Perineum troubles - itching and 'low'

[HallidayJones6779]

So I'm 17 months post partum having had 3 over the last 7 years.... I've got an issue that I cant find anything about online so looking to see if anyone has had anything similar or if you have any advice.

In June, I noticed some itching! Mainly my perenium and it spread to my bum and vagina. I went to the dr and had lots of swabs and checks... everything from thrush, BV to piles was ruled out. I've been referred to a gynae and have an appointment next week but in the meantime, I'm itching - but just my perineum now - and confused about what it could be.

Since June, I've noticed the itching does become more intense around my period and then eases through the month.. so I'm wondering if it could be low estrogen related.

What I've also noticed - and I don't know how 'normal' this is - is a band of muscle has 'suddenly' appeared horizontal between by vagina and bum. I say 'suddenly' because I actually don't know how long it's been like this. I've noticed it because I'm itching and feeling it a lot but I think if it had been like this forever, I would've noticed it before now?! It feels like a slim band of muscle.this is the thing I'm most concerned about really! It just feels odd

Anyone had anything similar or can give any suggestions?

Prolapse

Hormonal changes due to childbirth, and if by any chance you’re still breastfeeding, can impact oestrogen levels. Some women develop vaginal atrophy for which the treatment is topical oestrogen - in your case if in the UK this would be an estriol cream which can be used externally on the vulva, perineum etc as well as internally if needed.

Sometimes a prescription steroid ointment can be helpful applied on the vulva to reduce inflammation and your doctor might rule out Lichen Sclerosus.

The most helpful thing I have found to reduce external irritation and itching is emollient ointment, for example, Epaderm or Hydromol, sold over the counter in a tub. You could also look at anything else that might be causing the irritation like toilet paper containing bleach and perfume, or anything else touching the area like body wash or a new clothes wash powder
https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/emollients/

I’m 12 weeks postpartum and could have written this myself!
I believe it’s due to the low estrogen (I’m exclusively breastfeeding) and have lots of other symptoms of low estrogen ( low sex drive, aching and stiff joints)
im just sort of coping with it atm by using sudocream. I also have had piles which the anusol cream has worked very well for.

I also have noticed the band of muscle - it’s a bit weird I wondered if I had just not noticed it before (I had an emergency c section delivery so it’s not like I tore or anything down there)

Thank you all for the replies! @Footle I have wondered about prolapse but then I wondered whether it would look different from the outside and not just feel like a weird band of muscle? Why does no one tell you about these things before children 🫣😅

@over50andfab I've bought some epaderm yesterday and it definitely seems like it will help to sooth the irritation so I'll continue that- thank you!. I am actually still breastfeeding but only a little at night... I suppose that still has an impact though! I'm on holiday at the minute and feeding baby back to sleep during the night... but as soon as we get home, the breastfeeding is going to have to stop. I need to get back to some level of normality.

Interesting @StrawberrySunflower you feel the same band and wondered the same thing about whether you had just missed it!!! I'm exactly the same. Is it this band that's itching for you? I will update you after I've seen the gynae if he mentions what it might be. My appt is the 9th Sept. (Congrats on the new baby btw!)

My initial post should have said 'having had 3 csections over the last 7 years' so same as you @StrawberrySunflower , I haven't had any issues tearing or scar tissue from a natural delivery xxx

@HallidayJones6779
i hope the appointment with the gynecologist helps!
thank you - I’m loving being a mum 🥰
my itching is sort of generalised in the whole area, thought at first it was that band of muscle- but at the time I did also have thrush after having baby as I had had sooooo many antibiotics ! And to add in the piles as well it’s not been fun down there 🤣

If a doctor does happen to be looking for signs of prolapse, I think they’re supposed to examine you in a standing position as that’s when it will be most noticeable. Awkward I know.