An itching sensation in the vagina is not a health condition by itself, but rather a symptom of an underlying health condition. It could also occur due to poor personal hygiene. The most common health conditions for an itchy sensation in the vagina can be attributed to a host of common vaginal infections known as vaginitis. Vaginitis is characterized by an inflammation of the vagina that is accompanied by an itchy and burning sensation. Vaginitis is a blanket term used to describe various health conditions that affect the vulva. The most common types of this condition that affect many women around the world are:
- Yeast Infections: Candida albicans is a naturally occurring fungus, and is the main cause of yeast infections. The Candida yeast is normally present in the body, however their growth is restricted. Unfortunately, when the immune system of the body is compromised, this yeast multiplies and creates an imbalance leading to vaginal yeast infection or oral thrush.
- Trichomoniasis: Trichomoniasis is an STD caused by a parasite. This condition affects a patient's urogenital tract. It is a very painful condition and requires medical help and antibiotics . .
- Atrophic Vaginitis: This condition is noticed among women who have reached menopause. The main reason for it affecting menopausal women is based on the fact that a woman's estrogen levels reduce after menopause. This loss of estrogen causes the vaginal tissues to become thin and dry, thus resulting in an itchy sensation.
- Bacterial Vaginosis (BV): BV is another common cause of vaginitis. This condition occurs due to an overgrowth of bacteria normally present in the body.
Since the causes of all these conditions are quite different, one needs to adopt different methods to treat vaginitis. However, maintaining one's overall health and personal hygiene can help in preventing vaginitis effectively.
Always make sure that you keep your vaginal area clean and dry at all times. This prevents the accumulation of moisture, thus affecting the growth of bacteria and micro organisms causing these conditions. Avoid using perfumed and other cosmetic lotions around the sensitive areas of your body, as the chemicals present in these lotions tend to irritate the skin surrounding the groin region, causing an itchy sensation. Drink plenty of water, as the frequent passing of urine also helps in keeping the urinary tract free of bacteria. Wearing cotton undergarments will ensure that this area remains dry and moisture free. In order to gain relief from the itchy sensation you can add two cups of apple cider vinegar to a bath tub containing warm water. Soak in this solution for about twenty minutes.
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