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What Causes Vaginal Itching? Possible Causes and When to See a Doctor

Common causes of itching in and around the vagina include yeast infections, some sexually transmitted infections, hormonal changes during menopause or breastfeeding, skin conditions such as eczema and irritation from products such as soap (NHS). See a doctor if itching is new, recurrent, accompanied by unusual discharge or starts after sex with a new partner.

care with .ki4 min readContent principles

What Causes Vaginal Itching? Possible Causes and When to See a Doctor

In brief:

  • Itching is a symptom, not a disease; the cause needs to be identified before treatment.
  • White, cottage-cheese-like discharge with itching suggests a yeast infection; bacterial vaginosis does not usually cause itching.
  • Scented products, douching and hot baths can make itching worse.
  • See a doctor if you have fever, chills or pelvic pain.

What causes vaginal itching?

Possible causes of vaginal itching: yeast infections, sexually transmitted infections, hormonal changes such as menopause or breastfeeding, skin conditions such as eczema, irritation from products such as soap or from a tampon

The NHS Wales vaginitis page lists these possible causes of itching and soreness in and around the vagina:

Vaginal yeast infection

White, lumpy discharge with itching and soreness. This is one of the most common causes. For details, see What Is a Vaginal Yeast Infection?.

Sexually transmitted infections

Infections such as trichomoniasis or chlamydia may cause itching alongside yellow or green discharge, an unpleasant smell or pain (NHS Wales). Many people have no symptoms, so testing is needed if an infection is suspected (NHS).

Hormonal changes

Menopause, breastfeeding or some contraceptive methods can cause vaginal dryness, resulting in itching and pain during sex (NHS Wales). For menopause changes, see What Are the Symptoms of Menopause? and Why Do Intimate Care Needs Change During Menopause?.

Skin conditions

Skin conditions such as eczema or lichen planus may cause itchy, sore patches. These patches may also appear elsewhere on the body (NHS Wales).

Irritation or injury

Products such as soap, an injury or an object such as a tampon can irritate the area (NHS Wales). Scented products and douching may also cause irritation.

Does bacterial vaginosis cause itching?

Usually not. Its typical sign is thin, grey-white discharge with a fishy smell (NHS). For details, see What Is Bacterial Vaginosis?.

What do accompanying symptoms mean?

According to NHS Wales, vaginitis may involve the following symptoms; they do not all have to occur together:

  • Vaginal itching or soreness
  • Unusual discharge
  • Dryness
  • Pain when urinating or during sex
  • Light bleeding or spotting
  • Sore, swollen or cracked skin around the vagina

We explain discharge colour and smell in a table in When Is Vaginal Discharge Normal?.

What can you do about itching?

Steps for vaginal itching: wash the area with water and dry thoroughly, wear loose cotton underwear, use pads rather than tampons during a period, use condoms and lubricant during sex; avoid douching, hot baths and scented products

NHS Wales recommendations:

Do:

  • Wash around the vagina with water and dry thoroughly.
  • Wear loose cotton underwear.
  • Use pads rather than tampons during your period.
  • Use condoms and lubricant during sex.

Do not:

  • Do not wash inside the vagina (douche).
  • Do not take hot baths.
  • Do not use scented hygiene products such as soaps and deodorants.

We explain what to check on pad labels in What Are Cotton and Organic Pads?.

It is best to avoid sex until you have seen a doctor, as an infection may be present (NHS Wales).

Before starting self-treatment with a pharmacy product, it is important to be sure of the cause. Even a previous yeast infection does not mean you can correctly identify a new episode. We explain this in What Is a Vaginal Yeast Infection?.

When should you see a doctor?

NHS Wales recommends seeing a doctor or sexual health clinic if:

  • Symptoms occur for the first time
  • Symptoms you have had before are bothering you, different or not improving
  • Your discharge is unusual for you
  • Symptoms start after sex with a new partner
  • You have fever, chills or pelvic pain

Frequently asked

Why can vaginal itching be worse at night?

Itching can worsen at night for several reasons: body temperature may rise, skin loses moisture at night, and some hormones that reduce inflammation are released less at night (Cleveland Clinic). See a doctor if itching prevents sleep or lasts for days.

Can intimate wash gel be used for itching?

Trying to relieve itching with a product before identifying the cause is not appropriate; care products do not treat infections. NHS Wales recommends washing the area with water only and avoiding scented products during this time. Consult your doctor or pharmacist first if you are considering a product.

Why does vaginal itching occur during menopause?

Oestrogen falls during menopause, and vaginal dryness, burning, irritation and itching may occur (NHS). Talk to your doctor about these symptoms; treatment options are available.

References

  1. NHS 111 Wales. Vaginitis. Last updated 1 October 2026. https://111.wales.nhs.uk/vaginitis/
  2. NHS. Bacterial vaginosis. Last reviewed 19 June 2026. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/bacterial-vaginosis/
  3. NHS. Trichomoniasis. Last reviewed 16 July 2025. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/trichomoniasis/
  4. NHS. Symptoms of menopause and perimenopause. Last reviewed 19 May 2026. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/menopause-and-perimenopause/symptoms/
  5. Cleveland Clinic. Itchy Skin at Night: Causes, Remedies & Treatments. Last updated 25 October 2022. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24338-itchy-skin-at-night

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