Itchy Nether Regions?!

[Repeatedlydoingthetwist]

Hi all,

Don't worry I'm not afraid to use the word vulva, just wasn't sure if it was appropriate for the thread title!
Anyway I am 28+3 and my labia/vulva are driving me CRAZY! They itch constantly, and it's taking all of my energy not to scratch them raw! I don't have any discharge etc so I know it's not Thrush, and it's also not an STD, it's just an external itch at the top end. Has anyone else had this and what can I do?!

TIA

God, I wish I knew! I've had it through a lot of my pregnancy, especially my clit which is a complete nightmare! The only relief I have managed to get is to get one of those large oval cotton pads (for taking off make up) and dousing it in very cold water and holding it there for a while until it's not cold enough, repeating as necessary. Sometimes I've ended up putting canesten on it, which can help sometimes even though there's no discharge. I've not tried anything like Lanacane, which is for dryness and itchiness, often caused by hormonal changes. That might help.

Damn! I wish I hadn't just thought of that now that I'm 40 weeks today!

Lanacane and a cold 'fanny flannel' as DP referred to them! I do sympathise, it is torture but it will pass.

Thanks ladies, Lanacane it is!

I had this from 35 weeks - it used to keep me up until about 2am where sleeping on the sofa, with no pj bottoms on and legs apart was the only way of getting any sleep, so I totally feel your pain!

Have you seen your mw/consultant about it?
After hounding my mw - who said it was 'just' a pregnancy symptom, she went on holiday so I saw a different mw who referred me to a consultant. I tried about 5 different creams (including 2 thrush treatments) and eventually they gave me chlorphenamine, I only took one a day but stopped it in its tracks!

They may be able to give you this too - worth an ask!

it's a bloody nightmare isn't it. I use canesten if I have to although it's not thrush, just an itch. I've had it all this pg and it is driving me out of my mind! THank god only 8 weeks to go

witch hazel, can help cool and soothe and may ease the itching. I had this at about 25ish weeks for a little while. You can use it neat or watered down to whatever is comfortable, apply with a cotton wool ball, or apply to a flannel and lie out on the bed. You can apply to pads to wear in your knickers too. You can get it in cream/gel form which is good for topical applications.

Mine passed after a few days. I felt achey and swollen at the same time.

You have no idea how glad I am that this isn't just me! I think I'll ask my MW next week, but in the time will be sending DP out to secure Lanacane/witch hazel/canestan. Lucky him! x

Most interesting I've learnt this pregnancy is that just because there's no discharge doesn't mean it isn't thrush! I started to itch one morning and my vulva doubled in size in the space of half an hour, it was the most horrifying thing ever. When I went to see the doctor, he said it totally was thrush and got me a prescription for clotrimazole, worked a treat. So I'd recommend you see a doctor to take you out of your misery. Also, cotton knickers all the way.

I know this is super old. But did this go for you guys once you delivered? I'm 34w and have had this my ENTIRE pregnancy. I'm so mentally drained. Nothing works. I've been swabbed for BV, Thrush, Strep, Trich etc etc.

I'm using like a tube of Vagisil (lidocane) a week just to get through it. Wakes me up in the night constantly. So miserable 😫

Midwives and GPs won't touch me. So frustrating.