You don’t want to look crazy by scratching “down there” every 10 seconds, but when it itches, it itches. So instead of just continuing to scratch your vaginal area, you want to find out what’s going on down there first. Here’s 7 possible issues you may be facing:
1. Bacterial Vaginosis
Bacterial vaginosis (a.k.a. BV) is the most common reason for vaginal itching and is caused by an imbalance in healthy bacteria and a change in vaginal pH. It feels similar to a yeast infection, but in this case, the discharge is more watery and usually has an odor. When it comes to treatment, try this natural remedy that may help —> click here for remedy. If your BV doesn’t clear up after the suggested usage time, you’ll have to ask your doc for something prescription-strength.
2. Hormonal Changes
Anytime your hormones levels change or fluctuate (like during your period, pregnancy, menopause, or while you’re taking birth control), you may experience vaginal itching. Dryness is another indicator that hormones could be to to blame for your pain. When it comes to your period, the products you use during that time of the month (like pads and panty liners) often contain fragrances or colors that can add to the discomfort. If this happens to you often, consider trying a menstrual cup or organic cotton products, which may be less irritating. However, it may be difficult to pinpoint if your birth control prescription is what’s causing you to itch down there. With any of these hormonal changes, your doctor might prescribe a hormonal cream to apply topically and you can also ask about switching pills if the itch continues to be a persistent problem.
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3. Dermatitis
You can get this type of skin irritation from anything with perfumes or additives, including condoms and lubricants, and on top of itching, you may also notice redness, swelling, and skin thickening. It can also be the result of shaving. If you know that you’re susceptible to vaginal irritation, use hypoallergenic hygiene products, like shampoo, fabric softeners, and laundry detergents, making sure to avoid chemicals, soaps, and irritating lubricants. Even toilet paper with scents or colors can be troublemakers. Plus, you should definitely avoid shaving if you’re sensitive—and never, ever douche. Remember, the vagina is self-cleaning, so you don’t need to put anything in it. Putting things in it may cause more damage than good.
4. Yeast Infection
Like BV, a yeast infection is frequently the result of vaginal pH is not where it should be. Yeast infections can occur at random or following antibiotic use, sex, stress, or a change in diet (and women with diabetes have a higher risk). In addition to itchiness, you may also notice curdled, white, or thick discharge. The good news is that you can go ahead and use an OTC remedy, like Monistat, which should take care of the symptoms within a day or so. To avoid recurrent infections. Probiotics are often used to get your pH back under control.
5. Eczema / Psoriasis
Genetic skin disorders like these two can cause redness and itching in the genital region, along with a patchy or rash-like appearance. If you’re diagnosed with either, a mild steroid like hydrocortisone and taking oatmeal baths can help alleviate the discomfort. If you don’t feel relief within a week, ask your doctor about other treatment options.
6. Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI’s)
We shouldn’t have to tell you this again, but unprotected sex can lead to an STD (which is why you always, always need to use protection). And a bunch of them can make your lady parts itch, including chlamydia, herpes, trichomoniasis, and gonorrhea. Crabs, or pubic lice, can also appear in women with hair down there. With any of these, the itching (or tingling sensation) can progress to pain and burning, says Askew. If you experience itching along with any other common STD symptoms like burning while you pee, foul-smelling discharge, sores on your genitals, and pain during sex, you should book it to your gyno to get tested ASAP. If you do test positive for an STD, your doctor will give you either injectable or oral antibiotics, or an antiviral medication in the case of herpes.
7. Lichen Sclerosus
This serious chronic condition that causes thin, white patches of skin, usually in the genital area. While it can come out of nowhere, some medical professionals think hormones or an overactive immune system may have something to do with it. Lichen sclerosus needs to be diagnosed by a gynecologist and treated with prescription medication.
This condition occurs primarily in girls who haven’t started menstruating and in postmenopausal women. Lichen sclerosus is thought to be related to genetics, immune disorders, trauma, or infection.
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