VAGINAL ITCHING

There are many conditions that can cause vaginal itching, some of which are sexually transmitted diseases and some of which are not. Vaginal itching can also be caused by irritation from soaps, tampons, pads and even by some vaginal medications! If you suffer from vaginal itching, only a doctor can diagnose the cause , but it can be helpful to recognize the diseases that most often cause an itchy vagina.

Yeast Infections are one of the most common causes of vaginal itching, but they are generally not considered to be sexually transmitted diseases. They can be transmitted from person to person, but far more often are caused by dietary, hormonal, or other issues that make a woman more susceptible to yeast overgrowth.
About three out of every four women will develop a yeast infection at some point in their lives. Yeast infections occur when the yeast, candida, grows excessively in the vagina and vulva. Pregnancy, intercourse, antibiotics, and a weakened immune system can all make women more likely to get a yeast infection.

Bacterial Vaginosis is another common cause of vaginal itching, and the itching is often accompanied by runny vaginal discharge and a fishy odor after sex. Like yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis is not always considered to be sexually transmitted, but it is clearly associated with sex

Trichomoniasis, like bacterial vaginosis, also causes a change in vaginal discharge along with a strong vaginal odor and vaginal itching. Unlike bacterial vaginosis and yeast infections, it is clearly sexually transmitted, although it rarely causes symptoms in men.

Mycoplasma Genitalium is one of the bacteria that is associated with bacterial vaginosis infection, but it is occasionally also diagnosed on its own. It's most common symptom is vaginal itching and discharge, but like many STDs it often causes no symptoms at all.

Menopause: The drop in estrogen production that occurs at the end of a woman's reproductive years can cause the vaginal walls to thin and dry out. This can lead to itching and irritation. Thinning of the vaginal walls is also a problem in some women who breastfeed.

Chemical irritants: A number of chemical substances, including creams, douches, condoms, contraceptive foams, detergents, soaps, scented toilet paper, and fabric softeners can irritate the vagina.

Lichen sclerosus: This is a rare condition that causes thin white patches to form on the skin, especially around the vulva. The patches can permanently scar the vaginal area. Postmenopausal women are most likely to develop this condition.



Other STDs That Cause Itching Around the Genitals
1- Pubic Lice are little bugs, like scalp lice, that like to nest in the pubic area. Their main symptoms are itching and visible lice or nits.
2- Scabies is an infestation, like pubic lice, but the symptoms are slightly different. In addition to itching, people often get pimple-like bumps and a skin rash that can become infected if individuals scratch too much.
3- Molluscum Contagiosum causes raised fluid-filled bumps on the skin that are usually painless, but that can also cause itching and discomfort. It is important to avoid scratching the bumps, however, because doing so can cause the disease to spread or your skin to become infected by other bacteria.
Conditions that Cause Vaginal Itching

* Yeast Infections
* Bacterial Vaginosis
* Trichomoniasis

More Conditions that Cause Genital Itching

* Scabies
* Pubic Lice
* Molluscum Contagiosum

Other Common STDs

* Chlamydia
* Gonorrhea
* Syphilis


TREATMENT

Vaginal irritation will often get better on its own. However, if the irritation continues,becomes severe, or comes back after treatment, call for an appointment with your doctor. The doctor can do a pelvic exam. The doctor will probably also take a sample of the discharge to find the source of the problem.
How vaginal discomfort is treated depends on what condition is causing the problem:
* Vaginosis and STDs are treated with antibiotics.
* Yeast infections are treated with antifungal medications. They are inserted into the vagina in the form of creams, ointments, or suppositories, or they are taken orally. You can buy these medications over the counter in different doses -- one-day, three-day, seven-day. However, if you've never been diagnosed with a yeast infection, see your doctor before taking any over-the-counter medication.
There are excellent bacteria in plain yogurt that aids fight yeast and yogurt can be used both internally and externally.

However, plain, unsweetened yogurt is the best since sugar feeds yeast, this is a vital point. For a contemporary treatment, you can also dip a tampon in plain yogurt and insert it into your vagina or simply rub some on the outside. Don't worry about getting vaginal itching away by painting those vaginal walls white with yogurt. It appears that once it has done its job, it is best to wipe up to avoid feeling itchier due to the moisture. Garlic is a huge enemy of yeast! Inserting one garlic tab or a garlic clove into the vagina every few hours or as needed provides soothing relief. If you utilize garlic tabs, be sure the ingredients are natural and untainted.

Garlic is one of nature's astonishing "drugs" that has a number of other health benefits, including lowering blood pressure and reducing horrific cholesterol. It is a natural antibiotic. Also don't avoid bathing and practicing respect for your doctor prescriptions who might diagnose underlying causes

* Menopause-related itching may be treated with estrogen cream or tablets.
* Other types of itching and irritation respond to steroid creams or lotions, which reduce inflammation. A prescription-strength steroid cream can relieve the irritation of lichen sclerosus.

In young girls, it's important to report any itching, burning, or irritation to the doctor because they can be signs of sexual abuse.


Here are a few tips for preventing and treating vaginal irritation at home:

* Avoid scented pads or toilet paper, creams, bubble bath, feminine sprays, and douches.
* Use water and a plain, unscented soap to regularly clean your genital area. But don't wash more than once a day. Doing so could increase dryness.
* Always wipe from front to back after having a bowel movement.
* Wear cotton panties (no synthetic fabrics), and change your underwear every day.
* Change the diapers of infant girls regularly.
* Use condoms during sexual intercourse to prevent sexually transmitted diseases.
* If you are experiencing vaginal dryness, use a vaginal moisturizer. Apply a water-based lubricant (K-Y, Astroglide) before having sex.
* Avoid sexual intercourse until your symptoms improve.
* Don't scratch -- you can further irritate the area.