• Find a Doctor
  • Find A Location
  • Schedule An Appointment
  • Give Now
  • Login
Ochsner Health
  • About Ochsner

    Ochsner Health is a system that delivers health to the people of Louisiana, Mississippi and the Gulf South with a mission to Serve, Heal, Lead, Educate and Innovate.

    Learn More

    About Ochsner

    • Mission & Vision
    • History
    • Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
    • Annual Report
    • Outcomes & Honors
    • News & Media
    • Alumni
    • Ochsner Health Network
    • Contact Us

    Community Outreach

    • About Community Outreach
    • Classes & Events
    • Programs
    • Community Health Needs Assessment
    • Discovery Health Sciences Academy

    Health Resources

    • All Health Resources
    • Healthy State
    • To Your Health Blog
    • Golden Opportunity
    • Ochsner Magazine
  • Patients & Visitors

    Thank you for choosing Ochsner Health for your care. We are committed to making an ongoing difference in the health of our communities.

    Learn More

    I need to…

    • Find a Doctor
    • Find a Location
    • Find a Specialty Find a Specialty or Treatment
    • Schedule an Appt. Schedule an Appointment
    • Pay a Bill

    Services & Resources

    • Patient Services
    • COVID-19 Visitor Policy
    • Billing & Financial Services
    • Insurance Information
    • Language and Translation Services
    • Share Your Story
    • Read Patient Stories

    MyOchsner

    • About MyOchsner
    • How to Use MyOchsner
    • Patient Login
    • New Patient? Sign Up
  • Specialties & Treatments

    Connect to care at Ochsner. Click on a featured specialty on the list or search for a specialty.

    All Specialties

    Featured Specialties

  • Research & Education

    Ochsner is committed to a clinically-integrated research program with the ultimate goal of improving the health and wellness of our patients and communities. And as the largest academic medical center in Louisiana, we are training the next generation of healthcare professionals to be leaders who can meet evolving healthcare challenges.

    All Research All Education

    Research

    • All Research
    • Clinical Trials
    • Clinical Research
    • Translational Research
    • Outcomes and Health Services Research
    • Nursing Research
    • Research Opportunities
    • Collaboration Resources

    Education

    • All Education
    • UQ-Ochsner Clinical School
    • Clinical Medical Education
    • Graduate Medical Education
    • Continuing Medical Education
    • Medical Library
    • Publishing Services
    • Medical Illustrations
  • Careers

    Discover Your Future At Ochsner! With unlimited growth potential, both professionally and personally, now is the time to start your future with Ochsner.

    Visit Careers

    Find the Career for You

    • Careers at Ochsner
    • Why Work Here
    • Search Jobs
    • Benefits
    • Locations

    Career Paths

    • Physicians
    • Allied Health
    • Non-Medical Professional
    • Management & Leadership
    • Technology & Innovation
    • Research, Fellowships & Residencies
    • Advanced Practice Providers
  • Ochsner Health is a system that delivers health to the people of Louisiana, Mississippi and the Gulf South with a mission to Serve, Heal, Lead, Educate and Innovate.

    Learn More

    About Ochsner

    • Mission & Vision
    • History
    • Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
    • Annual Report
    • Outcomes & Honors
    • News & Media
    • Alumni
    • Ochsner Health Network
    • Contact Us

    Community Outreach

    • About Community Outreach
    • Classes & Events
    • Programs
    • Community Health Needs Assessment
    • Discovery Health Sciences Academy

    Health Resources

    • All Health Resources
    • Healthy State
    • To Your Health Blog
    • Golden Opportunity
    • Ochsner Magazine
  • Thank you for choosing Ochsner Health for your care. We are committed to making an ongoing difference in the health of our communities.

    Learn More

    I need to…

    • Find a Doctor
    • Find a Location
    • Find a Specialty Find a Specialty or Treatment
    • Schedule an Appt. Schedule an Appointment
    • Pay a Bill

    Services & Resources

    • Patient Services
    • COVID-19 Visitor Policy
    • Billing & Financial Services
    • Insurance Information
    • Language and Translation Services
    • Share Your Story
    • Read Patient Stories

    MyOchsner

    • About MyOchsner
    • How to Use MyOchsner
    • Patient Login
    • New Patient? Sign Up
  • Connect to care at Ochsner. Click on a featured specialty on the list or search for a specialty.

    All Specialties

    Featured Specialties

  • Ochsner is committed to a clinically-integrated research program with the ultimate goal of improving the health and wellness of our patients and communities. And as the largest academic medical center in Louisiana, we are training the next generation of healthcare professionals to be leaders who can meet evolving healthcare challenges.

