Itchy Vagina

Here on Hub Pages, there's this little thing called an 'idea bank', and it's where we can go to find ideas to write about. Occasionally, I like to peruse it to see if there are any lonely topics which have not been responded to. If you can believe it 'itchy vagina' was one of them.

Apparently, Hub Pages authors who leap at writing about children's birthday parties, how to knit a scarf, and the efficacy of aisan teas, balk at itchy vaginas. Not I! I will not back down from the itchy vaginal challenge. So hold on to your hats.

There are four main causes of an itchy vagina; thrush, bacterial vaginosis, trichomonas vaginalis, and everyone's favorite, herpes. There are also less serious causes such as reaction to soaps and whatnot.

Thrush / Candida

A common cause of ongoing itchy vaginal problems is thrush, an imbalance in the organic levels of the vagina which can be caused by antibiotics, irresponsible douching, or looking at your vagina funny. Thrush is the result of a fungal infection of the organism, candida albicans, and is usually accompanied by yeasty clumpy discharge and itching, red vulva. Candida is always naturally present in the vagina, however sometimes it goes out of control and causes problems. Over the counter thrush treaments can help.

Thrush is not an STI, or STD, though repeated unprotected sex can sometimes cause ongoing outbreaks in a woman. If this is the case, have your partner checked and use condoms.

Bacterial Vaginosis

The vagina is a battle ground of good and bad bacteria. If the bad bacteria win, you will have a sore vulva, it may hurt to pee, and you may experience fishy smelling discharge. Bacterial vaginosis is not accompanied by redness or swelling.

Bacterial vaginosis is potentially much more dangerous than thrush, as it can lead to a condition known as pelvic inflammatory disease. It can cause problems during pregnancy and can represent a serious threat to your health. If you suspect you have bacterial vaginosis, you will need to see a doctor who will assess whether or not you do have the condition, and if so, prescribe a course of antibiotics.

Trichomonas Vaginalis

Also known as 'Trich', (not to be confused with Tripp or Trig who are not vaginal infections, but Sarah Palin's children.) Trichomonas Vaginalis is often typified by sore red vulva accompanied with foamy yellow green discharge. This condition is caused by a parasite which can be spread via sex or sharing sex aids. Antibiotics are the cure for this condition, if you have a male partner, he will need to be tested and treated as well, for although he will not present symptoms, he will act as a parasitic reservoir of infection.

Herpes

The big H, herpes is one of the more stigmatized STD's. It can easily be differentiated from other causes of vaginal itching because instead of redness and swelling, you will experience the outbreak of sores and lesions. Treatment is available for herpes and involves anti viral drugs and painkilling creams. In most women, the sores will heal within 12 days or so. Unfortunately there is no permanent cure for herpes, but the first outbreak is usually the most severe and subsequent outbreaks are usually significantly milder.

None Of The Above

If your symptoms do not match any of the above causes, think about what products you have used on or near your vagina. Soaps can contain irritants and perfumes which can cause vaginal issues, so if you have recently changed soaps and experienced a problem, then stop using the new product.

It's also a fairly bad idea to apply deodorants and other such fresheners not designed for vaginal use to the vagina as these can also cause allergic reactions. If you cannot pinpoint the cause of the itchiness and if it does not clear within a few days, see a doctor.