A healthy woman who maintains intimate hygiene should not feel any discomfort in the intimate area, but most representatives of the weaker sex from time to time encounter unpleasant sensations. These include severe itching in the vagina, which may be accompanied by additional symptoms. The causes of discomfort may be quite minor, but this is not a sign of serious health problems.
Itching in the perineum. Symptom complex
The symptom is an unpleasant sensation in the intimate area, a skin reaction that causes a strong desire to scratch a certain place. Often, internal itching is combined with itching of the external genitalia. There is an unpleasant sensation along with a signal that comes from the nerve endings, and histamine usually acts as an irritant. A symptom can occur for various reasons, combined with other unpleasant and even painful sensations. Such a seemingly non-hazardous condition necessarily requires the consultation of a gynecologist and the appointment of adequate treatment.
Often accompanied by itching in the vagina and in the perineum with the occurrence of wounds from scratching. This is a provoking factor for the further penetration and activation of pathogenic microorganisms, the development of an infectious and inflammatory process. A symptom alone can be a sign of dozens of deviations, so self-diagnosis and treatment with folk remedies are unacceptable here. Self-activity will only change the clinical picture and make diagnosis difficult within the walls of a medical institution.
Reasons for the appearance
The causes of discomfort that can occur both in young girls and in women who entered the menopause are different. Itching and burning in the vagina can accompany even diseases that are completely unrelated to gynecology. This can also be a manifestation of an allergic reaction, a response to wearing too tight and narrow underwear made of synthetic fabrics, the use of inappropriate means for conducting intimate hygiene, a symptom of an STI. All possible causes of itching in the vagina can be divided into three large groups: gynecological diseases, diseases and pathologies that are not related to the genitals, other factors (both external and internal).
Gynecological diseases
Itching and burning in the vagina accompany almost all diseases associated with the female reproductive system. These are the symptoms of absolutely any infectious and inflammatory process occurring in the intimate area. Therefore, itching in the vagina cannot be seen apart. The doctor will necessarily ask the patient who came to the reception with such a problem about the accompanying discomfort, lifestyle, previous illnesses, and take tests.
First, let us consider in more detail a group of diseases caused by microorganisms that are normally present in the microflora of the vulva and do not cause unpleasant sensations. Under certain conditions, such microorganisms begin to multiply actively, which causes discomfort. Provoking factors are:
- neglect of hygiene procedures;
- infection with sexually transmitted diseases;
- excessive hygiene;
- the use of aggressive detergents;
- uncontrolled intake of antibacterial drugs;
- hormonal imbalance;
- a sharp change in diet, place of residence, lifestyle;
- severe illness not related to the intimate sphere;
- unprotected sexual contact (especially with a new partner);
- a large number of sexual partners;
- irregular sex life;
- local allergic reaction;
- diarrhea, upset stomach (half of patients with this symptom also suffer from itching in the vagina);
- use of a spiral or birth control pill;
- inflammatory processes in the genitourinary system;
- diabetes mellitus;
- severe stress.
Among the most common inflammations, a symptom of which is also vaginal itching, burning, discomfort in the perineum, you can list:
- candidiasis or thrush;
- vaginitis, vulvovaginitis, colpitis.
- allergic to sperm.
Thrush, vaginitis and vaginosis are very similar. With any of these diseases, itching appears, you can determine the presence of pathogenic bacteria. Thrush and vaginitis are characterized by redness and slight swelling of the tissues, and the inflammatory process. Vaginal discharge with vaginitis may be absent, with thrush appear curdled, white, and vaginosis is distinguished by discharge with an unpleasant and pungent smell of fish.
Sperm allergy is quite rare. The condition manifests itself by burning, redness and itching in the vagina after sex. Incompatibility of microflora in a couple can be a serious problem, it causes discomfort and stress (including psychological), suspicion of treason and the presence of sexually transmitted diseases. The irritating component may not be the sperm itself, but some of its components, the presence of which is affected by the male’s nutrition and medication. To clarify the allergen, you must consult a doctor and make special allergic tests.
