Vaginal itching and spotting--irregular vaginal bleeding--are common symptoms in women. Although these symptoms can be uncomfortable, treatment options are available to either eradicate or control discomfort. Affected women should be evaluated by a medical professional in order to accurately determine the cause of vaginal itching and spotting.
Vaginal Infections
Certain types of vaginal infections can cause vaginal itching or spotting in women. Bacterial vaginosis and vaginal yeast infections, which are both the result of bacterial imbalances in the vagina, can cause vaginal inflammation, irritation or itching. In the absence of treatment, these infections can spread from the vagina into the reproductive tract. If this occurs, a woman can develop pelvic inflammatory disease, which can lead to symptoms of spotting between menstrual periods, according to FamilyDoctor.org.
Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Women who have a sexually transmitted disease can develop unusual vaginal itching and spotting. These sexually transmitted diseases include chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis and HIV or AIDS, according to WomensHealth.gov. Typically, vaginal itching and bleeding due to a sexually transmitted disease occur in conjunction with additional symptoms, including abdominal discomfort, pain during sex, vaginal odor or flu-like symptoms. Sexually transmitted diseases can be passed from an infected woman to an uninfected intimate partner unless appropriate medication or protection is used.
Menopause
Women going through menopause can experience vaginal itching or spotting. Menopause is a specific point in a women's life at which she stops having a regular menstrual cycle. During this time, women can experience irregular bleeding over the span of several months before her menstrual period completely ends. Hormonal changes that occur during menopause can alter the lining of a woman's vagina, causing it to become dry or itchy, the Merck Manuals Online Medical Library reports. These symptoms are a normal part of menopause, but certain treatment options are available to help alleviate vaginal discomfort.
Radiation Therapy
Pelvic or vaginal radiation can lead to spotting or vaginal itching in treated women. This type of therapy uses high-energy x-rays to kill cells in the body. Skin irritation caused by radiation can lead to vaginal dryness, itching or burning, the University of Washington School of Medicine reports. Certain women can also experience light vaginal bleeding or spotting for several days following radiotherapy.
