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Have you ever shoved your hand down your pants and went to town … on scratching, that is? There’s nothing worse than feeling irritated in your undies and thinking, Why is my so vagina itchy? Whether you’re scratching through your pubic hair or feel a creeping itch on your vulva (the outer part of female genitalia), vaginal itching is nothing short of uncomfortable.
That said, it’s a pretty common occurrence, says Alyssa Dweck, MD, an ob-gyn in Westchester County, New York. In fact, it’s one of the main reasons people go see their gynecologist, notes Katharine O'Connell White, MD, an ob-gyn and associate professor in the Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology at Boston University.
From external irritants like using a new soap to urinary tract infections (UTIs) and beyond, here are all the reasons you’re urging to scratch down there—plus treatment options and when to see a doc. But remember, vaginal itching is highly individualistic, so don't hesitate to check in with your if you have a health concern, big or small.
Meet the experts: Alyssa Dweck, MD, is an ob-gyn in Westchester County, New York. Katharine O'Connell White, MD, is an ob-gyn and associate professor in the Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology at Boston University. Carroll Medeiros, MD, is an ob-gyn with Partners in Obstetrics and Gynecology. Mary Jane Minkin, MD, an ob-gyn and a clinical professor at Yale University School of Medicine. Suzanne Bovone, MD, is an ob-gyn at Pediatrix Medical Group. Natasha Chinn, MD, is an ob-gyn with Brescia and Migliaccio Women’s Health. Leah S. Millheiser, MD, is a clinical professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Stanford Medicine. Kimberly Langdon, MD, is a retired ob-gyn with 19 years of clinical practice.
10 Causes Of Vaginal Itching
1. You have bacterial vaginosis (BV).
Bacterial vaginosis is a condition caused by bacterial overgrowth and a pH imbalance in the vagina, per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Itching isn’t the primary symptom of BV—the hallmarks are typically loose, gray discharge, a strong vaginal odor, and general irritation—though it definitely can make you itchy, too.
To treat it, you can try an OTC medication like RepHresh to up the acidity of your vagina, according to says Mary Jane Minkin, MD, an ob-gyn and a clinical professor at Yale University School of Medicine. It sounds counterintuitive, but acidity in the vagina is a good thing since it kills off bad bacteria, she explains. If OTC meds don’t work, schedule a visit with your doc because you might need prescription antibiotics.
And while BV is not sexually transmitted (researchers don’t know its exact cause, per the CDC) you should refrain from sex and avoid douching if you have or are being treated for BV, says Suzanne Bovone, MD, an ob-gyn at Pediatrix Medical Group.
2. You could have a skin condition.
Eczema, psoriasis, and contact dermatitis might be making that itch in your pants run wild. “Eczema and psoriasis can occur due to an allergy or autoimmune issue,” says Natasha Chinn, MD, an ob-gyn with Brescia and Migliaccio Women’s Health. Eczema often appears in the crevices of arms, folds, the groin area, and on the labia, she explains, and psoriasis can also emerge on the skin around the vagina.
You may also be dealing with contact dermatitis, says Dr. Minkin. “Soaps, detergents, bubble baths, a new kind of underwear, or any new products at all that come in contact with your vagina [can cause itching],” she says. Pads and tampons, condoms, lubricants, shaving products, and even toilet paper may also be to blame (stick to hypoallergenic stuff if you’re sensitive).
Psoriasis sometimes warrants a prescription for an oral pill, Dr. Chinn says. You can also treat the itch with an Epsom salt bath or a hydrocortisone cream applied externally, and wait a few days to see if the itch resolves.
3. You might have a yeast infection.
Vaginal yeast infections—which occur due to overgrowth of the yeast (a type of fungus) called Candida—are probably the first thing people think of when they feel discomfort down there. “A cottage cheese-like discharge, redness around the labia and vulva, and itching are all classic signs of a yeast infection,” Dr. Minkin says.
