What to Know About Vaginal Itching
If you’ve never been diagnosed with a yeast infection, make sure to speak with a healthcare professional before using an OTC treatment.
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.
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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 Healthline, 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.
What to Know About Vaginal Itching
There are many possible causes for an itchy vagina, including skin irritants, yeast infection, or even stress. Discovering why your vagina is itchy is the first step to relief.
You know what’s worse than an itchy vagina? Not knowing what’s causing it.
That’s not to say that vaginal itching isn’t something to have concerns about it, because it can occasionally be a sign of serious issues like sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and even (rarely) vulvar cancer. But the reality is that vaginal itching is pretty common and usually caused by less serious things like irritating substances or hormonal changes.
Before getting into what can cause an itchy vagina, it’s worth going over some terminology.
A lot of people say vagina when they really mean vulva. Your vagina is actually just one part of your vulva — specifically the inside part. The vulva is the part of your genitals that’s on the outside of your body, like your labia, clitoris, urethra, and vaginal opening.
In this article, we’re talking about itching that affects either the vagina, vulva, or both.
Let’s dive into the many possible causes of an itchy vagina or vulva and how to get relief.
Irritants
Chemical irritants, like those found in everyday products that come in contact with the vagina and vulva, can trigger an allergic reaction, known as contact dermatitis. We’re talking alcohol, dyes, fragrances, etc.
If an irritant is to blame, your vulva and vagina might be itchy, red, and sore.
Products that often contain such irritants include:
- soaps, shower gels, and bubble baths
- feminine sprays
- douches
- topical contraceptives, like spermicide and Phexxi
- creams, lotions, and ointments
- detergents
- fabric softeners
- scented toilet paper
- scented pads and liners
If you experience incontinence, urine can also cause itching and irritation.
Skin conditions
Some skin conditions, such as eczema and psoriasis, can cause redness and itching in the genital region.
Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a rash that primarily occurs in people with asthma or allergies. The rash is reddish and itchy with a scaly texture. It may spread to the vulva in some people with eczema.
Psoriasis is a common skin condition that causes scaly, itchy, red patches to form along the scalp and joints. At times, outbreaks of these symptoms can occur on the vulva as well.
Yeast infection
Yeast is a naturally occurring fungus that’s normally present in the vagina. It usually doesn’t cause problems, but when its growth goes unchecked, an uncomfortable infection — aka, vaginal yeast infection — can result.
The overgrowth of yeast in the vagina can result in uncomfortable symptoms, including itching, burning, and thick, whitish discharge that may or may not smell, well, yeasty, like a fresh sourdough loaf.
If you’ve recently taken antibiotics, they may be to blame, as these can destroy good bacteria along with the bad. (FYI, good bacteria is what keeps yeast in check.)
Pregnancy, stress, uncontrolled diabetes, and a hormonal imbalance before your period can also cause yeast infections.
Bacterial vaginosis
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is another potential reason for vaginal itching.
Like a vaginal yeast infection, BV is triggered by an imbalance between naturally occurring good and bad bacteria in the vagina.
The condition doesn’t always cause symptoms. When symptoms do appear, they typically include vaginal itching and an abnormal, fishy-smelling discharge. The discharge may be thin and dull gray or white. It can also be foamy.
STIs
There are a few STIs that can cause vaginal itching, including:
These STIs can also cause other symptoms, including unusual vaginal discharge, painful urination, and genital sores.
While not exclusively sexually transmitted, we need to mention pubic lice (also known as crabs). These pesky little insects are typically passed on during intimate contact, but can also be passed through bedding and towels. They cause genital itching that starts five days after infestation and intensifies at night. You might also notice pale bluish dots near the bites and develop a fever.
Menopause
The drop in estrogen that happens during perimenopause and menopause increases the risk of vaginal itching.
That’s because less estrogen causes the tissues of the vulva and vagina to become thinner, drier, and less elastic. Vaginal dryness can result in itching and irritation. You might also find sex painful and bleed after sex.
Stress
Physical and emotional stress can cause vaginal itching and irritation.
It might occur when stress weakens your immune system, leaving you more prone to the infections that cause itching. The increase in the stress hormone cortisol that occurs when you’re under stress has also been shown in animal studies to affect vaginal health and increase the risk for vaginal infections.
Vulvar cancer
Vaginal itching may be a symptom of vulvar cancer. Know that vulvar cancer is rare and vaginal itching is a lot more likely to be caused by something else.
