Vaginal itching is an unpleasant and sometimes painful symptom that often occurs due to irritating substances, infections, menopause and not only.
Causes
1. Irritants : Exposure of the vagina to irritating chemicals can cause itching. These irritants can cause an allergic reaction that creates redness in various areas of the body, including the vagina. Common chemical irritants include: soap, sprays, contraceptives, lotions, ointments, detergents, fabric softeners, scented toilet paper, and more.
2. Skin diseases : Some skin diseases, such as eczema and psoriasis, can cause redness and itching in the genital area.
3. Yeast Infections: Yeast is a fungus that occurs naturally and is normally present in the vagina. It usually does not cause problems, but when its growth is uncontrolled, it can result in an unpleasant infection.
4. Bacterial vaginosis: Caused by an imbalance between good and bad bacteria that are naturally present in the vagina.
5. Sexually transmitted diseases: STDs are transmitted during unprotected sexual intercourse and cause itching in the vagina, including: chlamydia, genital warts, gonorrhea, genital herpes, etc.
6. Menopause: Occurs due to the decrease in estrogen levels that occur during menopause, leading to vaginal atrophy.
7. Stress: Physical and emotional stress can cause itching and irritation of the vagina, although this is not very common. It can occur when stress weakens the immune system, leaving you more predisposed to infections that cause itching.
8. Vulvar cancer: In very rare cases, vaginal itching can be a symptom of cancer. This is a type of cancer that develops in the vulva, the outer part of the female genitals.
When to consult specialists?
If the itching is very strong and causes discomfort on a daily basis or during sleep, medical consultation is needed. You should also visit if the itching lasts more than a week and is accompanied by other symptoms, such as:
- blisters on the vulva
- pain or tenderness in the genital area
- redness or swelling of the genitals
- problems with urination
- unusual secretions
- discomfort during sexual intercourse
Sources: Women's Health, Healthline
