How to Stop Vaginal Itching: 10 Home Remedies
Baking soda, probiotics, and antifungal creams are just a few of the home remedies that can help relieve your vaginal itching. Douches and feminine hygiene sprays, however, are not.
Vaginal itching can be a symptom of many conditions. It could be caused by something like vaginal dryness or chemical irritants, such as the ones found in scented soaps. Itching can also be the result of a yeast infection, bacterial vaginosis, a sexually transmitted infection (STI), or something else.
There are many home remedies for an itchy vagina, but the remedy you choose will depend on the cause of the itch.
A note on language
At Austra Health, we respect and acknowledge an individual’s sex, gender, and sexual orientation. Throughout this article, we are using the term ‘women’ and ‘female’ as the sex assigned at birth as most studies we source use these terms. However, this article pertains to anyone who has a vagina.
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Vaginal itchiness is often due to one of the following common causes.
Yeast infection
If you have a vagina, there’s a chance that you’ll get a yeast infection at some point in your life.
Yeast infections are caused by Candida, a naturally occurring microorganism in the vaginal area. Changes in medications, hormones, or a soap or spray can make a yeast infection more likely.
Healthy vaginas naturally have Candida in them, but when this microorganism overgrows, it can cause a yeast infection. This can cause an itching or burning sensation in the vagina.
Other than itching, yeast infections can cause you to have a thick, white, cottage cheese-like discharge.
Bacterial vaginosis
Bacteria naturally grow in your vagina to keep it healthy. But when the bacterial makeup is unbalanced, certain kinds of bacteria may become overgrown, most commonly Gardnerella vaginalis. Douching, not using condoms, and having multiple sex partners can increase the risk of having bacterial vaginosis.
Bacterial vaginosis is often accompanied by a fishy odor, burning during urination, and discharge that’s gray, white, or green.
Vaginal dryness
This is a symptom of many conditions. It can cause your vagina to feel itchy inside. It can also cause discomfort during sex or masturbation, as there will be more friction during penetration, which can irritate your skin.
Water-based lubricants can help with vaginal dryness. Estrogen creams were also found to improve vaginal dryness and itching in a 2017 study done on 50 Indian women. You can visit your doctor if it seems to be a consistent problem for you.
Exposure to irritants
The skin near your vulva and vagina is sensitive. Irritating chemicals in pads, intimate washes, sprays, and more can irritate the skin and cause an itchy vagina. This is why it’s recommended that you avoid using anything other than water to wash your vulva.
It’s also possible to have an allergic reaction to the contents of intimate washes and menstrual products.
If you suspect your pad is irritating your skin, try a different brand, or switch to tampons or a menstrual cup.
Skin conditions
Skin conditions can affect your pubic area and the skin around your vulva, leading to itchiness.
Some skin conditions that may cause vaginal itching may include:
If you suspect you have a skin condition, speak with your doctor or dermatologist.
Low estrogen levels
Although more common in young and perimenopausal females, low estrogen levels can be experienced at any age.
Estrogen plays a major role in maintaining vaginal secretions. These vaginal secretions lubricate the vaginal wall, reducing friction during sexual intercourse. Low estrogen levels can reduce the natural lubrication in the vagina. This can lead to vaginal dryness, which can result in irritation and itching, especially during sex.
Other symptoms of low estrogen can include irregular or absent periods, fatigue, and hot flashes.
STIs
A number of STIs could cause vaginal itching. These include:
The above conditions require medical attention, so speak with your doctor if you think you have an STI.