Vaginal itching

Injury	Disease	Nutrition	Poison

Symptoms	Surgery	Test	Special Topic

Female reproductive anatomy

Causes of vaginal itching

Uterus

Overview

Treatment

Vaginal itching

Definition:

Vaginal itching is a tingling or uneasy irritation of the skin of the vagina and the surrounding area (vulva). The itching may cause a desire to scratch the affected area.

Alternative Names:
Pruritus vulvae; Itching - vaginal area; Vulvar itching
Common Causes:

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Common causes of vaginal itching include:

Chemical irritants -- such as detergents, fabric softeners, feminine sprays, ointments, creams, douches, and contraceptive foams or jellies.
Vaginal yeast infection -- often includes a discharge that is white and curd-like. Vaginal yeast infections can be brought on by antibiotics, birth control pills, pregnancy, menstruation, condom use, sexual intercourse, diabetes, and a weakened immune system.
Vaginitis -- inflammation, itching, discharge, and odor caused by other infections (including sexually transmitted diseases). Vaginitis in girls before puberty is common. If a young girl has a sexually transmitted vaginal infection, however, sexual abuse must be considered and addressed.
Menopause -- the drop in estrogen causes thinning of the vaginal wall and less lubrication.
Stress -- may increase vaginal itching and make you more susceptible to infections.

Other possible, but less common, causes of vaginal or vulvar itching include: