There are various causes of vaginal itching. nowEvery woman should understand what things can cause her intimate organs to itch. The reason is, different causes, different treatment.
The cause of an itchy vagina could just be the wrong choice of products for the female sex organs, for example the wrong choice of cleaning soap or sanitary napkins. But you need to know, some conditions that require medical treatment can also cause vaginal itching, such as yeast infections, bacterial infections, eczema, and sexually transmitted infections.
Various Causes of Itchy Vagina
Vaginal itching can be caused by a variety of things. Following are some of them:
1. Irritation
Irritation is one of the causes of vaginal itching. This condition occurs when the vaginal skin experiences an allergic reaction or contact dermatitis to chemicals contained in certain products, such as bath soap, vaginal cleansing soap, vaginal lubricants, and sanitary napkins.
2. Fungal infection
Vaginal yeast infections can cause vaginal itching, irritation, and vaginal discharge. This infection can occur when fungi Candida albicans grow uncontrollably in the vagina.
This condition can be triggered by several things, ranging from the wrong choice of underwear, a history of diabetes, consumption of certain antibiotics, excessive use of vaginal cleaning products, pregnancy, and consumption of birth control pills.
3. Bacterial infection
Vaginal itching can also be caused by a bacterial infection. Bacterial infection of the vagina or bacterial vaginosis occurs when the balance of bacteria in the vagina is disturbed, so that bad bacteria in the vagina grow uncontrollably.
Bacterial infections are not only marked by the appearance of itching, but are also accompanied by other symptoms such as vaginal discharge, a burning sensation in the vagina, to a fishy vaginal smell like fish.
4. Menopause
Menopausal women are more at risk for vaginal itching. This is because during menopause, estrogen levels in the body will decrease, thus making the vagina dry and easy to itch. Vaginal dryness during menopause is known as vaginal atrophy.
5. Sexually transmitted infections
Sexually transmitted infections can also cause vaginal itching. In addition, symptoms that can appear are green or yellow vaginal discharge, the appearance of nodules on the genitals, and pain when urinating.
A person is at risk of getting sexually transmitted infections if they have sex without a condom and often have multiple sexual partners. Sexually transmitted infections that can cause vaginal itching include chlamydia, genital warts, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis.
In addition to these five things, there are still several conditions that can cause vaginal itching, namely pregnancy, stress, lichen planus, lichen sclerosis, and also vaginal cancer.
How to Overcome Vaginal Itching
Vaginal itching needs to be treated according to the cause. However, to relieve the itching that appears, there are several natural ways that can be done, namely:
1. Use cotton underwear
The use of cotton underwear can increase air circulation, making it better for the comfort of intimate organs. In addition, cotton underwear can also prevent yeast infections in the vagina.
2. Take a shower with warm water
Stop using perfumed soaps or vaginal cleansers. In addition, you are also advised to take a bath using warm water for 10 minutes. Warm water can relieve the itching that appears.
3. Take a shower baking soda
If you have tried a warm bath but the vaginal itching does not subside, try mixing about 3 tablespoons baking soda into the tub and take a bath with the water. Baking soda believed to be able to relieve itching in the vagina, including those caused by yeast infections.
4. Consumption of foods containing probiotics
The balance of good and bad bacteria in the vagina is very influential on vaginal health. Eating foods that contain probiotics, such as yogurt and kimchi, can increase the number of good bacteria in the vagina. This can prevent and even treat the causes of vaginal itching.
If the above methods don't help with vaginal itching or if the itching gets worse and spreads to the outer skin of the vagina, you can use an itching reliever cream, such as cortisone cream. But remember, this itching cream should only be applied to the outside of the vagina, which is where pubic hair grows, and not on the inside of the vagina.
You should also consult a doctor first before using any medication to relieve itching, because this complaint will be difficult to overcome before the cause of vaginal itching is known. If the cause is known, the doctor will provide appropriate treatment.