Sexually transmitted infections hidden
Severe itching in the vagina is characteristic of STIs, which may for a long time not manifest themselves with absolutely no symptoms and proceed secretly. With weakening of the body's immune defenses, the presence of acute or chronic diseases, after infections, such diseases are manifested by slight itching, burning and unpleasant sensations. Symptoms may appear even after a fairly long time after unprotected sexual intercourse, which resulted in infection.
Sexually transmitted diseases include:
- Trichomoniasis is the most common genital infection worldwide. If the pathogen enters the body, it can provoke an acute form of the disease after abortion, in the postpartum, menstrual and postmenstrual periods. Symptoms usually appear on the fourth to fifth day after infection.
- Chlamydia, which often has a relapsing character. The disease often affects young women. Symptoms include pain in the lower abdomen, cramping and burning sensation during urination, pain in the lumbar region and irregular menstruation.
- Syphilis. You can determine the disease by the formation of a seal at the site of infection.
- Gonorrhea. A sign of the disease is not only itching in the vagina and white, with an admixture of yellow, discharge, but also soreness in the lower abdomen, vaginal bleeding, discomfort during urination.
- Donovanosis. The disease is rare in Russia, but is common in tropical countries.
- Genital herpes. In addition to a strong sensation of itching, there are also painful rashes in the external genital area caused by the virus.
- Ureaplasmosis and mycoplasmosis. A characteristic sign of this disease is also itching of the vagina during and after sexual intercourse.
- Genital warts, genital warts. Such neoplasms are worried as a cosmetic defect, can be injured and bleed, interfere with sexual life, and can cause psychological discomfort.
- As complications - endometritis, cervicitis, urethritis. All these are inflammatory processes that occur in the cervix, in the uterus, in the urethra.
Diseases in women in menopause
Some pathologies may be characteristic of women of reproductive age, but are most often found in women who are already in menopause. This is an atrophy of the vaginal mucosa, urogenital fistulas, kraurosis, tumors of a benign or malignant nature in the genital area.
Kraurosis develops due to natural age-related changes. The disease is accompanied by changes in the clitoris, the labia minora and labia majora, itching at the entrance to the vulva, dryness, discomfort. In addition to local manifestations, the disease is characterized by a response from the nervous system. There are problems with sleep, irritability and aggressive reaction, emotional instability and depression. Kraurosis may be accompanied by obesity, provoked by problems with fat and carbon metabolism, arterial hypertension.
Mucosal atrophy is another problem that is accompanied by itching in the vagina without discharge. In women, during menopause, the endocrine glands secrete less natural lubrication, and the sheath of the vagina becomes more sensitive. In this regard, during sexual intercourse there are discomfort, pain, burning and itching in the vagina after sex. In some cases, pathology can develop against the background of autoimmune diseases, but, as mentioned above, is characteristic of women older than 40-45 years.
Urogenital fistulas may appear after cesarean, gynecological surgery or the birth of a baby. The problem often overtakes women during menopause. The formation of urogenital fistulas leads to regular inflammation of the vagina due to the ingress of urine during urination.
The formation of tumors of a benign or malignant nature can also cause itching in the vagina.
Non-gynecological issues
There are diseases that affect all organs and systems of the body, including the vaginal mucosa. For example, itching and other unpleasant symptoms can be felt with intoxication of the body or any infectious disease. The appearance of itching can provoke an allergic reaction, dermatological diseases, skin rashes in the genital area.
Itching is often a concomitant symptom of diabetes. If an older woman after a visit to the gynecologist did not have deviations, she does not suffer from intestinal dysbiosis, it makes sense to take a blood test for sugar. This will eliminate diabetes or confirm the diagnosis and start treatment in a timely manner.