    All Research All Education

    Research

    • All Research
    • Clinical Trials
    • Clinical Research
    • Translational Research
    • Outcomes and Health Services Research
    • Nursing Research
    • Research Opportunities
    • Collaboration Resources

    Education

    • All Education
    • UQ-Ochsner Clinical School
    • Clinical Medical Education
    • Graduate Medical Education
    • Continuing Medical Education
    • Medical Library
    • Publishing Services
    • Medical Illustrations
  • Discover Your Future At Ochsner! With unlimited growth potential, both professionally and personally, now is the time to start your future with Ochsner.

    Visit Careers

    Find the Career for You

    • Careers at Ochsner
    • Why Work Here
    • Search Jobs
    • Benefits
    • Locations

    Career Paths

    • Physicians
    • Allied Health
    • Non-Medical Professional
    • Management & Leadership
    • Technology & Innovation
    • Research, Fellowships & Residencies
    • Advanced Practice Providers
    • Find a Doctor
    • Find A Location
    • Schedule An Appointment
    • Give Now
    • Patient Login
    Call: 1-866-624-7637
To Your Health

View Newsletter Editions
  • Food & Fitness
  • Conditions & Treatment
  • Health Trends
  • Prevention & Wellness
  • Women's Health
  • Men's Health
  • Mental Health
  • Parenting
Woman talking to doctor

Itchy Down There?

Jun 23, 2021 |
By Gregory Morris, MD
Share Facebook Logo Twitter Logo Pinterest Logo Email Logo

Do you have an itchy sensation below-the-belt? Now, not every woman you see is walking around with an itch, but you’d be surprised at how many are. While an itch can be a nuisance, it serves as an important sensory and self-protective mechanism. Most genital itching and irritation aren’t a major concern, but it ranges from a simple fix like your choice of underwear to a more worrisome reason like a sexually transmitted infection (STI).

Occasional vaginal itching is common, and it often resolves itself. While you don’t have to go to the doctor for every unusual itch, it’s best to make an appointment if the symptoms stick around for more than two days. Here are a few reasons you may be itchy down there.

Yeast infection

This is probably the most obvious reason. These infections are very common and will happen to three out of four women at some point in their lifetime. The typical symptoms include itching and irritation of the vagina, vaginal pain and soreness and thickened white odor-free discharge with a cottage cheese appearance. Your vagina contains a balanced mix of yeast and bacteria. If the balance is disrupted, a yeast infection can occur. Make an appointment to see your doctor if this is the first time your experiencing a yeast infection, your symptoms aren’t relieved by over-the-counter medication, if you develop other symptoms or if you aren’t sure whether you have a yeast infection.

Menopause

The hormonal changes that occur during menopause can cause many uncomfortable physical symptoms. Vaginal dryness could be the source of your itch. The drop in estrogen levels can thin the mucosal lining in your vagina. Estrogen is also related to the production of natural oils that keep your skin moisturized. The lack of this can cause your skin to become thin and itchy. If other causes are ruled out, a doctor may prescribe a vaginal estrogen cream or tablet that helps treat the itch.

Contact Dermatitis

This is an itchy allergic reaction to an irritating substance. This may include vaginal lubricants, laundry detergent, scented toilet paper, shampoos and body wash, fabric softeners or tampons and sanitary pads. Long friction from activities while wearing tight clothes or underwear may also cause contact dermatitis. To help the healing process, we recommend soaking in a warm bath with a few tablespoons of baking soda.

Trichomoniasis

This is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) that is caused by a parasite called trichomoniasis vaginalis. Most people who have this disease (mainly women), are unaware because it often shows no symptoms. It can cause itching, burning, change in discharge or external cracking in the skin. Antifungal over-the-counter medications and douching will make it worse. See your doctor to be tested. This is very easy to cure with an antibiotic if test results are positive. You and your partner should both be treated so you do not re-infect each other.

Home Remedies for Vaginal Itching

Most causes of vaginal itching can be prevented through good hygiene and lifestyle habits. There are several steps that can be taken at home to prevent vaginal itching and irritation.

  • Use warm water and a gentle cleanser to wash your genital area.
  • Avoid scented soaps, lotions and bubble baths
  • Avoid using vaginal sprays or douches.
  • Wear cotton underwear and be sure to change them every day.
  • Eating fresh cranberries or 100 percent cranberry juice, leafy greens and yogurt.
  • Avoid sexual intercourse until your symptoms improve.
  • Fight the urge to scratch. Scratching sensitive vaginal tissues may increase irritation and cause infection.

