Spoiler alert: A yeast infection is far from the only culprit.
Vaginas
are great, but if you have one, chances are you've asked yourself at
least once, "Why is my vagina itchy?" Sometimes things down there can
get less than blissful. Vaginal discomfort like itchiness is super
common and rarely a cause for major concern, but it's still plenty
frustrating. An irritated vulva or vagina is just that: irritating.
So
what does it mean when your vulva or vagina itches? We went to the
experts to find out. Keep in mind that anything that’s bothering you to a
major extent should be evaluated by a doctor, and the same goes for
recurring issues. Getting regular OB-GYN check-ups,
like your annual, and consistent testing for sexually transmitted
diseases is crucial for making sure there’s nothing more serious to
worry about. And getting to know your vagina and vulva, through education and exploration on your own, will help you understand what’s going on down there.
But here are a few common reasons your vaginal area or vulva may be itchy.
1.
Yeast infections
“Most young women assume [itching] is a yeast infection, and they are usually right,” says Dr. Kyrin Dunston,
MD, FACOG, an OB-GYN from Atlanta. “At one point in their lifetime at
least 75% of females report having had an infection of this type. The
technical term for this is vulvovaginal candidiasis. Many [people] want
to know how to prevent this annoying infection. It is important to
understand that candida is what is known as an opportunistic infection,
meaning that this fungus is present in small amounts in a normal
[person] and only proliferates and causes an actual infection and
symptoms when the conditions are right. Candida, like most fungi, need
warmth, moisture, and food to proliferate.”
Help avoid infections by removing damp underwear as fast as possible after sports and other sweaty activities. Your best treatment option is through medication.
2.
Shaving
This
one seems simple, but if you’re feeling particularly irritated, Dr.
Dunston says shaving could be the culprit. Take a few weeks off and see
if you feel better. You might be surprised by how much you love the new look, too, and realize that you don't want to shave down there anymore, especially because getting rid of pubic hair can actually lead to STDs.
3.
An upset balance
"Vaginal discomfort such as itching and burning, and even odor,
can result from an imbalance in your vaginal ecosystem,” says Dr.
Botros Rizk, MD, a professor and the head of reproductive endocrinology
and infertility at the University of South Alabama. “Everyday activities
like exercise, intercourse, and using douches can disrupt the normal pH
of the vagina, which, in turn, upsets the balance between the friendly
bacteria that help your vagina clean itself and the unfriendly bacteria
that cause vaginal discomfort.”
Again, changing out of damp underwear is helpful. Avoid douches and other “cleaning” products. Let your vagina take care of itself.
Bacterial vaginosis
One of the most common causes of vaginal discomfort, bacterial vaginosis,
is the result of “an imbalance of ‘good’ and ‘harmful’ bacteria that
are normally found in a person's vagina. Basically, the ‘bad’ bacteria
increases, and the ‘good’ stuff decreases.” Probiotics
are the best way to avoid this, so make Greek yogurt, kombucha, and
pickled foods a part of your diet if you can — or just get your
probiotics in pill form, which is easy to do.
5.
Everyday products
“If
there is no infection present, the most likely cause of irritation of
the vulva and vagina is from chemicals in the environment,” says Dr.
Dunston. “Common culprits include laundry detergent, dryer sheets,
bleach used to clean clothes, certain toilet papers, and sanitary
products, especially perfumed ones. Perfumed vaginal sprays and douches
can cause this as well. Needless to say, the vagina is a delicate area
and chemicals and irritants need to be kept away.”
Skip products with a scent if you can, and try to use a nonirritating
soap when you shower. Switching out detergents and other laundering
products for safer and softer alternatives might be just the trick to
finding relief.
STDs
Always
keep yourself up-to-date on tests, but if you’re experiencing ongoing
irritation while sexually active, get tested for sexually transmitted
diseases as soon as you can. An STD is not the end of the world, and treatment for many issues is easier than you think. But your best tool is awareness of the problem, so don’t hesitate to find out.
