What is Good for Vaginal Itching? What Causes Vaginal Itching?
Vaginal itching is a common health problem experienced by many women. Causes of vaginal itching may include skin irritation, infections, hormonal changes, allergic reactions and skin diseases. As a result of this situation, foul-smelling discharge, redness, itching, pain and discomfort may occur in the vaginal area. Vaginal itching may be a condition that can be improved with some precautions, or it may indicate a serious health problem.
What are the causes of vaginal itching?
There may be many different factors that trigger vaginal itching. Some of these are as follows:
- Irritating Substances: The skin tissue in the vagina and vulva area has a more sensitive structure than other parts of the body. Chemicals found in products such as soap, shower gel, bubble bath, feminine spray, lotions, scented toilet paper, and tampons can cause contact dermatitis (an allergic reaction) in the vaginal area. In this case, itching, redness and sensitivity in the vaginal area may occur.
- Skin Diseases: Some skin conditions, such as eczema and psoriasis, can cause redness and itching in the vaginal area.
- Yeast Infection: Candida, a fungus naturally found in the vagina, can lead to a vaginal yeast infection. Medication, hormonal conditions or some substances such as soap can cause fungal overgrowth and infection. A fungal infection can cause itching and foul-smelling discharge in the vaginal area. The resulting discharge may also emit a bad odor.
- Bacterial Vaginosis. There are some bacteria in the vaginal area that normally do not cause any health problems. Disruption of the bacterial balance in this area may lead to overgrowth of some bacterial species (especially Gardnerella Vaginalis). Douching, not using condoms or other protection methods, and having multiple sexual partners may increase the risk of bacterial vaginosis. Bacterial vaginosis can cause a fishy vaginal odor, burning during urination, and a gray, white, or green discharge.
- Vaginal Dryness: Vaginal dryness can indicate many different health problems. Vaginal dryness can cause an itching feeling inside the vagina. As a result of vaginal dryness, itching may occur in the vaginal area.
- Menopause: The decrease in estrogen production at the end of a woman’s reproductive years can cause the vaginal walls to become thinner and dryer. This may cause itching and irritation in the vagina.
Such conditions can cause vaginal dryness.
What is Good for Vaginal Itching?
Itching can be caused by different conditions such as yeast infection, bacterial vaginosis, vaginal dryness, chemical irritation or skin diseases. Depending on the cause of vaginal itching, different home remedies may help relieve itching. Some of these applications are as follows:
- Baking Soda: Baking soda can prevent or treat yeast infection by regulating the pH balance of the vagina. Douching with baking soda can reduce vaginal itching and burning.
- Yogurt: Using probiotics can help grow healthy bacteria in the vagina. These bacteria found in the vagina can prevent vaginal infections or treat existing infections by preventing the overgrowth of fungi and other harmful microorganisms. Consuming yoghurt, which is a good source of probiotics, can reduce vaginal itching and discharge.
- Antifungal Creams: Vaginal itching caused by fungal infection can be treated with the use of antifungal cream. These creams can stop the growth of a fungal infection and improve symptoms such as itching, burning, and discharge.
- Water Based Lubricants. Vaginal dryness can cause an itching feeling inside the vagina. Water-based lubricants can help improve vaginal dryness. These products can be applied to the vaginal area before sexual intercourse or masturbation.
How is Vaginal Itching Diagnosed?
A physical examination by a doctor can help diagnose vaginal itching. During the physical examination, the doctor may ask information such as when vaginal itching started, how long it lasts, how often it occurs, and whether there are other symptoms accompanying the itching. However, a pelvic examination can be performed to determine the cause of vaginal itching. During the pelvic examination, the vagina and vulva area is checked for redness, swelling, sores, rashes, warts or other abnormalities. Some of the other methods used to diagnose vaginal itching include:
- Taking a Sample from the Vaginal: A fluid sample may be taken from the vaginal discharge to determine the cause of vaginal itching. This sample can be examined under a microscope in the laboratory. Infectious agents such as fungi, bacteria, parasites or viruses can be searched for in the sample. In addition, other parameters such as pH level of the vagina, cell number and type can also be evaluated.
- Medical Tests: Some tests, such as a urine test, blood test, or sexually transmitted disease (STD) test, can help determine the causes of vaginal itching. These tests can be used to identify conditions that may cause vaginal itching (for example, urinary tract infection, diabetes, menopause, STD).
Vaginal itching can be diagnosed based on physical examination and test results performed by the doctor. After diagnosing vaginal itching, a treatment plan appropriate to the individual can be prepared.
How to Treat Vaginal Itching?
Some methods can be applied at home to treat vaginal itching. However, in some cases, medical treatment may be necessary to improve vaginal itching. The medical treatment to be applied may vary depending on the factor causing vaginal itching. Some of the treatment methods for vaginal itching, depending on the underlying cause, are as follows:
- One of the most common causes of vaginal itching is a fungal infection. Yeast infection occurs as a result of overgrowth of the microorganism called Candida, which is naturally found in the vagina. Use of antibiotics, hormonal changes, or products such as soap may increase the risk of fungal infections. A fungal infection can cause symptoms such as itching or burning sensation in the vagina and thick, white, cheesy discharge. Fungal infection can be treated using antifungal medications.
- Bacterial vaginosis is a condition that occurs when there is too much of certain bacteria in the vagina. Bacterial vaginosis changes the normal balance of bacteria in the vagina. The decrease in bacteria called Lactobacilli, which live healthy in the vagina, and the increase in pathogenic bacteria such as Gardnerella Vaginalis lead to this situation. Douching vaginally, not using condoms or other contraceptive methods, and having multiple sexual partners may increase the risk of bacterial vaginosis. Bacterial vaginosis may cause symptoms such as a fishy odor in the vagina, burning sensation during urination, and gray, white, or green discharge. The use of antibiotic medications can help treat bacterial vaginosis.
- Vaginal dryness is another condition that can cause itching in the vagina. Water-based lubricants can be used to improve vaginal dryness. However, estrogen creams can also contribute to improving vaginal dryness and itching.
- Vaginal itching can also be a symptom of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Sexually transmitted infections can cause different symptoms such as itching, burning, pain, discharge, bleeding, sores, blisters in the vagina. It is necessary to consult a doctor for the diagnosis of sexually transmitted infections and to use appropriate medications for treatment. However, it is also very important to use contraceptive methods such as condoms, reduce the number of sexual partners, and get tested regularly.
Vaginal itching can be an uncomfortable and stressful situation for women. This condition can often improve with the right treatment methods. It is very important for an effective treatment to consult a healthcare institution to determine the cause of vaginal itching and to follow the practices recommended by the doctor.
