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Pregnancy & Baby 
  |  Pregnancy  |  3rd Trimester  |  Help for a persistent vaginal itch
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Help for a persistent vaginal itch

by Peg Plumbo

question
I have had a constant vaginal itch (externally) for the past few weeks. I am in my 23rd week of pregnancy. I am not having any discharge, so I doubt that it is an infection. I have been using hydrocortisone and a vaginal cream two to three times a day. This is driving me nuts. I can't imagine going 20 more weeks like this. Please help!

answer
A persistent vaginal itch can be a torment during pregnancy, as at any other time. The state of the vaginal secretions (acid/alkaline) change in pregnancy and these changes can cause local irritation. To lower vaginal pH, you might try sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) baths. You may also try dipping your finger in a baking soda/water solution and applying this to the areas that itch. Sometimes, intercourse will help, due to the low pH of the semen - just as long as there is no worsening because of friction irritation. Cold compresses may also be soothing. You could also coat your finger with yogurt and smooth some over the inflamed tissues. (Note: You may be reacting to an overgrowth of the normal bacteria in the vagina - lactobacillus - in which case, the yogurt with live cultures would make it worse, so be aware of this.)

I'm assuming that all other infections have been ruled out. Yeast is the most prevalent infection that causes vaginal itching.

If the itching is located in the pubic hair and not just in the vagina and around the labia, one must always screen for pediculosis (crab lice). These are very easy to catch and not always sexually transmitted.

Use of hydrocortisone can contribute to the itching if it contributes to skin breakdown, so I would discontinue its use, unless you have checked with your doctor.

There are creams and gels which contain local anaesthetics. They may help, but I think it is always safer to get someone to look at you first

Natural remedies that are soothing could also help. Some are applied as a soak and others for putting into warm bath water. Always avoid excessive soap application.

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