Vaginal irritation is an uncomfortable feeling that can occur as a result of inflammation to the vaginal tissues. Sometimes this can be a normal symptom that occurs in women after they reach about 44 years old. In some causes, vaginal irritation can be a specific sign of a medical problem. The causes of vaginal irritation have specific management options.
Vaginal Atrophy
Vaginal atrophy refers to a condition in which the vaginal tissues become thin and inflamed. Specific symptoms of vaginal atrophy include vaginal irritation, vaginal burning, bleeding after sexual intercourse, frequent urinary tract infections, watery vaginal discharge, urinary incontinence, burning pain with urination and pain or discomfort during sexual intercourse.
Decreased levels of estrogen lead to vaginal atrophy. This can occur during breastfeeding, menopause, after chemotherapy or pelvic radiation and after breast cancer hormone replacement treatment.
Treatment for vaginal atrophy involves using a vaginal estrogen cream, a vaginal estrogen ring or a vaginal estrogen tablet to increase the estrogen levels so that the vagina doesn't thin.
Menopause
Menopause is a condition that typically affects women between the ages of 45 and 55, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) says. In this condition, the woman produces decreased amounts of estrogen and progesterone, both hormones necessary for fertility. Specific symptoms of menopause include vaginal irritation, vaginal dryness, painful sexual intercourse and vaginal infections. Menopause can also lead to night sweats, hot flashes, trouble sleeping, a pounding heartbeat and skin flushing.
Menopause is due to a decline in estrogen levels.
Menopausal management involves hormonal therapy to replace estrogen and progesterone levels. Also, simple lifestyle changes such as exercising, avoiding alcohol, caffeine and spicy foods, and taking part in relaxation techniques such as yoga can help manage menopausal symptoms.
Vaginitis
The Mayo Clinic says that vaginitis refers to a vaginal inflammation. Specific types of vaginitis include bacterial vaginosis, yeast infections, trichomoniasis (a parasitic infection) and atrophic vaginitis.
Specific symptoms of vaginitis include vaginal irritation, vaginal itching, minimal vaginal bleeding, pain during urination and pain during sexual intercourse. Vaginitis can also lead to a change in the color, smell and discharge from the vagina.
Depending upon the type of vaginitis, this condition may be due to bacteria, yeasts, parasites, vaginal sprays or douches.
Again, treatment depends on the type of vaginitis. Antibiotic medications such as metronidazole may be taken to destroy the bacteria or parasite. Antifungal creams such as miconazole may be used to manage yeast infections.
