organs should be carried out. There are no additional features for caring for the intimate area; it is not required to rinse with clean running water. Do not increase the dosage of soda, so as not to provoke a burn.

You can also soothe severe itching with nettle. This plant is considered a good antiseptic. In addition to chamomile and nettle, you can use dry herb plantain, calendula, and Ivan tea to prepare baths. You can also make mixtures of these herbs. To do this, you need to take an equal amount of dried raw materials and mix thoroughly. To prepare the infusion, take one tbsp. spoon (with a small slide) of raw materials, pour boiling water and let it cool.

Using candles "Livarol"

One of the direct ways to influence the infectious agent is the use of vaginal or rectal tablets. Candidal colpitis during pregnancy is treated with suppositories only after the first trimester. This is spelled out ininstructions. It is worth listening to the manufacturer's recommendations, even if the use of this tool had a positive result. It is important to bear in mind that the use of drugs during the period of gestation by a woman is due to the risk of components entering the fetus, since the placenta cannot retain all substances. Before using Livarol suppositories, the instructions for use must be read without fail even when this remedy has been prescribed by a doctor.

According to the reviews of women who have already been treated with these suppositories during pregnancy, they do not harm the baby, and the effect occurs after 3 days. Method of application - once a day for ten days. The instructions for the use of Livarol suppositories say that simultaneous treatment of the sexual partner is also necessary. This is necessary in order to prevent re-infection of the pregnant woman.

Suppositories "Betadine"

Another safe treatment is Betadine suppositories. During pregnancy in the first trimester, they can be used without fear, but only after agreement with the attending physician. The main component of the drug is iodine, which acts locally on the affected areas. In addition to the treatment of gynecological diseases, it can be used as a prophylaxis. The active ingredients do not enter the bloodstream, so they cannot harm the baby inside the womb.

Preventive measures

Do not stop treatment immediately after the disappearance of all unpleasant symptoms, including itching in an intimate place. The main thingthe rule of prevention - do not forget about the need to maintain the cleanliness of the genitals. You should also avoid wearing clothes made of synthetic materials. An important place in terms of maintaining hygiene is occupied by the use of phosphate-free laundry detergents. Poor-quality products often provoke the development of allergic reactions, which can manifest as itching and redness.