That said, only about one-third of women who experience itching and irritation truly do have a yeast infection, she says. The easiest way to tell which category you fall into is to use an OTC treatment like Monistat. You can try a 3-day or 7-day yeast infection treatment over a 1-day course, Dr. Bovone says, but if symptoms persist, visit your doctor.
4. You could have a sexually transmitted infection (STI).
Itching isn't really a classic symptom of most STIs, though it can sometimes be a first sign that something is up, says Dr. Minkin. From there, symptoms may progress to burning, painful urination, smelly discharge, genital sores, or painful intercourse, at which point you should definitely head to your ob-gyn for a vaginal culture.
Here are the STIs most commonly associated with vaginal itchiness:
- Genital warts. Genital warts are small, flat, flesh-colored bumps or tiny, cauliflower-like bumps that appear on the skin, resulting from exposure to the human papillomavirus. “This type of STI can shift the pH in the vagina, which then causes dryness and itching," says Dr. Chinn.
- Herpes. Genital herpes causes clusters of red, blistery bumps on the vulva, which come and go as outbreaks. You may experience itching in the areas the sores appear in even before they show up.
- Chlamydia. Chlamydial infections will usually not show any symptoms. But in rarer cases, chlamydia can lead to itching and irritation of the genital area, discomfort when urinating, and an unusual discharge.
- Gonorrhea. Gonorrhea is an infection of the genitals, rectum, or throat. Symptoms can include itching, increased vaginal discharge, and a painful or burning sensation when peeing.
- Trichomoniasis. This STI is caused by an infection from a protozoan parasite called Trichomonas vaginalis. Only about 30 percent of people with the infection show symptoms, but they can include itching, burning, redness, or soreness of the genitals.
There are many ways to treat STIs, and you should consult a trusted medical professional if you suspect you have one, says Dr. Minkin. Some STIs require antibiotics, like cefatriaxone for gonorrhea, or azithromycin and tetracycline for chlamydia. Herpes, on the other hand, can be treated with valacyclovir, an antiviral medication. The best ways to avoid getting HPV are to wear condoms during sex, get vaccinated, and make sure your partner does the same.
5. You're going through hormonal changes.
Hormone fluctuation during your menstrual cycle means you might end up with drier vaginal tissue than normal, which can cause itching. Pregnancy can cause vaginal itchiness and dryness, too, since the vaginal biome’s typical pH is disrupted, says Dr. Dweck. Discomfort can also occur during perimenopause thanks to the drop in estrogen, says Dr. Minkin.
An OTC moisturizer like Replens might provide relief for internal itching for about three days, Dr. Minkin says. Your provider can also give you a prescription estrogen cream for any external itching. (And if vaginal dryness is impacting your sex life, adding lube down there can help).
Replens Long-Lasting Vaginal Feminine Moisturizer
Replens Long-Lasting Vaginal Feminine Moisturizer
6. You have a urinary tract infection (UTI).
A urinary tract infection is a bacterial infection that crops up anywhere in your urinary tract (read: kidneys, urethra, ureters, and bladder), and will commonly cause pelvic pain, a strong urge to pee, a burning sensation while urinating, an inability to release all urine at once, and cloudy or foul-smelling urine.
But it can also cause itching in the form of a tingling, irritated sensation, especially if the infection is located near your urethra, says Dr. Minkin. If you’re concerned, book an appointment with your doctor ASAP and get a urinalysis to check for the presence of bacteria (which an antibiotic can clear up).
7. Your beauty treatments are to blame.
Women have grown more preoccupied with the appearance of their vulvas over the past few decades, says Dr. Minkin. Beauty treatments like charcoal vulva masks (basically a facial for your vagina) and vaginal steaming are popular, but they could cause irritation, she says. “The vulva tissue is the most sensitive, delicate tissue in the body,” she adds. “Treat it with respect and a gentle hand. The less stuff you do to it, the better.”
If you regularly shave your bikini area, you’re prone to razor burn and razor bumps. "When we wax or shave anywhere on the body, we disrupt the skin's integrity,” says Dr. Chinn. “Redness, itching, and burning can occur if you're sensitive to it.” Keep your skin dry and clean and use hypoallergenic creams and lotions if you must use a product, Dr. Chinn says. You may also need to stop waxing, wax less frequently, change up your shaving products, or try a different method, like sugaring hair removal.
