Would I be right in saying you`re here because you have a sore vagina or, that your vagina is seriously and inconveniently itchy all the time. Should you have reason to be concerned over this, no because both problems can be sorted, that is, if they are caused by the everyday woman`s troubles we generally know of. Other factors for giving way for a sore itchy vagina developing are due to vaginal infections which thankfully are treatable and curable. Your sore vagina could be stemming from excessive scratching. If this is not the case in your case you are not worry till you have had your GP examine you. It is perfectly normal for the vagina to be itchy from time to time. Not for one minute are you to embarrass yourself over this, and if the answer to your problem is not covered in this article then go and see the doctor.
Scratching your vagina is not something you should be ashamed of because an itch can occur at any time, and on any part of the body, so why should the vagina be any different. Nevertheless it is not nice having to scratch your bits while in company, or more of an inconvenience having to leave that company every few minutes to relieve it. People jump to conclusions when they see someone continually itch at their private parts. The first thing that springs to mind is the scratcher has pubic lice (crabs) or maybe a venereal disease. There are several causes which can be held accountable for a vaginal itch, so we need to look to the one that is giving you the problem.
Thrush
One infection known for causing a vaginal itch is vaginal thrush, which affects the vaginal opening and surrounding skin. There are three regular infections we connect with causing an itchy vagina. If it is vulval soreness that is the complaint then it could be bacterial vaginosis, trichomonas vaginalis or herpes simplex.
The fungal organism called Candida albicans which naturally live in the human body we know as thrush. Candida albicans develop in sizeable groups in the genital area causing thrush. One major symptom of this specific infection is vaginal discharge which shows white, thick and has a yeasty odor. It also irritates the vulva making it itchy red and sore. It can also cause a painful rectal itch too. Omitting some sexually transmitted diseases, most vaginal infections are treated with antifungal drugs, vaginal creams, and vaginal pessaries. Although meant to cure, some medications created for treating the inside of the vagina can cause burning and skin irritation similar to thrush infection symptoms.
Not all medications are devised purposely for the nether regions, they come in oral form too. If you`re pregnant or breastfeeding talk with GP before using vaginal treatments. It is possible to mis-use treatments for relief so it is of the utmost importance that you get advice because you may do more damage than good. Using the wrong solution or remedy can result in long-standing vulval problems. Thrush is not a STi and its symptoms don`t always affect men but may present as balanitis or a non-specific urethritis (NSU.)
Thrush Treatments
Pessaries and creams work directly at the spot of infection. Pessaries are bullet-shaped tablets that can be either hard or waxy. There are two types of creams used to treat thrush: vaginal and vulval. Vaginal creams work internally and, like pessaries, are inserted into the vagina. Vulval creams are usually used with an internal treatment, to help soothe and treat itching outside the vagina. Using pessaries or other can be messy a process so it's best for late night insertion. Use a panty liner to protect your underwear because medications can come colored and easily stain your clothes. The active ingredient contained in pessaries and creams may be clotrimazole, econazole, fenticonazole, miconazole or nystatin. Nystatin differs from other drugs. It is a more general antifungal that works against a variety of fungi and yeast. It can take longer and may be less effective at curing thrush than the other antifungal preparations.
Bacterial Vaginosis
Bacterial Vaginosis is much akin to the thrush infection - symptoms i.e. soreness, burning and itching of the vulva. BV is not a condition that usually develops redness and swelling, nevertheless because we all differ as with illnesses to, you can never be too sure what to expect. The BV infection is primarily to blame for the unpleasant fishy odor. In appearance BV discharge is normally a greyish/white. The vagina consists of good bacteria and when this is gone it gives an opening for the bad bacteria to enter resulting in maybe Bacterial Vaginosis. BV is the more severe over thrush because; internal infection (pelvic inflammatory disease) can happen from this.
Bacterial Vaginosis Treatments
Metronidazole is normally tablets which are prescribed as treatment for BV. Metronidazole clears BV in about 7-8 in 10 cases. A week's course would normally include taking 400 mg twice a day. A single dose of 2 grams is an alternative, although this may be less effective and may cause more side-effects. Metronidazole vaginal gel or clindamycin vaginal cream placed inside the vagina can be used if you prefer a topical treatment, or have nasty side-effects with metronidazole tablets.
Trichomonas Vaginalis
Trichomonas Vaginalis Trich for short is another problem causing vulva soreness, reddening and inflammation. One symptom connected with Trich is a frothy yellow and greenish discharge. It may also cause pain to the woman when urinating. The organism accountable is a parasite in the vaginal mucus. It multiples when penetrative sex is practiced where exchange of vaginal fluid takes place.
Trichomonas Vaginalis Treatment
Treatment of trichomonas is antibiotic tablets. Antibiotic are taken either as a single dose or a longer course (up to 7 days). If there is a high chance of you having the infection, medication may be given before the results of the test are back. There are no treatments that you can buy for this over the chemist counter without a prescription and there is no evidence that complementary therapies can cure trichomonas.
Herpes Simplex
Herpes Simplex is a viral infection and not solely one that you might believe affects the mouth only (cold sore.) It does in fact consist of two types - Herpes simplex type 1 which is the cold sore one you may know of. Type 2 is more known for affecting the genitals. Vagina and vulva sores happen with this and painful too. You can experience pain if urine steams over the genital sores. Itchy, swollen glands in the groin and, general flu-like symptoms are other discomforts from Type 2 Herpes simplex.
While there are no known cures for herpes, there are several safe medications to reduce outbreaks. Research continues to improve treatment methods and to eliminate outbreaks. See your dermatologist or GP if you have any worries of the above mentioned conditions.
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