Vaginal itching is a condition wherein there is an uncomfortable itchiness and sometimes painful sensation occurring in the vagina.

Itching on the body is very common, however, if it happens in a sensitive area such as the vagina and vulva, it can be very uncomfortable.

The vulva is the outer part of a female’s genitals such as the clitoris, lips, bladder opening, and vaginal opening.

Women may experience an itching sensation around the vulva or in the vagina which may happen often.

This condition commonly occurs due to infections, menopause, and irritating substances.

In some cases, it can occur due to certain skin conditions or sexually transmitted diseases. Don’t worry, vaginal itching isn’t usually a cause of concern.

However, if symptoms persist and become severe, you should definitely contact your gynecologist.

The possible causes for vaginal itching vary such as:

Yeast infections

This is a common occurrence among women and will happen to them at least once in their lifetime. This condition occurs due to excessive amounts of Candida in the vagina.

Candida is a type of yeast that lives in the body such as the mouth, throat, vagina, and gut.

And there are times when the Candida can multiply and cause an infection if the environment in the vagina changes.

This is usually not a serious condition, but it can still be annoying and uncomfortable to have it.

The symptoms of yeast growth are vaginal itching or burning, vaginal irritation, or an odorless and white discharge.

This usually happens when something irritates the balance of the bacteria inside the vagina.

One of the common causes of a yeast infection is hormonal changes such as during pregnancy or by using birth control medication.

Irritation Or An Allergic Reaction

This may also result from irritation on the sensitive skin around the vagina.

Doctors and healthcare professionals do not recommend using products for cleaning the vagina that contains strong ingredients or products with scents.

Friction from wearing tight underwear or sexual intercourse can cause itching in the vagina.

In some instances, people who are allergic to latex may experience vaginal itching when using latex condoms.

If you are experiencing vaginal itching, avoid itching, or creating harsh friction on the skin.

Skin Diseases

There are certain skin conditions that can cause vaginal itching, such as, eczema and psoriasis.

Eczema or also known as atopic dermatitis is a rash that occurs in people with allergies or asthma.

Psoriasis, on the other hand, is a common skin condition that also causes itchy and scaly, yet, reddish patches on the skin.

Sexually Transmitted Diseases

This is a common occurrence especially when you have an STD. This can happen during unprotected sexual intercourse.

Certain sexually transmitted conditions that can cause vaginal itching are:

• Genital warts

• Gonorrhea

• Genital herpes

• Chlamydia

• Trichomoniasis

It is essential to immediately determine an STD and also seek immediate treatment for it, as some conditions can cause severe long-term complications such as infertility, pregnancy complications, or pelvic inflammatory disease.

Unfortunately, STD’s can be passed down from mother to baby during childbirth.

Menopause

Women with menopause or who have already experienced menopause, are more prone to vaginal itching.

This is due to the decrease in estrogen levels which happens during menopause. This causes a thinning of the mucosa which can lead to dryness and itching.

Since vaginal itching isn’t really a cause for concern, many people have come up with some natural remedies to treat it. Natural remedies for vaginal itching include:

Yogurt

Yogurt contains good bacteria which is believed to help restore a healthy balance of yeast in the vagina, The Lactobacillus found in yogurt releases hydrogen peroxide which kills the Candida.

Lactobacillus is actually a type of bacteria that is the good kind of bacteria and lives in the gut, urinary tract, and vagina.

Applying cold yogurt on the vagina or vulva may alleviate itching.

Apple Cider Vinegar

This is actually a natural antibiotic that is highly acidic. This is helpful in balancing your pH levels.

You can use apple cider vinegar for vaginal itching by doing an apple cider vinegar bath soak.

This has been found to stop the growth of Candida albicans — the type of fungi which usually causes yeast infections, All you need to do is run a bath and add half a cup of apple cider vinegar and soak in the bath for at least 20 minutes.

Baking Soda

Baking soda or sodium bicarbonate contains antibacterial and antifungal properties which may help relieve vaginal itching.

A study has found that baking soda can kill Candida cells which are the ones causing yeast infections.

According to the Australian Menopause Society or AMS, when you have vaginal itching, you can try taking a bath with baking soda to provide relief.

You should add ¼ cup of baking soda to your bath to treat yeast infections and itchiness.

Coconut Oil

This is not just a popular cooking ingredient, but also effective in helping treat vaginal itching.

This contains antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties. Only use pure coconut oil extracted from real coconut as it is found to help stop the growth of Candida.

To use this remedy, simply apply coconut oil to the affected area.

Garlic

This is well known for its antibacterial and antifungal properties and is found to stop the growth of Candida Albicans.

This can be consumed raw or through tablets.

You may also buy over-the-counter topical garlic creams.

You can try adding garlic in your diet such as combining garlic with your food or drinking garlic tablets for promoting balanced pH levels and avoiding yeast infections.

Oregano

If you want to use oregano oil to treat your problem, make sure to look for wild oregano or origanum marjoram which contains strong antifungals such as thymol and carvacrol.

The use of oregano oil has shown to alter the growth of Candida albicans. Take note that oregano essential oil shall not be consumed orally.

Before using the oregano essential oil, make sure to mix it with a carrier oil and never apply it directly on the skin.

Mix 3-5 drops of oregano essential oil in 1 ounce of carrier oil such as coconut oil, olive oil, or almond oil.

Then, you can massage it on the skin once or twice a day, but not in the vagina or anywhere near the opening.