What causes vaginal pain in late pregnancy?

We all know that the 10-month pregnancy period is very hard for women, especially in the late pregnancy when the fetus grows bigger day by day, which often makes women feel very tired. However, some symptoms are also particularly prone to occur during this period. Among them, vaginal pain in late pregnancy is a relatively common phenomenon. However, many inexperienced women often do not know the cause of such symptoms, whether it is caused by some diseases, and whether it will affect the choice of delivery method. Let’s understand what is vaginal pain in late pregnancy?

What causes vaginal pain in late pregnancy?

Vaginitis

Common vaginitis includes bacterial vaginosis, Trichomonas vaginitis, Candidal vaginitis, and senile vaginitis.

1. Bacterial vaginosis; grayish white leucorrhea with a fishy odor, vaginal burning sensation, and itching.

2. Trichomonas vaginitis; symptoms include increased leucorrhea, which may be a thin serous liquid, grayish yellow or yellow-green, sometimes mixed with blood, and may cause urinary pain, urgency, and even hematuria.

3. Candidal vaginitis; typical leucorrhea is curd-like or flaky, the vagina and vaginal vestibule mucosa are highly edematous, covered with a white curd-like film, distributed in dots or sheets, easy to peel off, underneath is a damaged flushed base, or ulcers are formed, or ecchymosis is left, and in severe cases, the vulva is swollen and adhered.

Treatment of vaginitis:

1. General treatment: Actively treat other diseases that may cause vaginitis and eliminate susceptible factors. Keep the vulva clean and dry and avoid scratching. Sexual intercourse is prohibited during treatment. It is not advisable to eat spicy and irritating foods.

2. Treatment with Chinese herbal medicine: Use Chinese herbal decoctions that have the effects of clearing heat and detoxifying, killing insects and relieving itching to fumigate and wash the vulva, which can not only relieve symptoms but also inhibit and eliminate Candida albicans.

3. Vaginal medication: Using imidazole suppositories for vaginal medication has a good effect on candidal vaginitis.

4. Oral medication: Since fungal infections can be transmitted between couples through sexual intercourse, both parties can be treated with oral medication, which can also inhibit intestinal Candida. For example; fluconazole, etc.

Life Note:

1. Wear cotton underwear and change it frequently. Keep the towel and basin for cleaning the vulva separate. Washed underwear should be placed in the sun to dry, not in the bathroom.

2. Wear breathable clothes and avoid wearing pantyhose or tight jeans continuously.

Physiological reactions of pregnancy

This symptom may be affected in the late stages of pregnancy. As the fetus grows, the uterus also grows, which will compress the surrounding tissues, blood vessels, nerves, organs, etc. This may cause the vulva to become engorged and painful. It is recommended to take more rest and avoid long periods of walking and standing. In addition, go to the obstetrics clinic for relevant examinations as soon as possible. Vulvar pain: Some women feel swelling of the vulva and local redness of the skin a few months after pregnancy, and severe pain in the vulva when walking. This phenomenon is clinically known as "varicose veins of the vulva". The uterus of a pregnant woman shoulders a heavy responsibility and requires a large amount of blood supply, which increases the blood flow in the pelvic veins and internal iliac veins, causing the pressure in the veins to increase, causing the thin-walled veins in the vulva and inner thighs to expand abnormally.

In addition, as the fetus grows gradually, the uterus also grows accordingly in the pelvic cavity, which can easily compress the veins and hinder blood return, causing congestion and leading to varicose veins. Furthermore, the concentration of estrogen in the blood increases rapidly during pregnancy, causing the venous walls to relax and resulting in varicose veins in the vulva. The key to preventing varicose veins of the vulva during pregnancy is to pay attention to hygiene during pregnancy. After becoming pregnant, women should avoid standing for long periods of time, especially in the later stages of pregnancy. Avoid wearing tight pants and shoes; do not go near heat sources or bathe in overheated water.

Treatment is mainly local care, such as local cold compresses or cold water sitz baths to shrink the varicose veins in the vulva. You can apply zinc oxide ointment locally and sprinkle some talcum powder on it, which can also help the varicose veins to contract. All symptoms will disappear naturally after delivery without any sequelae. In short, if it is the first case, you should go to the hospital for treatment in time. If it is the second case, it should not be a big problem and the problem will ease on its own.

The above is an introduction to what causes vaginal pain in late pregnancy. After understanding it, we know that the cause of this phenomenon is generally due to the gradual enlargement of the uterus. In addition, it is caused by diseases such as vaginitis. Therefore, women with such symptoms must pay attention to it. First, we must confirm the cause, and then make timely adjustments and relief. If necessary, we should go to the hospital for examination and treatment in time.