Many women with vaginas are accustomed to the following signs of irritation there: Sometimes accompanied by a thick white discharge, itching and discomfort.
You might immediately assume a yeast infection if you notice these symptoms and go for antifungal medications.
You can also be considering whether a new brand of laundry detergent or underwear is to blame. Yet there are numerous causes of vaginal itching, and each one requires a unique approach to treatment.
5 possible causes of vaginal itching
Candida infection
First, let’s discuss the typical offender: a yeast infection in the vagina. A fungal overgrowth of yeast is the root cause, and there are certain telltale symptoms. For starters, you can have a burning or itchy feeling in and around your vagina. You might also notice a change in the substance of your vaginal discharge, which is an important indicator if you notice it has thickened considerably.
Sexually transmissible diseases
Certain STIs, sometimes referred to as sexually transmitted illnesses, can irritate people and manifest as an itchy discharge with a faint odour.
Vulvovaginal (referring to the vagina and vulva) itching is a symptom of a number of STIs, such as:
Trichomoniasis.
Herpes.
warts on the genitalia.
A dermatitis or allergy
The same things that cause your nasal allergies can also cause vaginal irritation. Occasionally, that area of your body just doesn’t get along with particular materials or scents.
Itchy, irritated feelings may develop in or around the vaginal area after switching to feminine care items like scented tampons and pads, which are generally not a good choice.
Moreover, a change in laundry soap or even bath soap can trigger an adverse vaginal reaction. To prevent any additional irritations, it is advised to refrain from douching, or “over-cleaning,” your vagina.
Inadequate oestrogen
Our bodies begin to change as we age in various body sections. Lack of oestrogen can cause the skin to thin in women and those who were assigned female at birth, which can occasionally cause discomfort, itching, or discharge. Women going through the menopause and certain breastfeeding mothers may experience this. In this situation, vaginal lubricants or a modest amount of oestrogen may be helpful.
Bacterial vaginosis
When the “good” and “bad” bacteria in your vagina are at odds with one another, bacterial vaginosis manifests. Because the environment in your vagina is sensitive and requires balance, an infection could result if the bacteria lean too far to one side.
If you notice a strong “fishy” smell emanating from your vagina along with itching and irritation, this could be a telltale symptom of bacterial vaginosis because the condition has a specific scent.
If you have vaginal itching, there’s no need to freak out or feel ashamed. Consider your body’s warning signals as you try to determine what might be triggering the itching. Don’t put off visiting a healthcare provider if the symptoms are getting worse and interfering with your daily life; they might have a quick fix for you.