Vulvar cancer can cause vaginal itching that doesn’t go away or get better. It can also cause skin changes on areas of the vulva, like discoloration or thickening of the skin. Bleeding or discharge unrelated to your period and lumps are other possible symptoms. In some people, vulvar cancer doesn’t cause any symptoms.
Yearly gynecological exams can improve the chances of early detection and a better outcome.
It’s important to see a healthcare professional for vaginal itching if the itching is severe enough to disrupt your daily life or sleep. Although most causes aren’t serious, a healthcare professional can help find and treat the root of your itch and offer advice — or a prescription — to help you find relief.
You should also contact a healthcare professional if your vaginal itching persists for more than a week or if your itching is accompanied by other symptoms, such as:
- ulcers or blisters on the vulva
- pain or tenderness in the genital area
- genital redness or swelling
- trouble urinating
- an unusual vaginal discharge
- discomfort during sexual intercourse
If you don’t already have an OB-GYN, you can browse doctors in your area through the Healthline FindCare tool.
Your care team will ask you about your symptoms, including how severe they are and how long they have lasted. They may ask you about your sexual activities as well.
And just a heads up: a pelvic exam will likely be required.
During a pelvic examination, a healthcare professional will visually inspect your vulva and may use a speculum to see inside your vagina. They may press down on your abdomen while inserting a gloved finger into your vagina. This allows them to check the reproductive organs for any abnormalities.
They may also collect a sample of skin tissue from your vulva or a sample of your discharge for analysis. Depending on your symptoms, they may also perform blood or urine tests.
Once your healthcare professional finds the underlying cause of your vaginal itching, they’ll recommend treatment options. The specific course of treatment required depends on the particular condition that’s causing the problem.
Vaginal yeast infections
Vaginal yeast infections are treated with antifungal medications. These come in various forms, including creams, ointments, or pills. They’re available by prescription or over-the-counter (OTC).
If you’ve never been diagnosed with a yeast infection, make sure to speak with a healthcare professional before using an OTC treatment.
BV
BV is usually treated with antibiotics. These may be pills you take orally or creams you insert into your vagina. Regardless of the type you’re given, be sure to finish the entire course of antibiotics even if your symptoms improve.
STIs
Depending on the STI, STIs can be treated with antibiotics, antivirals, or antiparasitics.
Along with taking medication as prescribed, your healthcare professional may also recommend avoiding sex until the infection clears.
Menopause
Menopause-related itching may be treated with estrogen cream, tablets, or a vaginal ring insert.
Other causes
Other types of vaginal itching and irritation often clear on their own.
In the meantime, you can apply steroid creams or lotions to reduce inflammation and ease discomfort.
To avoid making things worse, use steroid creams exactly as directed and discontinue use and see a healthcare professional if your symptoms worsen.
Here are some things you can do to help prevent vaginal itching and maintain good vaginal health:
- Use warm water and a gentle cleanser to wash your genital area.
- Avoid scented soaps, lotions, and bubble baths.
- Avoid using vaginal sprays and douches — your natural smell is just fine!
- Change out of wet or damp clothing right after swimming or exercising.
- Wear cotton underwear and change your underwear daily.
- Use barrier methods when having sex.
- Get tested for STIs and encourage your partners to do the same.
- Always wipe front to back to keep bacteria from feces away from the vulva and vagina.
Vaginal itching is uncomfortable but isn’t usually serious. Most of the time, an itchy vagina or vulva will improve on its own with lifestyle tweaks like avoiding irritants below the belt. If you’re concerned, don’t hesitate to connect with a healthcare professional for advice.
Last medically reviewed on July 20, 2022
How we reviewed this article:
Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.
- Amabebe E, et al. (2018). Psychosocial stress, cortisol levels, and maintenance of vaginal health.
frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fendo.2018.00568/full - Brown H. (2019). Incontinence-associated dermatitis.
dermnetnz.org/topics/incontinence-associated-dermatitis - Contact dermatitis of the vulva. (2020).
uihc.org/health-topics/contact-dermatitis-vulva - Key statistics for vulvar cancer. (2022).
cancer.org/cancer/vulvar-cancer/about/key-statistics.html - Sexually transmitted infections (STIs). (2021).
nhs.uk/conditions/sexually-transmitted-infections-stis/
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