Vaginal Itching
The causes of vaginal itching are highly varied, making it advisable to consult a specialist as soon as possible to receive the most appropriate treatment.
Symptoms and Causes
Vaginal itching is a very bothersome symptom and one of the most common reasons for gynecological consultation. As it may be caused by different conditions, early diagnosis is essential in order to receive appropriate treatment.
When accompanied by inflammation, it is known as vulvovaginitis and affects both the vaginal mucosa and the skin of the vulva, manifesting as external vaginal itching.
In most cases, the prognosis is favorable, as it is not associated with serious diseases. Even so, the discomfort significantly worsens quality of life, so consultation with a specialist is recommended as soon as possible, even when the itching is not very intense.
Symptoms
Vaginal itching rarely occurs in isolation. As a general rule, it forms part of a clinical picture involving several symptoms:
- Itching, irritation, and burning in the vagina and vulva, especially at the vaginal opening.
- Redness and inflammation of the affected area.
- Abnormal vaginal discharge: changes in color, odor, and consistency:
- White, thick, odorless vaginal discharge: usually indicates a fungal infection.
- Yellow or greenish, odorless vaginal discharge: usually suggests a sexually transmitted infection.
- Grayish vaginal discharge with a foul odor: is a sign of a bacterial infection.
- Burning or discomfort during urination.
- Pain during sexual intercourse.
- In some cases, skin fissures and mild bleeding.
Causes
The main cause of vaginal itching is an alteration of the vaginal flora, which promotes the proliferation of microorganisms. The most common causes are:
- Fungal infections: vaginal candidiasis is the most common, caused by the fungus Candida albicans, which proliferates due to changes in vaginal pH or local immunity.
- Bacterial vaginosis: an imbalance and overgrowth of bacteria that normally inhabit the vagina.
- Non-infectious vaginitis: may be an allergic or irritant reaction caused by soaps, spermicides, intimate deodorants, detergents, scented toilet paper, or underwear made from synthetic fabrics.
- Sexually transmitted infections (STIs): chlamydia (the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis), gonorrhea (the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae), genital herpes (herpes simplex virus), or trichomoniasis (the parasite Trichomonas vaginalis).
- Hormonal changes: fluctuations in estrogen levels that normally occur during the female menstrual cycle can cause itching and vaginal dryness. This is why pruritus is common before menstruation, during pregnancy, and during menopause.
- Stress: the immune system weakens, increasing susceptibility to infections.
Risk Factors
Some factors that increase the risk of vaginal itching include:
- Antibiotics: they can alter the vaginal flora and promote fungal overgrowth.
- Weakened immune system, for example as a consequence of HIV and AIDS or chemotherapy treatments.
- Hormonal changes: oral contraceptives, menopause, pregnancy, or breastfeeding.
- Uncontrolled diabetes: high blood sugar levels promote infections.
- Synthetic underwear.
- Excessively tight clothing.
- Damp underwear or swimwear.
- Intimate hygiene with harsh products.
Complications
Although most cases are mild, complications may arise if the condition is not treated appropriately, including:
- Fungal infection caused by a species other than Candida albicans, as these are more difficult to detect and more resistant to standard treatments.
- Cracks or sores in the vagina or vulva.
- Chronic condition: when episodes occur more than four times per year.
Which doctor treats vaginal itching?
Vaginal itching is managed within the specialty of Gynecology and Obstetrics.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of the condition causing vaginal itching is based on the following procedure:
- Medical history: analysis of the patient's medical history, including personal and family history, as well as an assessment of the patient's lifestyle and the characteristics of the symptoms experienced.
- Physical examination: visual inspection of the vaginal mucosa and vulvar skin.
- Vaginal discharge examination: a sample of vaginal discharge is analyzed in the laboratory to detect or rule out fungal, bacterial, or parasitic infections.
- If the associated symptoms raise suspicion of vaginal or cervical cancer, a gynecological cytology or Pap smear test is performed: a tissue sample is taken to determine whether cancerous cells are present.
Treatment
Vaginal itching can be relieved by following these recommendations:
- Change sanitary pads and tampons at the recommended frequency.
- Use hygiene products that respect the pH of the intimate area.
- Avoid vaginal douching.
- Keep the area dry, which makes it essential to change wet clothing as soon as possible.
- Use cotton underwear.
- Change underwear daily.
- Wear loose-fitting clothing to promote air circulation.
Treatment is tailored to the condition causing the vaginal itching. The most common options are:
- Vaginal probiotics to maintain pH balance and the equilibrium of the vaginal flora.
- Medications: prescribed according to the diagnosed cause. They are usually topical, in the form of vaginal suppositories or creams. Oral medications are used when the condition persists:
- Antifungals for fungal infections.
- Antibiotics for bacterial infections.
- Estrogens to alleviate the effects of menopause or breastfeeding.
