Women, this is why your vagina could be itching (and how to treat it)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Dr. Shruti Sharma MBBS /MS/ FMAS /DMAS/Asso( RCOG-UK) (@the_unprejudiced_gynac) 

Here are some possible causes of an itchy vagina or vulva, as per Dr Sharma:

Bacterial vaginosis

Bacterial vaginosis is a pretty common condition caused by bacterial overgrowth and a pH imbalance in the vagina, which can lead to itching in women. According to Dr Kinjal Shah, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Consultant, Bhatia Hospital, Mumbai, “It commonly affects women having unprotected intercourse or in women with frequent douching.”

Contact dermatitis

Soaps, detergents, bubble baths, a new kind of underwear — really, any new product that come in contact with your vagina can cause itching. Dr Shah said, “Vulvar dermatitis happens when the soft folds of skin around the opening of the vagina become red, painful, and itchy.”

Yeast infection

A cottage cheese-like discharge, redness around the labia and vulva, and itching are all classic signs of a yeast infection. This is caused by Candida vulvovaginitis, which is a fungal infection.

Sexually transmitted infection (STI)

Itching isn’t really a classic symptom of most STIs, though it can sometimes be a first sign that something is up. As per Dr Shah, some STIs that can irritate the skin and cause itching are genital herpes, trichomoniasis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, and human papillomavirus (HPV) infection.

Pubic lice

Public lice (aka crabs) is any easily transmittable infestation of little bugs in your genital area that makes you itch like crazy.

Menopause

The drop in oestrogen production that occurs at the end of a woman’s reproductive years can cause the vaginal walls to thin and dry out, causing them to itch. Dr Shah noted that this due to atrophic vaginitis (vaginal atrophy), where the vagina’s lining becomes drier and thinner because of decreased oestrogen levels.

Treatment for vaginal itching

The specific course of treatment required depends on the particular condition that’s causing the problem. (Source: Freepik)

Once your healthcare professional finds the underlying cause of your vaginal itching, they’ll recommend treatment options. The specific course of treatment required depends on the particular condition that’s causing the problem.

*Vaginal yeast infections are treated with antifungal medications. These come in various forms, including creams, ointments or pills.
*Bacterial vaginosis is usually treated with antibiotics.
*STIs can be treated with antibiotics, antivirals or antiparasitics.
*Menopause-related itching may be managed with oestrogen cream, tablets or a vaginal ring insert.

Home remedies

Here are some things you can do to prevent vaginal itching and maintain good vaginal health, according to Dr Ritu Sethi, Senior Consultant, Gynaecology, Cloud Nine Hospital, Gurgaon:

*Use warm water and a gentle cleanser to wash your genital area
*Avoid scented soaps, lotions and bubble baths
*Change wet or damp clothing right after swimming or exercising
*Wear cotton underwear
*Always wipe front to back to keep bacteria from feces away from the vulva and vagina
*Use barrier methods when having sex

📣 For more lifestyle news, follow us on Instagram | Twitter | Facebook and don’t miss out on the latest updates!