Vaginal Itching or irritation is one of the most common problems in vaginal health. Most women tend to experience it; it can occur at any age. Even if you do not have a vaginal infection, you may experience it. This itching or irritation most often occurs during the pregnancy years and it may cause a lot of discomfort at the time.
Pregnant women are most likely to feel anxious, worried and uncomfortable at such times and, therefore, it is important to seek medical assistance for the same. A vaginal wet mount test or vaginal smear is an exam that will be required to detect if a person has vaginitis — a term used for a range of infections and other issues.
Vaginal itching does not cause any complications with pregnancy. It is a normal chemical imbalance in the vagina, which causes the itch.
Let us check out the best and safe methods for vaginal itching treatment
Causes of vaginal itching
The most predominant cause of vaginal itching in the course of pregnancy is the normal variations in the pH levels inside the vagina. These pH level changes could also cause irritations that are topical in nature. Sometimes, yeast infection could also cause lasting vaginal itching among pregnant women.
An STI or STD does not necessarily show symptoms such as vaginal itching, but it could also be one of the potential causes. That is why one should not try self-treatment for vaginal itching. Over-the-counter medicines are a strict no-no.
You should first visit an expert private gynaecologist and undergo proper vaginal discharge testing to diagnose your condition. If you have STIs, the doctor will suggest appropriate medications. If no, then the doctor will suggest the correct remedies. Either way, It is better to seek advice from a health expert, especially during pregnancy.
The treatment for vaginal itching and/or irritation
If your vaginal itching is due to the normal variations in the pH levels inside the vagina during your pregnancy, you can seek the help of different treatments methods that can help to lower the pH level inside the vagina, which would eventually provide relief from itching. Some self-help vaginal itching treatment options include:
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Add baking soda to the water while bathing.
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Take some baking soda and water to form a paste, then apply it to the itching regions.
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Sexual intercourse is also known to help lower the pH levels inside the vagina as male semen has a low pH level.
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Apply cold compresses to the itching region.
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Approved over-the-counter medicines.
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Lidocaine gel — a medicine that has proven to be a safe and better remedy for vaginal itching during pregnancy, as it is absolutely anaesthetic.
Note: Do not use hydrocortisone creams for vaginal itching as they would tear or mildly break the skin, further causing persistent itching or irritation.
If you are suffering from a yeast infection in the vagina, regular over the counter creams or ointments for yeast infection or vaginal discharges would provide quick relief from the itch and the additional symptoms of yeast infection.
It is best recommended to consult a private gynaecologist london about your condition before using any over the counter medicines. Allow the private gynaecologist to thoroughly examine your condition and provide a proper diagnosis. Then, go for the medicines suggested by the doctor.
How to prevent additional irritation
You could include the best practices in your daily routine to prevent the recurrence of irritation and itching in your vagina. Preventive measures are important as there could be a variety of reasons that could increase the risk of skin itches and/or irritation. Follow these suggestions to reduce the chances of vaginal itching.
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Keep your vagina and vulvar area dry and clean.
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Follow a good hygiene regime.
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Do not use douches in your vagina.
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If you are one to use toilet paper, wipe properly from front to back to prevent any bacteria inside the vagina.
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Apply only fragrance-free items in your vaginal region, such as soaps without a fragrance.
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While doing laundry, use fragrance-free fabric softeners and detergents, especially for your underwear.
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Follow proper hand and vaginal washing guidelines.
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Wear comfortable clothing; avoid binding and tight clothes, especially on or around the crotch.
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Use a proper bath soap on sensitive skin.
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Wear cotton underpants; avoid nylon hoses or panties that reduce the airflow into the vaginal region.
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Use warm water while bathing but do not add fragrant products or bubble baths that could cause itching or irritation in the urinary tract and vagina.
You could apply these safe methods to relieve yourself of the itch, or you could seek medical assistance. It is important to follow preventive practices during pregnancy to avoid any vaginal infection. If you are experiencing pain and swelling in your vagina, you must consult a doctor for vaginal pain treatment and vaginal swelling treatment.
If you want more information about vaginal swelling treatment and vaginal pain treatment, contact our experts at the Well Women Clinic today.
