Is Vaginal Dryness Culprit Behind Your Itchy Vagina?

Most probable reason for itching down there is vaginal dryness, which can affect any woman. Moreover, vaginal dryness is very common after menopause, influencing over half of the post-menopausal women aged between 51 and 60. Vaginal dryness is common but remediable and can occur at any age. Symptoms of vaginal dryness are burning sensation, vaginal discomfort, irregular vaginal discharge, and pain during sex or masturbation.

Is it due to Vaginal Dryness?

Yes, vaginal dryness is one of the reasons for itchy down there. Hormonal changes during menopause, as well as douching and specific medications, can also make the vagina feel itchy and dry up vaginal mucus. That vaginal dryness can cause itching and other unpleasant symptoms.

What is Vaginal Dryness?

Vaginal dryness is a popular indicator during and after menopause, but it can occur at any age and for different reasons.

Vaginal dryness itching generally results from low estrogen levels, which is the hormone that sustains the lining of the vagina. It is common, but numerous women tend to ignore and do not seek help for the same. As they may not understand it is a health problem for which they ought to get aid.

The dry itchy vagina can lead to pain during sexual activity, impacting a loss of sexual desire. It can also trigger irritation during sports and other physical activity and boost the risk of vaginal infections as well. Several cures are accessible to alleviate the signs of vaginal dryness itching.

Causes of Dry Itchy Vagina

Here some of the probable causes that make the vagina feel itchy and the surrounding area of the vagina.

• Irritants

The use of chemicals can cause dry itchy vaginas and may trigger an allergic reaction that produces an itchy rash over many areas of the body. These chemical irritants include soap, bubble baths, feminine sprays/creams, douches, topical contraceptives, fabric softeners, and scented toilet paper.

• Skin diseases

Some skin diseases like eczema and psoriasis can produce redness and itching in the genital region.

• Yeast infection

Yeast is a natural fungus that is usually present in the vagina and does not cause problems. But if its growth goes unchecked, an uneasy infection can result and is known as a vaginal yeast infection.

The vaginal yeast infection often appears after the consumption of antibiotics, as these medications can ruin good bacteria alongside the bad bacteria.

• Bacterial vaginosis

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is another major reason for vaginal dryness itching. BV is prompted by an imbalance between good and bad bacteria in the vagina.

• Sexually transmitted diseases

Various STDs can be transmitted during unprotected sexual contact and make the vagina feel itchy. Some STDs are chlamydia, genital herpes, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis and genital warts,

• Menopause

Menopause or perimenopause can lead to a dry itchy vagina. This is due to the decline in estrogen levels that arise during menopause, which precedes vaginal atrophy.

Also Study: 5 Ways to Stay Prepared for Menopause Before It Happens

• Stress

Physical and emotional stress can affect vaginal itching and irritation; however, it is not very common.

• Vulvar cancer

In a few cases, vulvar cancer can make your vagina feel itchy. This is a kind of cancer that grows in the vulva, which is the outer part of the female’s genitals.

Symptoms of Vagina Dryness Itching

Vaginal dryness itching happens when the tissues of the vagina are not properly lubricated and healthy. It can arise at any age but is more prevalent in older women. The symptoms are:

• Pain or irritation during penetrative sexual intercourse
• Slight bleeding after intercourse
• Soreness, itching, or burning of the vagina.
• Mild vaginal discharge

Treatment Options for Itchy Vagina

There is no certain care for inflammation-related dry itchy vagina during a period. Some people find relief from vaginal moisturizers as these can also ease vaginal dryness.

For irritation, moving to unscented period products, using tampon replacements, and averting rough soaps. Yeast infections generally respond to over-the-counter (OTC) antifungal medications.

During cyclic vulvovaginitis, a doctor prescribed topical creams and oral antifungals are essential. For BV and STIs, a doctor may recommend antibiotics.

More Recommendations for Dry Itchy Vagina

Several home remedies may assist in reducing the dry itchy vagina before a period. These are:

• Probiotics– For yeast infections and BV, probiotics is the solution as it inhibits species of beneficial bacteria. Also, eating probiotic foods such as yogurt may help a person keep their vaginal flora in balance.
• Vaginal lubricants and moisturizers– You may find relief from vaginal dryness and inflammation by using vaginal moisturizers.
• Prevention– Wearing cotton underwear, using non-irritating, non-drying period and hygiene products, and managing conditions that can enhance the risk of vaginal infections like diabetes.
• Constraining sexual activity, reducing the number of sexual partners, evading douching, and the use of condoms may help prevent BV.

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The lack of lubrication during intercourse could cause vaginal itching. If the vagina feels itchy for long an allergic reaction, vaginal dryness, or an STD may be the source.

Itchy down there is because of a variety of conditions, and it can every so often appear worse at night due to lack of distractions. If it continues, you must seek a doctor’s advice.

Throughout the menstrual cycle, the hormones fluctuate causing many health concerns. And vaginal dryness itching is one of the major symptoms.

The vaginal itching before the period can be because of a yeast infection, bacterial vaginosis (BV), vaginal dryness, inflammation, and the use of some period products.

The common types of STDs that could cause vaginal itchiness are chlamydia, genital warts, trichomoniasis, gonorrhea, and genital herpes.

Home remedies for dry itchy vagina include baking soda bath, consuming Greek yogurt, wearing cotton underwear, Probiotic supplements, Antifungal cream, and coconut oil.