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Vaginal Pain
Q. This is my first pregnancy and the opening of my vagina is swollen, purple and red, and I am having a lot of vaginal discharge. It doesn't smell, but it does hurt (burn/soreness) when touched. I have a friend who has genital herpes and we went swimming together a little while ago. Is my swelling normal or is it a sign that I caught genital herpes from my friend?
-Anonymous, Texas
A. I highly doubt you have contracted genital herpes from your friend. Herpes is transmitted through mouth to mouth, mouth to genital or genital to genital contact. Swimming with your friend should not put you at risk. The swelling and discharge you mention are perfectly normal symptoms of pregnancy. The pain and burning could be from a yeast or bacterial infection, which can occur more often during pregnancy. You should contact your OB/GYN about treatment to get some relief.
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Q. I am 34 weeks pregnant. I have been experiencing some severe pain in my pelvic and vaginal area in the past few weeks. My doctor said that the baby's head was down in my pelvic area and causing the discomfort. The doctor checked to see if I was dilated. Is this how they came to believe that it was the baby's head or did they just guess at what was causing the pain? Is it possible for doctors to feel the baby's head when they check to see if you are dilated?
-Anonymous, Virginia
A. Severe pain in the pelvic area can be caused by pressure from the baby's head, contractions that cause dilation or both. When a doctor feels the cervix to check on dilation, he or she can also feel if the baby's head is engaged or not. A head that is not engaged will slip backwards when pushed on, while the engaged head will remain stationary. The good news is, you're locked and loaded, ready to go. If you're really lucky you may even go early and not have to endure this pelvic pain much longer.
Q. I am constantly itching and burning in my vaginal area. The doctor checked and said there is no infection. Could the discharge (which is pretty thick now) be causing all this burning and itching? I am 35 weeks pregnant.
-Anonymous, Oklahoma
A. I can certainly sympathize with your situation. I had some first-hand experience in this area. My doctor told me it's hard to diagnose and treat some bacterial infections brought on by the excessive heat and moisture during pregnancy. When my situation got really bad, my doctor prescribed Lidocaine jelly, like they use at the dentist, to use at night so I wouldn't rub myself raw with the itching. A few things I found helpful in the relief and healing of my condition were: frequent bathing (essential right before bed); frequent changes of loose, cotton underwear throughout the day (I went through three pairs a day); and wearing loose, breathable clothing in the crotch as often as possible.
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Q. I am 39 1/2 weeks pregnant. When I have gone to my obstetrician during the past couple of weeks and they check me vaginally for any changes, my cervix is so tender, it feels like it is being stabbed! It almost makes me jump out of my skin. This also happens sometimes when my husband and I have sex. I don't experience any bleeding, but it feels crampy for a while afterwards with either activity. Is this normal?
-Anonymous, Pennsylvania
A. Don't worry. At this stage of pregnancy, your cervix can become extremely swollen and sensitive. It's very normal. I, too, can remember jumping away from that rubber glove during a cervical exam. The good news is, the sensitivity of your cervix is a pretty good indicator of how ripe it is. You could go any day now!
Q. I am about seven weeks pregnant with my third pregnancy. About four to five weeks ago I started feeling a constant throbbing in my genitals. The sensation is like being horny. It will last all day and all night long. Even sex with orgasm doesn't make it go away. It has become so disturbing to me that I've become depressed and just want to forget about it. My doctor put me on Flagyl, thinking it was a bacterial infection, but it did no good. I don't know if this has anything to do with it, but I recently had my gall bladder out. Please, I need some answers!
-Amy, Kansas
A. It's possible that you're experiencing some kind of odd hormone overload, triggering this sexual response. I can understand that this perpetual state of semi-arousal must be annoying, if not maddening. It may go away on its own after the first trimester, when your hormone levels even out. If not, you may want to try hypnosis or acupuncture to deaden these sensations. Hypnosis could help to control these feelings with your mind. Acupuncture can pinpoint and block certain nerve responses. If acupuncture is the route you take, be sure to visit an acupuncturist with experience in treating pregnant patients.
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