Finally, step away from the tanning beds—they up your risk of developing skin cancer, and tanning in the nude can burn the skin around the vagina. “Redness and peeling of the skin causes itching—that's what tends to happen when women go to a tanning bed,” says Dr. Chinn.
8. You have vulvar cancer.
Vulvar cancer—which is caused by an abnormal growth of cancerous cells in the vulva—is a rare cancer typically diagnosed in older women, says Carroll Medeiros, MD, an ob-gyn at Partners in Obstetrics and Gynecology. Most women don't notice they have it until a doctor sees an irregularity, like a lesion on their skin, she explains.
The discomfort also tends to be localized, Dr. Medeiros says. "The kind of itching you have from a vulvar malignancy tends to turn into pain really quickly. As the cancer grows superficially and deeply, it pinches upon nerves and causes pain," she adds.
Although vulvar cancer may cause itching, you'll probably experience other symptoms like skin changes, too. The condition is rare, but if you're concerned, it's best to consult your doctor who can take a closer look.
9. You have lichen planus or lichen sclerosus.
Lichen planus is "a condition that happens when your immune system attacks cells of the skin or mucous membranes (like the vagina)," Dr. White explains. Swelling, itching, and irritation are prevalent symptoms, especially when they occurs in the vaginal area, says Dr. Medeiros. People with lichen planus may also notice painful sores and blisters.
Similarly, lichen sclerosus is a patchy white rash that causes intense itching in your genital area (though it can appear on other parts of the body, too). People in their 40s and 50s are most often affected, but it's pretty rare, and it impacts just one to two percent of the world's population, Dr. White says.
A lichen sclerosus rash can often mimic vulvar cancer, so its appearance may complicate things a little, says Dr. Minkin. “In young women, it’s more likely to be lichen sclerosus than cancer, but I’ll often bring patients back in a few weeks to see how it’s looking, especially if they are older,” says Dr. Minkin. “We want to make sure we’re not missing cancer, so if it hasn’t cleared up with steroids, I may do a biopsy to scan it.”
While medical professionals still don't know why it happens, the good news is that it isn't contagious. A topical low-potency or high-potency steroid is the mainstay treatment for lichen planus and lichen sclerosus, but Dr. Medeiros recommends consulting a dermatologist to figure out the best treatment.
10. You might have pubic lice.
No one wants to think about bugs crawling around on any part of their body, but especially not down there. Unfortunately, that’s exactly what pubic lice (a.k.a. crabs) is: an easily transmittable infestation of little bugs in your genital area—specifically on your pubis—that cause a major itch. There are two reasons for the sensation: the bites from the crabs and the eggs (nits) they lay on your skin, both of which cause irritation, Dr. Chinn says.
Having sex isn’t even the only way to get pubic lice. “They’re passed from skin to skin,” says Dr. Chinn. “[For example], you go to a dirty hotel and there are nits or lice in the sheets you slept on, and then you go home to your partner and have sex. Or maybe you loan your sister your pants and [she] had them, then you wear the pants and the crabs crawl into the vaginal area." Like head lice, this condition can be treated with an OTC medication like permethrin cream.
How Vaginal Itching Is Diagnosed
If you’re concerned about vaginal itching, the following symptoms are indicators that you need to check in with your gyno, according to Kimberly Langdon, MD, a retired ob-gyn, and Leah S. Millheiser, MD, a clinical professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Stanford Medicine.
- An abnormal vaginal discharge associated with itching
- Any sort of rash or lumps
- Burning or pain
- Changes in the appearance of the vulvar skin associated with itching
- Excoriation of the labia minora, perineum
- Foul-smelling discharge
- Lesions of the vulva that cause itching
- Moderate to severe persistent itching
- Swelling of the labia minora
- White cottage cheese-like discharge
If vaginal itchiness does not go away with washing, drying, and a change of panties, Dr. Langdon says you should see your doctor ASAP. From there, your doctor will discuss each symptom and inquire how many days you’ve noticed each sensation, says Dr. Dweck. Your provider will also address medical history, such as diabetes, immune problems, and infections to diagnose the itch as well, Dr. Dweck adds.
