Causes of Vulvar Itching During Pregnancy
May 23, 2019
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Duan Yan
Introduction
This is primarily due to elevated estrogen levels during pregnancy, combined with pelvic congestion, which significantly increases cervical and vaginal secretions. The resulting increase in vaginal discharge further stimulates greater secretion from the sweat and sebaceous glands in the external genitalia, leading to local moisture and poor hygiene—factors that predispose women to pruritus vulvae.
Vulvar pruritus (itching) is relatively common during pregnancy, primarily due to elevated estrogen levels and pelvic congestion, which collectively increase cervical and vaginal secretions. The resulting leukorrhea (increased vaginal discharge) further stimulates sebaceous and sweat glands in the vulvar region, leading to heightened glandular secretion.
Local moisture and poor hygiene further predispose women to vulvar pruritus. Additionally, elevated estrogen levels during pregnancy increase glycogen content in vaginal epithelial cells, disrupting local pH balance and creating a favorable environment for Candida overgrowth—thus contributing to vulvar pruritus in pregnancy.
Once vulvar pruritus develops during pregnancy, prompt medical consultation is essential. In some cases, vaginal secretion testing may be required to guide timely and appropriate treatment.
