Vaginal Itching Symptoms
Symptom Checker: Symptoms & Signs Index
Medical Author: Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD
Although vaginal itching is the hallmark of yeast infections and other vaginal infections (including sexually transmitted diseases, STDs), itching in the vagina and vulvar areas has multiple causes. Vaginal itching can also arise due to chemical irritants that may be found in detergents or soaps, douches and vaginal creams, toilet paper, bath products, feminine hygiene products, and vaginal contraceptive products.
Women in the menopausal transition may experience vaginal itching due to fluctuations in estrogen levels. As estrogen levels decline in the perimenopause, the vaginal wall becomes thinner and drier, and itching may result.
Some studies have shown a link between psychological stress and vaginal yeast infections. This is likely due to the fact that stress is known to have a negative effect on the immune system and could possibly increase the likelihood of getting a yeast infection.
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REFERENCE:
Fauci, Anthony S., et al. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. 17th ed. United States: McGraw-Hill Professional, 2008.
Causes of Vaginal Itching
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Chlamydia In Women Chlamydia, a type of bacteria that causes an infection, is spread through sexual contact. Most of the time, women with chlamydia...learn more »In This ArticleChlamydia In Women Article- What are sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)?
- What is chlamydia?
- What are the symptoms of chlamydia?
- How is chlamydia diagnosed?
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- Chlamydia At A Glance
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Genital Herpes In Women Genital herpes, a viral infection by the herpes simplex virus (HSV), is transmitted during sexual contact with the mucous-covered...learn more »In This ArticleGenital Herpes In Women Article- What are sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)?
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- Genital Herpes At A Glance
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Genital Warts (HPV) Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the U.S. HPV is primarily transmitted...learn more »In This ArticleGenital Warts (HPV) Article- Genital warts (HPV) facts
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- External genital warts
- Precancerous changes (dysplasia) of the uterine cervix
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- What should one do if exposed to a person with genital warts?
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Gonorrhea In Women Gonorrhea is a bacterial infection transmitted during sexual contact. In women, symptoms include a yellow vaginal discharge,...learn more »In This ArticleGonorrhea In Women Article- What are sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)?
- What is gonorrhea?
- What are the symptoms of gonorrhea?
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- Gonorrhea in Women At A Glance
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Itching Itching can be a common problem. Itches can be localized or generalized. There are many causes of itching to include: infection...learn more »In This ArticleItching Article- Itching (itch) facts
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Menopause Menopause is the time in a woman's life when menstrual periods permanently stop, also called the "change of life." Menopause...learn more »In This ArticleMenopause Article- Menopause facts
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- Hormone therapy for menopause
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Psoriasis Psoriasis is a long-term skin condition that may cause large plaques of red, raised skin, flakes of dry skin, and skin scales....learn more »In This ArticlePsoriasis Article- Psoriasis facts
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Sexually Transmitted Diseases in Women (STDs) Sexually transmitted diseases, or STDs, are infections that are transmitted during any type of sexual exposure, including...learn more »In This ArticleSexually Transmitted Diseases in Women (STDs) Article- What are sexually transmitted diseases (STDs, formerly referred to as sexually transmitted infections or STIs)?
- Gonorrhea
- Chlamydia
- Syphilis
- Genital Herpes
- Human Papillomaviruses (HPVs) and Genital Warts
- Chancroid
- Ectoparasitic Infections
- Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS)
- Hepatitis B
- Hepatitis C
- Conclusions
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Trichomoniasis (Vaginal Infection) Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by a parasite passed from person to person. Trichomoniasis can be...learn more »In This ArticleTrichomoniasis (Vaginal Infection) Article- Trichomoniasis facts*
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Vaginitis Vaginitis is any type of vaginal infection or inflammation. The six most common types of vaginitis are Candida (yeast...learn more » -
Yeast Infection Yeast vaginitis is a yeast infection of the vagina. Symptoms include itching, burning, soreness, pain during intercourse and...learn more »In This ArticleYeast Infection Article- Vaginal yeast infection facts
- What is yeast?
- What is vaginitis?
- What is vulvitis (inflammation of the vulva)?
- Can a man get a yeast infection from a sexual partner?
- What causes vaginal yeast infections?
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- What are vulvitis and vaginal yeast infection symptoms and signs?
- What about recurrent yeast infections?
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- What is the treatment for vaginal yeast infection and vulvitis?
- How can a yeast infection be treated if I am pregnant?
- If yeast is commonly present in normal women, who should be treated?
Other Causes of Vaginal Itching
- Chemical Irritants
- Perimenopause
Examples of Medications for Vaginal Itching
- clotrimazole, Lotrimin (discontinued), Mycelex, Lotrimin-AF, Gyne-Lotrimin
- fluconazole, Diflucan
- metronidazole gel, Metrogel, Metrocream, Metrolotion, Metrogel Vaginal, Vandazole
- miconazole, Monistat; Femizol; Vagistat; M-Zole; Micatin; Lotrimin
- nystatin tablet - oral, Mycostatin
- terconazole, Terazol, Zazole
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