Wellness Sexual Health 14 Causes of Vaginal Itching and How To Treat Them By Mikayla Morell Mikayla Morell Mikayla Morell is a content writer and editor residing in Philadelphia, PA. She began her career as a freelance writer while also working as a phlebotomist in a local hospital. She wanted to use her certification in phlebotomy to support the shortage of hospital staff throughout the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. She loves that she can combine her two main interests—writing and healthcare—in her work with Health.com. health's editorial guidelines Updated on September 24, 2024 Medically reviewed by Peter Weiss, MD Medically reviewed by Peter Weiss, MD Peter Weiss, MD, is a practicing OB/GYN and former Assistant Clinical Professor at the UCLA School of Medicine. learn more Close Your vagina may be itchy because of allergens, hormonal changes, irritants, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), or other factors. Proper hygiene—rinsing with water and wearing cotton underwear—helps prevent and treat vaginal itching. It's essential to figure out the cause of your vaginal itching to treat it properly. Here are 14 possible causes of vaginal itching, their treatments, and when to see a healthcare provider. Getty Images 1. Bacterial Vaginosis An overgrowth of bacteria causes bacterial vaginosis (BV), a vaginal infection. The hallmark BV symptom is foul-smelling vaginal discharge. Some people with BV might have itching near the vulva, or external female genitalia. Other BV symptoms might include: Burning, itching, or pain in your vaginaPain during sexPain while urinating Tell a healthcare provider about your symptoms, including any changes in your discharge. Those details can help identify and treat the issue. Treatment Options To treat BV, a healthcare provider might prescribe antibiotics, such as clindamycin or metronidazole. About 30% of BV cases resolve without treatment. Without treatment, there are still increased health risks, such as getting STIs or premature delivery during pregnancy if you are pregnant. 2. Hormonal Changes Estrogen is a hormone that helps lubricate your vagina, and low estrogen levels might cause vaginal dryness and itching. You may have low estrogen levels after childbirth or if you are breastfeeding. Other causes of low estrogen levels include anti-estrogen drugs and cancer treatments. Treatment Options A healthcare provider might advise hormonal methods to increase your estrogen levels. Options include estrogen creams, tablets that you insert into your vagina, and vaginal rings. Non-hormonal methods include vaginal lubricants and moisturizers. Those options help keep your vaginal lubricated and reduce pain during sex. 3. Irritation Irritation from certain fabrics and products that might cause vaginal itching include: Contraceptive creams, foams, and jelliesCreamsDetergentsDouchesFabric softenersOintmentsSprays Treatment Options You can treat vaginal irritation at home. Try rinsing your vagina with water (no soap) or soaking in a warm bath. Other things you can do to prevent vaginal irritation include: Avoid douchingDo not use sprays, fragrances, or powder in or near your vaginaWear cotton underwear and loose-fitting clothes 4. Shaving Shaving your pubic hair can cause your skin to become itchy. One study indicated that 80.3% of 1,110 women and men reported itching in the genital area after shaving. Itching was also the most common side effect of shaving. Treatment Options Try using a fragrance-free moisturizer to reduce dryness and irritation after shaving. You might consider other hair removal methods, such as lasering or waving, so you do not have to shave as often as usual. 5. Yeast Infection Yeast infections are one of the most common causes of vaginal itching. Nearly 75% of women will get a vaginal yeast infection at some point in their life. The hallmark symptoms include extreme itchiness and an odorless, thick, white discharge. Other vaginal yeast infection symptoms include: Burning, redness, and swelling of your vagina and vulvaPain during sexPain while urinating Treatment Options A healthcare provider can diagnose and treat your yeast infection. They will likely advise you to purchase an antifungal medication over the counter. Antifungal medications are available in creams, ointments, suppositories, or tablets. 6. Contact Dermatitis Contact dermatitis is a skin rash that forms in response to certain fabrics, perfumes, and soaps. You might notice vaginal itching if you use products or wear clothing that irritates your vagina. Other contact dermatitis symptoms include burning and stinging in or near your vagina, pain, and raw skin. Treatment Options Avoiding contact with irritants is one of the best ways to reduce vaginal itching. You might try applying a cold compress or petroleum jelly to your vaginal area to reduce discomfort. A healthcare provider might prescribe medication in severe cases. 