Itching and allergies are very uncomfortable symptoms that can affect all people for a variety of reasons, such as allergic reactions to external factors or due to the presence of some illness or bacteria. If it’s bothersome anywhere on the body, imagine in the vagina. Since the female genital area is an extremely delicate, moist area and is completely influenced by both external factors and internal ones like hormonal changes, we will explain more about the causes of this discomfort, when you should be concerned, and the appropriate treatments.
Inevitably, all women will experience this discomfort at some stage in life; after all, vaginal itching can be a sign of a simple allergic reaction to a soap, for example, or to the detergent used when washing underwear, or it can be due to the presence of a bacteria or more serious conditions such as STIs. That’s why it is always necessary to assess the causes, undergo relevant tests, and keep up with regular visits to the gynecologist in order to always maintain good intimate health.
Main Causes of Vaginal Itching
Itching in the vaginal area is a very common symptom in women’s lives, but it needs to be monitored to see if it is not accompanied by other symptoms, which could indicate more serious issues that require more specific care. If the itchiness is accompanied by a strong odor, pain when urinating, discharge or secretion of a different color, and pain during sexual intercourse, your gynecologist should be consulted immediately for assessment and specific treatment. However, the main causes of vaginal itching include:
Allergy to Soap and Inadequate Hygiene
The vaginal area is very delicate and has a very acidic pH, different from most soaps sold in supermarkets, which tend to be alkaline or neutral. This alters the vaginal flora and favors irritation. The composition of these soaps, in addition to the fragrance used in their production, can also cause irritation in the area, so gynecologists recommend that intimate soaps should be as neutral as possible. Ideally, hygiene should be done once a day and only with the lather of the soap.
When it comes to how often to wash the vagina per day, this is also important to highlight. Often, when we think of inadequate hygiene, we think of poor hygiene, when in reality, the opposite can be true! Excessive vaginal hygiene can also be harmful and may open the door to infections and vaginal diseases. This is because too much cleaning can remove the area’s natural protective bacteria, leaving the vagina defenseless against harmful bacteria.
Underwear Fabric
One of the main causes of vaginal itching is the fabric of underwear. There is a wide variety of panties and lingerie available in the market, made of lace, lycra, frills, thongs, boyshorts, and there are options for every taste. But are all these options recommended to maintain vaginal health?
Of course, not all women will have allergic reactions to fabrics or develop vaginal itching because of the material. But it is recommended to use panties and underwear made from cotton or silk, preferably undyed, which help the area ‘breathe,’ reducing heat and the spread of harmful bacteria. Synthetic fabrics, lace, and elastane often cause allergic reactions in women.
Tight Clothing
Just as underwear type is important and can cause changes and itching in the vagina, tight clothing is also on the list of leading causes. Very tight clothes, especially jeans, create heat and excessive sweating in the area, which is one of the main factors leading to the growth of bacteria that can cause candidiasis, for example.
Pads and Sanitary Napkins
Pads are part of life for all women of reproductive age, but if not used properly, they can cause serious harm to women’s health. There are internal options, menstrual cups, but the most commonly used are external pads that can be found in a wide variety of brands, models, and types.
External pads are among the main causes of vaginal itching, because some models are made with fragrances or materials that trigger allergic reactions in the vaginal area. The models with cotton covers may be appealing due to softness and comfort, but these are the ones that most often cause allergic reactions because they trap heat and moisture around the vagina.
Everything about pads needs to be considered: the material, if the plastic in the wings causes allergies, and even how long you keep the pad on, which could be the reason for itching. If even after switching brands and models the problem persists, try changing to internal pads, which do not cause allergic reactions.
This also applies to daily liners that women use to prevent discharge from staining panties, but which can cause increased vaginal heat and sweat, leading to itching.
Intimate Hair Removal
Intimate hair removal is very common, whether done with a razor or wax. But what not everyone knows is that, however it’s done, this procedure makes the area more sensitive, with tiny open pores or even small cuts, making infection more likely. That’s why it’s essential to care for the area before and after hair removal, cleaning the area thoroughly before and after hair removal. If possible, use soothing products after hair removal to avoid potential irritation and itching. A helpful tip is to use chamomile tea to calm the skin.
Hygiene After Sexual Intercourse
After sexual intercourse, it is recommended to perform intimate hygiene, since sexual activity can cause small tears in the vaginal skin, which facilitates irritation and possible contamination by bacteria that cause vaginal infections and some types of discharge that result in bad odor and vaginal itching.
If you have constant vaginal itching, have already made the recommended changes in hygiene habits and products, and still do not see a clear cause, speak with your gynecologist. More specific tests may be requested to analyze and determine the best treatment.
