Vaginal Itching & Dryness

Vaginal itching due to chemicals:

Possible chemicals that can cause vaginal irritation are:

1. Usage of deodorants in the groin area, application of gels / creams.
2. Usage of latex condoms (in those who are allergic to latex)
3. Usage of flavoured condoms or spermicidal condoms – the chemicals used on the condom can also cause irritation
4. Vaginal lubricants
5. Change in your fabric softener or soap
6. Douche cleaning – trying to flush your vagina with a hand water sprayer can also cause dryness and itching. (You only need to clean the outer part of your vagina. The auto clean mechanism of the vagina takes care of the internal part with the help of good bacteria.)

If you notice that any of these are causing the itch and irritation, you must change it immediately. If you are not sure which ones of these is causing the problem, you need to change one by one, so that you can zero-in on the cause of irritation and avoid doctor visit.

Yeast infection in and around the vagina is one of the commonly diagnosed causes of vaginal itching. This can be treated with antibiotics prescribed by your gynaecologist. Please do not self medicate. It may complicate the issue instead of clearing it.

Almost all the STDs / STIs can cause vaginal irritation including Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Genital Herpes or HPV (Human Papilloma Virus).  HPV can also cause Genital Warts.  However, infections like Herpes, HPV are caused by virus and you may not experience symptoms for quite some time.

If the infections are bacterial, right antibiotics are available to treat the disease. This will also get rid of the vaginal itching problem. However, in case of viral infections, only the symptoms are treated as there is no medicine available to clear the infection.

Healthy bacteria is always present inside the vagina. Due to some changes in the body, this bacteria can overly multiply and result in itching and vaginal discharge.  Proper diagnosis and treatment with antibiotics can bring this bacterial count to normal levels and get rid of the itching. You gynaecologist may prescribe Pro-B probiotic supplement along with other medicines.

Most often, change in hormone levels in a woman’s body can result in vaginal dryness and itching. This happens typically before Menopause period. In other circumstances, prescribed medicines and deep cleaning of vagina can also lead to dryness and irritation.

If your gynaecologist diagnoses that the itching is due to the dryness of the vagina, he/she may prescribe estrogen treatment in the form of creams, tablets or rings that can be inserted in the vagina.

If you are not nearing your menopause stage, then you must stop deep cleaning (douching) of your vagina. Apply little bit of coconut oil, Vaseline petroleum jelly (first test if it causes any irritation to your skin) or water based lube around the vaginal area.  If the condition still persists, you need to see your gynaecologist.

If you are living in and around Kilpauk, Chennai area, you can call us and schedule an appointment with Dr. Deepa Ganesh, one of the finest gynaecologists in Chennai.

Almost all the STDs / STIs can cause vaginal irritation including Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Genital Herpes or HPV (Human Papilloma Virus).  HPV can also cause Genital Warts.  However, infections like Herpes, HPV are caused by virus and you may not experience symptoms for quite some time.

If the infections are bacterial, right antibiotics are available to treat the disease. This will also get rid of the vaginal itching problem. However, in case of viral infections, only the symptoms are treated as there is no medicine available to clear the infection.

Healthy bacteria is always present inside the vagina. Due to some changes in the body, this bacteria can overly multiply and result in itching and vaginal discharge.  Proper diagnosis and treatment with antibiotics can bring this bacterial count to normal levels and get rid of the itching. You gynaecologist may prescribe Pro-B probiotic supplement along with other medicines.