Causes of Vaginal Itching

Vaginal itching is not only an irritant but an embarrassment. Are you plagued with infuriating vaginal itching? Do you itch and itch and itch until you're raw? Even after cleansing with a hot wash cloth, the itch comes back. If you have this problem, don't worry. Most women have vaginal itching at least one time in their life, and 50% have two infections.

The most common reason for vaginal itching is a yeast infection. Called Candida albicans, a yeast infections is a fungus. Small amounts of this fungus are always present in the vagina. However, when an overgrowth occurs , itching, burning, redness, and a whitish-colored discharge are the primary symptoms. Yeast infections can occur for a variety of reasons. One of the most common reasons is taking antibiotics. Most antibiotics are a wide-spectrum antibiotic. This means they not only kill the germ they're intended for, but they can kill other germs in the body too.

When the bacteria are in balance, they live peacefully with each ot. However, when you take an antibiotic, it allows other bacteria to grow out of control. Consequently, a discharge can develop which irritates the skin.

If you've taken antibiotics recently, you more than likely have a yeast infection. Fortunately, if this is the case, you don't even have to spend the money on a doctor's visit since they can be treated with over-the-counter medicine. However, it doesn't go away or reoccurs,make an appointment with your doctor promptly.

Another common cause for yeast infections is diabetes, especially if your blood sugar levels are high. Sometimes, this is one of the first symptoms a woman has of diabetes. Elevated blood sugar levels cause yeast infections in two ways. First, high blood sugar levels weaken the immune system and influence the ratio of vaginal bacteria. Secondlly, the extra sugar in the body feed the yeast.

Besides antibiotics and diabetes, yeast infections can have other causes too. The following causes may be responsible:

• Stress
• Lack of sleep
• Illness
• Poor eating habits and too many sugar-laden foods
• Pregnancy
• Menses
• Other medications like steroids and birth control pills
• Other diseases like HIV/AIDS
• Hormonal changes

 In addition to yeast infections, there are other causes of vaginal itching. These causes may be:

• Sexually transmitted diseases - Gardnerella vaginalis, trichomoniasis, chlarmydia, gonnorhea, genital herpes, and genital warts can all cause vaginal itching.
• Other bacterial, fungal, and parasitic diseases - Bacterial vaginosis
• Allergies
• Skin conditions - Sometimes, precancerous lesions can cause itching.
• Menopause - The drop in estrogen causes thinning vaginal walls and less lubrication, and consequently more itching.

Prevention is the easiest way to avoid vaginal itching. The following suggestions may help.

• Avoid colored or perfumed toilet paper.
• Avoid feminine hygiene sprays and douches. Neither of these are necessary. The inside of the vagina is self-cleaning.
• When you wipe, wipe front to back. This is especially important. Otherwise, your vagina can become infected with e coli. E coli is a bacteria from the intestines.
• Avoid unprotected sex.
• When taking antibiotics, eat plenty of yogurt. Make sure you buy yogurt with live cultures. Yogurt has lactobacillus acidophilis. This can help keep bacteria under control.
• Use unscented soap.
• Wear underwear and pantyhose with a cotton crotch.
• Change out of wet undergarments and bathing suits as quickly as possible.
• Avoid hot tub baths.
• If you're diabetic, maintain your blood sugars, and try to lose weight if your'e overweight.

If you are pregnant or have never been diagnosed with a yeast infection, contact your doctor promptly; the itching could be the result of a different problem. If you have had a yeast infection before, and the itching doesn't resolve with an over-the-counter medication, or the yeast infection reoccurs, you should also contact your doctor. A reoccuring yeast infection can be a symptom of diabetes or a weak immune system from some other disease.