Itching of the vulva can have several causes: dermatological, infectious (bacteria, virus), irritant, or even inflammatory. They can especially occur after sex and are more common during pregnancy.

The vulva refers to all of a woman’s external genitalia, which protects the entrance to the vagina. It is located at the bottom of the abdomen, between the pubis and the anus. Ovoid in shape, it has a median slit (called the vulvar slit) which divides it into two labia majora. They cover the labia minora, which meet in front and above to form the hood of the clitoris (the female erectile organ). The vulva is topped with triangular-shaped hair. From a physiological point of view, the vulva is involved in three functions:

• urination;
• childbirth;
• sexual intercourse.

The itching of the vulva, which is called vulvar pruritus, may simply be due to the use of toiletries not suited to the delicacy of this area of ​​the woman’s body or to various diseases or ailments.

Itching of the vulva is a symptom that appears in many diseases or conditions:

• irritation due to the use of acid soaps, detergents, antiseptics, certain bubble baths or bath salts, detergents, local deodorants or even certain drugs applied locally;
• a dermatological condition: likeeczema, Psoriasis, sclero-atrophic lichen or vaginal yeast infection;
• an allergy ;
• bacterial infection;
• an infection caused by a protozoan, such as trichomonase ;
• infection with a lice (pubic louse);
• a yeast infection, most often due to a fungus called candida albicans;
• vulvitis, ie inflammation of the vulva (due to the presence of a fungus, virus, or bacteria);
• a viral infection, such asherpes ;
• or cancer of the vulva.

Itching is not the only characteristic symptoms of these diseases or conditions. Burning sensations, local pain, redness or even vaginal discharge may accompany them.

Itching of the vulva after sex

If itchy vulva occurs after sex, then they may be a sign of a sexually transmitted infection, such as vulvar yeast infection, herpes vulva, trichomoniasis, or even a lice infection.

Itching of the vulva during pregnancy

During pregnancy, yeast infections (due to the fungus candida albicans) are more common and are accompanied by itching of the vulva.

Note that itching of the vulva in postmenopausal women is often due to vulvar kraurosis, a dermatological disease.

The itching of the vulva causes the scratching of this area, and can therefore cause lesions, bring in germs and thus lead to local infection.

It is also important to note that in many cases itching is one of the first symptoms of a disease or condition. To ignore it is to risk seeing the disease worsen.

The gynecologist will take a mycobacteriological sample to identify the cause of the itching and thus offer an appropriate treatment.

Some of the treatments it can offer include:

• soothing soaps specially designed for this delicate area of ​​the female body;
• in antifungals;
• antibacterials;
• anti-inflammatory drugs;
• Pain relievers can also help relieve the pain caused by the itching.

In order to try to prevent the occurrence of conditions causing itching, it is important:

• have good personal hygiene and use mild soaps;
• avoid wearing tight clothes;
• and above all to avoid scratching.