Trust me, I know how uncomfortable it gets when you suddenly feel an itch down there.
But is it a normal thing?
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.
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.
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.
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.
Symptoms
In severe cases, you may experience:
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.
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.
Symptoms
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.
Symptoms
PS: Most patients don't experience any symptoms which is why a gynecologic routine is necessary.
The following STDs are associated with itching and irritation of the female genital organ.
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.
Most female bearers do not experience symptoms and itchiness doesn't occur unless the infection reaches the rectum.
It is characterized by sores and lesions on the vulva or vagina
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.
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.
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.
Prevention, they say, is better than cure. Here are a few ways to prevent itching and maintain a healthy vagina
Yes, prevention is better than cure. But it's still necessary to find the way out, don't you think?
Generally, the treatment for an itchy genital depends on the cause.