Itching in an intimate place during pregnancy is often a consequence of the development of the inflammatory process in the genitourinary system. It can also be a reaction to external stimuli. If the symptoms are ignored, this can lead to a further spread of infection, which can adversely affect the development of the fetus. Consider what causes itching in an intimate place during pregnancy. We also talk about what kind of treatment the doctor prescribes.
Why does itching occur?
First you need to understand what serves as the basis for the development of unpleasant symptoms in the labia and vagina. Many women do not immediately pay attention to this discomfort. However, timely access to a doctor is one of the first steps on the path to recovery. The reason for the development of itching in an intimate place during pregnancy can be poor hygiene of the genitals. It is also important not to allow hypothermia (this is especially true in the offseason). Overheating of this part of the body is also harmful.
Doctors say that using sanitary pads and synthetic underwear can also cause unpleasant symptoms, such as itching and burning. If before pregnancy a woman liked to use flavored products for intimate hygiene, then in an “interesting position” it is better to refuse them. Special attention should be paid to detergents, which in their composition do not always have 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 appearance. 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 performing a toilet of the external genitalia twice a day (morning and evening).
Most women in their lives at least once encountered a thrush. During pregnancy, this ailment can occur several times. If you find cheesy discharge from the vagina, whitish plaque on the labia, itching and other irritating factors on the genitals, it is recommended to consult a doctor for recommendations on the acceptable treatment regimen. There are drugs approved for use at all stages of pregnancy, for example, Pimafucin, which in 3-6 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 observing pregnant doctor.
Correct diagnosis
Determining the nature of the inflammatory processes in the genital tract during pregnancy is best entrusted to the attending physician and exclude any methods of self-medication. 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 analysis of blood and urine. In case of deviations from the norm, consultation of specialized specialists will not interfere.
Intrinsic factors
In addition to external factors affecting the normal state of the genital organs, it is customary to distinguish internal ones in medical practice. The appearance of itching inside the vagina can be triggered by the use of medications, which, as an adverse reaction, can cause this kind of discomfort. Do not exclude the likelihood of developing an allergic reaction to food products. In this case, in addition to itching, a woman can detect redness of the genitals and swelling. Such symptoms appear due to the production of histamine by the body.
Since the hormonal background, mood and psychoemotional state change during a woman’s pregnancy, it is worth paying attention to these factors. You can cope with changes by changing the situation and your attitude to what is happening. For example, less nervous, take to the heart the negative statements of others. The doctor often recalls the need to drink vitamins and dietary supplements. This recommendation is binding, as it allows the body to fill the deficit 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 worthwhile to dwell on this issue in more detail, since the nature of the discharge can be different. Each is observed with a specific type of viral infection. The information below is for informational purposes only.
Violation of the vaginal microflora is characterized by grayish discharge. Sometimes they have a pungent odor. If the disease is started, then a strong inflammatory process with the release of pus can develop. 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 body of the mother. On the other hand, this is an occasion to identify the cause in time and prevent deterioration.
Enterobiosis
This disease is not so common, but it has a place to be. The thing is that small worms of pinworm can creep into the genitals from the anus. They can cause tangible discomfort: burning, unbearable itching, sharp pain. During the examination, the doctor will not be able to determine that it is they who are responsible for the itching. For this, an analysis of feces is given, in which pinworms are determined.
The disease is accompanied not only by itching, but also by the feeling that something is biting inside the anus. Less often, a woman can see in the feces small small worms of white color. They reach a length of about a centimeter. It is important during pregnancy to prevent them from entering 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, and change underwear daily.
Liver pathology
In the third trimester of pregnancy, the cause of itching can be cholestasis. If a woman has previously been diagnosed with such a malaise, then during the period of gestation, the baby 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 pregnant body. 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 a caesarean section in the last weeks.
Viral infections
Some of the most dangerous viral infections for both maternal and fetal health are:
- Chlamydia, which develops due to the activation of chlamydia. The first symptom is a feeling of moderate itching in the genital area, yellowish discharge. If the disease starts, a swelling may occur in the genital area, and touching them can cause pain.
- Trichomoniasis occurs in connection with the appearance of trichomonads in a woman's body. The nature of the discharge is foamy, green, yellowish or white, and the itching may be mild or absent altogether.
- Vaginitis is expressed by irritation in the intimate area of pregnant women, a pungent smell and itching. The disease can be transmitted during intercourse from a partner. Treatment is worth both.
- Herpes - often occurs during pregnancy and can pose a threat to its normal course. Characterized by severe itching in the labia and at the entrance to the vagina. With untimely treatment, the surface of the mucosa is covered with papules, which burst, forming wounds. If left untreated, they can be a good source for infection.
The most common cause of itching in pregnant women in an intimate place is, as already noted above, thrush, or vaginal candidiasis. It develops against the background of the growth of colonies of Candida species of fungi, which are always located in the vagina of women. While the number of mushrooms is within normal limits, they do not cause harm. In pregnant women, fungi begin to multiply intensively, since in this state, the hormonal background in women changes, and immunity decreases.
Is it possible to cope with folk methods
It is quite possible to cope with the initial signs of irritation with folk remedies. With itching in an intimate place during pregnancy, recipes of folk healers 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 the powder in one liter of boiled warm water and stir until completely dissolved. After you should carry out hygiene of the genitals. There are no additional features for caring for the intimate area, rinsing with clean running water is not required. Do not increase the dosage of soda, so as not to provoke the formation of a burn.
It is also possible to calm pronounced itching with the help of nettles. This plant is considered a good antiseptic. In addition to chamomile and nettle, for the preparation of baths, you can use the dry grass of plantain, calendula, and Ivan tea. 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 hill) of raw materials, pour boiling water and allow it to cool.
Using Livarol Candles
One of the direct ways to influence the pathogen is to use vaginal or rectal tablets. Candidiasis colpitis during pregnancy is treated with suppositories only after the first trimester. This is stated in the instructions. It is worth listening to the recommendations of the manufacturer, if even earlier the use of this tool had a positive result. It is important to consider that the use of medications during the period of carrying a baby by a woman is due to the risk of components entering the fetus, since the placenta does not retain all substances. Before using Livarol suppositories, the instructions for use must be read even if the doctor has prescribed this remedy.
According to reviews of women who have already undergone treatment 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 suppositories "Livarol" said that simultaneous treatment and a sexual partner is necessary. This is necessary so that re-infection of the pregnant woman does not occur.
Betadine Candles
Another safe treatment is Betadine Suppository. During pregnancy in the first trimester, they can be used without fear, but only after consultation with the attending physician. The main component of the drug is iodine, which locally affects 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 can not harm the baby inside the womb.
Preventative measures
Do not stop treatment immediately after the disappearance of all unpleasant symptoms, including itching in an intimate place. The main rule of prevention is not to forget about the need to maintain the purity of the genitals. Wearing clothes made of synthetic materials should also be excluded. 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.