Maybe you’ve also been there. You’re sitting at a quiet coffee shop, chatting with a friend or trying to just go about your day… when your lady parts suddenly demands your immediate attention.
It’s pretty clear that the itch isn’t going anywhere soon, and trying to ignore it can be pretty annoying, especially when you’re in public.
And if you can’t excuse yourself, you have to wriggle and squirm… as you use almost superhuman self-control to hide the fact that your downstairs is screaming for attention.
It doesn’t get any easier if the itch shows up when you’re alone. There’s always that unbearable urge to scratch away… maybe a little.
But you shouldn’t. We’ll tell you why in a few minutes.
In addition to that, we’ll also talk about the causes of an itchy vagina… DIY tips you can use to soothe it at home… and proven medications that either treat it completely, or reduce its severity.
First things first: we’ve all been there, and it’s okay.
Pruritus Vulvae
What a fancy name for an itchy vagina. Pruritus Vulvae is the fancy medical term for an itchy vagina.
And thankfully, it’s a symptom rather than a disease. An itch may be the vagina way of reacting to products she doesn’t like. But it’s still a symptom that makes life *very* uncomfortable.
Causes of an itchy vagina, according to doctors
According to doctors, an itch can announce a mild vaginal issue, or it can be the sign of an infection.
Some of most common vaginal issues that cause itching include:
- Yeast infections,
- Bacterial vaginosis (BV),
- Hormonal changes,
- Menopause, and
- Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs).
But the vagina can also be irritated by outside factors. The result of this irritation is itchiness.
Some of the outside factors that can cause vaginal itching include:
- Irritants (from chemicals in deodorants or soaps you use),
- Douching,
- Using irritant laundry detergent for your undies, and
- Skin conditions like dermatitis, psoriasis, or lichen sclerosus.
Every woman is unique, so what itches person A may not itch person B. Your vagina will have its own way of doing things.
So when you notice an itch, don’t panic.
If you didn’t make any wild changes to your routine, and you’re have no additional symptoms… then you’re safe waiting it out.
The itch will usually go away.
According to Dr. Lisa Masterson, OB/GYN:
“Remember, your body has its own unique way of handling things, and just because your vagina is itchy doesn’t automatically mean you’ve got an STI or something scary.
But, if the itch persists, is accompanied by other symptoms like discharge, burning, or an unusual odor, it’s time to give your gynecologist a call.”
So getting a little itch down there is normal when you’re not struggling with any vaginal issues. It could be that something just mildly irritated your lady bits. So look out for the likely causes and get rid of them.
But if the itching persists, then you’ve got to see a doctor so you can get to the root cause of the issue.
7 DIY Soothing Remedies That Banish The Itch
Here are some proven DIY remedies to try.
Some of them can get you instant relief and permanently soothe the itch. While others will at least give you some momentary relief to find a more lasting solution.
Here are our 7 proven DIY soothing remedies:
- Cool Compress: Instead of scratching, do this instead: Use a cold washcloth to apply some pressure on the area. It soothes the irritated nerve endings around the vagina, and can give instant relief. Again, resist that urge to scratch as it can only make things worse.
- OTC Relief: There are some over-the-counter products that work quite well. Most of them are creams and ointments that contain a special ingredient called hydrocortisone. But remember this: these usually only give temporary relief.
- Try Witch Hazel: Witch hazel is widely used after giving birth to aid the soothing and healing process. And because of its anti-inflammatory properties, it can be applied topically to help soothe itching down there. It should be used with caution and preferably under a healthcare professional’s advice, as overuse can lead to skin irritation.
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Try Coconut Oil: Coconut oil is a natural moisturizer. And when applied on the skin of the vagina, it can help soothe dryness and itching. Make sure to use pure, unrefined coconut oil and do a patch test first to ensure it doesn’t cause further irritation.
- Go Full Natural: Maybe it’s time to review your overall self-care routines. Opt for fragrance-free soaps, laundry detergents, and sanitary products. Your vagina likes her environment clean, but no fancy stuff, please! Why? Fancy products contain chemicals that upset your microbiome.
- Loose Clothing: Let your lady bits breathe as much as you can. Whenever you’re home and alone, switch into loose clothing. Go very loose if possible. Choose cotton underwear and avoid tight clothing to prevent further irritation.
- Probiotics: Probiotics are not just for your gut! There are proven vaginal health probiotics that help maintain your vagina’s pH balance, keeping the bad bacteria in check. With well-balanced flora, you’ll experience itchiness way less often.
If the itch continues, it’s time to seek professional help. Doctors will help you identify the root cause of the itch and help you get some blessed relief.
Medical professionals usually prescribe antifungal medications, antibiotics, or topical creams based on the identified cause of the itch.
Remember, no scratching down there. The itch won’t go away. And you also risk scarring yourself and making things worse.
Conclusion
Vagina itching, like odor, can make you really self-conscious. But you’re not alone. There are many proven solutions to help you gain relief and recover your confidence.
Learn all you can about your body. And don’t shy away from discussing your problems with a medical professional.