Vaginal Itching happens to the best of us, and when it strikes, you likely ditch whatever you are doing and rush to find ways to stop this gut-wrenching problem. Although itchiness down there is extremely common, there is a difference between having a little itch and being up all night thinking you can’t stand this.
But thankfully, an itchy vagina isn’t something to have concerns about, and several home remedies and natural solutions to toss out this irksome situation exist. This guide covers everything you need to know about Vaginal Itching. Scroll through the details and follow the methods below to help improve your intimate wellness.
What Causes Vaginal Itching?
An itchy vagina is something you can’t stand, but do you know what’s more than vaginal itching? Not knowing what’s causing it. Discovering why your lady part is itchy is the first step to relief. Let’s elaborate on some possible causes triggering this frustrating situation.
Healthy vaginas contain Candida, a naturally occurring microorganism in the vaginal area. However, when this microorganism overgrows, it causes a yeast infection (vaginal candidiasis), thus leading to itching and a burning sensation.
Several reasons can affect the number of these microorganisms, such as medications, hormones, or the use of hard soap or spray. Other than itching and burning sensation, this infection can lead to a thick, white cottage cheese-like discharge.
The second most common reason resulting in an itchy vagina is chemical irritants. These are generally found in everyday products that come in contact with the vulva and vagina, including soaps, shower gels, feminine sprays, douches, creams, lotions, topical contraceptives, scented toilet paper, scented liners, pads, and fabric softeners.
These irritants can trigger an allergic reaction, known as Contact Dermatitis, and often lead to itchy, red, and sore vagina.
Bacteria naturally grow in your vagina to maintain its overall health. But sometimes the number becomes unbalanced when bacteria, like Gardnerella vaginalis, are overgrown, leading to Bacterial Vaginosis. This condition mainly occurs due to douching, not using protection during intercourse, and having multiple sex partners.
Yet another reason contributing to an itchy vagina is vaginal dryness. Along with itching, this condition can also cause discomfort during your intimate moments. However, be mindful that a dry vagina can be a symptom of various conditions; hence, you should not it lightly and consult a doctor if the problem persists for a long time.
Vaginal Itching can sometimes point to severe STIs, including Genital Warts, Genital Herpes, Gonorrhea, Trichomoniasis, and Chlamydia. In addition it itching, these STIs also show other symptoms you should be aware of, such as unusual vaginal discharge, painful urination, and genital sores.
The Best Ways to Manage Vaginal Itching
While vaginal itching can be discomforting when you’re in the thick of it, there are some effective ways to deal with it. However, please note that the treatment for vaginal itching depends on the cause of the itch. Hence, you must evaluate the root cause of an itchy vagina and then jump to these solutions to get relief.
Since a yeast infection is the most potential reason for an itchy vagina, you should consider taking a baking soda bath and see if this hack helps you improve the condition. Baking Soda has anti-fungal properties and can help balance the Candida cells inside the vagina.
Add ¼ cup of baking soda to your bathing water. Alternatively, you can make baking soda paste and apply it directly to your skin.
Although the vagina acts as a self-cleaning machine, you can take it for granted and forget all your responsibilities to maintain its overall health. Vaginal itching can sometimes occur when you don’t clean your lady part after urination or intercourse. Hence, it’s always advised to use clean it thoroughly.
But since your vulva is sensitive, you should keep track of the products you use. Some soaps, especially ones with scented fragrances, can make you itchy down there. Therefore, you should opt for paraben-free intimate hygiene for women like VG-Wash. It contains Aloe Vera and Tulsi and is suitable for all skin types.
However, you must follow the “less is more” approach when washing your vagina and vulva. Don’t use scented soaps or gels regularly; they can do more damage than good.
Plenty of over-the-counter anti-fungal creams are available to help you cope with a yeast infection. They are intended to kill off the yeast, thus soothing the itch and bringing you relief. These creams are available as vaginal suppositories inserted into the vagina. Whether using a cream or suppository, it’s best to wear a pantyliner to keep your undergarment stain-free.
Taking a sitz bath is one of the effective solutions to handle vaginal itching. It is a shallow, warm bath that can help relieve itching and burning sensation caused by vulvitis.
Summing Up
Vaginal itching can be a symptom of many conditions. Hence you should not take it lightly and take the necessary measures to handle it. Most times, a simple lifestyle tweak and a natural home remedy can help fix the problem. But if the discomfort continues, don’t feel shy to consult the healthcare provider immediately.
