What’s That Itch?

In this edition of What’s Up, Down There? we’re covering a common issue many of us have dealt with but might feel too uncomfortable to talk about… vaginal itching. When you experience that uncomfortable, constant itch all you want to do is find relief… ASAP. However, in order to treat it, you need to figure out what’s actually going on down there. In this post, we’ll break down the possible causes of vaginal itching and what you can do to stop the itch. 

Common Causes of Vaginal Itching 

There are a ton of reasons why you might be feeling that itch or irritation, and most of them are easily treatable. Let’s take a look at some of the most common culprits. 

1. Yeast Infections: Let’s start with one of the most common causes. If you’ve ever had a yeast infection, you know how uncomfortable they can be. Yeast infections are caused by an overgrowth of Candida, a type of fungus that naturally lives in your vagina. Here’s a few tell-tale signs to look for: 

• Perhaps the most obvious sign of a yeast infection is a thick, white, cottage cheese-like discharge  

• Intense itching or burning 

• Redness or swelling around the vulva 

The Mayo Clinic notes that most women will experience at least one yeast infection in their lifetime. Pregnancy, diabetes, and antibiotic use can increase your chances of developing an infection. Luckily, yeast infections are treatable with antifungal creams or pills, which you can get over-the-counter or through a brief consultation with your Axia Women’s Health provider.  

2. Bacterial Vaginosis (BV): BV is another common cause of vaginal itching, affecting 20-30% of women. It happens when the balance of bacteria in your vagina is off—too much bad bacteria, not enough good bacteria. If you have BV, you might notice: 

• Thin, grayish discharge that smells fishy, especially after sex 

• Itching or irritation around the vaginal opening 

• A burning sensation during urination 

Although BV isn’t a sexually transmitted infection (STI), it can make you more susceptible to getting one, so it’s definitely worth getting checked out. BV is usually treated with antibiotics that can be prescribed by your Axia Women’s Health provider, which will help restore the balance in your vagina. 

3. Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): Yes, the “itch” down there could be related to something more serious, but don’t freak out. Most STIs are treatable. If you’re sexually active, it’s a good idea to get tested regularly, especially if you have a new sexual partner or have had unprotected sex. Here are a few STIs that can cause itching: 

• Chlamydia: This one’s tricky because many people don’t have symptoms, but if you do, it can include itching, abnormal discharge, or a burning sensation when you pee. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), chlamydia is one of the most common STIs in the U.S. (about 1.7 million new cases each year). 

• Gonorrhea: Similar to chlamydia, gonorrhea can cause vaginal itching along with yellowish-green discharge and pain during urination 

• Trichomoniasis: Caused by a parasite, trich can cause itching, a strong-smelling discharge, and discomfort during sex. It’s typically treated with antibiotics. 

• Herpes: If you have blisters or sores along with the itching, herpes could be to blame. Genital herpes causes itching or burning before the blisters show up. While it’s not curable, there are medications that can help reduce outbreaks and symptoms. 

If you suspect an STI, give your Axia Women’s Health provider a call right away. We offer confidential, discreet testing and treatment. The sooner you catch it, the easier it is to treat. 

4. Allergic Reactions & Irritations: You know how sometimes certain shampoos or lotions can irritate your skin? Well, the same goes for your vagina. If you’ve been using a new product like scented soap or even a new laundry detergent, this could irritate your skin. Here are a few things to look out for: 

• Scented soaps or body washes: The dyes or fragrances added to these can be too harsh for the skin down there. 

• Perfumed sanitary products: Tampons, pads, or wipes with fragrances can cause irritation for some women. 

• Tight clothing or synthetic fabrics: Wearing tight jeans or non-breathable fabrics like spandex can trap moisture, which may lead to an itchy feeling. 

Opting for fragrance-free, hypoallergenic products and wearing proper fitting, cotton underwear may help reduce your itching.  

5. Hormonal Changes: Hormonal shifts—whether from pregnancy, menopause, or even your menstrual cycle—can also mess with the pH of your vagina and cause irritation: 

• Pregnancy: Your hormones are fluctuating like crazy, and this can increase your chances of developing a yeast infection, which causes itching. 

• Menopause: Estrogen levels drop, which can lead to vaginal dryness and irritation. You may also experience thinning of the vaginal tissues, which could contribute to that itchy feeling. 

• Period: Some women notice more itching during or after their period. It could be due to hormonal changes, or just from the extra moisture from pads or tampons. 

When To Call Your Axia Women’s Health Provider 

If the itching is constant, or if you notice unusual discharge, pain, or sores, it’s definitely time to call your provider. But don’t panic. Vaginal itching is super common. Whether it’s an infection, irritation, or something hormonal, it’s usually something that can be treated or prevented. Just remember: if you’re unsure about the cause or if the itching lasts more than a few days, it’s always a good idea to get it checked by a professional. Your health (and comfort) are worth it!