5 common causes of an itchy vagina

Dealing with an itchy vagina can be a daunting process. These are the five causes you need to be aware of before consulting your doctor.

Anuradha Varanasi | Updated: March 9, 2016 10:05 am

Most women tend to complain about menstrual cramps and other problems they face due to their periods but seldom is the topic of vaginal itchiness brought up during such topics. If you have been suffering from an itchy vagina, it can be embarrassing and also make it difficult for you to concentrate on your day-to-day routine. These are the 8 things you should never do to your vagina.

Dr Duru Shah, Scientific Director of Gynaecworld, Mumbai, says, ‘If there is constant or recurrent itching in the vagina, a woman must see her gynaecologist, who after examination and necessary tests, will advise further treatment. Symptoms relief is important as vaginal itching can be embarrassing and may disturb your sleep, but more importantly, the underlying cause has to be treated. This makes sure that the cause is eliminated and itching does not recur.’ These are the five common causes to look out for:

Yeast Infection

Yeast infection is also known as candidiasis and is a common condition among women. It is caused by the fungus, Candida, and can cause itching, swelling and irritation. While the Candida genus of yeast is a naturally occurring organism in the vaginal area, it is usually kept in check by the lactobacillus bacteria. However, when the pH balance gets disturbed, it results in an infection and heavy white discharge, that is white and thick.

‘Candidiasis particularly occurs with the use of tampons, vaginal douching, long-term antibiotic or steroid use, and wearing damp undergarments. Women who have a loop or Copper-T are also predisposed to getting vaginal infections’, says Dr Shah. Here’s why shaving your vagina is not a good idea.

Bacterial Vaginosis

Bacterial vaginosis is another common cause of vaginitis or inflammation of the vagina. It is caused by an overgrowth of some bacteria commonly found in vagina, like Gardenella, among others. Consult your doctor for prescribing over the counter cream. If that doesn’t help in reducing these symptoms, which is similar to a yeast infection, your doctor will prescribe oral medications. Here are expert tips to keep your vagina safe from infections.

Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)

Sexual activity, especially with multiple partners and without condoms may lead to different vaginal infections, which may cause itching, says Dr Shah. Trichomoniasis is one such sexually transmitted infection that affects the urinary tract, vagina or even the digestive system. However, this is a curable STD that can be treated with oral antibiotics.

To know if it is an STD causing the vaginal itching, also look for other symptoms like a burning sensation while urinating, sores or boils around your genitals or pain during sexual intercourse.

Hormonal imbalance

Hormonal imbalance during pregnancy and menopause and change of vaginal acidity during periods may cause vaginal infections leading to itching, among other symptoms. In such cases, vaginal dryness is a fairly common complaint. These are the 7 foods that can combat vaginal dryness.

Contact Dermatitis

Skin conditions like contact dermatitis, lichen sclerous, can also cause itching. Contact dermatitis is like an allergic reaction to something that has come in contact with vulva, like synthetic undergarments, deodorants, perfumes, detergents, etc. Sometimes a napkin rash may cause itching, says Dr Shah. Some conditions seen in older women like lichen sclerosis also cause a chronic itch. Lichen sclerosis can also cause white patches on the skin. You could try this natural vaginal wash after consulting your gynaecologist for treatment.

Image Source: Shutterstock

Published: January 8, 2016 4:44 pm | Updated:March 9, 2016 10:05 am

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