Trust me, I know how uncomfortable it gets when you suddenly feel an itch down there.

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But is it a normal thing?

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Well yes, it's normal to feel itchy down there once in a while. It's most likely that everyone has had itchy genitals a couple of times.

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But it becomes a problem when that itch doesn't go away or it lasts too long. And if it gets so bad that it interferes with your daily activity, you may have to visit a physician. 

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The itchy vagina can be a result of irritation from a product, moisture, tight clothing, sweat or an effect of after-shave. But it could also be as serious as an infection or an STD. If the itch is inside the vagina, it could be a yeast infection but if it's on the surface, it could be a skin condition or eczema.

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Common Causes of Vagina Itching

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1. Yeast infections

Vaginal yeast infection, also known as Vaginal candidiasis usually occurs when there's excessive growth of yeast (candida) in the vagina and vulva. It affects about 75% of women in their lifetime.[1]  The most common causing species is Candida albicans.

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Symptoms

• A burning sensation especially during sex or urination
• Itching inside the vagina
• Redness and swelling of the vulva
• Rash around the vagina
• Pain and soreness in the vagina
• Thick white odourless discharge

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In severe cases, you may experience:

• 4 or more infections a year
• An infection caused by a rare type of fungus
• Intense symptoms: excessive itching that may lead to sores, tears or cracks, extensive swelling and redness.

If you still experience symptoms after treatment or you're not sure it's a yeast infection, you should see your doctor as soon as possible.

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2. Vaginitis

This simply means inflammation of the vagina. It is commonly caused by a change in the normal balance of bacteria levels or a yeast infection. It could even occur as a result of lowered estrogen levels or irritations from chemicals.

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Symptoms 

• Irritation and itching of the vagina
• Pain during intercourse and urination
• Change in colour, odour, and amount of discharge.
• Light bleeding in the vagina 

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3. Bacterial Vaginosis

This one's caused by an imbalance in the ratio of good and bad bacteria. It is most common in women of reproductive age. It is not an STI but frequent unprotected sex with multiple partners can increase your risk. 

It's quite easy for bacterial vaginosis to be misdiagnosed as yeast infection because the bacteria grow similarly to candida. This is why it's not advisable to self-medicate, you don't want to worsen symptoms by taking the wrong medications.

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Symptoms

• Vaginal itching (not so common unless it is accompanied by a yeast infection) 
• Abnormal whitish watery discharge with a fishy smell.
• Burning sensation during urination

PS: Most patients don't experience any symptoms which is why a gynecologic routine is necessary.

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4. STDs. 

The following STDs are associated with itching and irritation of the female genital organ. 

• Trichomoniasis. 

You may experience symptoms like a foul-smelling greenish-yellow discharge, a burning sensation during urination, itchiness and soreness in the vagina, and vaginal pain during sex.

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• Gonorrhoea

Most female bearers do not experience symptoms and itchiness doesn't occur unless the infection reaches the rectum.

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• Genital herpes.

It is characterized by sores and lesions on the vulva or vagina

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• Chlamydia. 

Like Gonorrhea, symptoms are not noticeable on time but the sufferer might experience light bleeding after copulation, itchiness, burning sensation during urination, and abdominal pains.

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5. Irritants from chemicals and products

Products like soaps, laundry detergents, condoms, scented toilet paper, and creams may contain chemicals which can irritate the vagina and vulva. 

Sometimes, irritation and itching may be a result of an allergic reaction. Women may be allergic to sperm, birth control pills, soaps, and hygiene products.

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6. Menopause 

A drop in estrogen production can cause thinning and drying of vaginal walls which eventually leads to itching and irritation immediately. Sometimes, breastfeeding mothers may experience thinning of vaginal walls.

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Prevention

Prevention, they say, is better than cure. Here are a few ways to prevent itching and maintain a healthy vagina

• Avoid using vagina hygiene products, they may contain chemicals that'll irritate your vagina.
• Don't use soap inside your vagina, just wash the skin on the outside and use only water to wash the inner part.
• Avoid using excessive laundry detergents on your underwear.
• Wipe from front to back after urinating. This will prevent bacteria from accumulating there.
• Make sure your panties are made from cotton and you change and wash it daily.
• Change your underwear regularly and in batches.
• Avoid shaving too much.
• Avoid wearing tight underwear.
• Dry off excess moisture from that area after bathing or swimming.
• Use condoms during sex to prevent STIs.
• If you have treated yeast infection before, dispose of all the panties you used during that period.

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TREATMENT

Yes, prevention is better than cure. But it's still necessary to find the way out, don't you think?

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• Research has shown that consuming probiotic yoghurt accelerated the growth of yeast bacteria. They contain lactobacillus which can reduce vaginal infection.
• Drugs like antiviral drugs and antibiotics have been known to help but you must avoid abusing them.[2]
• Some fungal creams and ointments can help treat yeast infections.
• Sometimes, your doctor may prescribe herbal medicine.
• It's safer to dispose of all the underwear you used while treating a yeast infection. This will reduce your chances of getting it again.
• Home remedies like Apple cider vinegar baths and the use of coconut oil have been known to help[3].
• Both partners should get treated to avoid repeated infections 
• Practice good hygiene.

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Generally, the treatment for an itchy genital depends on the cause.

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