Vaginal itching is an uncomfortable, yet common occurrence. There are a number of causes, and most require medical treatment.                                                 

Yeast infections

Most women will experience a vaginal yeast infection during their lifetime. Though these aren't usually serious, yeast infection symptoms can be bothersome.

Normally, a balance of healthful bacteria and yeast live in the vagina. The bacteria keep yeast in check, preventing overgrowth. When the vagina's bacteria do not properly control the yeast balance, yeast overgrowth can occur.

Symptoms of yeast overgrowth can include: Itching, burning, odorless white or clear discharge and irritation.                                                                Common causes include: Douching, hormone changes, such as during pregnancy, or from using hormonal birth control and use of antibiotics.

Some health conditions may also make a woman more likely to get a yeast infection. A weakened immune system or uncontrolled diabetes may increase the risk.

Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)

This common bacterial infection, also known as BV, often affects women of childbearing age. BV occurs when the normal, healthful bacteria in the vagina become unbalanced.

Many women who get BV have no symptoms. However, it can cause a watery vaginal discharge with an unpleasant odor, as well as burning and itching around the vaginal area.

The cause of BV isn't always known. But, in many cases, BV is caused by one of the following: douching, which may upset the vagina's natural bacteria, bathing with antiseptic or antibacterial products, having a new sex partner or multiple sex partners, using strongly scented products in the vaginal area, harsh clothing detergents and smoking.

Many women may get BV and not know it, since it often causes no symptoms. However, it can be potentially dangerous to a pregnant woman and her foetus. A pregnant woman should discuss any vaginal itching, burning, or discharge with her doctor and get tested for BV when needed.

A BV test involves taking a sample of fluid from the vagina and sending it to a lab for analysis. If the test is positive, a pregnant woman will likely undergo treatment with antibiotics.

Because BV is a result of an imbalance of bacteria, replacing the body's "friendly" bacteria may be helpful in some women.

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)

STDs, also known as sexually transmitted infections (STIs), can occur as a result of having sexual contact with an infected person.

Many STDs can cause vaginal itching, among other symptoms. It's important to have STDs treated, as some may cause long-term problems such as pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility, and pregnancy complications. A woman can also pass certain STDs to her baby during childbirth.

Chlamydia

 

Chlamydia is the most commonly reported STD. For women, symptoms of chlamydia may include: Itching in the genital area, foul smelling vaginal, abdominal pain, pain or bleeding during intercourse, burning during urination and swelling around the vaginal area or anus.

Chlamydia can cause serious long-term health problems if it's not treated. It often has no symptoms, so people who are sexually active should be tested regularly for chlamydia.

If the test is positive, antibiotics for both partners will be prescribed to clear the infection. Both partners will need to avoid all sexual contact until treatment is complete and the infection is gone.

Genital herpes

The herpes simplex virus, also known as HSV, causes genital herpes.

Genital herpes can cause vaginal itching and burning, followed by the appearance of blisters around the genital area. These blisters break and leave behind sores that can take many weeks to heal. When herpes symptoms appear, this is known as an outbreak. In this case, a person with genital herpes should avoid all sexual contact to avoid spreading the herpes to others.

If a woman has an outbreak during childbirth, she can pass it to her baby. This can cause dangerous, even fatal, complications for the baby. There is no cure for genital herpes, but antiviral medications can reduce outbreaks. In many cases, pregnant women who have genital herpes will be advised to undergo a cesarean delivery instead of a vaginal birth. This may help protect the baby from contracting the herpes infection.

Genital warts

Not to be confused with herpes, genital warts usually appear as flesh-colored or gray bumps on the genital area. They are caused by HPV. Vaginal itching or burning may occur, but some people, no symptoms.

Genital warts can usually be cured with surgical removal, freezing, topical medications, or other options. Treatment is needed to reduce the risk of passing genital warts to others and to prevent discomfort.

Pubic lice (crabs)

Pubic lice pass from person to person through close contact, usually during sexual activity. They can cause intense itching of the vaginal and pubic area. Pubic lice may also cause red or blue spots on the skin, and the lice, or their eggs, may be visible. The eggs may look like yellowish-white ovals, while adult lice are gray-brown with 6 legs.

Pubic lice can generally be treated with nonprescription lice treatments. However, if these treatments don't work, a person should see her doctor.

Trichomoniasis

Like many STDs, it may cause vaginal itching or burning, or it may cause no symptoms. There could be yellowish vaginal discharge.

Trichomoniasis is curable with antibiotics and should be treated. In addition, a trich infection makes a person more likely to get HIV and other STDs.

Treatment is also crucial for pregnant women, because trich during pregnancy can cause a low birthweight baby, preterm birth, or an infection in the unborn baby.

Irritation or allergy

In some cases, minor vaginal itching may result from using scented laundry detergent or feminine products such as pads, tampons, or feminine deodorants. The itching will usually go away after a woman stops using these products.

Occasionally, minor itching can be caused by scented feminine products like pads and tampons.

Although vaginal itching can be embarrassing or bothersome, most cases of it can be treated by consulting a doctor.

To help avoid possible long-term health problems, it's best to push aside any embarrassment and determine the cause of the itching, so proper treatment can be provided.          

Yeast infections can cause bothersome itching and burning.