8 Possible Reasons Why Your Vagina Itches

The symptoms of vaginal itching are familiar to many women: Itching and irritation, sometimes paired with a thick white discharge.

Noticing these symptoms, you may automatically assume it’s a yeast infection and reach for antifungal treatments. Or maybe you’re wondering if a new brand of underwear or detergent is to blame. 

But vaginal itching can be due to several different causes — and each one needs to be treated differently. For example, trying to treat a non-yeast-related condition with antifungals will not only be ineffective, it may give you the illusion that you’re treating the issue while the actual problem continues to develop.

Ob/Gyn Salena Zanotti, MD, explains some conditions that can cause vaginal itching — and how some of them can mask themselves to seem like yeast infections. Let’s uncover how to tell the difference.

What causes vaginal itching?

Here are eight possible causes of vaginal itching:

Yeast infection

First up — let’s go over the common culprit: A vaginal yeast infection. It’s caused by a fungal overgrowth of yeast and there are some key signs that will point to it. For one, you may notice a burning or itching sensation and you’ll feel it in and around your vagina. You also may notice a change in your vaginal discharge — if you’re noticing that it’s become very thick in consistency, that’s a key sign.

But if these symptoms come back often (or don’t respond to the usual treatments), it’s time to visit a doctor for a firm confirmation on whether you have a yeast infection or not. The main way you treat a yeast infection is by getting an antifungal treatment — and usually, this does do the trick.

Sexually transmitted infections

Some sexually transmitted infections, or STIs (also known as sexually transmitted diseases), can cause irritation and present with an itchy discharge and a slight odor.

Some STIs that have vulvovaginal (relating to the vagina and vulva) itchiness as a symptom include:

• Trichomoniasis
• Herpes
• Genital warts

If you’re wondering if your itching may be coming from an STI, be sure to see a doctor so you can get a proper test.

A skin reaction or allergy

Just like certain irritants can trigger your nasal allergies, the same can happen to your vagina. Sometimes, certain fabrics or fragrances just don’t agree with that part of your body.

Switching to hygiene products like scented tampons and pads — which are all-around not a good idea, by the way — can lead to an itchy, irritated sensation in or around the vaginal area.

And bath soap or even a change in laundry soap can cause a reaction in your vagina. That’s partially why it’s recommended to avoid douching, or “over-cleaning” your vagina — to avoid any added irritants.

If you notice that switching to certain menstrual or hygiene products with added fragrances causes your vagina to itch or even burn, stop using them right away and see a doctor if the symptoms still persist.

Jock itch

It’s not the most cutesy name, but jock itch — also known as tinea cruris — can sometimes be a culprit behind itching around your vagina. It’s similar to an athlete’s foot, which often happens due to sharing towels or undergarments, but in this case, it’s focused on the groin area.

This itching is generally around the thighs and crotch, so if your irritation is more localized to the inside of your vagina, it’s probably not this.

But if you’re noticing any redness or irritation around these areas that aren’t going away, it’s a good idea to see a doctor so it can be evaluated.

Lack of estrogen

As we get older, different parts of our body start to go through changes. For women, a lack of estrogen can cause the skin to thin, sometimes leading to discomfort, itching or discharge.

This can happen to women as they go through menopause and to some women who are breastfeeding. Vaginal lubricants or a small dose of estrogen can help in this case.

Hemorrhoids

While hemorrhoids occur due to swollen veins in your rectum, the itching and irritations associated with this condition can also spread to your vaginal area. If the itchiness you’re feeling isn’t just happening in or around your vagina but also near your anus, this could be a sign of hemorrhoids.

For hemorrhoids, you can find some relief by using home remedies like aloe vera, having good hygiene or using over-the-counter-ointments. But if you’re experiencing persistent itching and rectal bleeding, see a healthcare provider.

Skin irritation in or around your vulva

Your vagina isn’t immune to skin conditions either. Some skin conditions can cause skin changes, such as whitening and itching. Things like contact dermatitis or folliculitis (inflammation of a hair follicle) can both happen around your vagina.

If you’re noticing a red, itchy and even painful skin rash, it could be a sign of a skin condition. According to Dr. Zanotti, these may require a steroid ointment such as hydrocortisone for treatment.

Bacterial vaginosis

Bacterial vaginosis rears its head when the “good” bacteria and “bad” bacteria in your vagina are at odds with each other. Your vagina is a delicate ecosystem that needs balance, so if the bacteria sway too much to one side, it could lead to an infection.

There is a distinct odor that accompanies bacterial vaginosis, so if you’re noticing a strong “fishy” smell coming from your vagina paired with itching and irritation, this could be a tell-tale sign. You may also notice a discharge that’s a pale gray or white.

While for some women this goes away on its own, in some cases your doctor may recommend some antibiotics to really send it packing.

Is it normal?

An occasional vaginal itch here and there is normal. But if it’s consistent or gets worse, it can be a sign of something more serious. That’s why it’s important to take note if your vaginal itching is starting after a change in routine — like using certain menstrual products — or if it came out of the blue.

Be sure to see a doctor if:

• You’re noticing blisters or ulcers on your vulva
• You’re feeling pain or tenderness in your vagina
• You’re noticing redness in or around your vagina
• You’re having trouble urinating
• You’re experiencing pain or discomfort during sex
• You’re noticing unusual vaginal discharge

How to stop or avoid itching down there

Depending on the reason behind your itching, there isn’t always a one-size-fits-all remedy. Be sure to talk to your healthcare provider to see what treatment is best for you.

“If you aren’t getting relief from the usual measures, or you aren’t quite sure of the diagnosis, it’s worth a trip to the office to get checked out,” advises Dr. Zanotti.

To help keep any itchiness and irritations to a minimum, here are some do’s and don’ts when it comes to vaginal care:

• Do: Use only unscented soaps and lotions
• Don’t: Use vaginal sprays
• Do: Change out of wet clothing after swimming or exercising
• Don’t: Use any vaginal sprays or douches
• Do: Wipe front to back (and not too hard!) after using the bathroom
• Do: Change your underwear daily

If you’re feeling vaginal itchiness, it’s nothing to panic or be embarrassed about. Make sure to listen to your body’s warning signs to help figure out what could be causing the itching — especially if the symptoms are becoming persistent and interfering with everyday life.

And please don’t put off seeing a healthcare provider, as they may have a quick solution for you.