Vaginal itching is a common issue among women and can be caused by various factors such as infections, allergies, or hormonal changes. Here are five reasons why your vagina may be itching and five ways to alleviate the discomfort.
- Your vaginal wall is thinning
If you are a woman who has reached menopause, meaning you no longer bleed on a monthly basis, your vagina may itch from time to time.
This is all caused by hormonal changes that happen to your body as you progress along in life. As your hormones—especially female sex hormones—drop in quantity, your vaginal wall begins to experience thinning.
According to Cleveland Clinic, vaginal atrophy causes the vaginal wall lining to become thin, dry, and inflamed. The initial indication often manifests as reduced lubrication (dryness), which can be observed during sexual activity. Additional symptoms of genitourinary syndrome of menopause encompass a sensation of burning and/or itching in the vaginal area.
Your vagina will tend to be drier as well, causing itching from time to time. When the skin barrier is too thin, it becomes super sensitive to anything, so itching can often happen in menopausal women.
You can use unperfumed cream to ease the itchiness, but if your problem persists, you can try to get hormone replacement therapy.
Hormone replacement therapy can mimic your natural hormones that help with lubricating your vaginal walls again. It’s worth trying because HRT offers many health benefits for menopausal women.
- Hormonal changes
All women experience hormonal changes regularly and this isn’t isolated to menopausal women. Many times, stress, or being in a new environment, or just eating the wrong things can change the balance of a woman’s hormones.
When your hormones change, all kinds of imbalances can occur in your body. For starters, bacteria and yeast growth may just get a little bit out of control and this causes a strong smell and itchiness.
This can be easily treated by cleaning yourself more often and changing your underwear a few times a day.
If you feel that your vagina is very dry, which typically causes itchiness, you can try to apply a cream or gel that is safe for use in sensitive areas. An unperfumed gel that is safe for the face can also be used in this case.
If your hormonal imbalances are frequent, try to seek a gyno’s advice to get treatment.
- Skin irritation
Your vagina could be itching simply due to skin irritations. Skin irritations on sensitive skin areas are very common. Although they are common, it does not say they should be left untreated without any changes to your habits.
The most common causes of skin irritations in the vaginal area include the use of harsh soaps, the use of fabric softeners, fragrant sprays and creams on the vaginal area, and douching.
You may be wondering why douching causes skin irritations when it is supposed to clean the vagina very well. But the thing is, douching cause the vagina to be cleansed of good bacteria that keep bad bacteria in check.
The chemicals used in a douche can also be too harsh for the sensitive skin of the vagina. When it comes to vagina health, try to be as natural as possible and avoid fragrances and harsh chemicals. None of that is good in the long term.
- Itching as an effect of shaving
If you shave your pubic hair, it is very possible that sometimes your skin gets itchy. This can also be caused by skin irritations. Skin irritations typically happen when your shave is too close and you have hurt your sensitive skin.
However, even if you shave well and the skin feels smooth and comfortable, that may last for just quite a while. When the hair grows back, it is common for the skin to feel really awkward, and in some cases, severely itchy.
This may be due to the fact that your skin has become dry from regular shaving. If you want to prevent razor burns and skin drying, try to apply fragrance-free moisturiser on the outer skin after a shave.
This should help with retaining moisture so you avoid itchiness even when the hair is trying to grow back. Most of all, try to shave more carefully.
Healthline Media further explains that shaving a region of your skin typically concealed by clothing can lead to heightened irritation as fabric comes into contact with the freshly shaven skin. The use of scented soaps and aggressive chemicals on the skin prior to shaving can also exacerbate irritation or lead to skin dryness, consequently causing itching.
- Yeast infection
One of the most common health issues in females: yeast infections. Yeast infection can happen multiple times in the life of a woman. Although it is rather common, it is not a good idea to let the condition be left without any treatment.
Yeast infections are typically very uncomfortable. On top of causing itchiness, redness, and a burning sensation, the condition could also cause urination to be very painful.
