Sunday, February, 12, 2012

Vaginal itching

Table of Contents

Call your health care provider if

Call your doctor right away if:

  • You have increased thirst or appetite, unexplained weight loss, frequent urination, or fatigue -- these may be signs of diabetes.
  • You have pelvic or lower abdominal pain or fever.

Call your doctor if:

  • You have blisters or ulcers on your vagina or vulva.
  • You have burning with urination or other urinary symptoms -- you may have a urinary tract infection.
  • You have unusual vaginal bleeding, swelling, or discharge.
  • Your partner also has symptoms or you think you may have a sexually transmitted disease.
  • Your symptoms worsen, last longer than 1 week, or recur despite self-care.

What to expect at your health care provider's office

Your doctor will examine you, including doing a pelvic exam, and ask questions to help diagnose the cause of your vaginal itching. These questions may include:

  • When did the itching begin?
  • Have you had it before?
  • Is the itching severe?
  • Does it limit your activities?
  • Where exactly is the itching? On the inside of the vagina or on the outside (vulva) as well?
  • How often do you bathe or shower?
  • Do you use scented soap, scented or colored toilet paper, or bubble bath?
  • Do you frequently swim or participate in water sports? Do you change your clothes soon after such activities?
  • Do you wear cotton panties or synthetic ones?
  • Do you wear tight pants or tight pantyhose?
  • Do you use douches or feminine hygiene spray?
  • Are you sexually active? Do you use contraception? What type?
  • Does anything make you feel better?
  • Does anything make you feel worse?
  • Have you tried any over-the-counter creams? Which ones?
  • Do you have any other symptoms, such as vaginal bleeding, swelling, rash, or pain on urination?
  • Do you have a personal or family history of diabetes?
  • What medications do you take?
  • What is your menstrual history? How old were you when your periods began? How often do your periods usually come? How long do they generally last?
  • Do you have any allergies?

Diagnostic tests that may be performed include:

  • Culture and microscopic exam of vaginal discharge
  • Pap smear
  • Skin biopsies of the vulvar area
  • Urine and blood studies (including hormone levels)

The health care provider may prescribe drugs, such as:

  • Antibiotics for bacterial vaginal infections, including sexually transmitted diseases
  • Antifungal drugs for yeast infections
  • Benzodiazepines or antihistamines for nighttime relief
  • Ointments containing hormones
  • Steroid creams or lotions to reduce inflammation

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Review Date: 10/18/2009
Reviewed By: Daniel N. Sacks MD, FACOG, Obstetrics & Gynecology in Private Practice, West Palm Beach , FL. Review Provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)