Does it itch, burn in your vagina and just won’t stop? It is not uncommon for there to be a fungal infection in the intimate area. But the itching can also have other causes. We present you possible reasons for the itching and the best home remedies to stop the itching.
In the clip: Between 5 and 10 percent of all women suffer from this disease – often without knowing it
Itching in the intimate area – possible causes
In most cases, genital itching is caused by inflammation, bacteria, viruses or fungi in the intimate area. It is not uncommon to experience itching in the intimate area throughout your life. This can affect both men and women, as well as young people and people of old age. However, since the female intimate area is more stressed by periods, the pill, menopause and the mucous membranes, women are affected more often than men. The causes of an itchy vagina are as varied as their treatments. Therefore, it is important to know what caused it and what you can do about it. In the following sections you will find an overview of the possible causes, symptoms and treatments for itching in the intimate area.
Itching and burning vagina due to vaginal thrush
One of the most common causes of an itchy vagina is fungus (especially… Yeast Candida albicans). These take care of you severe itching and a burning feeling in the vagina and often also in the vulva (pubic area). Another sign of vaginal thrush is a whitish, crumbly and odorless discharge. The skin and mucous membranes are often swollen, red and sometimes cracked. Another symptom can be pain during sexual intercourse. If the urethra is additionally affected, there will also be pain when urinating. Vaginal thrush is one of the most common diseases in women in the intimate area. However, it can easily be achieved through so-called Antifungals (medications against fungi) can be treated in the form of creams or suppositories.
Itchy vagina due to bacterial vaginal infection
With a bacterial vaginal infection, too bacterial vaginosis called, the naturally occurring “benign” bacteria (lactic acid bacteria) in the vagina are displaced by disease-causing bacteria and a biofilm is formed. In most of those affected, the biofilm consists of germs such as bacteria Gardnerella vaginitis. This bacterium is characterized by: Fishy smell of the discharge. Other symptoms include burning and itching of the vagina. Possible triggers for bacterial vaginosis can be poor intimate hygiene, sexual intercourse or antibiotics. According to study According to the BMC Journal from 2014, smoking is also suspected of causing a bacterial infection. Vaginal creams can be used for treatment.
Itching in the intimate area due to changed hormones
The Hormone balance a woman is constantly changing. Be it during your period, pregnancy or the pill. Every time your hormones fluctuate, your intimate area can become itchy. If you are unsure what is causing vaginal itching, see your gynecologist.
Itching in the vagina due to contact allergy
If your vagina itches and burns, it may be caused by products Skin irritation be. This means that you may have a contact allergy to certain things Perfumes or additions in your products. This can be caused by both shower gels and lubricants. In addition to itching, redness, swelling and thickening of the skin are typical signs of a contact allergy. Make sure you use hyperallergic products that don’t contain irritating chemicals.
Vagina itches due to dryness
Vaginal dryness can have various causes. It can through stress, excessive intimate hygiene, alcohol or nicotine caused. There are various preparations for treatment that lie like a film on the inner skin of the vagina and take it with it Provide moisture. Make sure that the products do not contain alcohol, as this also dries out the vagina.
Itching in the intimate area during menopause
When a woman goes through menopause, she sinks Estrogen levels and the interaction of hormones changes. The natural protective barrier of the vagina is impaired and the mucous membrane becomes drier and thinner. In addition, the Blood circulation reduced and the mucous membranes recede. This makes the vagina more susceptible to infections, which is why affected women suffer from itching and burning in the intimate area. Sexual intercourse is also perceived as painful because the vagina hardly moistens itself. It’s best to get advice from a gynecologist about which ointments or suppositories are suitable for you. In addition, various physical changes occur during menopause. We’ll tell you what you should consider when eating during menopause or when losing weight during menopause.
Vagina itches due to eczema or psoriasis
Itching in the genital area can also be caused by symptoms such as: eczema or psoriasis arise. Typical key symptoms are red, weeping, extremely itchy and burning skin rashes. Sometimes small injuries to the mucous membranes can occur, increasing the itching and increasing the risk of a fungal infection. Before you look for any creams, get a diagnosis from your gynecologist as to whether it is eczema or psoriasis. There you will also receive a recommendation for a suitable form of treatment.
Itching in the vagina due to illness
One of the most common causes of itching in the intimate area is sexually transmitted infections (STI). If you’ve had unprotected sex and suddenly feel itching or burning in your vaginal area, you’re probably infected. The most common STIs include chlamydia, herpes and gonorrhea. If you experience itching combined with purulent discharge, pain when urinating, blisters or ulcers on the skin, see a gynecologist urgently. An STI diagnosis is then carried out in the clinic and therapy is started if the result is positive.
Other causes of itching in the intimate area
In addition to the causes mentioned above, vaginal itching can also be caused by a weakened immune system. But stress, lack of sleep or psychological stress can also cause itching in the intimate area. To integrate more relaxation into your everyday life, you can do mindfulness exercises or yoga, for example. If you suffer from sleep problems, you can find all information about insomnia and sleep problems here. Other factors include taking antibiotics, cortisone or the pill. Underwear made from materials that are barely breathable can also cause vaginal itching.
Vagina itches: further symptoms
In addition to itching, there may be symptoms such as burning, redness, swelling, weeping spots, blisters and discomfort when urinating or having sexual intercourse. In addition, the discharge usually has a different color and smell and occurs more frequently than usual.
Itchy vagina: home remedies
Please don’t start washing your intimate area excessively with various lotions. Your vagina has one self-cleaning function, which is why it is completely sufficient to wash them with warm water. In a healthy vagina, lactic acid bacteria (lactobacilli) are naturally present in excess. They ensure that the pH value of the vagina remains low and germs cannot grow. If you wash your vaginal area too often with various scented shower gels, you will destroy the balance of the vaginal flora. In general, you should not apply anything to your vagina without a medical examination as it could make the itching worse. To relieve symptoms at home, we recommend natural treatment with chamomile. To do this, make a sitz bath with water and chamomile and relax in it for about 20 minutes. This can relieve the itching.
Prevent itchy vagina
Above all, give yours Personal hygiene much attention. By this we don’t mean that you have to take up excessive intimate care. Quite the opposite: use one when showering pH neutral soap instead of a normal shower gel. The ingredients can cause irritation in your intimate area and thus cause an infection. Also carry Cotton underwear. It is more breathable and feels gentler on your skin.
Itchy vagina: When should you seek medical attention?
If your symptoms persist for a long time and do not go away on their own after a few days, we recommend that you seek advice from a gynecologist. In most cases, you will either be prescribed antibiotics or creams to ensure that the pathogens die off.
Avoid chemical shower gels and instead wash your intimate area with warm water to relieve itching. Additionally, you can make a sitz bath with water and chamomile and relax in it for 20 minutes. However, the most effective are antibiotics and anti-itch creams, which are prescribed after a medical examination.
An itchy vagina can be easily caused. For example, it could be the wrong material of your underwear. It’s enough if you wear cotton briefs from now on. If your symptoms still don’t go away after a few days, there is probably an infection and a visit to a doctor’s office is recommended.
Unfortunately, this cannot be answered in general, as the itching can have various causes. There may be a fungal infection, eczema or a bacterial infection. It is important that you have yourself examined beforehand. The doctor can then prescribe the right cream to relieve the itching.
If your vagina itches and burns, it can have various causes. It could be a fungal infection, a contact allergy, eczema, psoriasis, a bacterial infection or incorrect underwear. Other causes could be menopause, sexually transmitted infections, stress, excessive intimate hygiene, changed hormones, antibiotics or a weakened immune system.