7 Reasons Why Your Vagina Is Itchy

From yeast infections to STDs, here are 7 reasons why your vagina might be itchy, and what you can do about it.

Spoiler alert: A yeast infection is far from the only culprit.

By Lily Puckett, Teen Vogue

Vaginas are great, but if you have one, chances are you've asked yourself at least once, "Why is my vagina itchy?" Sometimes things down there can get less than blissful. Vaginal discomfort like itchiness is super common and rarely a cause for major concern, but it's still plenty frustrating. An irritated vulva or vagina is just that: irritating.

So what does it mean when your vulva or vagina itches? We went to the experts to find out. Keep in mind that anything that’s bothering you to a major extent should be evaluated by a doctor, and the same goes for recurring issues. Getting regular OB-GYN check-ups, like your annual, and consistent testing for sexually transmitted diseases is crucial for making sure there’s nothing more serious to worry about. And getting to know your vagina and vulva, through education and exploration on your own, will help you understand what’s going on down there.

But here are a few common reasons your vaginal area or vulva may be itchy.

1.

Yeast infections

“Most young women assume [itching] is a yeast infection, and they are usually right,” says Dr. Kyrin Dunston, MD, FACOG, an OB-GYN from Atlanta. “At one point in their lifetime at least 75% of females report having had an infection of this type. The technical term for this is vulvovaginal candidiasis. Many [people] want to know how to prevent this annoying infection. It is important to understand that candida is what is known as an opportunistic infection, meaning that this fungus is present in small amounts in a normal [person] and only proliferates and causes an actual infection and symptoms when the conditions are right. Candida, like most fungi, need warmth, moisture, and food to proliferate.”

Help avoid infections by removing damp underwear as fast as possible after sports and other sweaty activities. Your best treatment option is through medication.

This one seems simple, but if you’re feeling particularly irritated, Dr. Dunston says shaving could be the culprit. Take a few weeks off and see if you feel better. You might be surprised by how much you love the new look, too, and realize that you don't want to shave down there anymore, especially because getting rid of pubic hair can actually lead to STDs.

3.

An upset balance

"Vaginal discomfort such as itching and burning, and even odor, can result from an imbalance in your vaginal ecosystem,” says Dr. Botros Rizk, MD, a professor and the head of reproductive endocrinology and infertility at the University of South Alabama. “Everyday activities like exercise, intercourse, and using douches can disrupt the normal pH of the vagina, which, in turn, upsets the balance between the friendly bacteria that help your vagina clean itself and the unfriendly bacteria that cause vaginal discomfort.”

Again, changing out of damp underwear is helpful. Avoid douches and other “cleaning” products. Let your vagina take care of itself.

4.

Bacterial vaginosis

One of the most common causes of vaginal discomfort, bacterial vaginosis, is the result of “an imbalance of ‘good’ and ‘harmful’ bacteria that are normally found in a person's vagina. Basically, the ‘bad’ bacteria increases, and the ‘good’ stuff decreases.” Probiotics are the best way to avoid this, so make Greek yogurt, kombucha, and pickled foods a part of your diet if you can — or just get your probiotics in pill form, which is easy to do.

5.

Everyday products

“If there is no infection present, the most likely cause of irritation of the vulva and vagina is from chemicals in the environment,” says Dr. Dunston. “Common culprits include laundry detergent, dryer sheets, bleach used to clean clothes, certain toilet papers, and sanitary products, especially perfumed ones. Perfumed vaginal sprays and douches can cause this as well. Needless to say, the vagina is a delicate area and chemicals and irritants need to be kept away.”

Skip products with a scent if you can, and try to use a nonirritating soap when you shower. Switching out detergents and other laundering products for safer and softer alternatives might be just the trick to finding relief.

6.

STDs

Always keep yourself up-to-date on tests, but if you’re experiencing ongoing irritation while sexually active, get tested for sexually transmitted diseases as soon as you can. An STD is not the end of the world, and treatment for many issues is easier than you think. But your best tool is awareness of the problem, so don’t hesitate to find out.