#AIR-CLINIC HEALTH TALK: How To Tackle Vaginal Itching! (by Dr. Kemtayo)

Hello Air-Clinicians & Friends,

Today, we want to talk about a female part that has gotten very little attention when it comes to health and wellbeing - THE VAGINA. This organ is the glory of a woman! Anything that affects it quickly translates to an unhappy woman. And you know the roles women play in our society. So let's go make them happy!

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At one time or the other we all have experienced an itch down there. Most times this is usually nothing serious and the itch often resolves on its own while at other times it can cause quite a scare, be quite embarrassing and even discomforting.

So for all of us who've had an itch down there whether in the past or currently experiencing one or let's even say you've never had your V. J.j itch at least you know one or two persons who have. This article is to help us all, inform us about the causes of an itchy vagina, when and when not to panic, educate us on the danger signs to look out for, know when it is time to call the doctor and teach us healthy practices to keep our lady parts healthy and smiling.

I'll be dissecting this topic under the following headings:

• what can cause my vagina to itch ?

• when there is a cause for alarm/warning signs to watch out for?

• Tips for maintaining a healthy and happy vagina

• Complications-Things that can happen when you leave that itch unchecked

Let's go!

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WHAT CAN CAUSE MY VAGINA TO ITCH?

•it might be totally nothing to worry about especially if it's an itch lasting for a shortwhile

•poor hygiene: sweat accumulation can irritate the genital area and cause itching. Also infrequent change of underwear and other poor hygienic practices

•Allergies:people get allergies for different things and one of the manifestation of an allergy is itching.its left to you to watch yourself, what you eat wear use and how your body reacts these things to rule out any allergies.

•use of nylon picture panties:Nylon material doesn't allow the genital area to breathe which causes sweat accumulation and in turn an itch.
Also a moist ,damp dirty environment is perfect recipe for the growth of micro -organisms which cause infections

•irritation from chemicals+razor: chemicals contained in soaps,creams,deodorants, can cause itching down your sensitive area. Razor cuts and bumps from shaving irritate the skin around the vulva(external genitalia of the female-area outside the vagina u can easily see touch)

•condoms+lubricants: some lubricants especially non-water based Lubs and poor quality condoms tend to cause the vagina to itch.

•menopause: when women grow old and reach menopause(cessation of menses at an old age) their estrogen (hormone responsible for our feminine features) level drops which in turn causes the lining of the vagina to thin out resulting in an itchy vagina,amongst other symptoms.

•stress:our bodies react to stress I'm different ways, an itchy vagina might just be a sign of stress.

•Anxiety disorders:
some people just worry darn too much-in some cases people worry to the extent they start feeling symptoms that aren't really there. It all originates from the mind.

• infection
The eja nla(big fish) of the causes of an itchy vagina
Infections are caused by micro-organisms(bacteria fungi virus) invading the body system. These bad guys are usually the culprit when it comes to that itch u feel in ur lady parts. When an infection is the cause it usually is associated with other symptoms like
•burning sensation
•pain
•redness and swelling
•change in vaginal discharge - color + smell
•fever

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Popular infections that causes itching

•skin infections such as eczema. Dermatitis (inflammation of the skin by micro organisms) in general.

•sexually transmitted diseases Yes this one is a very common one. You just might have picked up that itch through sex. This includes genital warts, gonorrhoea, trichomoniasis

•bacterial vaginosis

•yeast infection a.k.a Candidiasis

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Tips for maintaining a healthy +happy vagina

•DO NOT DOUCHE. Never as in n-e-v-errr douche.

Douching is the process of rinsing the vagina or flushing the vagina(inside the vagina itself) using water or other medicated fluids such as water +antiseptic, salt water, vinegar water in order to clean the vagina and eliminate odors.

Funny thing is douching does the exact opposite of these.

I seriously don't know who came up with this misconception. Douching in actual fact puts you at a higher risk of getting an infection. It also doesn't help prevent a pregnancy. Ladies stay woke. Don't be deceived douching doesn't prevent pregnancy.

2- Drink loads of water

3- Do not use scented soaps, deodorants, perfumes or creams down there.
I know we all want our v.j.j (vagina) smelling like heaven but we all have our natural smell and should grow comfortable with it.

What we can do to improve the smell of our vagina includes:

• Good hygiene*

• Drinking plenty water

• Taking yogurts.

• Eat fruits like pineapples ,berries

4- Use water +unscented soap, mild baby soap to wash down there.

5- Wash from front to back.
If you wash from back (anus) to front (vagina) u might transfer some dirt and microorganisms to your vagina predisposing your vagina to an infection

6- Use cotton panties
Please please. Let that area breathe. We can feel sexy in silk and net occasionally but let cotton be our habit.

7- Maintain good hygiene.
Frequent baths and change of underwear. Proper care of underwear and our private areas

8- Use quality condoms and only water based lubricants or natural oils like coconut oil

9- Report that nasty itch to your doctor ASAP
Don't scratch much. I know easier said that done and we all guilty of scratching that itch but seriously scratching worsens the situation.

Just visit #Air-Clinic For A Healthy Private Consultation!

10- When on treatment for an infection please please stick to your dose.
Complete your drugs. I can't stress the importance of this. Those organisms are fighters and want to stay.

11- If menopausal- use estrogen creams to relieve itching and dryness

12- Avoid smoking and other harmful social vices eg illicit drugs

13- Lastly and best of all. (The married couples should get in here. Lol)
Regular and safe sexual activity helps keep vaginal tissues healthy and happy. Yup sex is great !!!

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And now just to scare y'all a bit.

complications

Things that can happen when you leave that nasty itch unattended to :

• Pelvic inflammatory disease-PID

• Infertility -inability to get pregnant

• Cancer - that nasty itch might be an early warning sign for cancer. Early treatment saves lives!!!

• Spread of infection to other systems of the body resulting in a full blown illness.

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With all this information given to you, we believe you are empowered to maintain the health of your vagina.

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References:

• All Images Were Sourced From Google
• Dewhurst's Textbook of Obstetrics & Gynaecology
• Gynaecology by Ten Teachers (20th Ed)

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