Vaginal itching does not always indicate an infection. It can be caused by the use of detergents irritating the sensitive intimate zone or by wearing tight, windproof underwear. Then it is enough to change the washing powder and underwear. However, in the presence of fungal and bacterial infections or other female diseases, treatment under the supervision of a gynecologist is necessary. What causes vaginal itching and how to deal with it?

Vaginal itchingis one of the most common female ailments.Reasonsdiscomfort in the intimate area include: allergy to cosmetics, as well as vaginal mycosis. Therefore, in some casestreatment of vaginal itchingshould be under the supervision of a gynecologist.

Vaginal Itching - Causes

Vaginal itching is a condition that is most often the result of irritation of the intimate areas, increased vaginal pH, and thus - imbalance of the bacterial flora in the vagina. In this case, the accompanying symptom may bevaginal burning , but never odorous and discolored discharge. It is characteristic, among others, of for bacterial infections.

1. Cosmetics - chemicals contained in cosmetics can not only irritate the vagina, but also cause allergic reactions. Therefore, when washing intimate areas, use gels designed for this purpose. Preferably with a pH similar to the vaginal pH (5.2) and with the content of lactic acid.

2. The washing powder or softener that you use to wash your underwear can irritate the vulva and vagina. Therefore, use mild, ecological detergents. Washing powders for children and babies will also work.

3. Windproof or tight clothing increases the risk of irritation, so wear loose-fitting cotton underwear.

4. Excessive vaginal dryness is a condition that may be the result of:

  • dehydration of the body,
  • using tampons during the last days of menstruation (then it's better to choose pads),
  • contact with chlorinated water (e.g. in a swimming pool),
  • use vaginal contraceptives (birth control pills or an IUD are better)
  • using lubricants (some lubricants may contain trigger substancesallergic reactions),
  • your partner uses a latex condom or a condom moistened with lubricants (it's better to buy condoms made of polyurethane),
  • so-called dry intercourse, i.e. without prior stimulation.

CHECK>>How to prevent vaginal dryness?

5. During antibiotic therapy, the number of lactobacilli, which are responsible for intimate he alth, is reduced, which promotes infections.

6. Increased vaginal pH by menstrual blood also increases the risk of an increase in pathological microbial flora in the vagina.

Diseases that cause vaginal itching

Vaginal infections , which are the result of pathogenic microorganisms, as well as other female diseases that are manifested by vaginal itching, require gynecological inspection as soon as possible.

  • Vaginal mycosis

Vaginal mycosis, or fungal vaginitis, is mainly caused by fungiCandida albicans , or yeasts. They occur in amounts that do not threaten he alth, among others just in the vagina. Sometimes, e.g. as a result of lowered immunity, their excessive multiplication and, as a result, infection may occur. Then, in addition to vaginal itching, there is a thick, white, cheese-like discharge, a burning sensation, redness and swelling of the vagina, as well as a feeling of dryness in the vagina. Pain during sexual intercourse is also a common complaint.

Treatment, which is under the control of gynecology, involves the use of antifungal drugs (orally or topically - in the form of tablets, capsules, vaginal creams).

CHECK>>What to do when you have symptoms of vaginal mycosis?

  • Bacterial vaginosis, or bacterial vaginosis

Bacterial vaginosis (Bacterial Vaginosis, BV) is the disease most commonly caused by anaerobic bacteria. Factors favoring the growth of bacteria are hormonal disorders as well as non-compliance with hygiene (e.g. tampons changed too infrequently, which become a breeding ground for microorganisms). The disease manifests itself with burning, pain (especially when urinating), and profuse, gray or yellow vaginal discharge with a characteristic fishy smell.

Treatment: Bacterial vaginosis is treated with antibiotics that are given vaginally or orally.

  • Atrophic vulvovaginitis

Atrophic (atrophic) changes in the vulvovaginal epithelium occur in women during menopause because they are associated with estrogen deficiency. In the course of the disease, the epitheliumbecomes thinner and the fatty tissue of the labia disappears. Then there are, among others dryness , vaginal burning and itchingand contact spotting.

Treatment: Women suffering from atrophic vulvovaginitis should, above all, follow the rules of personal hygiene as they are more prone to the formation of petechiae and erosions of the epithelium.

  • Trichomoniasis of the genitourinary tract

Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted disease caused by vaginal trichomoniasis ( Trichomonas vaginalis ) - a protozoan located mainly in the vagina or around the urethra. The most common symptoms of trichomoniasis are vaginal itching (especially in the vestibule), foamy, yellow-green discharge and pain during intercourse.

Treatment: antibiotic therapy is used. Treatment should also include the sick person's sexual partners.

  • Diabetes

High blood glucose levels can encourage yeasts to multiply in the vagina, which feeds on pure glucose.

Therefore, frequent itching of the vagina and vulva should prompt you to perform a blood glucose test.

Treatment: blood glucose levels should be regulated as soon as possible under the supervision of a diabetologist. In turn, you should ask the gynecologist for a prescription for appropriate medications.

Vaginal itching after intercourse

Vaginal itchingcan also be annoying after anal intercourse. If the partner introduced the penis into the vagina immediately after the end of anal intercourse, an infection could have been caused by bacteria in the anus. Therefore, thorough washing is a must after inserting the penis into the anus.

Category:

Female diseases