Why is your Vagina Itchy: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment.

Vaginal itching can be a sign of serious health issues like sexually transmitted infections and sometimes, vulvar cancer.
It is quite common and usually caused by several things like hormonal changes, or irritating substance

Irritants:

Chemical irritants, like those found in products that come in contact with the vagina and vulva, can trigger an allergic reaction. This is called contact dermatitis.

It makes the vagina sore, red, and itchy.
Examples of products that contain chemical irritants are feminine spray, douches, soaps and shower gel, cream, lotions, detergents, and many more.

Skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema can cause itching and redness around the vagina.
Eczema is a rash that occurs in people with allergies or asthma. The rash is usually itchy and red with a scaly texture.
Psoriasis causes itchy, red, and scaly patches on the scalp and joints. It can also appear on the vulva.

Yeast is a naturally occurring fungus that’s normally present in the vagina but when its growth goes unchecked, it causes an uncomfortable infection.
It causes burning, itching, and thick whitish discharge.
Stress, pregnancy, uncontrolled diabetes and hormonal imbalances before your menstrual period can cause yeast infections.

This is triggered by an imbalance between the naturally occurring good bacteria and the bad ones
It doesn’t always cause symptoms but when they appear, they include itching and abnormal discharge that smells like fish.
The discharge might be thin, white, or dull gray and it can also be foamy.

A few STIs cause vaginal itchings like genital warts, chlamydia, genital herpes, gonorrhea, and many more.
These infections can also cause other symptoms like unusual discharge, genital soreness, and painful urine

Menopause causes a drop in estrogen levels and this increases the risk of vaginal itching
The drop in estrogen makes the tissues of the vagina and vulva drier, thinner, and less elastic, resulting in itching.

Vaginal itching can be caused by vulvar cancer and this itching doesn’t go away or get better.

You should see a healthcare professional if the itching is severe and disrupts your daily life or sleep.
They will help find and treat the root of the itch and also offer advice or prescription to help you find relief.
You should see your doctor if your vaginal itching persists for more than a week or is accompanied by other symptoms like pain, ulcers, genital redness, unusual vaginal discharge, trouble urinating, or discomfort during sexual intercourse.

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms, the severity, and how long they’ve lasted
They may also ask about your sexual activities.
A pelvic exam might be carried out
During the pelvic exam, your doctor will inspect your vulva and use a speculum to see inside your vagina.
A sample of the skin tissue from your vulva or a sample of your discharge may be collected for analysis.

Once the underlying cause of your vagina itching is found, your healthcare professional will recommend treatment options.
The treatment usually depends on your condition. For example,
Yeast infections are treated with antifungal medications. It can be pills, creams, or ointment.
Bacterial vaginosis is treated with antibiotics. These can be pills or creams which you insert into your vagina.
STIs are treated with antibiotics, antiparasitics, or antivirals. You will also be advised to avoid sex till the infection clears.
For menopause-related itching, estrogen cream, tablets, or a vaginal ring insert might be prescribed.

Use warm water to wash your genital area
Do not use scented soaps, bubble baths, or lotions
Avoid vaginal sprays and douches
Wear cotton underwear and they should be changed daily
Get tested for STIs and encourage your partners to do the same
Always wipe from the front to back to keep the bacteria in feces away from your vagina and vulva.

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