Vaginal itching: understand the reasons for the problem and learn how to avoid it

You don’t play with health, and that’s exactly why, at any strange symptom, most people tend to question if it can’t be a sign of some more serious problem.

Probably, all women have had, for example, at some point in their lives, episodes of itching in the vaginal region – on the inside or outside. And they found themselves, from then on, in doubt about what could have caused this symptom that causes so much discomfort.

A very common concern is: could vaginal itching be a sign of a sexually transmitted disease? Questions such as “when is it necessary to seek medical help?”, “what to do to avoid itching?”, among others, are also frequent.

Main causes of vaginal itching

It is worth mentioning that vaginal itching can be caused by several factors and manifest both in the external region of the vagina and in the internal region.

Milca Cezar Chade, gynecologist and obstetrician at Clínica Chade, highlights that symptoms such as internal and external vaginal pruritus (itching), burning and discomfort when urinating can represent vaginal discharge, with candidiasis being the second most common cause of discharge.

The classic risk factors for the problem, according to gynecologist Milca, are:

In summary, candidiasis is caused by the fungus Candida albicans that can proliferate in the vagina due to an imbalance in the environment, usually caused by some inappropriate behavior, such as: letting your panties dry in the bathroom and not in an airy place, spending the day in the same clothes etc.

It is worth noting that vaginal itching only in the external region is often a very characteristic symptom of an allergic process. The constant use of lycra panties, intimate soap, cleaning with abrasive substances such as vinegar and others, can trigger pruritus (itching) associated with redness and irritation of the region.

Vaginal itching x STD

Can vaginal itching be a sign of a sexually transmitted disease? This is a very common concern among women.

Milca Chade points out that some sexually transmitted diseases, such as condylomatosis (HPV warts), can open the condition with itching in the external region. “But itching is more associated with candidiasis — which is not considered a sexually transmitted disease,” she explains.

Itchy vagina: when to seek medical help?

Milca Chade explains that medical help should be sought as soon as possible, as soon as the itching starts.

At the consultation, the provider, in addition to examining the patient, is likely to ask questions that may include:

• When did the itching start?
• Where exactly is the itch?
• Is the itching intense (to the point of getting in the way of your day-to-day actions)?
• Have you had this problem before?
• Do you wear tight clothes often?
• Are you sexually active?
• Do you take birth control?
• Are you currently taking any medication?
• Do you practice physical activities?
• Besides itching, are there other symptoms?
• Are you allergic?

Diagnostic tests that may be performed, according to the doctor’s request, include: culture and microscopic examination of vaginal discharge; pap smear; skin biopsy of the vulva area; urine tests; blood test.

How to treat vaginal itching

Only a doctor will be able to indicate the best form of treatment, after diagnosing the problem that caused the vaginal itching. Therefore, the need to look for a professional is reinforced as soon as the itching (internal or external) starts to bother.

The gynecologist Milca points out, in general, that there are several antifungal drugs recommended for the treatment of internal and external vaginal itching, such as vaginal ointments and creams and also oral pills.

How to prevent vaginal itching

The gynecologist Milca points out that to avoid itching (internal and external) and the appearance of candidiasis, it is necessary to adapt hygiene and clothing habits. “The prevention and improvement of recurrence is notorious by changing habits, such as avoiding the use of tight, synthetic and wet clothing”, she says.

“The use of adequate hygienic products also minimizes allergenic and irritant risks, in addition to interfering less with the regional microbiota”, he adds.

It is also necessary to avoid medications that are risk factors, as gynecologist Milca reminds: antibiotics, corticosteroids, combined hormonal contraceptives.

Keeping an eye on the guidelines, below are some practical tips on how to avoid vaginal itching:

Now you know that simple changes in habits – mainly related to hygiene and clothing – can prevent vaginal itching. However, don’t forget that your doctor should be consulted if the pruritus bothers you. Only a professional can indicate the best form of treatment according to the particularities of each case.

The information contained on this page is for informational purposes only. They do not replace the advice and follow-up of doctors, nutritionists, psychologists, physical education professionals and other specialists.