Forty three percent of U.S. women aged 18 or older have experienced vaginal itching according to a recent survey commissioned by the Vagisil Women's Health Center. In most cases vaginal itching is a minor condition but the symptoms can be extremely uncomfortable and embarrassing to discuss with health care providers.
"Feminine itching is a fairly common experience," said Dr. Adelaide Nardone, clinical instructor of OB/Gyn at Brown University Medical Center. "It can range from a mild external irritation an intense, burning itch that can be both external and internal. "Most women don't understand the difference between a vaginal itch that is the result of infection and itching that is not related to an infection."
Vaginal itching can be caused by a number of factors, including yeast infections. When the doctor rules out yeast infection as the cause he or she will test the sufferer for other types of vaginal infections.
When a woman is experiencing vaginal itching she should avoid scratching because that will only irritate the problem. Do no exercise vigrororsly when you have vaginal ithcing because heat and sweatoing will make it worse. Delay sexual activity until sympms improve or at least use a lubricant. Use condoms to avoid catching or spreading sexually transmitted diseases.
Some common causes of vaginal itching include:
- Chemical irritants: detergents, fabric softeners, feminine sprays, ointments, cream, douches and contraceptive foams or jellies.
- Vaginitis: inflammation, itching, discharge or odor caused by infections other than yeast infections. Vaginitis in girls before puberty is common. However, if a young girl has a sexually transmitted vaginal infection sexual abuse must be considered and addressed.
- Menopause: the drop in estrogen causes thinning of the vaginal wall and less lubrication which can lead to vaginal itching.
- Stress: may increase vaginal itching and make you more susceptible to infections.
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most common cause of vaginitis symptoms among women of childbearing age. It previously was called nonspecific vaginitis. Health experts are not sure what role sexual activity plays in BV. Women with this condition will have a thin vaginal discharge that is white or gray in color. They may also experience pain during urination and vaginal itching. In most cases, BV causes no serious complications.
Many women treat the symptoms of vaginal itching with over the counter medications such as Vagisil Anti-Itch Crème, which contains a topical analgesic and benzocaine.
If vaginal itching is caused by a yeast infection, it is often treated with over the counter medications such as Diflucan.
Glossary:
Vaginitis: a condition that cause itching or irritation in the female genital area
Bacterial Vaginitis (BV): the most common cause of vaginitis symptoms among women of childbearing age.
