You’ve probably felt it before, or you will feel it in your lifetime. An itch, or an irritation around your vagina and vulva area that causes you great discomfort. That private itch in your vagina is absolutely normal.
You need to worry not much unless you have any of the symptoms listed below. First of all, let’s begin to understand what causes itching in your vagina?
Chemical irritants: You may experience some vaginal itching if you are using detergents with fragrance, deodorants, pads and tampons, douches, contraceptive foams, scented toilet paper or soap.
Bacterial Vaginosis
BV is a common cause of vaginal itching. BV occurs when there is an imbalance of good and bad bacteria which occurs naturally in the vagina.
A healthy mix of bacteria exists in the vagina, each with different roles. Nonetheless, an overgrowth of these bacteria might cause an irritation in your vagina.
In some cases, this condition can lead to a foul-smell discharge which is grey, thin, or white and foamy.
Skin diseases
Skin diseases such as psoriasis and eczema may cause itching and cause redness in the vaginal area.
Psoriasis is a skin infection which fastens the speed of skin cells division leading to accumulation on the skin’s surface. It’s a periodic chronic condition manifested by red patches and scales which are painful and itchy.
With eczema, your skin develops red, itchy, rough and cracked patches. There are different types and stages of eczema that affect Kenyans in everyday life.
Yeast infection
3 out of 4 women will experience a yeast infection in their lifetime according to the Centre for Diseases Control (CDC).
Yeast, like bacteria, occurs naturally in the vagina but in imbalanced ratios, it might lead to a very uncomfortable infection. Yeast overgrowth can lead to a lumpy discharge and irritable itching.
Sexually Transmitted Infections
Unprotected sexual intercourse can result in infections such as gonorrhoea, genital herpes, trichomoniasis, chlamydia, and genital warts.
Apart from itching, these conditions cause pain while peeing, yellow or green vaginal discharge, and abnormal growths.
You should see a doctor immediately in case of these symptoms. STIs can lead to terminal diseases.
Menopause
Vaginal itching is common for women who are going through menopause or who have already gone through it.
Estrogen levels reduce when a woman approaches her menopause which leads to vaginal dryness as a result of the thinning mucosa.
Such dryness will lead to some irritation and itching. It is recommended that you seek the help of a doctor to treat these.
Vulvar Cancer
Medical practitioners caution women that vaginal itching could be a symptom of vulvar cancer.
The vulvar is the external part of the vagina which includes, the inner and outer lips, the clitoris and the vagina mouth. Vulvar cancer develops around these areas.
Common signs to look out for include pain in the vulva, itching and abnormal bleeding. If diagnosed in its early stages, vulvar cancer is treatable.
Untreated vulvar cancer can spread to the anus, vagina and urethra.
Home Remedies to Prevent the Private Itch
- Do not douche. Doctors discourage douching because it can lead to vaginal infections, STI’s and other problems.
- Use plain water and unscented soap to clean the exterior of your vagina and do not do this more than once a day.
- Always, always wipe from front to back
- Use condoms to reduces chances of getting STIs
- Avoid scented toilet paper, wipes, feminine sprays, creams, and douches
- Do not scratch
- Abstain from sex when you observe such symptoms until you see a doctor
- Use lube! If you are experiencing vaginal dryness, just get yourself a K-Y or any other water-based lubricant
- Wear cotton underwear often and avoid synthetic panties
- Ensure your partner cleans their hands before touching your vagina to avoid the spread of microbes
- Find the most comfortable pad for you!
