I decided to write another article about vaginal itching since I continue to get loads of enquiries about it and just the other day, I saw a woman dip her fingers into her wrapper and dig away. She itched as if she was searching for something, she took her time and did it till she realised she wasn't alone, I felt embarrassed on her behalf. Such a scenario would be funny to someone else but for me it wasn't. I know that at one point or another, most pubertal ladies and adults would have such irritations with its accompanying low self esteem.
For most women that have no form of sexual arousal disorder and enjoy sex with their spouses, vaginal itching is a major set back. If it becomes chronic, it may lead to a decrease in libido and low self esteem. So the woman is preoccupied with concerns about the itching, attributes it to a sexually transmitted infection and so sex is a no go area.
Contrary to that, vaginal itching is a wierd symptom because the person actually derives pleasure from itching. Some of the affected women have actually said they enjoy sex during this period because the thrusting activity of the penis is like using a big stick to scratch the areas that itch! This probably is a reason why some women do not seek help early in the course of a vagina disease. This may also be the reason why some infections become chronic.... sexual activities should be on hold during this period.
Most women attribute vaginal itch to an STD(sexually transmitted disease), but the truth is that not all vaginal itch is due to an STD. Discharge flows from the vagina daily as the body’s way of maintaining a normal healthy environment. Normal discharge is usually clear or milky with no malodor. A change in the amount, color, or smell,irritation or itching or burning feelings could be due to an imbalance of healthy bacteria in the vagina, leading to vaginitis (inflammation of the vagina) . This is the most common gynecologic condition encountered and diagnosis is based on the presence of symptoms of abnormal discharge, vulvovaginal discomfort(itching, pain), or both.
The most common causes of vaginal itching are bacterial vaginosis, trichomoniasis, candidiasis and vulval cancer. Factors that alter the normal vaginal flora can increase the risk of vaginal itching, these include feminine hygiene products, contraceptives, vaginal medications, antibiotics, tobacco use, sexually transmitted diseases,unprotected sexual intercourse, stress, damp or tight-fitting clothing, scented detergents and soaps, feminine sprays, and poor hygiene.
Most people try over-the-counter drug treatment and get great results ,others with recurrent itching get cured by seeing a GP or gynecologist. However, recurrent and chronic vaginal infections can lead to chronic irritation, excoriation, and scarring. These, in turn, can lead to sexual dysfunction, psychosocial and emotional stress. Chronic vaginal infection can facilitate the transmission of various STDs, including HIV. It can also lead to endometritis and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).
Preventing vaginal itching include avoiding those risk factors I mentioned above. An increase in the intake of garlic seems to help alleviate symptoms. Reducing simple carbohydrates, refined foods, and alcohol helps to reduce frequent/persistent yeast infection.
Sex is an important part of a relationship and most people suffer in silence with no one to talk to about their sexual problems. You can help them by telling them about this blog/ www.doclaitan.blogspot.com. This is where to read about things you cannot talk about and learn facts about your curiosities.
All questions and enquiries should be sent to doclaitan@gmail.com.
Cheers,
Doc Laitan