7. Lichen Sclerosus This rare skin condition causes blisters and color changes on the vulva. Lichen sclerosus might also cause the inner vaginal lips (labia minora) to shrink. It's not entirely clear what causes lichen sclerosus. Possible causes include a family history, an overactive immune system, hormonal changes, and vaginal irritation. Lichen sclerosus symptoms include: Blood blistersBurningConstipation (in children)ItchingPainPain during bowel movementsScar tissue (in severe cases)White, shiny, and thin vulvar skin Treatment Options See a healthcare provider if you have lichen sclerosus symptoms. They can prescribe medications, typically a topical steroid, to reduce scar tissue. Scarring might lead to complications, like pain during sex or trouble urinating. A healthcare provider will likely advise you to avoid washing your vulva with harsh soaps and other irritants. Instead, rinse your vulva with water. 8. Allergies You might develop vaginal or vulvar dermatitis if you are allergic to certain products you use near or in the vagina. Those products might include bubble baths, feminine wipes, perfumes, and soaps. The dermatitis may also cause burning and pain along with itching. Treatment Options In some cases, treatment may be as simple as avoiding the allergen and rubbing or cooling skin instead of scratching it. It's also essential to see a healthcare provider if you think you have vaginal dermatitis. They may advise additional treatments such as topical steroids or topical calcineurin inhibitors, which are a non-steroid option. 9. Menopause Menopause might be the source of your vaginal itching if it's been 12 months or more since your periods have naturally stopped. Your hormones change during the time leading up to and after menopause. As a result, you might notice changes to your vagina. For example, a decrease in the hormone estrogen causes vaginal atrophy, or thinning of the vaginal wall. Vaginal atrophy often causes vaginal itching. Other symptoms of vaginal atrophy can include: Frequent urinationIncontinence, or a loss of bladder controlPain while urinatingUrinary tract infections (UTIs)Vaginal dryness and irritation Treatment Options You can treat vaginal atrophy with hormonal and non-hormonal methods. Hormonal options might include hormonal replacement therapy (HRT) or local estrogen therapy (e.g., creams, tablets, or a vaginal ring). Non-hormonal methods typically include lubricants and moisturizers that you apply to your vagina. 10. Vaginal Cancer Vaginal cancer is a rare cause of vaginal itching. Other signs of vaginal cancer include a lump near the vagina, non-menstrual bleeding, and pelvic pain. People aged 60 and older are likelier to develop vaginal cancer than others. Other vaginal cancer risk factors include: Abnormal cells in the cervix, uterus, or vaginaBeing born to a mother who took diethylstilbestrol (DES), a medication to prevent miscarriages during the 1950s, while pregnantHuman papillomavirus (HPV) infection, a common STI Treatment Options See a healthcare provider right away if you develop vaginal cancer warning signs. They can use a Pap smear to detect cancerous cells in your cervix, uterus, or vagina. Vaginal cancer is curable if detected early. Treatments might include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery to kill and remove cancerous cells in the vagina. 11. Trichomoniasis Trichomoniasis (trich) is a common and treatable STI in women and men. A parasite, Trichomonas vaginalis, causes trich. There were more than two million trich cases in the United States in 2018. Nearly 30% of those cases caused no symptoms. Some people with trich report itching near the vagina. Other trich symptoms include: Burning while or after urinatingClear, green, white, or yellow vaginal discharge that has a fishy odorDischarge from the penis Treatment Options See a healthcare provider if you develop trich symptoms. They can prescribe an antibiotic to help get rid of the parasite. Keep in mind that re-infection occurs in roughly one in five people within three months of treatment. Make sure that you and your sexual partners receive regular testing to avoid re-infection. 12. Herpes Not everyone with genital herpes develops prominent lesions. Many people have mild to non-existent symptoms, including itching around their anus and genitals. Itching can last up to 24 hours. Other herpes symptoms include: Blisters on the genitals, mouth, or rectum that may be painfulFatigueFeverHeadacheMuscle painPain while urinatingSwollen lymph nodes (especially in your groin) Treatment Options A healthcare provider can evaluate your symptoms and their severity. Topical creams and other medications ease discomfort and reduce outbreaks. Applying a cold compress to the sores and wearing loose-fitting cotton underwear might help. 13. Other STIs Other STIs that might cause vaginal itching include chlamydia and gonorrhea. Bacteria, which may spread during anal, oral, or vaginal sex, causes both infections. Pregnant people might spread the bacteria to their newborns during childbirth. In addition to itching, chlamydia and gonorrhea may cause symptoms like: Abdominal painAbnormal, foul-smelling vaginal dischargeBleeding between periods (with gonorrhea)Burning while urinatingFeverNauseaPain during sexRectal bleeding, discharge, and pain Treatment Options See a healthcare provider if you develop chlamydia or gonorrhea symptoms. They will prescribe antibiotics to help get rid of the bacteria. It's essential to take all the antibiotics a healthcare provider prescribes. Re-infections are common and may occur if you do not completely treat it. Both STIs may lead to complications, such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), if untreated. PID causes pelvic pain, problems with pregnancy, and infertility. Receive a test three months after treatment to help prevent re-infection. 