For many women, vaginal itching is a common problem. Numerous women may find it uncomfortable, even though there are various potential causes. You may wish to find out what causes vaginal itching so that you can get rid of this discomfort. This blog gives you detailed information on the potential causes of it.

What is vaginal itching?

The outside portion of a woman’s genitalia, which includes her lips, clitoris, bladder entrance, and vaginal opening, is called the vulva. Whereas, the internal tube that connects the uterus to the vulva is called the vagina. Individuals may get itching inside the vagina or around the vulva which is known as vaginal itching.

What causes vaginal itching?

Irritants

Many chemicals can irritate the vagina and vulva, including lotions, douches, condoms, foam contraceptives, laundry detergents, soaps, scented toilet paper, and fabric softeners. However, once the individual quits utilizing these products, the itching will normally disappear.

Moreover, itching in this area can also result from skin folds, friction or chafing from undergarments, or sexual activity. Urine might also itch and irritate you if you have urinary incontinence. Further, when the skin is itchy, try not to rub or scratch it since this may worsen the itching.

Yeast infections

A naturally existing fungus called yeast is typically found in the vagina. An unpleasant yeast infection develops when its growth is uncontrolled. Symptoms of discomfort caused by an overabundance of yeast in the vagina include burning, itching, and a thick, white discharge that may or may not smell.

Further, a weaker immune system, intercourse, pregnancy, and antibiotics can all increase a woman’s risk of developing a yeast infection.

Bacterial vaginosis

An imbalance between the good bacteria that are naturally present in the vagina and bad bacteria causes bacterial vaginosis. In addition to itching, symptoms of bacterial vaginosis include burning, discharge, inflammation, and a fishy odor.

Skin conditions

Itching around the vulva can be brought on by common skin disorders like psoriasis, seborrhoeic dermatitis, and allergic contact dermatitis. Added to that, severe itching around the vulva could indicate lichen sclerosus(an uncommon ailment that results in the formation of thin white patches on the skin, particularly near the vulva). Moreover, this condition most commonly affects postmenopausal women.

Menopause

As a woman ages, her body produces less estrogen, which can lead to thinning and drying of the vaginal walls. This may cause irritability and itching.  Also, you may bleed after having intercourse and find it painful.

STI

A person can get STIs (sexually transmitted Infections) by having intercourse with someone who has one of these infections.Various STIs, such as trichomoniasis, genital herpes etc, can cause discomfort or itching in the vagina or vulvar area.

Vulvar cancer

Though it is uncommon, vaginal itching may be a sign of vulvar cancer. Signs and symptoms of vulvar cancer include continuous burning, itching, bleeding, thickening of skin, and lumps.

Stress

Vaginal irritation and itching can be caused by both physical and psychological stress. It may happen when your immune system is weakened by stress, making you more vulnerable to conditions that cause itching.

To sum up

You might have gained a thorough understanding of what causes vaginal itching from the information provided here. Though vaginal itching may go off on its own by making some changes, in some cases, you must need serious medical attention.

Hence consult your doctor if you experience discomfort for an extended period. Contact our cosmetic gynaecology clinic, where we clarify all your queries regarding this.