Finally, your doctor will examine any patterns related to your itchiness to diagnose potential allergies or dermatological issues. Should there not be a pattern, they will likely perform a urinalysis. In rare instances, should the itching persist for a long time, your doctor may perform a biopsy, according to Dr. Minkin.
Treatment For Vaginal Itching
Home Remedies For Vaginal Itching
- Use coconut oil. Massage a thin layer of coconut oil post-shower (or when your skin is damp and clean) to moisturize and soothe the skin, says Dr. Bovone. “This is not a treatment for yeast, but it is an option to use in the event that itching is from dryness,” she says.
- Use a cold compress. Applying an ice pack to the vulva can sometimes relieve itching, but do not put ice directly on your skin and make sure you place a clean cloth in-between, Dr. Dweck says.
- Try an oatmeal bath. Doing a baking soda soak or oatmeal bath for 10 to 15 minutes at a time (a few times a day) can help, Dr. White says. For the soak, just add four to five tablespoons of baking soda to lukewarm water and relax.
Medical Treatment For Vaginal Itching
- For A Yeast Infection: OTC creams like Monistat can get rid of the infection in most cases, Dr. Dweck says.
- For Rash Caused By External Irritant: An OTC hydrocortisone cream can be helpful, Dr. Dweck says. You’d only need prescription-strength cortisone if your symptoms are severe.
- For UTIs: See your doctor for a prescription antibiotic.
- For STIs: See your doctor for a prescription antibiotic.
- For Hormonal Changes: An OTC moisturizer such as Replens can bring relief, says Dr. Minkin. Additionally, your doctor can prescribe an estrogen cream.
- For Bacterial Vaginosis: An OTC medication like RepHresh to up the acidity of your vagina, recommends Dr. Minkin.
- For Lichen Planus: Your doctor will likely prescribe a topical low-potency or high-potency steroid, says Dr. Medeiros. Though, a dermatologist might have a more specialized treatment plan.
How To Prevent Vaginal Itching
Avoid harsh cleansers and body washes, says Dr. Medeiros. Instead, go for products like a Dove fragrance-free wash. Her rule of thumb is, if you wouldn't put it on your face, don't put it near your vagina. You also only need your fingers, soap, and water—no washcloths or loofahs, Dr. White adds.
When getting out of the shower, be sure to pat your vulva dry—don’t rub, Dr. White says. And make sure you buy soft, white, unscented toilet paper. You don’t need to use any powders, sprays, or scented wipes on your vulva either, as it’s normal for your vagina to have its own natural scent, Dr. White says.
If you find that you’re sensitive to menstrual hygiene products, try swapping out your usual ones for organic cotton tampons and pads, or a medical-grade silicone menstrual cup, Dr. Dweck says. And yes, your undies can cause vaginal itchiness, too. Opt for 100 percent moisture-wicking panties, and don’t let yourself linger in any wet workout clothes or bathing suits when you wear them, Dr. Dweck advises.
Try not to use fabric softener or dryer sheets on your underwear, Dr. White advises. Instead, opt for a fragrance-free detergent. Finally, if your vagina is already itchy and it gets worse after condom use, try polyurethane condoms instead of latex, Dr. White says.
Maria Serra is a freelance writer at Women’s Health. With a never-ending curiosity about all things sex, relationships, and wellness, she is always on the hunt for the latest studies and even sexy tech advancements. When not reading or writing *spicy* articles, she can be found performing comedy in Cleveland or chilling with her old pug-chihuahua Bobbie—who is definitely a source of joke material. Follow her on Twitter/X.
Suzanne Bovone, MD, is a board-certified ob-gyn at Pediatrix Medical Group in San Jose, California.
