When women's genital areas itch, it can be extremely unpleasant. There are many reasons for itching. They range from simple skin intolerances to infections with fungi or sexually transmitted diseases. In the following, we will explain how itching in the genital area occurs, what can be done about it and how it can be prevented.
Itching in the genital area in women - the most important facts at a glance
- Itching in the genital area in women can be triggered by allergic skin reactions, among other things.
- Infections with vaginal fungus, bacterial vaginosis and sexually transmitted diseases can also lead to itching in the female genital area.
- Depending on the cause, other symptoms such as skin changes, swelling and bleeding may also occur.
- How to get rid of itching in affected women depends on the exact trigger.
- Proper intimate hygiene plays a key role in reducing the likelihood of itching and other symptoms.
- Both regular underwear and period pants should be made of breathable cotton, if possible.
Itching in the genital area due to allergic reactions
There are many substances that can cause allergic reactions and inflammation when they come into contact with the skin. These include certain ingredients of detergents and skin care products such as shower gels or intimate sprays.
In this case, affected women can usually easily counteract the itching in the intimate area by refraining from using the product responsible for the itching in the future.
Intimate itching due to fungal infections
Severe itching in the intimate area can sometimes also be the symptom of a fungal infection. The infection is usually caused by candida fungi. These fungi, which belong to the yeast family, are a normal part of the skin flora.
If the immune system is weakened, they can lead to a vaginal fungal infection. Itching in the intimate area is one of the typical symptoms experienced by affected women. In addition, a fungal infection can cause pain during urination and sex, as well as discharge.
Itching in the genital area caused by bacterial vaginosis
Vaginitis, also known as bacterial vaginosis, is another possible cause of itching in the genital area in women. It is usually caused by bacteria and is common in women.
Bacterial vaginosis occurs when the vaginal flora gets confused and harmful bacteria spread more and more. Besides itching, the symptoms include burning, a fishy smell and vaginal discharge. In addition, affected women often experience an increased urge to urinate.
Itching in the intimate area due to venereal diseases
Apart from fungal infections and bacterial vaginosis, various sexually transmitted diseases can also lead to itching in the female genital area. One of these is chlamydiosis, which is caused by chlamydia.
Chlamydia can enter the body through the mucous membrane of the vagina during sex. In addition to itching in the genital area, other symptoms that can occur in affected women include burning when urinating, foul-smelling vaginal discharge, intermittent bleeding and abdominal pain.
What symptoms can occur in addition to itching?
In many cases, itching in the genital area in women is not the only symptom that occurs. Various other complaints can also occur. What these are depends, of course, on the exact trigger of the itching.
Possible symptoms that occur in addition to itching are, for example:
- Skin changes
- Swelling and redness
- Changes in vaginal discharge
- Increased urge to urinate
- Pain when urinating
- Burning in the genital area
- Pain during sex
- Bleeding between periods
What does intimate hygiene have to do with itching?
Experience has shown that many women are a little overprotective when it comes to intimate hygiene. Washing too often, using aggressive products or even vaginal douches can damage the vaginal flora.
Excessive or incorrect intimate hygiene can lead to fungi and bacteria spreading more easily, increasing the likelihood of itching in the intimate area.
It is not necessary to wash the vulva several times a day. This also applies during menstruation. In addition, clear water or a mild care product should be used for washing that is well tolerated by the skin and does not unnecessarily stress the sensitive intimate area. The inside of the vagina should generally not be washed, as it cleans itself.
How hygienic is period underwear?
More and more women are using period underwear during their menstruation. The panties are comfortable, safe and sustainable. But is period knickers hygienic or can its use perhaps even cause problems such as itching in the intimate area?
If you are asking yourself these questions, we can put your mind at rest. Period panties, as you can find them in the Weekiss shop, are absolutely hygienic. As long as you wash them according to the manufacturer's instructions and change them regularly, you don't have to worry about hygiene.
Do you need to see a doctor if you have itching in your genital area?
If you have persistent itching in your genital area, an appointment with your gynaecologist is usually advisable. This is especially true if you also have other symptoms such as burning, pain or noticeable skin changes.
The gynaecologist can carry out the necessary examinations to determine the cause of the itching in the female genital area. Depending on the diagnosis, it can then be decided whether certain treatment measures need to be taken.
How can itching in the female genital area be treated?
Which measures are necessary to eliminate itching in the intimate area depends, of course, primarily on its trigger. Bacterial infections, for example, can be treated with antibiotics, some of which are also inserted into the vagina as suppositories.
For the treatment of vaginal mycosis, on the other hand, antimycotics are used, which kill the fungi or inhibit their multiplication. If there is a possibility that the itching in the intimate area is triggered by an allergy, it is important to identify the substance responsible and avoid contact with it in the future.
How can women prevent itching in the genital area?
Of course, problems like itching in the female genital area cannot be avoided one hundred percent. Nevertheless, there are some things women can do to significantly reduce the likelihood of it.
The following things, among others, make sense in this context:
- Pants made of cotton are more breathable and thus help to counteract excessive sweating in the genital area.
- Condoms reduce the risk of infection with sexually transmitted diseases.
- Proper intimate care can help prevent vaginal flora impairment and associated problems.
- Regular check-ups with your gynaecologist help to detect diseases at an early stage.
- Pants as well as towels and flannels used in the shower should ideally be changed daily.
