1. With Yeast or Without?
Vaginal itching is most often associated with a vaginal yeast infection. However, yeast infections aren't the only culprit when it comes to vaginal itching. Vaginal itching comes from a variety of sources both internal and external. In some cases vaginal itching comes from reactions to an outside source. Getting to the source of vaginal itching is important for determining the right course of treatment.
2. Inside or Outside
Vaginal itching caused by a yeast infection comes from an excess of yeast inside the body. Yeast comes from a variety of sources, and a yeast infection in a woman happens as a result of stress, pregnancy, improper diet, pregnancy, birth control or antibiotic use. Over the counter medication is available to treat a yeast infection, but get a proper diagnosis from a doctor to make sure you're treating the right thing. Eating yogurt or taking a pro-biotic supplement helps chronic yeast infections. Outside sources of vaginal itching include feminine deodorants, douches, chemicals from detergents and contraceptive creams or jellies. These types of contact dermatitis need a doctor's diagnosis as well for proper treatment, but avoiding products with perfumes or dyes will help prevent irritation.
3. Bad Bacteria
One of the most common causes of vaginal itching in women is Bacterial Vaginosis. Bacterial Vaginosis is usually diagnosed during a routine gynecological examine. The symptoms of Bacterial Vaginosis include a fishy odor and thicker than usual vaginal discharge. There is no known cause of the condition, but some doctors believe it comes from a combination of several different types of bacteria present at the same time. Cigarette smoking seems to increase a woman's risk for developing the condition.
4. Maybe Menopause
During menopause women may experience an increase in vaginal itching. This is due to the natural thinning and drying of the vaginal walls. Fluctuations in estrogen during this time are responsible for these changes.
5. Sign of an STD
Some vaginal itching is a sign of a more serious condition such as a sexually transmitted disease. Many STD's cause itching and inflammation in the vaginal and vulvar area. Gonorrhea, genital herpes and other STD's have vaginal itching as a symptom, and condoms do not fully protect against the transfer of sexually transmitted diseases from one person to another. Any vaginal itching may be a sign of a more serious condition. Diagnosis by a doctor is the only way to determine the source of the problem and get appropriate treatment.
