Yeast infections
Most women will experience a vaginal yeast infection during their lifetime.
Though these aren't usually serious, yeast infection symptoms can be
bothersome.
Normally, a balance of healthful bacteria and yeast live in the vagina. The
bacteria keep yeast in check, preventing overgrowth. When the vagina's bacteria
do not properly control the yeast balance, yeast overgrowth can occur.
Symptoms of yeast overgrowth can
include:
- itching
- burning
- odorless white or clear discharge
- irritation
Yeast infections usually occur when
something upsets the vagina's bacteria balance. Common causes include:
- douching
- hormone changes, such as during pregnancy, or from using hormonal birth control
- use of antibiotics
Some health conditions may also make a woman more likely to get a yeast
infection. A weakened immune system or uncontrolled diabetes may
increase the risk.
Bacterial vaginosis (BV)
This common bacterial infection, also known as BV, often affects women of
childbearing age. BV occurs when the normal, healthful bacteria in the vagina
become unbalanced.
Many women who get BV have no symptoms. However, it can cause a watery
vaginal discharge with an unpleasant odor, as well as burning and itching
around the vaginal area.
The cause of BV isn't always known. But, in many cases, BV is caused by one
of the following:
- douching, which may upset the vagina's natural bacteria
- bathing with antiseptic or antibacterial products
- having a new sex partner or multiple sex partners
- using strongly scented products in the vaginal area
- harsh clothing detergents
- smoking
Many women may get BV and not know it, since it often causes no symptoms.
However, it can be potentially dangerous to a pregnant woman and her fetus. A
pregnant woman should discuss any vaginal itching, burning, or discharge with
her doctor and get tested for BV when needed.
A BV test involves taking a sample of fluid from the vagina and sending it
to a lab for analysis. If the test is positive, a pregnant woman will likely
undergo treatment with antibiotics.
Because BV is a result of an imbalance of bacteria, replacing the body's
"friendly" bacteria may be helpful in some women. A 2014
review found that certain probiotics, when taken by mouth, might help
prevent or treat BV. The probiotics studied were Lactobacillus acidophilus,
Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1, and Lactobacillus fermentum
RC-14.
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)
STDs, also known as sexually transmitted infections (STIs), can occur as a
result of having sexual contact with an infected person.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) say that STDs are at an
unprecedented high in the United States, with millions of cases reported each
year. People can reduce the risk of getting an STD by:
- abstaining from sex
- using a condom correctly each time
- having fewer sex partners
- getting tested for STDs before having sex
- getting treatment when needed
- getting the HPV (human papillomavirus) vaccine
Many STDs can cause vaginal itching, among other symptoms. It's important to
have STDs treated, as some may cause long-term problems such as pelvic
inflammatory disease, infertility, and pregnancy complications. A woman can
also pass certain STDs to her baby during childbirth.
Genital herpes
The herpes simplex virus, also known as HSV, causes genital herpes.
Genital herpes can cause vaginal itching and burning, followed by the
appearance of blisters around the genital area. These blisters break and leave
behind sores that can take many weeks to heal.
When herpes symptoms appear, this is known as an outbreak. In this case, a
person with genital herpes should avoid all sexual contact to avoid spreading
the herpes to others..
If a woman has an outbreak during childbirth, she can pass it to her baby.
This can cause dangerous, even fatal, complications for the baby.
There is no cure for genital herpes, but antiviral medications can reduce
outbreaks. In many cases, pregnant women who have genital herpes will be
advised to undergo a cesarean delivery instead of a vaginal birth. This may
help protect the baby from contracting the herpes infection.
Genital warts
Not to be confused with herpes, genital warts usually appear as
flesh-colored or gray bumps on the genital area. They are caused by HPV.
Vaginal itching or burning may occur, but some people have no symptoms.
Genital warts can usually be cured with surgical removal, freezing, topical
medications, or other options. Treatment is needed to reduce the risk of
passing genital warts to others and to prevent discomfort.
Pubic lice (crabs)
Pubic lice pass from person to person through close contact, usually during
sexual activity. They can cause intense itching of the vaginal and pubic area.
Pubic lice may also cause red or blue spots on the skin, and the lice, or their
eggs, may be visible. The eggs may look like yellowish-white ovals, while adult
lice are gray-brown with 6 legs.
Pubic lice can generally be treated with nonprescription lice treatments.
However, if these treatments don't work, a person should see their doctor.
Trichomoniasis
Trichomoniasis, or "trich," affects nearly 3.7 million people in
the U.S. per year. Like many STDs, it may cause vaginal itching or burning, or
it may cause no symptoms.
Trichomoniasis is curable with antibiotics and should be treated. In
addition, a trich infection makes a person more likely to get HIV and other
STDs.
Treatment is also crucial for pregnant women, because trich during pregnancy
can cause a low birthweight baby, preterm birth, or an infection in the unborn
baby.
Irritation or allergy
In some cases, minor vaginal itching may result from using scented laundry detergent or feminine products such as pads, tampons, or feminine deodorants. The itching will usually go away after a woman stops using these products.To avoid this issue, women may choose to use products labeled "fragrance free" or "unscented." Douching is also not recommended, as it may lead to vaginal irritation, BV, and yeast infections.
Some women may have an allergic reaction to latex condoms, which may result in vaginal itching or irritation. People who suspect they might be allergic to latex condoms should ask their doctor about alternatives.
Although vaginal itching can be embarrassing or bothersome, most cases of it can be treated by consulting a doctor.
To help avoid possible long-term health problems, it's best to push aside any embarrassment and determine the cause of the itching, so proper treatment can be provided.
