The University of Maryland Medical Center defines vaginal, or feminine, itching as a tingling or uneasy irritation of the skin of the vagina. This condition is a nuisance, and depending on the cause, can be painful as well. Its most common causes include stress, vaginitis, menopause and chemical irritants. Before a doctor can relieve a woman of the symptoms accompanying the itching, as well as the itching itself, the underlying cause needs to be identified.
Yeast Infections
Yeast infections are a common cause of feminine itching, resulting from an overgrowth of yeast, either from an internal or external source, according to MayoClinic.com. A small amount of yeast resides in the vagina; however, this balance is easily upset by antibiotics and hormonal changes.
Yeast infections produce a thick, white discharge that is slightly watery. They are not sexually transmitted, and do not have an odor. A Woman's Guide adds that a woman may experience pain with urination or painful intercourse, and if she has recurring yeast infections, her symptoms may present themselves every month during her menstrual cycle. Typical treatment is a prescription antifungal cream.
Vulvar Dermatitis
Vulvar dermatitis is a condition affecting the vulva, or vaginal lips. The skin of the vulva is extremely sensitive--more so than the skin of the hands and feet, as A Woman's Guide explains. This condition is under-recognized, and its causes are products such as bath oils, lubricants, shampoos, detergents, scented toilet paper and spermicides. These are all irritants, and to treat this condition, a woman needs to rule out the irritant responsible for the itching.
Trichomoniasis
Trichomoniasis is a condition resulting from an organism that spreads through sexual intercourse. While a man usually shows no symptoms, a woman experiences an itching and soreness of the vagina and vulva, along with burning during urination, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Vaginal pain during intercourse can accompany the other symptoms as well, which may become worse after a menstrual cycle. Oral antibiotics are the usual method of treatment, and it is important for both the man and woman to receive treatment simultaneously.
Menopause
Menopause results in a decrease of estrogen levels and blood supply to the vagina, which can cause vulvar itching, according to Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center. The combination of a lower blood supply and a drop in hormones leads to thinner and drier vaginal tissues. To relieve the itching, hormone replacement therapy, either in the form of pills or creams, may be an option. Vitamins E and A might be helpful as well, although medical research does not support this claim.
