Genital itching and burning in women: causes and risk factors

Itching and burning of the labia or perineum can occur in women, regardless of age and sexual activity. This problem occurs due to the mucous membrane, which is a favorable environment for the development of various microorganisms.

Normally, a healthy woman's body maintains a normal balance of microorganisms, and itching does not occur. If the microflora of the genital organs is disturbed, itching and burning begin, which is usually not an independent disease. These symptoms indicate the development of pathologies in the body. Discomfort can be not only a sign of poor hygiene, but also symptoms of serious illness. Therefore, if you experience itching and burning, you should immediately contact a trusted clinic, such as Zdravo.life, and undergo an examination by a gynecologist.

What are the causes of itching and burning in the vagina?

Often, itching and burning in the vagina are associated with a lack of lubrication due to a disturbed microflora. It can be caused by external factors that can be easily corrected: 

-use of uncomfortable/synthetic underwear - such underwear irritates the delicate skin of the perineum and disrupts blood circulation;

-poor hygiene - itching occurs if a woman rarely washes her face or does not change tampons/pads for a long time;

-injuries - after rough sex, waxing, shaving, gynecological procedures;

-allergies to cosmetics and intimate hygiene products;

-stress - the amount of lubricant is significantly reduced.

However, burning and itching can have more serious causes that are associated with certain diseases: 

-dysbiosis and vaginitis - the microflora of the lubricant changes, causing itching in the perineum;

-vulvitis - inflammation of the external genital organs due to a bacterial infection;

-pubic lice;

-vaginal thrush (Candida) - causes severe itching in the vagina and white, curd-like discharge;

-sexually transmitted diseases - gonorrhea, mycoplasmosis, genital herpes and other venereal infections - all of them cause itching and burning in the vagina;

-neoplasms - condylomas, warts, papillomas, polyps and malignant tumors can cause discomfort;

-dermatological problems - psoriasis, atopic dermatitis;

-endocrine pathologies;

-urinary system infections - urethritis, cystitis, urolithiasis.

The sooner you visit a doctor and get a diagnosis, the sooner you can get rid of this unpleasant sensation and, possibly, the disease. 

How does itching in the groin area affect women's health?

Itching and burning in the vagina is a symptom that indicates that you need to visit a gynecologist urgently. Itching can be just the beginning of a serious disease and progress quite quickly. The sensation itself is not dangerous - it only causes discomfort, but later the mucous membrane is damaged, inflammation and redness occur. 

In addition, complications may occur, namely 

-damage to the uterus and ovaries;

-fungal or herpetic infection spreading to the skin of the abdomen and thighs;

-chronic inflammation can provoke malignant cell degeneration;

-reproductive function disorders;

-severe recurrent vaginal dysbiosis.

How to recognize genital itching without accompanying symptoms?

Itching in the perineum can be either an independent symptom or accompanied by additional symptoms. Itching in the perineum without accompanying symptoms usually indicates a lack of vaginal lubrication, an allergic reaction, or microtrauma that could be caused during intercourse. Unpleasant sensations and itching can also occur due to poor hygiene, and less often, they can be a symptom of a viral or bacterial infection. 

Itching of the labia without discharge does not require treatment as such. To begin with, it is enough to start wearing comfortable underwear, change pads/tampons more often, wash your face, and use intimate hygiene products recommended by your gynecologist. If the problem persists for several days, you should visit a gynecologist who can prescribe an ointment for genital itching or other medications. 

How are white, cottage cheese-like discharge and itching in the vagina related?

The connection is simple: candidiasis (thrush) can occur not only after sexual contact with a sick partner. Fungi of the genus Candida are part of the normal microflora, but they can multiply, which is why thrush occurs. In case of candidiasis, women complain of heavy curd-like vaginal discharge and itching in the genital area.

What factors can cause itching in the anal area in women? 

Itching in the anal area in women can occur due to 

-anal fissures, hemorrhoids

-diabetes mellitus 

-liver disease;

-dermatological problems;

-psychogenic causes;

-infections and parasites;

-taking oral antibiotics;

-poor hygiene;

-regular wearing of constricting clothing;

-overweight;

-heavy physical exertion;

-abuse of strong tea, coffee, alcohol and spicy foods.

What are the treatments for itching and burning in the vagina and external genitalia?

"How to treat itching of the vagina?" - such a question is quite often received by family doctors from the clinic Zdravo.life. Such specialists, in turn, refer to subspecialists, who already conduct a more detailed examination and prescribe treatment. 

Treatment tactics are determined by the doctor after examining the patient, performing diagnostic procedures and tests.

Itching of the genitals in women - treatment: 

-antibacterial drugs, which have a wide range of action and are aimed at destroying the infectious agent;

-antifungal drugs - these are means aimed at destroying fungi of the genus Candida;

-drugs for hormone replacement therapy, which are analogs of natural female hormones. They are prescribed to replace the insufficient amount of estrogen in the female body. They are applied systemically or topically in the vagina;

-preparations with lactobacilli, which are prescribed for vaginal dysbacteriosis;

-local antiseptics - drugs with a wide spectrum of action, which are prescribed for both individual diseases and mixed infections.

What folk remedies can be used to relieve itching and burning at home?

"How to treat itching of the genitals, folk remedies help?" - Such a request is often found on the Internet. But if itching and itching vagina, treatment at home is ineffective, and can also lead to serious consequences (inflammation of the cervix and uterus, the formation of polyps). It is highly recommended not to treat itching with folk methods, you should immediately go to a gynecologist, undergo an examination and start normal treatment prescribed by a specialist.

How to prevent itching and burning with inflammation of the external genitalia?

To avoid itching and burning in the vagina, and subsequently inflammation, it is worth:

-observe hygiene with the use of special products with a neutral pH in the shower;

-wear comfortable underwear made of natural fabrics;

-change pads/tampons every 4-5 hours;

-use quality depilation products, be sure to moisturize after shaving;

-strengthen the immune system;

-use contraceptives; 

-avoid psycho-emotional stress;

-regularly visit a gynecologist.

Itching, burning, unpleasant odors, copious discharge - all these are not separate symptoms, but complex manifestations of various diseases. In case of discomfort in the vaginal area, you should immediately contact a specialized specialist.

FAQ 

What are the most common causes of genital itching and burning in women?

Genital itching in women can occur due to wearing synthetic underwear, untimely replacement of sanitary pads, dysbacteriosis, diabetes and sexually transmitted diseases.

What signs and symptoms can accompany genital itching and burning in women?

Itching of the vaginal mucosa itself is a reason to visit a gynecologist. However, most often it is accompanied by discharge - from mucous to bloody, sometimes with an unpleasant odor, pain and burning, redness, swelling of the skin, rash on the external genitalia, pulling pain in the perineum and lower abdomen.

How to treat and prevent genital itching and liver in women?

Treatment consists in combating the disease that caused this symptom. If the cause is inflammation, then prescribe treatment in accordance with the nature of the identified bacterial or viral pathogen. In the case of hormonal failure, the doctor prescribes treatment that normalizes the hormonal background. In case of allergic manifestations, special drugs are prescribed and eliminate the effect of the allergen.