Pruritus in the vagina during pregnancy
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
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Itching in the vagina during pregnancy is a weighty reason for contacting a gynecologist. Almost any external stimulus negatively affects the female genitalia, which, accordingly, reacts sharply to it. Such discomfort, even to a small extent, can provoke a pregnant woman's irritability, sleep disturbance, and cause nervousness.
Itching during pregnancy is a rather disturbing symptom, which can indicate the presence of an infection in the body, in particular, a gynecological one. However, often the itch in a pregnant woman during the period of bearing a child is caused by the restructuring of the woman's endocrine system. As a result, her body undergoes drastic changes. The immune status of the future mother also changes, - all the forces of the organism are directed at preventing rejection of the little life that was born as a stranger. This leads to imbalance, in particular, failures in the normal functioning of internal organs, changes in the composition of mucous membranes, and skin microflora. Itching, arising on the background of hormonal reorganization of the female body, passes by itself and does not require increased attention from medical intervention.
But what if the pregnant woman began to worry about discomfort, discharge and itching in the vagina? In this case, the consultation of an obstetrician-gynecologist is simply necessary, because the question is about the main reason for the occurrence of such a symptom.
[Causes of itching in the vagina during pregnancy
In the early stages of pregnancy, itching can occur because of candidiasis (thrush). In addition to this symptom, other signs are observed in the development of thrush: "curdled" discharge from the vagina, pulling the pains in the lower abdomen, burning in the genital area, the abundance of secretions and an unpleasant odor. In order to confirm the diagnosis, the gynecologist must collect the material for analysis and prescribe the treatment of candidiasis, taking into account the minimum risks to the fetus.
In addition to thrush, the internal causes of itching in the vagina in pregnant women can be:
- Chlamydia is a disease that often occurs asymptomatically or manifests a slight itch in the vagina.
- Gardnerellez (bacterial vaginosis) - the disease develops due to the replacement of the normal microflora of the woman's vagina with opportunistic pathogens (gardnerella). Symptoms of this disease are severe itching in the vagina, burning of the genitals, secretion of grayish color with a sharp smell of "rotten fish."
- Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted disease characterized by itching in the vagina and reddening of the genitals, as well as the appearance of soreness with urination, yellowish discharge from the vagina with an unpleasant odor.
- Genital Herpes. The initial symptom of this disease is itching and burning of the genitals, and then - bubble rashes.
Often, itching during pregnancy is a symptom of intestinal dysbiosis, which can easily provoke the development of diseases such as saprophytic genital herpes, as well as vaginosis, trichomoniasis, candidiasis, etc.
Itching in the vagina during pregnancy sometimes occurs due to a weakened general or local immunity of the expectant mother. Violation of the normal vaginal microflora is manifested against the background of the development of fungi and various pathogenic microbes and bacteria. Because of this, burning and itching appear in the vaginal area, there are abundant discharge with an unpleasant odor, pain in the pelvic area. In these cases, the treatment of vaginal pruritus in a pregnant woman is, first of all, in increasing the body's immunity, and (and this is the main goal!) - the restoration of the natural microflora of the vagina. Self-manipulation in the form of douching, the use of ointments and other means will not lead to the desired result. A future mother should undergo a prescribed course of examination and start taking medications, which will be prescribed by the attending physician.
This may sound strange, but the causes of discomfort and itching in the vagina may well be stressful situations, emotional exhaustion and excessive nervous strain of the pregnant woman. Even mental stress, depression and physical overwork of a future mother can become psychogenic factors that "undermine" immunity.
Itching during pregnancy, localized in the vaginal area, can develop due to hepatitis, serious blood diseases, as well as with kidney failure, hyperprolactinaemia, vaginal wall atrophy, ovarian dysfunction and other diseases. Much worse if the cause of itching in the vagina of a pregnant woman is hidden in a sexually transmitted disease (gonorrhea, genital herpes, syphilis). Infection can occur before conception or during child bearing. Such diseases are extremely dangerous for the formation of the fetus, since the infection has properties not only limited to local manifestations. That is why it is so important for a future mother to observe personal hygiene in the relationship with a man, especially when planning a child.
Itching in the vagina during pregnancy is often accompanied by swelling of the external genitalia and vaginal walls, as well as irritation and redness. An irresistible desire to scratch causes such unpleasant consequences as scratches, cracks, wounds in the form of ulcers. There are cases when the itching of this kind passes into the anus.
There are also external causes that can cause itching in pregnant women. These include:
- tight underwear, which provokes excessive friction, as well as synthetic underwear that is not able to pass in sufficient air, as a result of which there is a violation of the microflora of the vagina;
- non-observance of simple rules of intimate hygiene, or the use of ordinary soap, gels with synthetic additives, violating the natural pH balance of the mucous membranes. However, it should be noted that too frequent swearing can provoke a worsening of the condition and intensify the itching of the genitals;
- allergic reactions caused by the use of lubricants, lubricants, gels antibacterial agents intended for intimate hygiene, and the like.
To avoid such problems, the pregnant woman should take care of wearing comfortable underwear made exclusively from natural, quality fabrics (cotton linen is the best option), use of special means of intimate hygiene, as well as constant monitoring of the condition of the genital organs during the bearing of the baby.
Itching in the vagina during pregnancy is an occasion to consult a medical specialist and it is desirable to do this immediately, since the treatment of the cause of such a symptom can be prescribed only by an experienced, knowledgeable gynecologist only after examining the pregnant woman and carrying out the necessary tests to establish an accurate diagnosis.