Certain medications can also cause vaginal dryness and itching.
This is important to consider since these conditions can pose certain health risks to a fetus.
This article explores the causes of vaginal itching during pregnancy.
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It also explains how vaginal itching can be treated and prevented based on the underlying cause.
What Causes Vaginal Itching During Pregnancy?
There are many reasons you may experience vaginal itching during pregnancy.
Most do not call for aggressive treatment, but some do require medication.
Intrahepatic cholestasisof pregnancyis one possibility.
This liver condition triggers intense itching without a rash, which tends to increase at night.
This commonly occurs during late pregnancy in the third trimester and requires treatment.
Due to the risk that it poses to a fetus, early delivery may be recommended.
These include home remedies, over-the-counter (OTC) medications, and prescription drugs.
Home Remedies
Home remedies generally do not treat the underlying cause of vaginal itching.
They simply relieve the symptoms and may be appropriate if the itching is mild.
These may be good options if your itching is not resulting from a yeast infection.
However, oral antifungals arenotrecommended.
The risk is greatest during the first trimester and at doses greater than 400 milligrams (mg).
Other STIs, like chlamydia and gonorrhea, require treatment with a prescription antibiotic likeceftriaxone.
Bacterial vaginosis is most commonly treated with the antibioticsFlagyl (metronidazole)orClidacin (clindamycin).
When Should I Be Worried About Vaginal Itching?
Home remedies may relieve vaginal itching.
Vaginal infections may be treated with over-the-counter or prescription medications depending on the specific diagnosis.
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Here’s what you oughta know.
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Here’s what you’re gonna wanna know.
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