There’s nothing worse than the discomfort an itch between-the-legs causes.
Vaginal itching is enough to drive anyone insane; you’re irritated in a place you can’t (and, to keep things clean, shouldn’t really) scratch. If you find yourself with a bothersome feeling down-south, you might be suffering from one of several common and easily treatable conditions.
Vaginal yeast infections
Vaginal yeast infections are caused by an overgrowth of candida, a bacterial fungus that also commonly affects the skin and mouth. According to Women’s Health, roughly 75% of women are affected by yeast infections (also called candidiasis) at least once, suffering from symptoms like burning around the vulva, severe itching of and around the vagina, and an abnormally thick cheesy, white discharge. Women who have yeast infections may also experience pain during sexual intercourse, redness around the vulva, and painful urination. Typically, your vagina is able to regulate its own bacteria and pH levels. If things get off-kilter, your vagina may become the breeding ground for too much yeast. The MayoClinic explains that “broad-spectrum antibiotics, which kill a range of bacteria, also kill healthy bacteria in your vagina,” which is why doctors often recommend women taking antibiotics begin taking a probiotic or eating probiotic-rich foods like yogurt and kefir. Though yeast can grow at anytime, wearing a wet bathing suit or sweaty leotard for too long, wearing dirty underwear, sleeping in underwear, and having sex with someone with a yeast infection are all potential causes. If you think you might have a yeast infection, you should make an appointment to see a doctor or nurse who will perform a painless culture and send in the sample for testing. If you do have an infection, you’ll likely be prescribed a one- or two-dose pill to knock it out, and your symptoms should clear up within a day or so. To prevent future yeast infections, it’s important to keep your vagina clean and dry, wear cotton underwear, sleep underwear-free, and take supplements or probiotics to promote healthy self-cleaning.
Bacterial vaginosis
Another common cause for itchiness is bacterial vaginosis, a condition similar to candidiasis. Research conducted by the CDC found that bacterial vaginosis (BV) is more likely to affect women who are sexually active, though it isn’t technically sexually transmitted. The direct causes of BV are unknown, but the bacteria cannot be passed through surfaces like toilets or through hot tubs or swimming pools. According to Dr. Beverly Whipple in an article for Everyday Health, women who douche often disrupt the vagina’s self-cleaning processes and “flush out the normal bacteria” necessary to prevent infections. Typically, bacterial vaginosis, and the uncomfortable symptoms that accompany it, subside on their own within a couple of days. In cases where the infection is more severe, recovery may take longer and require treatment. To diagnose BV, a doctor will perform a standard vaginal exam followed by either a wet mount, whiff test, or pH exam. None of the tests are invasive or painful — a wet mount test requires a discharge swab which is then mixed with saline and examined, and a whiff test, according to WebMD, is performed by combining “potassium hydroxide [and a] sample of vaginal discharge to find out whether a strong fishy odor is produced.” If the infection is severe enough, a doctor will prescribe antibiotics to speed the healing process along.
Trichomoniasis
Trichomoniasis, also known as trich, is an easily treated STD that affects over 3.5 million Americans. Planned Parenthood explains trich as an often symptom-less infection “caused by protozoan – a microscopic, one-cell animal.” Women with trich often notice a foamy looking discharge, bad vaginal odor, and swelling, in addition to itchiness. Spread most commonly through sexual contact, trich is easy to diagnose and to treat. As with many other vaginal infections, if you think you might have trich, you should see a doctor who will perform a vaginal exam and a swab to test for infection. Trich can be prevented by using condoms and exercising caution with sexual partners, and is most frequently treated with antivirals.
Cervicitis
Cervicitis, or cervical inflammation, can often cause itchiness in addition to yellow or bloody discharge and pelvic pain. According to the Merck Manual, cervicitis is often caused by other infections, including chlamydia, gonorrhea, and herpes, though it can also be the result of cervical injuries that sometimes occur after tampon use or medical procedures. Cervical inflammation often causes discharge that looks and feels like pus, and is frequently characterized by vaginal bleeding. If a doctor thinks you might be suffering from cervicitis, they’ll perform a full pelvic exam and then perform a cervical swab to test. If there’s reason to think you might have another cervical condition, your doctor may follow-up by performing a Pap smear or a colposcopy to look more closely at the cervix and surrounding areas. Antibiotics and antiviral medications are typically the quickest way to heal from cervicitis, as they’re likely to treat the STD that may be the underlying cause. If left untreated, cervicitis can increase a woman’s likelihood of developing pelvic inflammatory disease or other more serious pelvic problems, so seeking medical attention quickly is advised.
Vaginal itching can be caused by a wide variety of infections – both sexually-transmitted and otherwise – and, ultimately, you should seek medical attention if you’re bothered for more than a few days. Whether you’re sexually active or not, you may have an infection that requires treatment before it can clear up and you can be comfortable again!
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