How to Stop Female Genital Itching

Vaginal itching can be caused by different factors, so you should know what this is so yo can start the most appropriate treatment; although sometimes mild itching can easily disappear, in other cases taking medication will be necessary. Thus, the most common causes of vaginal itching are:

• Irritants: the use of soaps, creams, lotions, vaginal washes, lubricants, intimate deodorants, etc.
• Hair: hair growth in the genital area, following waxing or shaving, can cause itching.
• Stress: in cases of stress vaginal itching may appear.
• Menopause: at this stage, the vaginal walls become thinner and suffer from vaginal dryness, which can cause itching in the intimate area.
• Fungal infections: vaginal candidiasis or yeast infection is the most common fungal infection, which in addition to itching causes symptoms such as thick and abundant white vaginal discharge, vulvae itching, burning during urination and discomfort during sexual intercourse.
• Bacterial infections: Bacterial vaginosis is the most common infection of this type, it is manifested by symptoms such as heavy greyish-white discharge with an unpleasant odour, irritation, itching and vaginal burning when urinating.
• STD: sexually transmitted diseases, such as gonorrhea, genital herpes, chlamydia, etc., also cause vaginal itching among other symptoms.

So you see the causes of vaginal itching are very diverse, if other than itching you also observe any alteration in your intimate area or in the vaginal discharge it will be essential that you consult your doctor or gynecologist for a check up so to address the problem adequately.

To stop vaginal itching it is important to take on a series of measures regarding your intimate hygiene and lifestyle, with these you will prevent the itching sensation or its worsening. That is why we recommend:

• Avoid frequent vaginal washes and washing your vaginal area daily. When doing so only use water and an intimate soap, which is different to that used for the rest of the body.
• Avoid applying harsh soaps, feminine deodorants and scented creams.
• Always clean the vaginal area from front to back after calls of nature.
• Always keep the vaginal area dry and change damp clothing as quickly as possible after bathing or exercising.
• Use cotton underwear, do not use synthetic fabrics.
• Use tampons and sanitary pads properly, changing them frequently and not using them for longer than recommended.
• Avoid using overly tight trousers that cause chafing and the accumulation of moisture in the intimate area.

In addition to these guidelines, we also advise that whilst the area feels itchy you avoid having sex as it is best to wait for the doctor's evaluation and follow his or her instructions. In the event that you do have intimate relations do not forget to thoroughly wash the intimate area just before and after intercourse to prevent further deterioration of the condition or a more serious infection from happening.

If it is a slight itching that is not accompanied by other symptoms that suggest the existence of a vaginal infection you can use some natural remedies to stop the itching so you feel better and more comfortable.

One of the more effective is tea tree oil, a powerful antibacterial recommended to treat cases of bacterial vaginosis and to relieve vaginal itching. Just add about 12 drops of this oil in your bath water or soak a gauze in it and apply it directly to the affected area.

Among the medicinal plants we also find good allies to calm vaginal itching and give relief such as sage, arnica, calendula, witch hazel and thyme. If you want to test their effects, you need only prepare an infusion with a couple of teaspoons of these plants in water, strain the mixture and when it is tepid or cold flush the affected area with the obtained infusion.

Finally, we mention one of the most popular home remedies to treat vaginal infections: yogurt. It is a probiotic food, so its bacteria content is perfect for the balance of the vaginal flora, relieving vaginal itching. Apply two tablespoons of plain yogurt in the sore or irritated area and leave to act for a few minutes and then remove with warm water. You can do this treatment twice a day to notice an improvement.

This article is merely informative, oneHOWTO does not have the authority to prescribe any medical treatments or create a diagnosis. We invite you to visit your doctor if you have any type of condition or pain.

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