Is external genital itching normal during pregnancy? Four Points to Pay Attention to in Treatment

Vulval itching is a common gynecological condition, especially after the occurrence of vulvar itching during pregnancy. It is not only necessary to know the cause, but also to know the treatment method.

Is external genital itching normal during pregnancy

Pruritus of the external genitalia is a symptom caused by various diseases of the external genitalia, but it can also occur in people with completely normal external genitalia. When itching worsens, patients often cannot sit still, affecting their daily life and work. For women during pregnancy, genital itching is common. During pregnancy, women's vaginal immunity decreases and bacteria are organically utilized, causing itching and inflammation of the external genitalia.

Experts point out that if there is itching in the external genitalia during pregnancy, it is best to go to a regular hospital for examination and treatment. If left untreated, it may affect the fetus. However, in order not to affect the health of the mother and child, medication cannot be used without authorization.

Characteristics of pruritus and itching in the external genitalia during pregnancy

During pregnancy, external genital itching is often persistent or paroxysmal, occurring in the vagina, outside the labia majora, pubis, penis, labia minora, and perineum, and can spread to the vicinity of the anus. It is a type of localized itching. I often feel unbearable itching and have a lot of it at night. Often worsens during menstruation or after consuming stimulating foods. Pruritus of the external genitalia is often paroxysmal or persistent, worsening at night. When itching is severe, it can cause discomfort while sitting. Prolonged itching can rupture, redness, swelling, or secondary infection. Due to long-term scraping, local infiltration, hypertrophy, and pigmentation may occur. According to clinical practice, there are only secondary skin lesions and no primary skin lesions, which is convenient for diagnosis.

Simple vulvar itching should first identify the cause and receive local treatment. Keep the external genitalia clean, frequently replace underwear, clean the external genitalia with alkaline liquids, and generally do not recommend oral or injection medication. Alternatively, place mold inhibiting suppositories or creams into the vagina and be careful when taking traditional Chinese medicine during pregnancy. Pregnant women are not allowed to take traditional Chinese medicine without authorization. Some traditional Chinese medicines have an abortion effect, and pregnant women should use them with caution, such as peach kernel, orange fruit, safflower, rhubarb, aconite, and pinellia ternata. These drugs are generally avoided as much as possible.

Causes of vulvar itching during pregnancy

Pruritus of the vulva during pregnancy is often related to local factors, with vaginal discharge stimulation and vaginal bacterial infections being common causes. During pregnancy, there is a high level of estrogen in the body, overall congestion in the pelvis, a significant increase in cervical and vaginal secretions, and increased discharge of sweat and sebaceous glands in the perineum due to increased vaginal discharge. Failure to pay attention to local cleaning or changing underwear can stimulate the perineum and cause itching of the external genitalia.