It is a symptom that can be caused by problems, disorders and pathologies of various origins and nature but which, regardless of the triggering cause, causes a considerable sense of discomfort.
Short review: Vulva and Vagina
Before continuing, let us briefly remember that the vagina is the musculomembranous duct that connects the uterine cervix with the female external genitalia which, as a whole (large and small labia, urinary meatus, clitoris, vestibule of the vagina), are called vulva.
; this means that most of the time it recognizes several causes of origin, including a certain psychological component.Sexually Transmitted Diseases and Infections
Intimate itching is one of the characteristic symptoms of many sexually transmitted diseases or other vaginal infections. These include candida - a disease caused by the "fungus of the same name, which is accompanied by dense and whitish vaginal discharge, similar to dairy products - and trichomoniasis, in which the vaginal discharge takes on a foamy, greenish-yellow appearance and is sometimes bad odor Gardnerella or chlamydial infections can also cause vaginal itching.
Non Sexually Transmitted Candidiasis
Finally, remember that a diet particularly rich in sugars, diabetes, stress, the use of antibiotics or estrogen-progestin contraceptives and the weakness of the immune system, can cause candida - from a normal diner - to turn into an opportunistic parasite, causing - among other things - an annoying vaginal itching. In this case, therefore, candidiasis is not sexually transmitted, but originates from causes internal to the organism.
Other Causes
Other causes of vaginal itching of mainly organic etiology are represented by:
- Diabetes;
- Hormonal or nutritional changes that lead to craurosis;
- Menopause (the vaginal wall becomes drier and thinner in response to the drop in estrogen);
- Pregnancy (also in this case the hormonal alterations can modify the vaginal microenvironment, triggering an annoying itching sensation);
- Vaginitis;
- Bartholinitis;
- Pinworms ("worms" of children);
- Bacterial vaginosis;
- Allergic sensitivity to particular clothing, medications or detergents (including those used to wash underwear).
If the cause of the itch is of infectious origin, depending on the responsible pathogen, the doctor may decide to prescribe antifungal drugs or antibiotic drugs.
To learn more: Medicines for the Treatment of Vaginal Itching is important:- Properly cleanse the intimate areas. Both poor personal hygiene and obsessive cleansing contribute to altering the local microflora. The use of a soap with a physiological pH (4 or 5) is recommended, while intimate deodorants and internal washing should be limited.
- Avoid wearing synthetic underwear and clothing such as jeans or pants that are too tight, as they retain moisture and heat creating conditions favorable for the development of harmful microorganisms. The same goes for panty liners, which should be changed frequently on flow days. The continuous rubbing of the garment against the genitals can also cause local irritation and itching. For this reason it is advisable to choose cotton which, compared to synthetic fibers, guarantees better breathability.
- Always use a condom in occasional sexual intercourse; if an infection is suspected (signaled by symptoms such as vaginal itching and foul-smelling discharge) it is important to have sexual rest until medical diagnosis and, if this is positive, until the end of any antibiotic therapy. Always extend care to your partner, even if symptom-free.
- Avoid the common use of towels and underwear, at home, in the hotel, or in any other conditions.
- Avoid staying long with the wet swimsuit.
- When drying and cleaning the private parts, you should always perform a movement that goes from forward to backward and not vice versa. This is to avoid the easy and risky transport of bacteria from the rectum to the vagina.
- Follow a healthy and balanced diet (reduce, in particular, the consumption of sweets and simple sugars - see diet for candida).
- Occasionally allow yourself regenerating breaks and practice regular physical exercise; these small attentions to your body will be repaid with a better immune efficacy.
- Vaginal itching can stimulate the need to scratch the affected areas to try to alleviate it; however, it is important to try to resist the stimulus so as not to further aggravate the problem. If itching is present, it is good to use a condom during sexual intercourse, to avoid contracting or transmitting venereal diseases, and possibly a lubricant to avoid aggravating discomfort and itching.
- Physiological vaginal discharge appears white, transparent and filamentous, with a non-unpleasant odor and dissociated from vaginal and vulvar itching. If the secretions take on strange characteristics, such as bad odor, abnormal color (yellowish, grayish, greenish, reddish), creamy or foamy appearance, it is important to bring them to medical attention as soon as possible.
