Vaginal and Vulva Itching: Causes and Remedies

 Key takeaways:

• Various factors, such as the use of irritating products, infections, or certain skin conditions, can cause vaginal/vulva itching.
• Vaginal/vulva itching may be accompanied by pain, redness, inflammation, discharge, or foul smell.
• There are available treatments and preventive measures for vaginal and vulva itching..

The vulva and vagina are both parts of the female reproductive system. Simply put, the vulva is the outer, visible part of the female genitalia. It comprises the vaginal opening, urethral opening, clitoris, and the inner and outer lips of the vagina.

The vagina, on the other hand, consists of the inner part of the female genitalia.  This elastic tube serves as the passageway for menstrual flow, childbirth, and sexual intercourse.

The vulva and vagina are sensitive, often warm and moist. This environment can make them susceptible to irritation and infection, leading to itching sensations that may or may not be accompanied by discharge or a foul smell.

Vaginal and vulva itching is not normal; however, it is common among females. This itching sensation can be caused by several factors, such as infections and using sensitive products.

This article will explore the different causes, remedies, and preventive tips for vaginal and vulva itching.

 Possible Causes of vaginal/vulva itching

Bacteria, viruses, protozoa, or fungi can cause vaginal/vulva infections, which may lead to itching. Some of these infections include:

 1. Yeast Infections (Candidiasis)

Yeast infection is the most common infection in females. It is a fungal infection caused by an imbalance between the normal vaginal flora (bacteria) and the yeast-causing fungus (candida).  

This imbalance may be caused by factors such as douching, impaired immunity, prolonged use of antibiotics, and use of spermicides.

Yeast infection sets in when the fungi grow more than the vaginal flora. Besides itching, yeast infection can cause irritation, redness, and the production of thick, curd-like white discharge.

 2. Bacterial Vaginosis

An imbalance in normal vaginal bacteria also causes bacterial vaginosis (BV). In BV, itching is accompanied by inflammation, pain, burning sensation, grey or off-white discharge, and a fishy odor.

 3. Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)

These are infections transmitted through sexual intercourse. Examples of STIs that may cause vulval/vaginal itching include chlamydia, genital herpes, and trichomoniasis. 

In addition to STIs, vaginal/vulval itching may be accompanied by pain during urination, redness, inflammation, foul smell, and discharge.   

 4. Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)

Urinary tract infections are usually focused on the vulva, but the disease-causing organisms can migrate to the vagina, causing itching sensations. 

Some other symptoms may include pain while urinating, burning sensations, inflammation, and redness.

 5. Allergic Reactions

Vaginal/vulva itching can also be a result of allergy from use of products containing chemical irritants.

Use of irritants such as perfumed or dyed toilet paper, pads or tampons with harsh ingredients, soaps or douches containing harsh ingredients, or scented hygiene products like feminine washes can cause allergic reactions and itching. 

Also, allergies from use of latex condoms or other latex products can irritate the vaginal/vulva, causing itching sensations. 

In addition to itching, allergic reactions can also cause rashes, blisters, bumps, burning sensations, cracked, scaly skin, swelling, and pain.

 6. Skin Conditions

Certain skin conditions can affect the vulva since the area is also covered with skin. Skin conditions that can cause itching include:

• Eczema and psoriasis: Both eczema and psoriasis are chronic skin conditions that can affect the vulva, causing itching and inflammation.
• Lichen Sclerosus: This is a rare condition that causes white patches and itching in the vulva area but can also affect the anal area and any other parts of the body. The exact cause of this condition is not well understood. However, it is thought to involve an autoimmune response, where the body's immune system attacks its tissues. 

 7. Hormonal Changes

Vaginal/vulva itching can result from hormonal changes. Changes relating to menopause or pregnancy can cause dryness in the area, causing itching sensations.

Decreased estrogen levels in menopause can lead to a condition called vaginal atrophy (thinning out of the vaginal walls), which can cause dryness and itching. 

In addition, hormonal fluctuations that occur in pregnancy can sometimes cause itching.

 8. Physical Irritation

Irritations resulting from friction from wearing tight clothing, excessive sexual activity, or activities like cycling can cause vulva/vaginal itching.

 Other factors that can cause vaginal/vulva Itching

• Poor vaginal/vulva hygiene
• After shaving effects
• Wearing wet underwear
• Wearing sweaty workout clothes for too long
• Swimming in a chlorinated swimming pool

 Vaginal itching after sexual intercourse

Vaginal itching can occur after sexual intercourse due to the following reasons:

• Lack of lubrication: Vaginal dryness often leads to itching, especially during penetrative sex without sufficient arousal. Lack of lubrication can cause friction that irritates the vaginal lining, resulting in itching, pain, and redness.
• Latex allergy: Females who are allergic to latex may experience itching when they come in contact with latex condoms or other latex products. This may also result in rashes and redness. 
• Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): STIs can also lead to vaginal itching after sexual intercourse, particularly if you engage in unprotected sex. 

 Vaginal itching without discharge: What are the possible causes?

Vaginal/vulva itching may occur without discharge or foul odor. Here are possible causes of vaginal/vulva itching without discharge:

• Allergic reactions 
• Hormonal changes
• Shaving
• Skin conditions
• Poor hygiene

 Treatment and remedies for itchy vagina and vulva

Treatment of vaginal/vulva itching depends on the cause of the itching. To begin, your doctor will take your history and/or do a pelvic exam to determine the possible cause of your itchy vagina/vulva. 

Afterward, they may send you for laboratory investigations to confirm the findings from the physical examination. After that, treatment will commence.

The following are treatments available for itchy vagina and vulva:

• Antibiotics, antifungal, and antiviral: Depending on the laboratory investigations' findings, your healthcare provider may prescribe antibiotics to treat itching caused by bacteria like bacterial vaginosis, antifungals to treat those caused by yeast infections, and antiviral medications to cause itching caused by viruses.
• Corticosteroids: Itching resulting from allergic reactions will most likely be treated with corticosteroids and antihistamines to reduce inflammation and other reactions. However, your healthcare providers may advise you to avoid any irritant causing the itching.
• Hormonal therapy: In cases of hormonal changes like menopause, estrogen therapy may be given. This may be prescribed as a cream, as a topical application, or as a pill.
• Vaginal moisturizers: Conditions like vaginal dryness may require treatment with vaginal lubes or moisturizers to provide lubrication and reduce dryness, which causes irritation.

 How to prevent vaginal or vulva itching

Ways to prevent vaginal/vulva itching include:

• Avoid scented pads, tampons, or pantyliners, as they may contain harsh ingredients that may irritate the vagina/vulva.
• Change the tampon or pad as often as possible. 
• Wash your genitals regularly with clean water. Avoid excessive use of soap.
• The vagina is designed to clean itself, so douching or the use of hygiene sprays may not be necessary as these may irritate the vaginal walls or vulvar area. 
• Wear cotton pants to air out the vaginal/vulva area.
• Always wipe from the front (the vulva area) to the back (the anal area) after urinating. This reduces the risk of introducing pathogens from the anus to the vagina.
• Keep the vagina clean and dry.
• Use of protection to prevent STIs. 
• If you have a latex allergy, ask your healthcare provider for other recommendations.
• Avoid wearing wet underwear or sweaty workout clothes for too long
• Avoid products that may irritate the area.

 When to seek medical attention

Itching in the vulva or vagina is widespread and may result from causes other than infections. So, if you experience itching in that area, observe if it is a reaction to a product. If so, it's best to stop using the product. The reactions are most likely to go away when the products are stopped. 

However, if you notice any of the above symptoms have persisted for days, you must visit your doctor for a proper examination and treatment.