The golden rule of vaginal care is to leave your self-cleansing vagina alone and stick to keeping the surrounding areas–vulva, clitoris, and the groin clean. But if abide by this mantra without mantra and still experience a sudden bout of vaginal itching, it can leave you feeling confused. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Here all the deets on that one important lesson that no one taught us in our sex-ed class—vaginal itching. Scroll down to know why it happens and how to deal with it:
Vaginal Itching: Signs and Symptoms
More often than not, vaginal itching itself is a symptom of something wrong happening in your vagina. It can be accompanied by irritation or a burning sensation in the vaginal tract or the opening of the vagina and can be indicative of an infection in the vagina or the urinary tract. In this case, vaginal itching can get aggravated post having sex or while peeing.
Causes Of Vaginal Itching
Wondering why your vagina feels itchy? Take a look at seven possible causes:
Vaginal Infection
A yeast or a bacterial infection in the vagina is the most common cause of vaginal itching. They’re caused by a disturbance in the natural acidic environment of the vagina that can lead to an overgrowth of bacteria or yeast down there.
Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI)
Not wearing a condom especially while having sex with a new partner or having sex with multiple partners can increase the risk of an STI like HIV, chlamydia, and gonorrhoea. Contracting these infections can also lead to vaginal itching.
Hormonal Changes
Hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle, menopause or pregnancy can also lead to slight itching in the vagina.
Chemical Irritants
Chemical irritants from scented pads, flavoured condoms, detergents, and intimate washes can enter the vagina and disturb its natural pH balance. This can also lead to irritation, vaginal itching, and infection.
Skin Conditions
Sometimes, skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis on the vulva can lead to irritation in the genital area and the vaginal opening. Even though the chances of a skin infection translating into a vaginal infection are rare, but bacteria/yeast entering the vagina can cause an infection in the vaginal tract as well.
Underlying Health Conditions
Persistent vaginal itching in the vulva can be indicative of vulvar cancer. Even though this condition is rare, if your vaginal itching doesn’t go away, you must get yourself checked.
Stress
Stress can weaken your immunity and make you more prone to vaginal infections and itching. Additionally, the cortisol hormone released due to stress can also trigger vaginal itching.
Vaginal Itching: Prevention
If you want to keep vaginal itching at bay, keep these points in mind:
Steer Clear Of Douching
Douching is the practice of cleansing the vagina by introducing a stream of water. It may come with a promise of cleaning your vag, but it can actually disturb its pH balance and give you an infection. Always remember that the best way to take care of your self-cleansing vagina is to leave it alone.
Keep Its Surrounding Areas Clean
While the vagina can clean itself, its surrounding areas—vulva, groin, and the pubic mound need your help. You must clean your external genitalia with a mild soap and water once or twice a day to keep infections and irritation at bay.
Practice Safe Sex
Always use a condom during intercourse, especially with a new partner. This can help keep STIs at bay. Additionally, make sure to wash your hands and clean up your vagina before and after sex. Lastly, keep your sex toys clean and wash them thoroughly before and after using them.
Say No To Scented Products
Vaginal mists, flavoured condoms, scented sanitary pads or tampons, and intimate washes can irritate the vagina as well as the sensitive genital skin. So always stick to mild, natural, and unscented products for your intimate area.
Eat Well
Stick to foods rich in probiotics such as fermented dishes and curd to keep your gut healthy. This along with other immunity-boosting foods like turmeric can protect you from vaginal itching due to infections.
Maintaining good intimate hygiene, eating healthy, and keeping these prevention methods in mind can help keep vaginal infections at bay. However, consulting a doctor and following a proper line of treatment is the safest way to deal with vaginal itching and infection.
Featured Image: Pexels
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