Nobody likes to talk about it, but most women probably already know it from their own experience: itching in the intimate area. When it itches and burns there, it's anything but pleasant! But it is also something completely normal, and there's absolutely nothing to be ashamed of.
In this article, we explore the causes and show what symptoms can occur in addition to the itching itself. You'll learn when you should see a doctor and how the diagnosis is made. We also have helpful tips for you on how to prevent vaginal itching and answers to the most frequently asked questions on the topic.
Itching in the intimate area – when should I take action?
If you occasionally experience a slight itch in your genital area, it's nothing to worry about. Usually, you just scratch the affected area for a moment and it goes away. However, if the itching doesn't stop, recurs, and, in extreme cases, is accompanied by other symptoms, then action is needed.
Where can it itch?
Itching most often occurs in the external genital area, including the labia minora and majora, the visible part of the clitoris, the mons pubis, and the vaginal opening. The vagina itself can also be affected by this unpleasant itching.
What are the side effects besides itching?
In addition to itching in the intimate area, other symptoms may occur that lead to discomfort:
- Increased/changed discharge
- Redness
- swelling
- Blistering
- Burn
- Wetness
- Compulsive scratching
- Discomfort during sexual intercourse
- Pains
- Sore and tight feeling
Note: If the itching in the genital area does not subside after a few days or if other symptoms occur, you should definitely consult a doctor.
Itching in the intimate area: possible causes
The triggers for itching in the intimate area can vary greatly. We've summarized the most common causes for you:
Incorrect intimate care:
Often, we overindulge in intimate hygiene, only to achieve the exact opposite. Excessive or improper intimate hygiene can lead to a change in the natural bacterial flora of the vagina.
Vaginal dryness:
If the intimate area lacks moisture, it may be due to reduced or irregular production of the female sex hormones estrogen. This particularly affects pregnant women, breastfeeding women, women going through menopause, and cancer patients.
Vaginal yeast infection: If the vaginal flora becomes unbalanced due to a weakened immune system, hormonal fluctuations, or improper care, harmful pathogens such as the yeast Candida albicans have an easy time multiplying and establishing themselves.
Bacterial vaginosis:
When the number of lactic acid bacteria, which act as a kind of protective shield against foreign bacteria, decreases, a vaginal infection can occur. Affected women suffer from itching, a thin, white-grayish discharge, and an unpleasant intimate odor.
Underwear:
If the underwear is too tight, skin irritation can be caused by mechanical irritation, resulting in severe itching in the intimate area.
Skin diseases:
Neurodermatitis, eczema and chronic skin diseases such as lichen sclerosus can also be responsible for the unpleasant itching.
Psychological complaints:
Itching in the external genital area does not always have to have a physical cause – psychological problems can also be a trigger.
Taking medication:
Antibiotics, birth control pills, antidepressants, and other medications can inhibit the beneficial lactic acid bacteria that maintain an acidic environment in the vagina and thus ward off harmful germs. The lack of a protective mechanism can lead to an infection in the genital area.
Vulvodynia:
This is a condition affecting women whose causes are still largely unclear. Possible triggers include bacteria, viruses, skin and nerve diseases, as well as pressure and mechanical irritation. Vulvodynia manifests as burning, itching, stinging, and pain in the genital area.
Sexually transmitted disease:
Some diseases transmitted through unprotected sex manifest themselves through itching. These include genital herpes, chlamydia, trichomoniasis, and gonorrhea.
Hormones:
During menopause, hormones go haywire! The drop in the sex hormones estrogen and progesterone reduces blood flow to the vagina and the vaginal wall becomes less moisturized. In addition, the cell layers thin, making the skin prone to micro-tears, which lead to itching.
When the itching won't stop
If the itching in the genital area worsens, recurs, or is accompanied by other symptoms, a visit to your gynecologist will provide clarity. They will conduct a thorough examination of the itching using a variety of questions:
- When did the vaginal itching occur?
- Which areas are particularly affected?
- Are there any other symptoms besides itching?
- Is the itching associated with discharge?
- Did the itching occur after sexual intercourse?
- Do you have a chronic illness such as diabetes mellitus, neurodermatitis or another skin disease?
- Do you use any hygiene products such as panty liners, pads, or tampons that could be related to the itching?
- Are you going through menopause?
- Do you take any medication regularly? If so, which ones?
- How often do you wash your intimate area
- Do you use soap or conventional shower gel for intimate care?
- Do you smoke?
- Does your partner also have complaints?
In addition, an examination of the external and internal genital area is performed. A smear is also taken. Once an accurate diagnosis is made, treatment can begin.
What treatment options are there for vaginal itching?
