Vaginal irritation is a burning, itching, or irritating sensation in the vagina.
What causes it?
Vaginal irritation during pregnancy can have a number of causes. The most likely ones include:
- Bacterial Vaginosis: Bacterial vaginosis is an infection of the vagina caused by the wrong mix of bacteria. Women with bacterial vaginosis may also notice a yellowish discharge, and a fishy smell. Talk to your healthcare provider about it if you suspect you may have bacterial vaginosis.
- UTIs: Urinary tract infections may also lead to vaginal irritation. You should call your healthcare provider if you believe you have a UTI during pregnancy.
- STDs: Sexually transmitted diseases like chlamydia, herpes and gonorrhea may lead to vaginal irritation. Call your healthcare provider if you believe you may have contracted an STD so it does not spread before your healthcare provider screens for it at your first appointment.
- Yeast Infection: Women with vaginal irritation and who notice a thick, white discharge may have contracted a yeast infection. Anti-fungals will cure this, so you should call your healthcare provider to obtain some.
Tips?
Pregnant women should avoid douching and sex with multiple partners, practice safer sex, and maintain proper hygiene in order to avoid a condition that may lead to vaginal irritation. You should call your healthcare provider if you notice any annoyance or discomfort, as this may indicate something serious.
Reviewed by Dr. Jamie Lo
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Sources
- Mayo Clinic Staff. “Bacterial vaginosis.” Mayo Clinic. Mayo Clinic, 4/20/2013. Web.
- Mayo Clinic Staff. “Urinary tract infection (UTI).” Mayo Clinic. Mayo Clinic, 7/23/2015. Web.
- “STDs.” Planned Parenthood. Planned Parenthood, n.d. Web.
- Mayo Clinic Staff. “Yeast Infection (Vaginal).” Mayo Clinic. Mayo Clinic, 9/18/2015. Web.
