Nursing also causes estrogen levels to drop. Low estrogen may cause the lining of your vagina to thin and cause itching and irritation. Symptoms should resolve when you stop breast-feeding and estrogen levels increase again. These tiny, crab-like creatures cause intense itching in the vaginal and pubic areas. They usually attach to pubic hair. They may also attach to other areas of the body that are covered in coarse hair.
Pubic lice can be treated with an over-the-counter lice-killing lotion. Severe cases may require a topical prescription medication. Vaginal itch is hard to ignore. But if possible, fight the urge to scratch.
Scratching sensitive vaginal tissues may increase irritation and lead to infection. You should also see your doctor if the itching continues after using an over-the-counter yeast infection remedy. Learn about potential causes of vaginal itch during your period, such as irritation, yeast infection, bacterial vaginosis, and trichomoniasis.
Rubbing very hard on your penis — whether during sex or masturbation — can create enough heat to burn and scrape off skin. This is called a friction…. Jock itch is typically easy to treat, but some cases can grow out of control or become resistant to treatment. Jock itch is a fungal infection. Genital herpes , another STI, is a common cause of genital itching.
Many cases of genital herpes are asymptomatic or have mild, infrequent symptoms. They can be on the vulva or perineum space between the vaginal and anal openings as well as inside the vagina and even on the cervix which connects the vagina to the uterus.
When sores are present, it's called an outbreak. Other possible symptoms you may experience during an outbreak include:. You can catch genital herpes by having unprotected genital contact with the genitals, anus, or lips of someone who has it.
A condom can provide significant—but not total—protection. The condition can be managed with antiviral medications which also can help prevent it from spreading , over-the-counter pain medications, and cool compresses on the sores. Lichen sclerosus is a chronic skin condition that makes the skin thin, pale, and wrinkly. It usually affects the genitalia and anus but also can strike the chest and arms. It's most common in women over age 50 and pre-pubescent girls.
It's not always symptomatic but can cause:. Lichen sclerosis usually relapses and remits comes and goes and can cause permanent scars, and it usually gets worse over time if it's not properly treated. It can't be cured, so treatment is aimed at alleviating symptoms.
Standard treatment includes:. If you have vaginal or vulvar itching without abnormal discharge that lasts more than a few days, you should see your healthcare provider. What appears to be a minor problem like razor burn may be something more serious, such as genital herpes. Using the wrong treatment may further irritate your skin and lead to even more discomfort.
If your itching is accompanied by abnormal discharge or pelvic pain, see your healthcare provider right away. Itching that won't go away can be a big distraction and detract significantly from your quality of life. Different causes of itchiness can require different treatments. General treatments for an irritating itch include:. And as hard as it is, try not to scratch.
Preventing vaginal and vulvar itching means protecting your skin and vaginal health. Good skin care can help prevent a lot of itching, especially due to dry skin.
Dermatologists recommend that you:. Good genital health can also help prevent itching and other problems. Your vagina is healthiest when it has the right balance of bacteria, called vaginal flora. When you have the right amount of good bacteria, it keeps the environment slightly acidic, which keeps the bad bacteria from getting out of control. A lot of things can disrupt that balance, including:. You can take steps to maintain good vaginal and vulvar health, such as:.
Vaginal, vulvar, and anal itching are topics you might be uncomfortable bringing up with your healthcare provider. Given the seriousness of some conditions that can cause that itching, though, it's important for you to overcome your embarrassment and get it checked.
Getting the right diagnosis and treatment can bring you relief and peace of mind. Most of the time, vaginal itching is harmless, but it can be a sign of a problem that may warrant a visit to the gynecologist.
Possible causes include a yeast infection, bacterial vaginosis, certain STIs, allergic reactions, and irritation from soaps and creams. Female genital itching can be relieved by applying a cold compress for five to 10 minutes, using a fragrance-free lotion or lubricant, or applying topical anesthetics or treatments.
If your vaginal area itches for more than a few days, is extremely uncomfortable, or is accompanied by abnormal discharge or pelvic pain, call your healthcare provider. Yes, an itchy vagina and vulva can indicate a yeast infection. Other signs include a clumpy white discharge and soreness. Yeast infections can be treated with over-the-counter remedies. Her rule of thumb is if you wouldn't put it on your face, don't put it near your vagina. If you're going to shave, make sure you wash before and after, and follow-up with a toner like witch hazel.
If your itching is the result of a yeast infection specifically, you can try a mixture of yogurt and honey as treatment before going for an OTC anti-fungal cream. A study found that this at-home remedy was a legit treatment for yeast overgrowth. Still, if you're concerned about vaginal itching, it's always best to consult a doctor.
They can confirm whether your symptoms are anything to worry about. Weight Loss. United States. Type keyword s to search. Today's Top Stories. Taraji P. Accessible Beauty Products For All. B acterial vaginosis. RepHresh Vaginal Gel.
Monistat Complete Therapy, 3 Ovule Inserts. Monistat amazon. Fun fact: You can get pubic lice from hotel room sheets. Related Story. This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below. More From Vagina University. These include:. These conditions can also cause additional symptoms, including abnormal growths, green or yellow vaginal discharge, and pain while urinating. Women who are going through menopause or who have already done so are more at risk for vaginal itching.
This is due to the reduction of estrogen levels that occur during menopause, which leads to vaginal atrophy. This is a thinning of the mucosa that can lead to excessive dryness. It might occur when stress weakens your immune system, leaving you more prone to the infections that cause itching. In rare cases, vaginal itching may be a symptom of vulvar cancer. It includes the inner and outer lips of the vagina, the clitoris, and the opening of the vagina.
Vulvar cancer may not always cause symptoms. However, when symptoms do occur, they may include itching, abnormal bleeding, or pain in the vulvar area. Vulvar cancer can be treated successfully if your doctor diagnoses it in the early stages. This is another reason that yearly gynecologist checkups are essential. You should also contact your doctor if your vaginal itching persists for more than one week or if your itching occurs along with the following symptoms:. Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms, including how severe they are and how long they have lasted.
They may ask you about your sexual activities as well. During a pelvic examination, your doctor will visually inspect the vulva and may use a speculum to see inside the vagina. They may press down on your abdomen while inserting a gloved finger into your vagina. This allows them to check the reproductive organs for any abnormalities.
Your doctor may also collect a sample of skin tissue from your vulva or a sample of your discharge for analysis. Your doctor might perform blood or urine tests as well. Your doctor can treat vaginal yeast infections with antifungal medications. These come in various forms, including creams, ointments, or pills.
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