14. Poor Hygiene Poor hygiene is a common cause of non-specific vulvovaginitis, or a vaginal or vulvar infection. You might develop itching and irritation around or in your vagina. Other symptoms include abnormal vaginal discharge, burning while urinating, redness, and swelling. Treatment Options It's essential to maintain proper vaginal hygiene to avoid and treat vulvovaginitis. Your vagina cleans itself, so you do not have to use soap. You can instead rinse your vagina with water. Make sure your vaginal area is also completely dry after bathing or showering. Other ways to keep your vagina include: Stay hydrated to flush out your urinary tractUse and regularly change unscented pads and tampons during your period. Change pads every few hours and tampons every four to eight hours.Wear cotton underwear and lightweight clothingWipe front to back after going to the bathroom Home Remedies and Prevention Several home remedies help prevent and treat vaginal itching. One of the best ways to stop itching is to maintain proper vaginal hygiene. Ensure you wipe front to back after going to the bathroom and wear breathable clothing and cotton underwear. Other ways to prevent and treat vaginal itching at home include: Avoid fragrances, hygiene sprays, and powders Do not douche, which worsens itching by removing good bacteria that prevent infections Keep your blood sugar levels stable if you have diabetes Make sure that you completely dry your vaginal area after bathing or showering. Try using cold or warm air from a hair dryer if a towel is irritating. Soak in a warm bath Use a spray bottle to gently cleanse your vaginal area with water (no soap) Use condoms to stop the spread of STIs Use pads instead of tampons if you have a vaginal infection When To Contact a Healthcare Provider See a healthcare provider right away if you have severe vaginal itching and changed medications or think you have had a STI exposure. Let them know if your symptoms worsen or last longer than one week. A healthcare provider can perform tests to diagnose and treat your symptoms properly. Other signs to see a healthcare provider include: Abdominal or pelvic painFeverRedness and swelling around your genitalsVaginal discharge A Quick Review Vaginal itching has many causes, including natural and treatable changes. Allergens, hormonal changes, and irritants might increase vaginal itching. Other times, vaginal itching is a symptom of an STI or yeast infection. You can typically prevent and treat vaginal itching by practicing proper hygiene. It's essential to still consult a healthcare provider before treating the issue at home if you are worried about your symptoms. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit 22 Sources Health.com uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. MedlinePlus. Vaginal itching and discharge - adult and adolescent. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Bacterial vaginosis – CDC basic fact sheet. Kairys N, Garg M. Bacterial vaginosis. In: StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing; 2023. Ng BK, Chuah JN, Cheah FC, et al. Maternal and fetal outcomes of pregnant women with bacterial vaginosis. Front Surg. 2023;10:1084867. doi:10.3389/fsurg.2023.1084867 American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Experiencing vaginal dryness? Here's what you need to know. Butler SM, Smith NK, Collazo E, Caltabiano L, Herbenick D. Pubic hair preferences, reasons for removal, and associated genital symptoms: comparisons between men and women. The Journal of Sexual Medicine. 2015;12(1):48-58. doi:10.1111/jsm.12763 American Academy of Dermatology Association. 7 ways to prevent injuries while trimming pubic hair. Office on Women's Health. Vaginal yeast infections. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Disorders of the vulva: Common causes of vulvar pain, burning, and itching. Chamli A, Souissi A. Lichen sclerosus. In: StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing; 2023. Raef HS, Elmariah SB. Vulvar pruritus: a review of clinical associations, pathophysiology and therapeutic management. Front Med. 2021;8:649402. doi:10.3389/fmed.2021.649402 National Institute on Aging. What is menopause? Bleibel B, Nguyen H. Vaginal atrophy. In: StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing; 2023. MedlinePlus. Vaginal cancer. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Trichomoniasis – CDC basic fact sheet. American Academy of Dermatology Association. Genital herpes: signs and symptoms. MedlinePlus. Genital herpes. American Academy of Dermatology Association. Genital herpes: Diagnosis and treatment. MedlinePlus. Gonorrhea. MedlinePlus. Chlamydia infections. MedlinePlus. Vulvovaginitis. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Menstrual hygiene.