Treating Itchy Vagina

Itchy vagina can be a symptom of irritation, fungal or bacterial infections, even symptoms of a dangerous disease. The use of chemicals, infections, sexually transmitted diseases, to stress can be the cause. Consider a few steps to overcome and how to prevent it. Vaginal itching is a common condition that occurs in children to adulthood and tends to be harmless. However, if this situation continues for more than a few days or accompanied by other symptoms, it is advisable to see a doctor immediately.

Causes of Itchy Vagina that You Need to Know

Itching in the vagina can occur due to one or a combination of several causes. A doctor's examination is needed to detect conditions that cause itching. The following are some common causes that can occur.

1. Use of chemicals

Itching can be caused by vaginal irritation due to chemicals found in condoms, cream, soap, tissue, or the pads used.

2. Fungal infections

Also called vaginal candidiasis. Namely fungal infections that grow excessively in the vagina and vulva. This infection is more at risk when a woman is pregnant, uses antibiotics, is sexually active, and when her immune system is weakened. Besides itching, the fungus will cause the vagina to secrete white and thick fluid.

3. Bacterial vaginosis

The presence of healthy bacteria in the vagina is normal. But bad bacteria can cause infections and itching. In addition to itching, bacterial vaginosis is generally accompanied by symptoms such as pain, and discharge and odor from the vagina.

4. Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)

Herpes, chlamydia, trichomoniasis, and gonorrhea are some types of PMS that can cause vaginal itching.

5. Menopause

Decreased estrogen production at the end of a woman's reproductive period can cause the vaginal wall to thin out and dry out, causing irritation and vaginal itching. Apart from menopause, this condition can also occur in women who are breastfeeding.

6. Lichen sclerosis

White patches on the skin around the genitals. This rare condition is commonly experienced by postmenopausal women. Other skin diseases such as eczema and psoriasis can also cause itching.

7. Vulva cancer

Itching can also be a symptom of cancer in the female sex organs, specifically vulva cancer.

8. Stress

Although rare, but an unstable emotional condition can cause the immune system to decline, making the body more at risk of itching and irritation.

Beware of these symptoms

Irritation of the vagina can generally improve on its own. If not, you should immediately consult a doctor to get the right treatment. See a doctor immediately, especially if itching in the vagina is accompanied by the following symptoms:

• Abnormal discharge from the vagina.
• Boils or sores such as thrush on the vulva.
• Difficult or painful when urinating.
• Other abnormal symptoms that persist for more than one week.
• Itching accompanied by bleeding and swelling.

Overcome and Prevent Vaginal Itching

The doctor will trace the history of complaints, physical examinations including internal examinations, and recommend additional examinations, such as blood, urine tests, vaginal fluid examination, and pap smears to determine the diagnosis of the disease. Itchy vagina will be treated differently, depending on the type of cause. Among others:

• Sexually transmitted infections are treated with antibiotics.
• The fungus in the vagina is treated with antifungal drugs taken orally or with a cream applied to the vagina. Antifungal drugs in certain preparations can also be given vaginally.
• Itching caused by menopause is treated with estrogen creams or tablets. Estrogen creams or lotions are sometimes used to treat itching and inflammation.
• Antihistamine drugs are used to treat itching due to allergies.

There are ways to prevent itching in the vagina or treat if these symptoms appear. In addition to adult women, this method can also be taught to children and young women.

• Avoid using tissues, sanitary napkins, pantyliners, as well as cleaning female organs that contain fragrance.
• To clean the female area, just use clean water and plain soap without fragrance. This is only done once a day. Clean it more than once will make the vagina dry.
• After defecation, clean the anus from front to back, and not vice versa. The use of toilet paper after urinating should also be wiped from the vagina to the anus.
• Teenagers and adult women are advised to change pads as often as needed.
• Change panties every day. Cotton pants are healthier than synthetic ones like nylon.
• Use condoms during sex to prevent sexually transmitted diseases.
• Avoid sexual intercourse when the vagina still feels itchy.
• Even though the vagina feels itchy, avoid scratching it.
• Immediately change into sports clothing, especially swimsuits, as soon as you finish exercising.
• As much as possible minimize the use of tight pants or skirts.

Overall, vaginal itching can generally be prevented by maintaining the cleanliness of the sex organs. If you feel persistent itching, frequent recurrence, or there are symptoms that need to be aware of, consult a doctor immediately.