Vaginal itching may occur with or with no discharge. In some women, a dry, itchy vagina before and after the period is much more common. Some infections, allergies, and irritations around the vaginal area may occur after sex. Could it be STDs or yeast infections? Here’s how to stop and soothe an itchy vagina with home remedies.
Vaginal itching is uncomfortable and yet a common problem that affects almost every woman at some point in their life. This condition causes the vagina to become inflamed, often causing pain and foul-smelling discharge. The most common reasons for this condition are:
Here are other possible causes of the itchy vagina, home remedies to help soothe the condition, and steps on how you can prevent the symptoms at home.
Vaginal itching is often a sign of the different underlying conditions. These conditions can, in most cases, be shown with different signs and symptoms. Common symptoms would include mild to severe itching, a feeling of burning sensation, swelling and inflammation, and in some cases, painful fluid-filled bump around the genitals.
Common reasons for vaginal itching include the following:
BV is a common reason for vaginal itching. This condition is triggered by an imbalance between naturally occurring good and bad bacteria in the vagina. Besides the itching, other symptoms that come with this condition are inflammation, burning, discharge, and a fishy-smelling odor.
Doctors often treat BV with antibiotics. These may come as pills you take orally, or as creams, you insert into your vagina. Regardless of the treatment you choose, it is important to follow your doctor’s instructions.
STDS transmitted through sex can also cause itching in the vagina. The most common infections include; chlamydia, genital warts, gonorrhea, genital herpes, and trichomoniasis. Most of these conditions can lead to symptoms like vulva irritation, abnormal growths, green or yellow vaginal discharge, and pain while urinating.
You can treat STDs with antibiotics or antivirals. You will need to take your medications regularly and avoid sexual intercourse until your infection or disease clears.
Yeast is a naturally occurring fungus that’s normally present in the vagina. It normally doesn’t cause problems, but when its growth goes unnoticed, it may lead to an uncomfortable infection called a vaginal yeast infection. It is a very common condition that affects 3 out of 4 women at some point in their life. This condition is not only accompanied by itching and irritation, but it will also produce a thick, white, and cheesy discharge.
This condition can be treated with antifungal medications. These come in various forms, including; creams, ointments, or pills. They are available by prescription or over the counter.
Some skin diseases, such as eczema and psoriasis, can cause redness and itching in the genital region. Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a rash that occurs mostly to people with asthma or allergies. The rash is reddish and itchy with a scaly texture and may spread to the vagina in some women. Psoriasis is a common skin condition that causes scaly, itchy, red patches to form along the scalp and joints.
Women going through menopause or who have already done so are at risk of experiencing vaginal itching. This happens due to a drop in estrogen levels that occur during menopause, which leads to a condition called vaginal atrophy. This causes vaginal walls to thin and dry out, leading to itching and irritation. Thinning of the vaginal wall can also affect some women who breastfeed.
Menopause-related itching may be treated with estrogen cream, tablets, or a vaginal ring insert.
Physical and emotional stress can cause itchy vagina and irritation, though not common. Stress normally weakens your immune system, leaving you more prone to the infections that cause itching.
This is a type of cancer that develops in the vulva. The external part of female’s genitals, which includes the inner and outer lips of the vagina, the clitoris, and the opening of the vagina. Vulvar cancer may not always cause symptoms, but when they occur, they may include itching, abnormal bleeding, and pain in the vulva area.
This condition can be treated successfully with proper diagnosis by your doctor.
Some chemical substances, including, creams, douches, condoms, soaps, contraceptive foams, scented toilet paper, and fabric softeners can irritate the vagina and vulva. You should avoid getting in contact with these irritants or allergens to resolve this condition.
Sports vagina, also known as vaginal discomfort, is a side effect of exercise that affects women. Your vulvar and vaginal areas produce sweat, which may lead to vaginal discomfort when you hit the gym. Yeast thrives in warm, moist environments such as a sweaty vagina, causing a lot of discomfort. This condition may be mild or severe, depending on the type of exercise, the intensity of exercise, and how often you work out. The most common symptoms include; itching, redness, irritation, chafing, and odor.
The treatment for this condition includes over-the-counter antifungal suppositories and creams, prescription vaginal antifungal medications, and prescription oral antifungal medications. You can also take probiotics and eat probiotic-rich foods such as yogurt that may help prevent fungal infections.
Vaginal itching before, during, and after menstruation is normal. This could be a result of several causes, including; vaginal dryness, yeast infection, or hormonal changes. These conditions make this condition very uncomfortable. The following is an explanation of why you may experience itching after having your period;
The itchy vagina is, in most cases, accompanied by a white or brown discharge. In rare cases, some women might experience the itching with no discharge.
A common cause of itching with no discharge is hormonal imbalance or fluctuations. For some females, the itching can also be as a result of underlying skin conditions such as:
Abnormal discharge, such as spots that accompany the itching is often a sign of a vaginal infection. Itching with no discharge can only signify an irritation, for instance, from wearing tight clothing, synthetic undergarments, or in some cases, poor hygiene that might lead to the accumulation of bacteria and fungus overgrowth.
vaginal itching during pregnancy
During pregnancy, your body may go through obvious changes like larger breasts and a growing abdomen. What you may not know is that your vagina goes through changes too. It is, therefore, important that you understand how pregnancy affects your vaginal health. The following are some of the ways you may likely experience vaginal itching during pregnancy;
An increase in vaginal discharge is one of the most common vaginal changes during pregnancy. This is as a result of high levels of estrogen and progesterone. An increase in blood volume and blood flow can also contribute to increased vaginal discharge. Sometimes excess discharge signals an infection that occurs when the natural balance of bacteria that lives in the vagina is disrupted.
