S/P Valentines Day Symptoms: Not so private discussion about private parts and private matters.

Good day after Valentine’s Day ladies. Many of us have indulged in extra carbs, chocolate, sweets and intimacy the past few days and we believe this might be a good time to have a private talk about private things in our private parts. Vaginal itching, is a common issue many of us have dealt with but might feel too uncomfortable to talk about.  When we experience an intermittent or uncomfortable constant itch, we want to find relief ASAP but first, we must figure out what’s going on in our private parts and the cause/reason for the itch.

Frequent Reasons for  Vaginal Itching 

While there are many causes why we ladies may be feeling an itch or irritation, most (not all)  are generally not worrisome and easily treatable.  Here are some of the most common ones. 

Yeast Infections: This one is probably the most common reasons for vaginal itching.  Most women have had a yeast infection, and know how horribly uncomfortable they can be. Yeast infections are caused by an overgrowth of "Candida", a type of fungus that naturally resides in your vagina. Here’s a few common symptoms/ signs to look for: 

• Intense itching or burning 
• Redness or swelling around the vulva 
• Most women will experience at least one yeast infection in their lifetime. Pregnancy, diabetes, and antibiotic use can increase your chances of developing an infection. Luckily, yeast infections are treatable with anti-fungal creams or pills, which can be purchased over-the-counter or through a brief consult with your provider.

Bacterial Vaginosis (BV): BV is another common cause of vaginal itching, Some of these symptoms, in particular, the oder, can be quite apparent and frankly, embarrassing.  Approximately 20-30% of women will experience this infection which occurs when the  bacterial vaginal balance is off—too much bad bacteria/not enough good bacteria. You might notice these symptoms if you have BV:

• Fishy smelling thin, grayish discharge, really pronounced after sex
• Itching or irritation around the vaginal opening 
• A burning sensation during urination 
• Although BV is not considered a sexually transmitted infection (STI), it makes you more susceptible to getting one, therefore it’s important to be evaluated if the symptoms persist for a few days and do not spontaneously resolve.  BV is usually treated with antibiotics that can be prescribed by your Women’s Health Provider, which will help restore the balance in your vagina. There are also natural lifestyle changes that prevent BV from recurring going forward that we promote and encourage.

 Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): The  “itch” in your privates could be related to something more worrisome like a sexually transmitted infection. While most STI’s are treatable,  if you’re sexually active, we recommend to get tested regularly, especially if you have had unprotected sex or recently had a new sexual partner. These are a few STIs that may cause itching: 

• Chlamydia: general screening is recommended  because many people don’t have any symptoms at all. You can however have itching, abnormal discharge, or burning when you urinate. Chlamydia is one of the most common STIs in the U.S. (about 1.7 million new cases each year) according to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control) and can cause pelvic inflammatory disease and infertility if not treated properly and in a timely manner.
• Gonorrhea: Similar to chlamydia, can cause vaginal itching along with yellowish-green discharge and pain during urination. It is the second most common cause of Pelvic inflammatory disease, chronic pelvic pain and infertility.  
• Trichomoniasis: Is caused by a single cell parasite with a tail, which can cause itching, a strong-smelling discharge, buring with urination, and discomfort during sex. It’s generally treated with antibiotics. 
• Herpes: If you have blisters or sores along with the itching, you could be diagnosed with herpes. Genital herpes can cause itching or burning before the blisters occur. While it’s not curable, there are medications that can help reduce outbreaks and symptoms and diminish the risk of passing the virus to future partners.  
• If you think you might have or been exposed to a sexually transmitted infection, call your women’s health provider right away.  Women Wise Holistic  Healthcare and Wellness offers  testing and treatment in a discreet and confidential and comforting manner . The sooner you catch an STI, generally, the easier it is to treat. 

Allergic Irritations/Reactions: Not only can some people experience skin irritation on their bodies with lotions, soaps or shampoos, laundry soaps etc, the same is true for your  vagina and private parts.   Here are a few culprits/offenders, especially if any of these are new products that you may have just recently tried…

• Scented soaps or body washes: The ingredients used such as chemicals, dyes and fragrances may be too harsh for the sensitive, skin of our private parts.
• Perfumed ANYTHING especially  tampons, pads, wipes or feminine hygiene products with fragrances can cause irritation for many women. 
• Synthetic fabrics in underwear, work out gear and wearing tight clothing including jeans can trap moisture, which may lead to an itchy feeling and also increase the risk of yeast and BV. 
• Utilizing hypoallergenic products, 100% cotton underwear, getting out of work out clothes and bathing immediately, may help reduce your itching and risk of developing vaginal infections, irritation and itching.

  Hormonal Shifts: Hormonal changes from menstrual cycle, menopause,  pregnancy or breast feeding, changes the PH of our vagina and increases the risk for infection and irritation.

• Pregnancy: Our hormones, estrogen and progesterone are very high and this can increase the chances of developing a yeast infection, which can cause itching. 
• Menopause: Estrogen levels drop, Ph changes occur and diminsh our natural vaginal defenses, which in combination with vaginal and vular tisssues thinning, can lead to vaginal dryness and irritation. 
• Menses: Many  women notice more itching during or right after their period. This can be due to PH changes related to a recent menses and low estrogen levels or just from extra moisture from pads or tampons that can cause non specific skin irritation and breakdown and  also increase the risk of yeast. 

Time to call your dedicated Women’s Health Provider: If the itching is constant, you notice unusual discharge, burning with urination, pain, lesions or sores, we recommend you call your dedicated women’s  health provider verses going to urgent care. They are the most experienced folks to handle your health care concerns. Here at Women Wise Holistic Healthcare and Wellness,  we also have same day appointments. No matter what your issue or health concern is regarding infection, irritation, or hormonal changes, it can be treated or prevented. If you’re experiencing itching that lasts more than a few days and are unsure of the cause,  please give us a call. Your body, mind and spirit are depending on it. Wishing you the blessings of good health and inner peace.