Itchiness In Your Vagina

How would you cope with such disturbing itchiness on your private parts?

You’ve probably felt it before, or you will feel it in your lifetime. An itch or irritation around your vagina and vulva area that causes great discomfort. That private itch in your vagina is absolutely normal.

Dr. Paul Nyongesa, a gynecologist in Moi teaching and referral  says “You may experience some vaginal discomfort if you are using detergents with fragrance, deodorants, pads and tampons, douches, contraceptive foams, scented toilet paper or soap”

Apart from feeling itchy, the conditions may cause pain while peeing, yellow or green vaginal discharge, and abnormal growths: Photo courtesy

According to him you need to worry much unless you have any of the symptoms listed below.

Bacterial Vaginosis

BV ensues as a result imbalance of good and bad bacteria which occurs naturally in the vagina.

A healthy mix of bacteria exists in the vagina, each with different roles. Nonetheless, an overgrowth of these bacteria might cause irritation in your vagina.

In some cases, this condition can lead to a foul-smell discharge which is grey, thin, or white and foamy.

Skin diseases

Skin diseases such as psoriasis and eczema may cause itching and redness in the vaginal area.

Psoriasis is a skin infection that fastens the speed of skin cells division leading to accumulation on the skin’s surface. It’s a periodic chronic condition manifested by red patches and scales which are painful and itchy.

With eczema, your skin develops red, itchy, rough, and cracked patches. There are different types and stages of eczema that affect Kenyans in everyday life.

Yeast infection

4 out of 5 women will experience a yeast infection in their lifetime according to the Centre for Diseases Control (CDC).

Yeast, like bacteria, occurs naturally in the vagina but in imbalanced ratios, it might lead to a very uncomfortable infection. Yeast overgrowth can lead to a lumpy discharge and irritable itching.

Yeast overgrowth can lead to a lumpy discharge and irritable itching.

Sexually Transmitted Infections

Unprotected sexual intercourse can lead to infections such as genital herpes, chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, and genital warts.

Apart from feeling itchy, the conditions may cause pain while peeing, yellow or green vaginal discharge, and abnormal growths.

You should see a doctor immediately in case of these symptoms. STIs can lead to terminal diseases.

Menopause

This is common for women who are going through menopause or who have already gone through it.

The level of Estrogen reduces when a woman approaches her menopause which leads to vaginal dryness as a result of the thinning mucosa.

Such dryness will lead to irritation and itching. Dr. Nyongesa recommends that you seek the help of a doctor to treat these.

Vulvar Cancer

The vulvar is the external part of the vagina which includes the inner and outer lips, the clitoris, and the vagina mouth. Vulvar cancer develops around these areas.

According to Dr. Nyongesa, vaginal itching could be a symptom of vulva cancer.

Common signs to look out for include pain in the vulva, itching, and abnormal bleeding. If diagnosed in its early stages, vulvar cancer is treatable.

4 out of 5 women will experience a yeast infection in their lifetime according to the Centre for Diseases Control (CDC).

Untreated vulvar cancer can spread to the anus, vagina, and urethra.

Dr. Nyongesa recommends home remedies which include:

• Avoid douching.  Doctors discourage douching because it can lead to vaginal infections, STI’s, and other problems.
• Use plain water and unscented soap to clean the exterior of your vagina and do not do this more than once a day.
• Always, always wipe from front to back
• Avoid scented toilet paper, wipes, feminine sprays, creams, and douches
• Do not scratch
• Abstain from sex when you observe such symptoms until you see a doctor
• Wear cotton underwear often and avoid synthetic panties
• Ensure your partner cleans their hands before touching your vagina to avoid the spread of microbes

Find the most comfortable pad for you!