So, why did itching in the vagina appear? To answer this question, you can list other diseases and pathological processes:
- Endocrine diseases, diseases of the liver, kidneys and blood. Health problems such as cirrhosis, hepatitis, leukemia and so on have a negative effect on the entire body, including the genital area.
- Pubic lice or helminthiasis. A comprehensive examination of the body should additionally be tested for egg-worms, the appearance of which can also contribute to pubic lice.
- Digestive system diseases. Anal fissures, proctitis, dysbiosis, hemorrhoids (both external and internal) can cause itching in the vagina, since the anus and vulva are nearby.
- Cystitis. This disease is quite common among women, often it is combined with STIs and thrush.
- Oncological diseases and blood diseases.
Other causes of discomfort
The appearance of itching in the perineum can contribute:
- Wearing uncomfortable underwear made of synthetic materials, low-quality, narrow and cramped. In this case, a greenhouse effect is created, the perineum is constantly injured.
- Exposure to too low or, conversely, high temperatures. This can contribute to overheating or hypothermia of the genitals.
- Various chemical components contained in the composition of deodorants, intimate soap and shower gel, tampons and pads, washing powders. There may be an allergic reaction to any chemical additives.
- Creams, vaginal tablets, suppositories, a spiral can cause this reaction of the body.
- Lubrication of condoms, lubricants or spermicides, latex from which contraceptives are made. In some cases, an allergy may appear, which will cause itching in the vagina after sexual contact.
- Prolonged nervous or even physical stress, intense stress can cause itching.
- Poor nutrition. Vitamin deficiency, a lack of useful elements and minerals weaken the body's immune response, worsen the regenerative functions of the mucous membranes and skin. The use of fast food, convenience foods, a large amount of sweet, pickled food, canned food also leads to microcracks.
How to get rid of itching and burning
How to treat itching in the vagina? First, you need to eliminate the influence of all possible provoking factors, namely: stop wearing tight linen, switch to special means for intimate hygiene, which you need to purchase in a pharmacy, change powder, shower gel, and contraception. Often, careful attention to the body is enough to eliminate the problem. If the itching does not disappear within a few days, you need to contact a gynecologist.
After doubtful sexual contact or sex with a new partner without the use of contraception, it is advisable to undergo an examination with a gynecologist. It should be borne in mind that most STIs occur in a latent form, can occur only after a very considerable time after infection. The chronic course of these diseases is characterized by increased itching during ovulation and during menstruation. Treatment for STDs is only possible after an accurate diagnosis is made. Antibacterial therapy, physiotherapy can be used. The gynecologist is likely to prescribe vitamins and drugs that normalize the intestinal microflora, as well as increase immunity.
Many women are advised to supplement the treatment prescribed by the doctor with douching with potassium permanganate, soda, chlorhexidine and other solutions. Here the question, of course, is very controversial. Most gynecologists are against this method.
After the diagnosis, the doctor will be able to prescribe the appropriate treatment. If STIs and other pathologies are detected, diseases must be treated. If the reason lies in the use of inappropriate contraception, underwear, detergents and hygiene products, then it is enough to eliminate the cause of discomfort.
Preparation for a visit to the gynecologist
Treatment of itching in the vagina begins with a visit to the gynecologist. Two days before the visit, you need to abandon the use of medicines in the form of suppositories and sprays, exclude sexual intercourse, do not use antibacterial agents to ensure intimate hygiene, you should never douche. In the evening preceding the day of going to the doctor, you need to make an evening toilet: wash the external genitalia with warm water and baby soap. A couple of hours before the consultation, it is advisable not to go to the toilet "in a small way."
Prevention of itching and burning in the vagina
To protect yourself from unpleasant symptoms, you must abandon the use of panty liners daily, wear underwear made from natural fabrics, visit a gynecologist once every six months, remember regular, but not excessive hygiene. You also need to take vitamins and avoid hypothermia in the cold season.