Overview
Vaginal itching is an unpleasant and sometimes painful symptom that often occurs due to irritants, infections or menopause.
It can also appear as a result of certain skin disorders or sexually transmitted diseases. In rare cases, vaginal itching may develop due to stress or vulvar cancer.
Most vaginal itching is not a cause for concern. However, you should see your doctor or gynecologist if the itching is severe or you suspect you have an underlying condition.
Your doctor can determine the cause of vaginal itching through examination and testing. They will also be able to recommend appropriate treatment for this unpleasant symptom.
Causes of vaginal itching
Here are some of the possible causes of itching in and around the vagina.
irritants
Exposing the vagina to irritating chemicals can cause vaginal itching. These irritants can cause an allergic reaction that creates an itchy rash on various parts of the body, including the vagina. Common chemical irritants include:
- sapun
- bubble baths
- women's sprays
- showers
- current contraceptives
- kreme
- masks
- detergents
- fabric softeners
- scented toilet paper
If you have diabetes or urinary incontinence, your urine can also cause vaginal irritation and itching.
Skin diseases
Some skin diseases, such as eczema and psoriasis, can cause redness and itching in the genital region.
Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a rash that occurs primarily in people who have asthma or allergies. The rash is red and itchy with a scaly texture. In some women with eczema, it can spread to the vagina.
Psoriasis is a common skin condition that causes scaly, itchy, red patches to form along the scalp and joints. Sometimes outbreaks of these symptoms can also appear on the vagina.
Yeast infection
Yeast is a natural fungus that is normally present in the vagina. It usually does not cause problems, but when it grows unhindered, it can lead to an unpleasant infection.
This infection is known as vaginal yeast infection. It's a very common condition, affecting 3 out of 4 women at some point in their lives, he says Mayo Clinic.
Infection often occurs after taking antibiotics, as these types of drugs can destroy the good bacteria along with the bad bacteria. Good bacteria are needed to control yeast.
Yeast overgrowth in the vagina can result in uncomfortable symptoms, including itching, burning, and purulent discharge.
Bacterial vaginosis
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is another common cause of vaginal itching.
Like a vaginal yeast infection, BV is caused by an imbalance between the natural good and bad bacteria in the vagina.
The condition does not always cause symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they usually include vaginal itching and an abnormal, foul odor. The discharge can be thin and dirty gray or white. In some cases, it can also be foamy.
Sexually transmitted disease
During unprotected sex, numerous sexually transmitted diseases can be transmitted and cause itching in the vagina. That includes:
- chlamydia
- genital warts
- gonorrhea
- genital herpes
- Trichomoniasis
These conditions can also cause additional symptoms, including abnormal growths, green or yellow vaginal discharge, and pain when urinating.
Menopause
Women who are going through menopause or have already done so are more at risk of vaginal itching.
This is due to the decrease in estrogen levels that occur during menopause, which leads to vaginal atrophy. This is a thinning of the mucous membrane that can lead to excessive dryness. Dryness can cause itching and irritation if left untreated.
Stress
Physical and emotional stress can cause vaginal itching and irritation, although this is not very common. It can happen when stress weakens your immune system, leaving you more prone to infections that cause itching.
Vulvar cancer
In rare cases, vaginal itching can be a symptom of vulvar cancer. This is a type of cancer that develops in the vulva, which is the outer part of the female genitalia. This includes the inner and outer labia of the vagina, the clitoris and the opening of the vagina.
Vulvar cancer does not always cause symptoms. However, when symptoms do occur, they may include itching, abnormal bleeding, or pain in the vulva area.
Vulvar cancer can be successfully treated if the doctor diagnoses it in the early stages. This is another reason why annual gynecologist examinations are necessary.
When to see a doctor for vaginal itching
It is important to see your doctor about vaginal itching if the itching is severe enough to interfere with your daily life or sleep. Although most causes are not serious, there are some treatments that can reduce the discomfort of vaginal itching.
You should also contact your doctor if your vaginal itching lasts longer than a week or if the itching occurs along with the following symptoms:
- ulcers or blisters on the vulva
- pain or tenderness in the genital area
- redness or swelling of the genitals
- difficulty urinating
- unusual vaginal discharge
- discomfort during intercourse
What to expect during the meeting
The doctor will ask you about your symptoms, including how severe they are and how long they last. You may also be asked about your sexual activities. They will probably also need a pelvic exam.
During a pelvic exam, your doctor will visually examine the vulva and may use a speculum to look inside the vagina. They can press down on your belly while you insert the glove into your vagina. This allows them to check the reproductive organs for any irregularities.
Your doctor may also take a sample of skin tissue from your vulva or a sample of your discharge for analysis. Your doctor may also perform blood or urine tests.
Medical treatment for vaginal itching
Once your doctor determines the underlying cause of your vaginal itching, he will recommend treatment options. The specific course of treatment needed depends on the condition causing the problem.
Vaginal yeast infections
Your doctor can treat vaginal yeast infections with antifungal medications. They come in different forms, including creams, ointments or tablets. They are available by prescription or over the counter.
However, if you have never been diagnosed with a yeast infection by your doctor, be sure to talk to your doctor before taking over-the-counter medications.
BV
Doctors often treat BV with antibiotics. These can be as tablets that you take orally or as creams that you insert into the vagina. Regardless of the type of treatment you use, it is important to follow your doctor's instructions and complete the full course of medication.
STDs
You can treat SPD with antibiotics, antivirals or antiparasitics. You will need to take medication regularly and avoid sexual intercourse until the infection or disease is cleared.
Menopause
Itching associated with menopause can be treated with estrogen cream, pills, or a vaginal ring insert.
Other causes
Other types of vaginal itching and irritation are often self-evident.
In the meantime, you can apply steroid creams or lotions to reduce inflammation and ease discomfort. However, you should limit how much you use because they can also lead to chronic irritation and itching if you overuse them.
Home remedies for vaginal itching
You can prevent most of the causes of vaginal itching with good hygiene and lifestyle habits. There are several steps you can take at home to prevent vaginal irritation and infection:
- Use warm water and a gentle cleanser to wash the genitals.
- Avoid scented soaps, lotions and bubble baths.
- Avoid using such products as vaginal sprays and douches.
- Change into wet or damp clothing before stretching or exercising.
- Wear cotton underwear and change your underwear every day.
- Eat yogurt with live cultures to reduce the chance of yeast infection.
- Use condoms during intercourse.
- Always wipe from the front and back after a bowel movement.