Many women experience vaginal dryness and itching at some point during their lives. The causes of feminine itching can vary and treatments differ as well.

Dr. Joshua Sampson, OB-GYN at Marshfield Clinic Health System, shares some common causes of vaginal dryness and itching, and remedies to help with the discomfort.

Menopause or decreased estrogen

When your body produces less estrogen, it can result in a condition called vaginal atrophy. Vaginal atrophy is caused by decreased blood flow and stretchiness of the tissues. This can manifest with dryness, itching and other symptoms.

Menopause is the most common reason for decreased estrogen production, but it’s not the only one. Breastfeeding, medications, cancer treatment, or removal of the ovaries can also cause lower estrogen levels.

“Your women’s health provider can help diagnose vaginal atrophy and offer treatments. These typically fall into two categories: hormone replacement for appropriate candidates and non-hormonal therapies, such as vaginal moisturizers or lubricants,” Dr. Sampson said.

Yeast infections

According to the National Library of Medicine, about 75% of adult women will experience at least one yeast infection during their lives.

Symptoms can include:

• Vaginal or valvular itchiness;
• A burning feeling when you urinate;
• Thick white discharge; and
• Discomfort during intercourse.

You may have only one or several of these symptoms.

A yeast infection is caused by a fungus. Yeast infections can occur for lots of reasons. If you suspect infection, treatment is available with over-the-counter medication or by seeing your provider. If over-the-counter treatment is not successful, then evaluation by your health care provider is recommended to make the appropriate diagnosis.

Bacterial vaginosis

Bacterial vaginosis can cause vaginal irritation, pain, and discharge. This is caused by an overgrowth of bacteria that live in the vagina.

This infection typically requires antibiotics to treat.  The symptoms are similar to yeast, and you may experience:

• Pain with sexual activity
• Abnormal vaginal discharge
• Abnormal vaginal odor.

If you are unsure of the precise cause of vaginal infection, see your provider for evaluation.

Chemical irritants

Some of the products that can cause bothersome vaginal or vulvar symptoms include:

• Soap
• Perfume
• Laundry detergent
• Condom use
• Topical creams or lotions
• Shaving

If you have made recent changes to these household items and suspect these may be causing your symptoms, stop for a period to see if your symptoms resolve.

STIs

Vaginal itching is a common symptom of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) including chlamydia, gonorrhea, genital herpes, HPV and trichomoniasis. Untreated infections can have significant negative health consequences such as: Infected partners, pain, infertility, pelvic infections, or cancer.

If you suspect you have an STI, it is very important to schedule an appointment with your provider for testing and treatment. Your provider can test for these infections anytime.

Lichen sclerosus

This is an autoimmune condition of the vulva that is a result of your body’s immune system attacking the skin of the vulva and causing vulvar itching.  This can also cause scarring and disfigurement and increase the risk for vulvar cancer.

An examination and biopsy performed by your provider can determine if you have this condition.

Medications

Another potential cause of vaginal dryness and itching may be inside your medicine cabinet.

Some allergy or cold medications, antidepressants, or anti-estrogen medications can cause vaginal irritation. During your appointment with a women’s health provider, talk about any medications you are taking, especially ones that you recently started.

Talk to your women’s health provider

Depending on the causes of your feminine itching or dryness, it could just take a simple treatment to get you feeling like yourself again.

“As women’s health specialists, we are glad to evaluate for causes of vaginal or vulvar pain, itching or irritation. We want to help people feel better and improve their quality of life,” Dr. Sampson said.

For questions about vaginal dryness or itching, talk to a Marshfield Clinic Health System provider.

Find a Women’s Health provider Learn more about Women’s Health

Related Shine365 articles

Breast cancer screening: When to start mammograms

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) symptoms and treatment

6 myths about using a certified nurse midwife during pregnancy