Many women experience the discomfort and frustration of an itchy vagina at some point. Most often, this comes from an imbalance in the vagina’s ecosystem from an overgrowth of yeast (thrush) or bacteria (bacterial vaginosis). Sometimes, it is a result of using a product or clothing irritation. The fantastic news is that, through the incorporation of some simple habits, you can minimise the risk of itchy vagina.
Your Guide to Preventing Vulvovaginal Itch
Understanding the underlying causes helps you in outlining preventative measures. With minor changes to your lifestyle, you can balance your vaginal health and get rid of complications that lead to itching. Here are the seven most effective ways that will aid in preventing vaginal health:
- 1. Prioritise Gentle Cleansing
Overly fragrant washes, soaps, and douches can harm the vagina. These chemicals can disrupt the natural protective oil and pH balance, which could lead to further irritation and infection, such as bacterial vaginosis. Simply cleansing with warm water daily preserves the natural defences without irritation and/or infection caused by chemicals while also helping to protect the healthy bacteria.
- 2. Choose Breathable Clothing
Fabrics such as nylon are synthetic and can trap heat and moisture. Such fabrics create a breeding ground for yeast and bacteria, leading to thrush and irritation. Wearing the right innerwear made of breathable cotton ensures airflow, thus targeting moisture accumulation, which helps reduce moisture levels and keeps the area drier. (Source: Wiley Online Library)
Like many Australian health stipulations available on the Better Health Channel, this recommendation also supports the idea of increased airflow not only improving vulvovaginal health but also aiding in the prevention of other health issues, which can be due to excessive moisture.
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- 3. Steer Clear of Potential Irritants
Commonly used products like scented pads, toilet paper, tampons, and harsh laundry detergents or soaps contain perfumes or harsh chemicals. These chemicals can be problematic for the sensitive skin of the vulva as they can trigger irritations or allergic reactions. By stepping away from these irritants, you can reduce the likelihood of suffering from contact dermatitis or allergic reactions.
- 4. Change Out of Damp Clothing Promptly
Lingering in damp swimwear or sweaty gym gear creates a warm, moist environment ideal for the overgrowth of yeast and bacteria. Changing promptly into dry clothes limits this exposure, reducing the chance of developing infections like thrush. This practical step helps manage moisture, a key factor often highlighted in advice on preventing vaginal irritation, directly targeting the conditions favourable for yeast and bacterial growth.
- 5. Wipe Wisely: Front to Back
Wiping from back to front after using the toilet can transfer bacteria like E. coli from the anus to the vagina and urethra. Adopting the front-to-back wiping technique prevents this transfer, significantly reducing the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs) and bacterial vaginosis, which can cause discomfort and itching. This targets the introduction of harmful bacteria from the rectal area. research in the Journal of Midwifery & Women’s Health indicated that certain genital hygiene habits, including wiping direction, may influence the occurrence of BV.
- 6. Support Your Gut and Vaginal Flora
Maintaining good overall and gut health supports your body’s natural defences, including the balance of beneficial bacteria (flora) in the vagina. Antibiotics, while necessary sometimes, can disrupt this balance, potentially leading to thrush. Supporting your microflora through diet and perhaps considering specific probiotics after antibiotic use may help restore equilibrium and target imbalances in the vaginal microbiota. Try antibiotics and probiotics to maintain your healthy vaginal microflora and microbiome.
- 7. Practise Safer Intimacy
There are certain infections like trichomoniasis that transmit during intimacy through intimate contact (STIs) and cause extreme vaginal itching. Consistently practising safer intimacy by using protection significantly reduces the chances of acquiring these infections, directly mitigating the STIs as a cause of concern.
Probiotics – Your Path to Vaginal Health
You can adopt these straightforward practices and effectively curb the problem of vaginal irritation along with nurturing your genital health. Proactive genital hygiene, lifestyle choices, and being attentive to bodily signals indisputably enhance overall health.
Also, you can rely on probiotics to improve your natural defences against vaginal and skin irritation. Probiotics are good bacteria that keep harmful bacteria and fungi in check. Ensuring that your body features a good number and variety of good bacteria will empower your body’s immunity to fight these conditions naturally.
Probiotic supplements like ARRAVITE’s Healthy Microflora Probiotics can supply eight types of beneficial bacteria to replenish them in your system. Using probiotics is always a better choice than antibiotics, as antibiotics can kill off good bacteria along with the bad ones and weaken your immunity. In comparison, probiotics will strengthen your natural defences against most infections.
However, even the most potent and promising probiotics do not diminish the importance of medical consultation. So, if you experience persistent, severe, or worrying itching or notice unusual discharge or odour, always consult your doctor or a healthcare professional for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Resources:
- 1. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/htj.20220
- 2. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9948277
