When you suddenly feel an ~actual~ itch in your vagina, don't panic, and don't be embarrassed. It's super important to deal with it like a real woman who is totally in charge of her body. Let's get down to business, shall we? Here, we listed down the possible causes of itchiness and what to do about it:
Possible Cause #1: Poor Quality of Intimate Items
The skin around your privates is sensitive, so the area can be irritated by poor quality condoms, sanitary pads, or old razors used for shaving, leading to itchy sensations. Scented pads and tampons can also be irritating to the skin.
What to do: Look for hypoallergenic products, and never settle for any item just because they're the cheapest in the market.
Possible Cause #2: Being Tamad with Your Hygiene
Guilty of not changing your sanitary pads or pantyliners regularly? Skipping washing your vagina after sex or using the wrong soaps? These can lead to infections and disrupt the pH balance of your vagina, which leads to dryness and itchiness.
What to do: Make an effort to be particular with your hygiene! It will save you from discomfort and other problems in the long haul.
Possible Cause #3: Yeast Infection
Lactobacilli bacteria are healthy microbes responsible for maintaining the right vaginal pH (which is normally slightly acidic). This slight acidity guards you from the growth of yeast. However, when the vaginal pH increases or becomes more alkaline, you become more prone to developing vaginal yeast infection.
The usual suspects: antibiotics that kill the good bacteria when you take them inappropriately (read: not according to your doctor's prescription) and a warm, moist environment, which happens when you sit in your wet bikini all day. The result: thick, white discharge (that looks like cottage cheese) and an annoying itchiness around the vaginal opening—the kind you can't ignore.
What to do: Consult your gynecologist to check if it's really a yeast infection. Once confirmed, talk to your gyne about using Clotrimazole (Canesten) Vaginal Tablet to take care of the situation. Yes, it's a tablet that needs to be applied straight to your vagina. Don't panic! It isn't as hard as it sounds.
Here's your guide on how to apply the vaginal tablet:
- Wash your hands thoroughly.
- In case of dryness, you may wet the tablet with water.
- Lay on your back with your legs bent up.
- Insert one vaginal tablet (rounded portion first) using your finger as deeply as possible into the vagina.
- Remain lying down on your back until the tablet melts.
The ideal use is once a day before bedtime, but your gyne may give special instructions on the dose. It gets easier as you go along, we promise. Just take it one step at a time. Take control of your body, keep your vagina healthy, and regain your confidence sans the itch.
Clotrimazole is the generic name of Canesten Vaginal Tablet. If symptoms persist, consult your doctor.
ASC Reference No. B044P012417C
AWB: L.PH.COM.CC.10.2016.0169