Related articles: Vaginal itching
Definition
Vaginal itching is a very frequent symptom, which manifests itself with a sense of irritation to the female external genitals (vulva) and to the vagina.
Often, intimate itching is a consequence of inflammation of the vaginal mucosa (vaginitis). The associated symptoms may include burning, local edema and redness, abnormal vaginal secretions and, sometimes, dyspareunia.
Itching is one of the characteristic symptoms of infectious inflammatory vaginitis. The flora of the intestinal tract that spreads through the genital tract is usually responsible for vaginal infection, but also sexually transmitted pathogens, such as candida and trichomoniasis, can intervene.
Vaginal itching can also result from an imbalance in the vaginal bacterial flora (bacterial vaginosis). Factors that predispose to the excessive proliferation of vaginal pathogens include the use of antibiotics (they can decrease the concentration of lactobacilli) and a vaginal alkaline pH, as well as a poor or excessive intimate hygiene.
Non-infectious vaginal itching can result from allergic reactions or irritation due to various agents, including soaps, hygienic sprays, sanitary napkins or laundry detergents. Sometimes, it can also result from the use of spermicides, vaginal creams or lubricants, latex condoms and diaphragms. The intimate itching without losses, therefore, can also have a dermatological origin.
Other conditions that predispose to vaginal itching are diabetes, hormonal changes (eg menopause and pregnancy) and stress.
Possible Causes * of vaginal itching
- Candida
- warts
- Dermatitis
- Diabetes
- Pelvic inflammatory disease
- Menopause
- oxyuriasis
- Psoriasis
- Sjögren syndrome
- Trichomonas
- Vaginitis
- vaginosis
