That's why even if you think you might know your cause of vaginal itching, it's important to make an appointment with your doctor so you can treat it accordingly, says Jill Krapf , MD, assistant professor in obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Texas San Antonio School of Medicine.
The good news is that a healthy vagina shouldn't be itchy too often. It's got natural bacteria that keep a balance in the vagina, and so when that balance is disrupted, it can tip toward being more itchy or having more discharge. Here are five of the most common reasons you might be experiencing an itchy vagina, and what to do about it. One of the most common problems women typically jump to when they have vaginal itching is a yeast infection , says Dr.
And for a lot of those women, they'd be right. After all, the majority of women— about 75 percent —will experience at least one yeast infection during their lifetime. A yeast infection is exactly what it sounds like: there's a yeast growing in your vagina where it shouldn't be, which can cause a lot of discomfort. Luckily, there are plenty of over-the-counter treatments for yeast infections, like Monistat, that can be taken as a vaginal cream or suppository.
The key here is paying attention to whether the treatment is actually working. This sounds a lot scarier than it is, because bacterial vaginosis isn't truly an infection, says Dr.
In addition to itching, bacterial vaginosis often presents other classic symptoms like a thin, watery discharge with a fishy odor.
If you're experiencing these symptoms, see your doctor right away so he or she can prescribe an antibiotic prescription that will help restore that healthy balance in your vagina. A great way to prevent bacterial vaginosis down the road starts with your diet. If you're having some itching, but you're not experiencing any of those discharge-related symptoms associated with something like a yeast infection or a bacterial vaginosis, it might be worth asking: What have I changed in my hygiene or clothing routine lately?
Product changes can cause a condition called contact dermatitis , where your skin reacts to an allergen or irritant it doesn't agree with, like a new soap, lotion, dye, detergent, or even a sanitary pad. If you're able to pinpoint a new change in your routine that could be causing the itching, stop using it right away and see if the problem clears up.
But if you can't think of any changes, just make sure you're avoiding any scented products or synthetic fabrics. That allows more breathability to the vagina. Good skin care can help prevent a lot of itching, especially due to dry skin. Dermatologists recommend that you:. Good genital health can also help prevent itching and other problems. Your vagina is healthiest when it has the right balance of bacteria, called vaginal flora.
When you have the right amount of good bacteria, it keeps the environment slightly acidic, which keeps the bad bacteria from getting out of control. A lot of things can disrupt that balance, including:. You can take steps to maintain good vaginal and vulvar health, such as:.
Vaginal, vulvar, and anal itching are topics you might be uncomfortable bringing up with your healthcare provider. Given the seriousness of some conditions that can cause that itching, though, it's important for you to overcome your embarrassment and get it checked. Getting the right diagnosis and treatment can bring you relief and peace of mind.
Most of the time, vaginal itching is harmless, but it can be a sign of a problem that may warrant a visit to the gynecologist. Possible causes include a yeast infection, bacterial vaginosis, certain STIs, allergic reactions, and irritation from soaps and creams. Female genital itching can be relieved by applying a cold compress for five to 10 minutes, using a fragrance-free lotion or lubricant, or applying topical anesthetics or treatments.
If your vaginal area itches for more than a few days, is extremely uncomfortable, or is accompanied by abnormal discharge or pelvic pain, call your healthcare provider. Yes, an itchy vagina and vulva can indicate a yeast infection. Other signs include a clumpy white discharge and soreness.
Yeast infections can be treated with over-the-counter remedies. Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life. TeensHealth from Nemours. What can I do to prevent razor burn? Updated February National Eczema Association. An overview of the different types of eczema. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Parasites: About pubic "crab" lice.
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What are the symptoms of herpes? National Institutes of Health, U. National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus. Genital herpes - self-care. Updated February 26, National Organization for Rare Disorders. Lichen sclerosus. Updated February 5, Cedars Sinai. American Academy of Dermatology Association. How to relieve itchy skin. American Sexual health Association. Vaginal health. Cleveland Clinic. Vulvar care. March 23, Cornell University, Cornell Health. Maintaining vaginal health.
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At any time, you can update your settings through the "EU Privacy" link at the bottom of any page. Vaginal itching can both be a symptom of an allergy or candidiasis. When the itching is internal, it may be caused by the presence of fungi or bacteria and the symptom may be accompanied by swelling and discharge. The cause of itching is often candidiasis, a disease caused by the imbalance of the fungi that normally inhabits this area.
To find out the reason for your vaginal itching, choose the symptoms you are experiencing from the ones below:. A good home treatment for relieving an itchy vagina, clitoris and labia majora is to wash the intimate area with rosemary and sage tea, for example, because of its antimicrobial properties that eliminate bacteria and prevent the growth of fungi, which can cause itching.
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