Feminine Itching

Feminine itching or vaginal itching or irritation can be one of the major causes of embarrassment for any woman. It is basically a tingling, irritation or uneasy sensation in the skin of the vagina and its surrounding area called vulva. This feminine itch at times is also accompanied with other symptoms like painful burning sensation, redness, soreness, discomfort and dryness in the vaginal area that may lead to extreme frustration or exasperation, hence keeping the person from living a normal healthy life. Feminine itching is not a life-threatening condition and is very common. In fact reports show that all women at some point or the other suffer from this health ailment.

Possible Causes and Symptoms

Though usually a yeast infection is considered as the only cause for feminine or vaginal itching, the truth is that this condition can take place due to many other health disorders apart from yeast infection, which are explained below.

Yeast Infection
Candidiasis (yeast infection), a common cause for vaginal itching in most women is a fungal infection caused by fungus called Candida Albicans that thrives in wet moist areas of the body like vagina, arm pits, etc. Apart from being a major reason for feminine itching during pregnancy, this infection also manifests in women having diabetes, stress, weak immune system, poor diet, birth control pills, alcohol, etc. Vaginal discharge resembling lumps of cottage cheese, swollen, red, itching vaginal skin, pain while urinating or during intercourse are some common symptoms of yeast infection in women.

Bacterial Vaginosis
Bacterial vaginosis is another common cause before period in women of childbearing age. The condition occurs due to change in the vaginal bacterial environment or pH level, i.e. there is an abnormal growth of normal bacteria in the vagina. Although during the initial stages most women experience no symptoms, in later stages there is an excessive odorous vaginal discharge, especially after intercourse.

Trichomoniasis
Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) that occurs due to parasitic infestation in the urogenital tract by a single cell protozoan parasite called trichomonas. The condition also termed as 'trich' is more commonly seen in young sexually active women. Its symptoms primarily include feminine itching and burning sensation in the vaginal area, heavy, yellow-green or gray vaginal discharge, pain and discomfort during intercourse, vaginal odor, and painful urination.

Chlamydia
Chlamydia, a bacterial infection is another factor that may contribute to itching after period in many women. The bacterium called Chlamydia trachomatis mainly infects the cervix and slowly spreads to the surrounding areas. It is also an STD and so affects both men and women. This bacterial infection may cause an abnormal odorous vaginal discharge and pain, burning or itchy sensation while urinating or during intercourse. The condition seeks immediate medical attention because if left untreated for a longer period of time it can even result in ectopic pregnancy and infertility in women.

Gonorrhea
Like Chlamydia, gonorrhea is also a bacterial STD, caused by bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Being one of the oldest and common STD, the condition affects both men and women, but is more commonly seen in young sexually active women. Apart from feminine itching, there are various other gonorrhea symptoms, like burning or frequent urination, a yellowish vaginal discharge, redness and swelling of the vaginal area. If not treated in time, this disease can cause severe pelvic infection with inflammation of the fallopian tubes and ovaries, leading to fertility complications in women.

Genital Herpes
Another cause for vaginal itching is genital herpes caused by herpes simplex virus (HSV). The virus infects the cervix and the surrounding areas, leading to painful blisters or open sores in the genital area as well as tingling, itching or burning sensation in the legs, buttocks, or genital region.

Other Causes
Besides these causes, genital warts, allergies due to chemical irritants found in soaps, detergents, vaginal creams and hygiene products, stress, menopause wherein the estrogen hormone level drops, wearing tight and wet clothing, etc., are some other factors that may lead to feminine itching in women.

Treatment and Prevention

The best way to treat feminine itching is to first diagnose its cause and then seek proper medical care. For bacterial or viral vaginal infections, many over-the-counter or prescribed antibiotics and anti fungal creams are available that can help relieve the pain and discomfort. Eating yogurt along with these antibiotics is also one of the most effective home remedies. Also maintaining proper hygiene by cleansing and wiping the vaginal area well, and avoiding the use of feminine hygiene sprays, douches, colored or perfumed toilet tissue, etc. can all help in curing as well as preventing feminine or vaginal itching. Avoid overexertion, heat, sweating and scratching on the affected area as this will aggravate the problem. Hence, try wearing as far as possible loose cotton inner wears in order to keep your genital area clean and dry.

To sum up we can say that feminine itching is not a disease in itself rather a symptom of any of the above mentioned disorders. However, if these home remedies do not prove to be helpful, it is better to consult your doctor to elucidate the case.