Vaginal itching or genital itching is a symptom that can affect any woman. Some women may choose to purchase over-the-counter medications when experiencing this symptom, which is an inappropriate course of treatment. This is due to the possibility that taking medication without consulting a doctor may not solve the underlying issue and may have negative side effects. Therefore, you should see a doctor to get a proper diagnosis and treatment.
In this article, you will learn about the symptoms, causes, and treatments of vaginal itching.
Interesting facts about vaginal itching
Vaginal itching can include itching of the area outside the vaginal opening, such as mons pubis, pubic area, clitoris, labia majora and labia minora
Furthermore, there can be irritation inside the urethral and vaginal openings, which may lead to vaginal infections, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), abnormal vaginal discharge and dysuria.
Itching inside the vagina The human vagina has normal vaginal flora which help keep the vagina healthy and balanced. Itching inside the vagina is often caused by the following infections:
Bacterial vaginosis often causes yellowish vaginal discharge with a fishy odor.
Candidal vaginitis is vaginal infection with Candida species. It often causes a thick, white, curd-like discharge.
Sexually transmitted infections, including Trichomonas vaginitis, gonorrhea and Chlamydial infection, often causes severe itching and yellow-green vaginal discharge.
Itching outside the vagina The common causes are as follows:
Pubic hair shaving
Skin irritation from sanitary pads, underwear or cleaning products
Wearing tight garments that create friction against the skin
Eczema
Psoriasis
Genital herpes may cause itching in some cases, but the common symptoms are pain and burning sensation.
Vulvar cancer may cause open sores and bleeding.
Other less common causes of vaginal itching or genital itching that only affect certain populations
Postmenopausal women may experience dryness in the vulvar and vaginal areas due to their decreased lower estrogen levels. They should consult a doctor for a diagnosis and prescription for hormone replacement therapy if they experience these symptoms.
Other groups of patients include individuals who have given birth and experienced a vaginal tear, as well as those with specific cancers that result in a rectovaginal fistula, which allow bowel contents to pass through the vagina. This results in persistent itching and uncurable chronic vaginal discharge.
The most common accompanying symptom of vaginal itching is abnormal vaginal discharge, which is often caused by the infections mentioned above. Other accompanying symptoms of vaginal itching include:
Fever
Pain in the lower abdomen
Vaginal sores
Difficulty urinating
Abnormal bleeding
If you experience any of the aforementioned symptoms, please see a doctor for a proper diagnosis.
Wash the external area with clean water or mild soap once a day.
Avoid using harsh soaps, such as herbal soaps or soaps with high surface tension, on the genital area as they can cause skin irritation and dryness.
Do not douche your vagina.
Always wipe from front to back after having a bowel movement to prevent the spread of bacteria that can lead to an infection.
Avoid wearing tight underwear to reduce friction.
Avoid using tampons.
1. Treatment of vaginal itching is usually based on the accompanying symptoms. If the patient also experiences abnormal vaginal discharge, the doctor may prescribe the following medications:
Vaginal itching with bacterial vaginosis: Oral antibiotics such as Metronidazole, Clindamycin or Doxycycline may be prescribed.
Vaginal itching with vaginal discharge similar to yeast infection: Vaginal suppositories such as Clotrimazole tablet may be prescribed.
A history of high-risk sexual behavior: Gonorrhea medications may be also prescribed, such as Ceftriaxone injection in combination with oral Azithromycin.
2. Depending on the accompanying symptoms, the doctor may prescribe a topical medication, such as low-strength corticosteroid or Clotrimazole cream, if the patient just has external itching. To lessen itching, an oral antihistamine may also be prescribed.
The majority of patients have vaginal itching as a result of a typical yeast infection. While some patient’ symptoms improve with treatment, the infection cannot be totally eliminated.
Since these symptoms are linked to an infection with a sexually transmitted disease, I also need to conduct an evaluation for sexually transmitted diseases. After that, depending on the findings of the examination, I can administer medication to fully alleviate the symptoms. 
- Warangkana Wiwansirikul,MD. (Doctor at Intouchmedical Clinic) -
The physician enquires about accompanying symptoms of vaginal itching and any history of unprotected sexual activities.
To detect lesions in the cervix, inside the vagina, and surrounding the vagina, the doctor performs a pelvic exam. If the patient exhibits signs of infection, the doctor may order more tests.
References
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Wittaya Thitaphan. How to Take Care of Internal Health. Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital.
Asst. Prof. Dr. Chailert Pongnarisorn. Vaginal Discharge. Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University.
Barad, D. H. Vaginal Itching and Discharge - Gynecology and Obstetrics. MSD Manual Professional Edition.
Compiled by Jittiwat Amnouypon, MD. and Warangkana Wiwansirikul, MD.
Last Update : 25/09/2024
Images may be used without prior permission exclusively for educational or informational purposes, as long as proper credit is given to intouchmedicare.com
