Understanding Vaginal irritation

Vaginal irritation is experienced when soreness or itchiness, coupled by pain and burning, is felt near or around the vagina and the vulva. This irritation may be brought about by a lot of causes and you should try to ascertain the primary reason triggering such as it might lead to a more serious case of infection.

Possible Sources of Vaginal Irritation

A lot of factors may trigger the irritation that you feel in your vagina. The more serious concern would be if the irritation is a symptom that you are suffering from a vaginal infection or vaginitis. Being familiar with what these infections are could help you address and cure the irritation you are currently encountering.

The three most prevalent vaginal infections are the following:

1. Bacterial vaginosis - Of the three, this is the condition usually experienced by at least 50% of the total number of women suffering from vaginitis. This happens when the bacteria present in the vagina abnormally increases in number. Among the symptoms of this type of infection is vaginal irritation accompanied with foul-smelling discharge, burning feeling and pain.

2. Vaginal yeast infection - primarily caused by the overgrowth of a certain fungi located in the vagina. As an adverse effect of this condition, the lips of the vagina also known as the labia, as well as the vagina itself becomes enlarged and red causing severe irritation on that location.

These infections are common among pregnant women and diabetes. It may also be a side effect after taking antibiotics as well as birth control medicines.

3. Trichomoniasis - this infection is a STD as the parasite causing this condition can survive in both the female and male external organs.

There are a lot of causes of vaginal irritation. The irritation may be brought about by the following activities and products:

1. Certain types of condoms, spermicides and cervical cups may irritate the skin of the vagina.

2. Sensitivity to perfumes and scented products, sprays, powders and lotions.

Treating the infection to abate the irritation

1. In case of bacterial vaginosis, taking antibiotics is the best remedy. Try to get the doctor's expert opinion first and get a prescription before buying any brand of antibiotics that are available over-the-counter. The doctor may suggest that you apply a certain gel.

2. For yeast infections, the irritation felt in the external genitals may be eased with the application of anti-fungal creams that are available without a prescription.

3. In cases of STD such as trichomoniasis, a trip to the doctor is essential so that the appropriate drug prescriptions may be dispensed without any delay. Since this condition is the most serious among the three infections, you should strictly follow the prescribed dosages given by the doctor in order to cure such infection.

Prevention is the key. Clean your vagina as often as necessary. Try to learn and practice hygienic procedures. Stick to using underwear made of cotton only. Vaginal irritation may be avoided by refraining from using tight-fitting clothes and perfumes or other scented products like soaps and detergents.