Vaginal Itching? A Gynecologist Reveals Surprising Causes—Including Diabetes—and Remedies
Plus find out whether probiotics for vaginal health are actually worth it
We’ve all felt that disconcerting “down-there” itching or burning sensation—and while a yeast infection leaps to mind as the most likely culprit, there are other factors that may be responsible. Keep reading as a top doctor shares a few surprising causes, common risk factors and easy lifestyle tweaks to help soothe and ward off vaginal itching.
What causes vaginal itching?
In our reproductive years, the most common causes are usually infectious, says gynecologist Maral Malekzadeh, DO. “That can include a yeast infection or bacterial vaginosis (BV). Sometimes, though, it’s not an infection at all.” Other causes of itching in the genital area or near the vaginal opening:
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Contact dermatitis
Even if you’ve been using the same product for years, you can suddenly develop eczema or an allergic reaction to a laundry detergent, fabric softener, soap or feminine wipe, explains Dr. Malekzadeh.
Two surprising potential causes we often overlook? Pads and tampons. “Many of these products contain additives to help them smell fresh or last longer,” she adds. Companies may also change their formulas over time, which can trigger new symptoms.
Sexually transmitted infections
It’s also important to rule out sexually transmitted infections (STIs), she says. “While they’re less commonly associated with itching alone—[vaginal] discharge is often the more typical symptom—they still need to be considered.”
Why women over 50 may be at higher risk for vaginal itching
If you find yourself wondering “Why does my vagina itch?” more often these days, declining estrogen levels may be to blame. “When estrogen decreases, it can lead to thinning of the vaginal tissue,” explains Dr. Malekzadeh. “Dryness is one component of that, but even without significant dryness, the thinning tissue itself can cause irritation and itching.”
As estrogen declines, vaginal pH rises, contributing to irritation and discomfort, she adds. “So in some cases, these symptoms are related to menopause.”
That said, it’s important to go through a mental checklist before assuming hormones are the cause of vaginal itching to make sure nothing else is going on. “Is it infectious or non-infectious? Could it be related to a product I’m using? Is there an underlying skin condition? That’s the general framework I use when thinking through these symptoms,” she says.
4 risk factors for vaginal itching
Here, Dr. Malekzadeh shares several conditions and underlying factors that may increase the likelihood of developing vaginal itching or yeast infections:
Diabetes
“Diabetes is definitely a factor when it comes to vaginal itching, especially if it’s not well controlled,” she points out. That’s because unchecked blood sugar levels can give rise to yeast infections.
Recent antibiotic use
People who have taken antibiotics for any reason, such as a tooth infection, may also experience increased itching or yeast infections, since antibiotics can disrupt the normal vaginal flora, Dr. Malekzadeh explains.
Being immunocomprised
Anyone who is immunocompromised faces higher risk too, she reveals. “Even just recovering from a flu, cold or other viral illness can temporarily disrupt the vaginal pH, making yeast infections more common.”
Hormonal contraceptives
One factor people don’t always consider is birth control. “Some forms of hormonal contraception suppress estrogen levels, and lower estrogen can contribute to recurrent yeast infections in certain people,” she notes.
Simple lifestyle tweaks to decrease the risk of itch
The first step? You definitely want to be evaluated to confirm whether the itching is related to an infection or a skin condition, encourages Dr. Malekzadeh. “It’s also important to review the products you’re using, since they can sometimes trigger irritation.”
Beyond that, a few easy behavioral adjustments are often the most helpful strategies. The anti-itch precautions she recommends:
- Change out of wet clothing or swimsuits promptly
- Use fragrance-free soap
- Wash only the external vaginal area with warm water–avoid internal washing or douching, as overwashing can disrupt pH
- Wear breathable fabrics like cotton underwear and clothes instead of tight synthetic materials
What about probiotics?
If you’re wondering whether probiotics help ease vaginal itching by boosting beneficial bacteria, Dr. Malekzadeh says the data on absorption and effectiveness is limited. “They’re usually not a first-line treatment,” she notes.
The bottom line on vaginal itching
You know your body better than anyone—so listen to it, and seek medical attention if something feels off. “During a pelvic exam, I usually perform a vaginal swab to rule out yeast, bacterial vaginosis or other infections,” says Dr. Malekzadeh. “Beyond that, the exam allows your doctor to check the skin and look for any changes outside the vagina that could be causing symptoms.
Sometimes, I notice skin changes like plaques, redness or lesions similar to psoriasis in the vaginal area. These conditions can develop at any point in life. Just because they aren’t present now doesn’t mean they won’t appear in the future. Regular pelvic exams make it possible to monitor these changes, detect issues early and help you get the relief you deserve.”
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