Pregnancy discharge should be thin, white, and milky. It also shouldn’t smell bad, but it may have a mild odor that is noticeable before.
Vaginal infections are common during pregnancy, thanks to hormonal changes that alter your vagina’s pH-balance. Common vaginal infections during pregnancy include;
The common symptoms of this condition include;
To support the baby’s growth, your blood flow increases significantly during pregnancy. It is usual for your labia and vagina to appear swollen and feel fuller. The swelling and increased blood flow may also increase your libido and make you feel aroused. Hormonal changes and increased blood flow may cause your vagina and labia to darken and take on a bluish tint.
Sometimes the vaginal swelling is caused by infection, which is accompanied by symptoms such as redness, burning, and itching of the vagina or the area around the vagina.
The varicose veins not only appear on legs, but they may also appear in your vulvar and vaginal areas during pregnancy. These veins are caused by an increase in blood volume and a decrease in how fast your blood flows from your lower extremities. Vulvar varicose veins may cause pressure, fullness, and discomfort in your vulva and vagina. You can relieve these symptoms through cold compressing or by wearing a compression garment. This condition may clear on its own after several weeks of giving birth.
Vaginal itching is a very uncomfortable condition that may need fast relief. This could be a result of dry skin, irritants such as soaps and creams, and infections. You may, therefore, need to observe several tips for preventing and treating this condition. The following may help stop an itchy vagina fast:
Vaginal itching, sometimes called vaginitis, is when the vagina becomes inflamed, often causing discharge and pain. Women may also experience swelling. Most of these conditions are easy to treat, and others clear up on their own. The following are some of the natural home remedies you can apply to treat or relieve the symptoms of this condition:
Apple cider vinegar contains antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties. It is for this reason that it is used to restore the natural pH of your vagina hence creating the unfavorable condition for yeast or some other bacterial growth.
apple cider for vaginal itching
The following is the procedure on how to use ACV to relieve vaginal itching:
Alternatively,
Applying an ice pack on the vagina numbs the area and reduces inflammation. This makes it an effective remedy to relieve vaginal itching instantly. The following is the procedure for cold compressing;
You can also rinse the vaginal area with ice-cold water. It offers the same numbness.
Saline water bath provides relief from vaginal itching. Salt controls the growth of the microbes causing the infection; this way, it reduces itching and other discomforts. The following is how you apply salt water;
Alternatively,
Caution: don’t use salt on cuts, bruises, or open sores
Garlic contains antibacterial and antibiotic properties that can help clear bacteria and yeast infections. Eating garlic cloves also helps in boosting the immune system that helps your body fight infections. The following is the procedure of using garlic to clear vaginal itching:
Yogurt provides quick relief from vaginal itching and burning. This is because it has soothing effects and also controls bad bacterial growth. The following is the procedure on how to apply yogurt on your vagina:
Indian lilac, also known as neem, contains antiseptic properties. This makes it the most effective remedy to reduce and treat vaginal itching. The following is the procedure of applying Indian lilac;
Alternatively,
We recommend Neem oil by Kate Blanc (Check price on Amazon)
Honey contains antibacterial and antifungal properties. This helps get rid of any microbial infection-causing vaginal itching. The following is how you use honey to remedy the situation:
Boric acid contains both antiseptic and antifungal properties. These qualities make it an effective remedy for vaginal itching, burning, and other discomforts. The following is the procedure of applying this remedy:
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Kefir is a fermented dairy product that is rich in probiotic bacteria. It contains Lactobacillus and Bifidus, and this makes it an effective remedy for vaginal itching and related symptoms. The following is the procedure on how to apply this remedy:
Tea tree oil contains antibacterial properties. This is the reason it is an effective remedy for providing relief for vaginal itching and also treating any vaginal yeast infections. The following is the procedure of applying this remedy:
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The lauric, capric, and caprylic acid present in coconut oil contain antiviral and antibacterial properties. It’s hydrating and soothing properties provide relief from the itching and burning of the vagina. The following is how you apply coconut oil to relieve vaginal itching:
coconut oil for vaginal itching
Majestic Pure Fractionated Coconut Oil for Hair and Skin would be a great choice.
To save yourself from the difficulties in curing vaginal itching, the following are some of the ways you could use to remedy this situation.
Steps to prevent yeast infections:
Proper hygiene is the pre-requisite to prevent vaginal itching. You should observe the following;
Have enough sleep and do exercise- exercise helps you maintain a healthy weight, boost your mood, and increase your energy. It also promotes sleep and reduces your risk of heart attack, stroke, diabetes, and some types of cancer.
Practice good genital hygiene, it helps prevent infections- keep your vaginal area clean, after using the toilet, wipe from front to back to avoid spreading yeast or bacteria from your anus to the vagina.
See also: 10 Best Antibacterial Body Wash Products Reviewed [2019]
This should be keenly observed because vagina, anus and urinary openings lie close to each other and might catch infections that could lead to vaginal itching and burning. The following is what you should do;
Chemical irritants are one of the major causes of vaginal itching and burning;
The following are some of the important tips for healthy eating;
References