If problems persist, see your doctor or gynecologist for a proper diagnosis.

Click here to schedule an appointment with Women's Services.


Editor's note: Please note this blog was originally published on Jan. 24 2020 and has since been updated.

Tags
gynecology
Women's services

You may also be interested in:

Thinkstockphotos 186912401 Girl Eating Yogurt
Food & Fitness
August 9, 2022

7 Reasons to Get More Probiotics in Your Diet

Trying to decide if you should start taking probiotics? To help you sort through the facts, check out these 7 proven health benefits.
By Molly Kimball, RD, CSSD
Woman at doctor
Women's Health
August 5, 2022

20 Questions I’m Too Embarrassed to Ask My Gynecologist

Going to the gynecologist for the first or 10th time can be awkward, but it doesn’t have to be a bad experience. To help cast away your fears, here are answers to 20 questions you might be too embarrassed to ask before your visit.
By Victoria McHenry, MD
Gettyimages 932074828 Woman Getting Check Up
Prevention & Wellness
August 9, 2022

Key Screenings for Women Through the Decades

A checklist of the preventative health screenings that every woman should perform, as well as the recommended frequency.
By Julie Jeansonne, MD

email envelop icon Comments about the blog? Send us an email!

Ochsner Health

Schedule An Appointment: 1-866-624-7637

Follow us: Facebook Follow Ochsner Health on TikTok Twitter Follow Ochsner Health on Twitter LinkedIn Visit Ochsner Health's LinkedIn page Instagram Follow Ochsner Health on Instagram YouTube Subscribe to Ochsner Health on YouTube Pinterest Follow Ochsner Health on Pinterest TikTok Follow Ochsner Health on TikTok

Healthy living tips newsletters, delivered to your inbox.

Sign Up

Patients & Visitors

  • Billing & Financial Services
  • Insurance Information
  • International Patients
  • Request Medical Records
  • Share Your Story
  • Read Patient Stories

Medical Professionals

  • Transfer a Patient
  • Refer a Patient

Health Resources

  • To Your Health Blog
  • Golden Opportunity
  • Healthy State
  • Ochsner Magazine

Job Seekers

  • Career Paths
  • Benefits
  • Open Positions

Employees

  • Webmail
  • OHSLink
  • Workday

Employers

  • Corporate Wellness
  • Medicare Advantage Plans

Community Outreach

  • Classes & Events
  • Programs
  • Community Health Needs Assessment
  • Dr. John Ochsner Discovery Health Sciences Academy

Education

  • Graduate Medical Education
  • Clinical Medical Education
  • Continuing Medical Education
  • Medical Library
  • Publishing Services
  • Medical Illustrations

Research

  • Clinical Trials
  • Applied Health Services Research
  • Clinical Research & Trials
  • Nursing Research
  • Translational Research

Giving

  • Donate
  • Volunteer

About Ochsner

  • Mission & Vision
  • History
  • Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
  • Annual Report
  • Outcomes & Honors
  • News & Media
  • Alumni
  • Ochsner Health Network
  • Contact Us

Shop

  • O Bar
  • Optical Shop
  • Ochsner Fitness Center
  • Brent House Hotel

© Ochsner Health  | Notice of Privacy Practices | Terms of Use | Vendor Information

Ochsner accepts all major insurances.

Ochsner is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization, founded on providing the best patient care, research, and education.

We are one of the country’s largest non-university based academic medical centers.

Ochsner is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, disability or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.

Community Needs Health Assessment

EpicMobile Tablet | EpicMobile Phone

newsletter icon

Subscribe to Our Newsletters

newsletter icon

Select the newsletters you'd like to receive.

Please select at least one category to continue.

Curious about our newsletters?

View details for each edition
newsletter icon

Let us know where to send your newsletters.

To Your Health- Food and Fitness:
To Your Health- General:
To Your Health- Men’s Health:
To Your Health- Parenting:
To Your Health- Women’s Health:
To Your Health-Mental Health Monthly":
To Your Health- Skin Deep:

Source:
Source Description:
Marketing Goal:
newsletter icon

You're all set!

We’ll send newsletters full of healthy living tips right to your inbox.

Ochsner Health System
magnifying glass icon
ESC to Close

Begin Typing to Search

Select the drop-down to filter Search by Blog Articles or Sitewide