Causes Behind An Itching Vagina

Have you ever felt the need to ‘adjust’ your pants or undies just so you can ease up on the itch down there? Ladies, if you know what we’re talking about, you’d know how super uncomfortable it can get.

An itch anywhere on the body can be irritating but having an itch when it involves the vagina or the vulva is whole different level! 

Even though occasional vaginal itching is not a cause of worry, vaginal itching that is persistent and makes you really uncomfortable may be a more serious problem. A vaginal itch might be difficult to just ignore. Stop yourself from scratching as it may lead to some serious infection. 

If you’re wondering what are the possible causes behind an itching vagina, read on to find out more.

1. Irritants

Your skin especially in the vagina area could be more sensitive to certain irritants compared to other parts of the body. Vaginal itching could happen when your vagina is exposed to irritating chemicals.

These irrirants include shower gel, bubble bath, feminine wash, scented sanitary pads, scented toilet roll, creams, ointments as well as detergents and fabric softeners. Best to avoid anything that irritates the skin around your genitals. 

2. Waxing or shaving

These types of hair removal methods could also be a possible cause behind an itchy vagina. Your bikini area is very sensitive when it comes to waxing or shaving as these methods can cause razor burns, cuts and ingrown hairs. 

Using good quality shavers may reduce the risk of itching. However, if the itching continues, you might want to stop or reduce waxing and shaving or perhaps change your shaving products! 

3. Yeast infections

Yeast is a type of fungus that is naturally present in every woman. A vaginal yeast infection only happens when there’s an overgrowth of this fungus. It’s so common that it’s estimated 75% of women will experience a yeast infection at least once in their lifetime. 

A vaginal yeast infection is usually the first thing that comes to mind when there’s an irritable itch down there. Common symptoms of a yeast infection include a cottage-cheese like discharge, burning sensation, redness and itchiness. 

4. Bacterial vaginosis

Like a vaginal yeast infection, bacterial vaginosis happens when there’s an imbalance of good and bad bacteria in the vagina area. There are many reasons that can cause bacterial vaginosis – such as frequent douching, having unprotected sex and having multiple sex partners. 

Vaginal itching is one of the symptoms tho many women don’t get any symptoms when there’s an infection. Other symptoms include, foul-smelling discharge and grey or white discharge.

5. Sexually Transmitted Disease (STDs)

We all know we are at risk of getting an STD when we have unprotected sex. STDs include chlamydia, genital herpes, genital warts, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis are commonly associated with itchiness around the vaginal area.

It’s usually the first sign of an infection which then progresses to something more serious like a burning sensation, painful urination, a foul-smelling discharge and even sores on your genitals. Be sure to head to your gynecologist to find out the real reason so you can get it treated ASAP!

6. Hormonal changes and perimenopause 

When your hormones change or fluctuate, especially during your menstrual cycle, nursing or the time before you hit menopause, you might experience vaginal dryness in which you might feel the itchiness, thanks to the decreased level of the hormone estrogen!

7. Pubic lice

Tiny bugs crawling on your body parts is something nobody wants, what more when it involves the bikini area! Pubic lice a.k.a tiny crab-like creatures are usually attached to pubic hair. These easily transmittable bugs can cause your vagina to have an intense itch. Yikes!

They’re so easily transmittable that you don’t need to have sex to get the lice attached to you. Going to a hotel and if their sheets have lice, you might get them just like that! 

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