Vaginal itching can have various causes. In most cases, however, it's a fungal or bacterial infection, or improper intimate hygiene practices. Hormonal changes can also often be responsible for vaginal itching. Depending on the trigger, the following remedies can be used for treatment:
- Antibiotics
- Intimate hydrogel
- Intimate care cream
- Moisturizing suppositories
- Treatment with lactic acid
- antifungal agent in the form of tablets, creams or vaginal suppositories
- medicated washing lotion with neutral or acidic pH
Prevent itching in the intimate area: 8 tips
You really can't avoid unpleasant vaginal itching! There are a few things you can do to prevent it from happening in the first place. We'll tell you what they are.
1. Intimate hygiene:
Don't overdo it when caring for your external intimate area! Simply cleansing it daily while bathing or showering with lukewarm water and a gentle intimate wash foam is sufficient to keep the natural vaginal environment in balance. Avoid using regular shower gel, as it can cause skin irritation.
2. Choosing toilet paper:
If you use moist toilet paper, make sure it doesn't contain perfume or dyes. These can irritate the vaginal mucosa and cause itching.
3. The wiping technique is important:
It's important that you wipe from front to back, not from back to front. This prevents bacteria from entering the vagina from the anus.
4. The material of the underwear:
Unlike synthetic fibers, natural fabrics like cotton are breathable. This allows the heat generated to escape quickly, preventing pathogens from spreading. They can also be washed at 60°C, which completely kills bacteria and other microbes. Cotton underwear also feels comfortable to wear.
5. The right size underwear:
Underwear that's too tight can cause mechanical irritation, resulting in itching in the intimate area. It's therefore very important that it fits comfortably.
6. Be balanced:
Excessive stress can also affect your vaginal well-being, so try to avoid it as much as possible.
7. Support the vaginal flora:
A lactic acid treatment is used to stabilize and maintain a healthy vaginal environment. With the help of lactic acid bacteria, you can prevent harmful bacteria from settling and spreading.
8. Hygiene during and after sexual intercourse:
Switching between anal and vaginal intercourse should never be done spontaneously and without protection! This carries the risk of bacteria migrating from the anal region into the vagina. The same applies to the use of sex toys. After sex, you should go to the bathroom as soon as possible and flush out any bacteria and semen.
Itching in the genital area – do home remedies help?
Beware: There's a lot of information online about home remedies that claim to help with vaginal itching. Even though they're often used as natural alternatives to certain medications, they have no place in treating itching in the intimate area! Whether it's yogurt-soaked tampons, an intimate mask made from yogurt and honey, or tea tree oil, avoid risky experiments. These can lead to further symptoms or worsen existing ones.
Always seek medical advice
Important note: This article contains only general information and should not be used for self-diagnosis or treatment. It is not a substitute for a consultation with a doctor.
If the itching in the vagina does not go away after several days or recurs and other unpleasant symptoms occur, you should consult your gynecologist.
If itching in the intimate area persists, the trigger should first be identified. Only then can a promising treatment be initiated. If, for example, there is an infection, the pathogen can be combatted with tablets, creams, or vaginal suppositories. It can also often help to wear breathable cotton underwear and use a special intimate wash lotion when washing.
If you experience itching here and there in your genital area, there's no reason to worry. Normal itching usually stops immediately after you give in to your impulse and scratch it briefly. It's different if the itching persists for several days. In this case, an infection, for example, could be the cause. In this case, it's advisable to seek medical advice.
It depends on the cause of the itching in the intimate area. If you're not practicing good intimate hygiene, it's enough to simply change certain showering/bathing habits and use a foaming wash designed for vaginal cleansing. A bacterial infection, on the other hand, requires antibiotics. For a vaginal yeast infection, an antifungal medication will quickly relieve the itching.
Talk to your doctor about which treatment option is appropriate for your case.
Vaginal itching can have various triggers! The most common include:
- incorrect intimate care
- bacterial infection
- Vaginal yeast infection
- hormonal changes (menopause, pregnancy)
- certain diseases such as diabetes mellitus or neurodermatitis
- Vaginal dryness
- Taking medication
- underwear that is too tight
- psychological problems
If you experience itching in your intimate area during or after your period, the sanitary products you use, such as tampons, pads, or panty liners, may be a possible cause. Observe how the skin irritation develops after your period. If the itching stops, it's recommended that you switch to other menstrual hygiene products.
Women going through menopause often complain of itchy labia. The itching occurs because, with menopause, the production of the sex hormone estrogen decreases, causing changes in the tissue in the genital area. As a result, the vaginal blood flow decreases, and the vaginal wall no longer receives sufficient lubrication. This can lead to unpleasant itching.
There can be various reasons for itching of the clitoris: often an infection, skin diseases, psychological problems, underwear that is too tight, incorrect intimate hygiene or vaginal dryness cause itching in the intimate area.
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