As per information from the Cleveland Clinic, a vaginal yeast infection is triggered by an excessive growth of the candida fungus. Typically, such infections result in sensations of itching, burning, and/or redness in the vaginal area or its vicinity. With the progression of the infection, vaginal itching tends to intensify, potentially altering the texture of vaginal discharge.
If your vagina has started to give off a foul smell, this is a severe yeast infection and could lead to further health problems. Yeast infections are easy to treat, you just need to go and see your gyno to get a proper diagnosis.
Afterwards, you will be given an antibiotic or other forms of medication that can be applied topically or consumed orally.
To prevent yeast infections in the future, you can try probiotic supplements or reduce your consumption of sugary stuff.
To conclude, we explored five reasons the vagina itches sometimes and how you can overcome the issue. We hope that with the information provided, you can reduce the chances of vaginal itching by identifying the reasons for the itch.
9 Home Remedies For An Itching Vagina
An itching vagina can be an uncomfortable and embarrassing problem that many women experience at some point in their lives. It can be caused by a variety of reasons such as yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis, hormonal changes, allergies, and even certain medications. While seeking medical treatment is always recommended, there are also some home remedies that can provide relief and help soothe the itching sensation. In this paper, we will discuss nine home remedies for an itching vagina and their effectiveness.
1. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar has been used for centuries in traditional medicine for its many health benefits. It is also known for its antibacterial and antifungal properties, making it an effective remedy for itching vagina caused by yeast infections. To use apple cider vinegar, mix 1-2 tablespoons of it in a warm bath and soak in it for 20 minutes. Repeat this process daily until the itching subsides.
2. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is another natural remedy that has antimicrobial properties and can help soothe and moisturize the irritated skin. Simply apply a small amount of coconut oil to the affected area and leave it on for a few hours before rinsing off. You can also mix a few drops of tea tree oil with coconut oil for added antifungal properties.
3. Yoghurt
Yoghurt contains live cultures of good bacteria that can help restore the natural balance of bacteria in the vagina. This can be especially helpful in cases of itching due to yeast infections. Eating yoghurt regularly can also help prevent future infections. For topical application, dip a tampon in plain, unsweetened yoghurt and insert it into the vagina for a couple of hours.
4. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is a potent antifungal and antibacterial agent that can help treat vaginal itching. Mix a few drops of tea tree oil with a carrier oil like coconut oil or olive oil and apply it to the affected area. You can also add a few drops of tea tree oil to your bathwater for a soothing soak.
5. Garlic
Garlic is another natural remedy with strong antibacterial and antifungal properties. It can help fight off yeast infections and soothe the itching sensation. Crush a few garlic cloves and mix them with a carrier oil. Apply this mixture to the affected area and leave it on for a few hours before rinsing off.
6. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera has anti-inflammatory and soothing properties that can provide relief from itching and irritation. Apply a small amount of pure aloe vera gel to the affected area and leave it on for a few hours. Rinse off with lukewarm water. Repeat this process daily until the itching subsides.
7. Baking Soda
Baking soda has alkaline properties that can help balance the pH levels in the vagina and provide relief from itching. Mix 1-2 tablespoons of baking soda in a cup of water and use it to wash the affected area. You can also add a cup of baking soda to your bathwater for a soothing soak.
8. Chamomile Tea
Chamomile tea has anti-inflammatory and soothing properties that can help reduce itching and irritation. Brew a cup of chamomile tea and let it cool down. Use the cooled tea to wash the affected area or apply it using a clean cloth.
9. Cold Compress
A cold compress can provide instant relief from itching and discomfort caused by yeast infections or allergies. Wrap a few ice cubes in a clean cloth and apply it to the affected area for a few minutes. Repeat this process as needed.
In conclusion, while these home remedies can provide temporary relief from itching vagina, it is important to consult a healthcare professional if the symptoms persist or worsen. It is also essential to maintain good hygiene and avoid irritants such as scented products, tight clothing, and harsh soaps in the genital area. With proper care and treatment, an itching vagina can be easily managed and prevented in the future.
