Vaginal itching can be a symptom of many things and a yeast infection is only one of them. However, when a woman experiences vaginal itching, very rarely will she call her doctor. She will instead go to the corner market and purchase a seven to ten day treatment to use. Only when it does not work will she contact her doctor. It is better to contact your doctor when you first experience vaginal itching to rule out other possible causes.

One of the more common vaginal infections is known as bacterial Vaginosis (BV). This infection occurs when the microorganisms that normally live in the vagina get out of balance. Douching increases the risk of bacterial Vaginosis because it washes away the natural lubrication of the vagina. There may also be a grayish-whitish discharge with this type of itching as well as a fishy odor after intercourse.

A yeast infection is what most women believe they have when they experience vaginal itching. This type of infection is caused by an abundance of yeast. You could experience a burning sensation along with the itching. There may also be a thick, whitish discharge. Antibiotics and oral contraceptives can also cause yeast infections. It is important to not wear tight clothing and let air circulate around your vagina to assure the environment is not conducive to producing bacteria. A yeast infection can be treated with anti-fungal medications. These can be purchased over-the-counter.

Trichomoniasis is another common from of vaginal infection for women. This is a sexually transmitted disease and is caused by a parasite that lives in the vaginal secretions. You may not always experience symptoms with Trichomoniasis you may feel itching or burning along with a yellow-green discharge and the odor has a foul smell. If you have been diagnosed with this, it is important that both partners are treated with mediation and avoid sex during the course of the treatment.

Some other common sexually transmitted diseases that also cause an annoying itch and/or a possible discharge:

Gonorrhea

Chlamydia

Herpes

These sexually transmitted diseases can be treated with antibiotics except for herpes, which is a virus, not bacteria. Gonorrhea and chlamydia are very contagious and are easily transmitted from one person to another, so it is important to begin treatment as soon as you are diagnosed. In addition, these STDs can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease and infertility. Herpes can be treated with medications that help keep it under control. Herpes can never be eliminated and once you have contracted it you will have it for the rest of your life. Herpes can be passed on to other sexual partners.

When you experience itching in the genital area, it does not always mean that there is an infection. For many women though, the vulva is an area that becomes itchy easily. There are two common skin problems that cause vulvar itching: irritant dermatitis and contact dermatitis. Irritant dermatitis will occur if a chemical in products makes contact with the skin and then irritates it. Contact dermatitis is an allergic reaction to a substance. During a women’s cycle the cervical mucus can also irritate and cause itching.

For those women with sensitive skin it is important to stay away from products that are scented and have fragrances. You should use mild cleansers when cleaning any of your clothing that may be against your skin. To soothe the itching, you can apply a warm washcloth to the irritated area or take a sitz bath. An anti-inflammatory ointment such as hydrocortisone may also be beneficial. You can talk to your doctor about the products available to ease the itching you may be going through. There are several types of products on the market and you do not need a prescription to purchase them. Your doctor may recommend that you take an oral steroid if your symptoms are severe. If you are one who prefers to shave the genital area, you need to be careful and watch for folliculitis. This is a bacterial infection and is characterized by red bumps around the area of the hair follicle. This infection is also itchy. If you experience this, you can use a topical or antibiotics to bring it under control.

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