Find out what’s causing those downstairs problems…
Nothing is worse than itching in all the wrong (read: private) places. It can be hard to sleep, work, drive, or even think if your privates are itchy, and you may find yourself driven to distraction because something is causing your vagina to itch.
But what could it be? Knowing what’s responsible for the itch will help you to know how to deal with the problem and get rid of the itch once and for all! Here are some of the reasons your vagina may be itching:
- Vulvovaginitis — This is an infection of the vulva and the vagina, caused by bacteria, fungi, viruses, or even parasites. Even some STDs and irritating chemicals can lead to the infection setting in, and one of the primary symptoms of vulvovaginitis a serious problem with itching.
- Vaginal Yeast Infection — Candida yeast is one of the pathogens that make their home in your body, particularly the warm, moist regions like your mouth and vagina. If your immune system is suppressed and the yeast spread out of control, they may cause a vaginal yeast infection. It is one of the worst, most itchy disorders around, and one you need to get rid of NOW!
- Post-menopausal Atrophic Vaginitis — This is a condition that often sets in after a woman goes through menopause. It makes her more susceptible to infections by germs, bacteria, parasites, viruses, and fungi, increasing her chances of developing one of the other disorders on this list. It can make sexual intercourse painful and definitely leads to itching!
- Pinworm –– Pinworms are parasites that burrow into the skin, but they tend to live in the intestines. They are most common in young children (between 5 and 10). They move through the intestines and exit the body via the anus, where they lay eggs in the skin around the anus and vagina. Serious irritation ensues, and itching/scratching can cause the infection to spread elsewhere.
- Trichomaniasis –– This is an STI that is the result of the Trichomonas vaginalis parasite infecting your private parts. The symptoms can include a discharge of the vagina, a burning sensation, and very, very bad itching!
READ MORE: Myths About Your Vagina
- Genital warts –– Yet another Sexually Transmitted Infection to join the list, this one is caused by the HPV virus. The virus causes warts to grow on the skin around the vagina and vulva, and these skin growths can be both painful and very itchy!
- Urethritis –– If the urethra becomes infected, the infection can lead to pain and irritating while urinating, and a whole lot of itching the rest of the time. There are a number of bacteria and viruses that can cause the urethral infections, and some of them are surprisingly stubborn and hard to get rid of!
- Vulvar cancer –– If you develop cancer of the vulva or external genitalia, itching is one of the symptoms that you need to be aware of. Remember that cancer can form anywhere, and though the risk of vulvar cancer is fairly low, there is still a chance that your itching may be this form of cancer if the other symptoms include a lump in the vulvar area, tenderness, and excess bleeding.
- Sjogren’s syndrome –– This is an autoimmune disorder that affects the various glands around your body that are responsible for producing moisture. The glands affected may be around the eyes and the mouth, but also the glands responsible for moistening the vagina. The disorder can cause excess dryness, increasing the risk of bacterial infections and causing serious itching.
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder –– GAD is also called “chronic worry” because it leads to anxiety about normal situations. People with GAD often itch in odd places, but it’s more of a psychosomatic symptom than a physical one.
