Having an itchy clitoris can be the cause of great worry, not to mention immense irritation. It’s a common problem that thousands of women suffer from every day.
So why are you having an itchy clitoris?
Well, it’s quite common. It’s due to imbalanced bacteria in your vagina or improper hygiene. Also, yeast infections and sexually transmitted diseases are sources too. Your vagina may be sensitive to lotions, deodorants, or tight clothes. Also, higher sensitivity after sexual stimulation is another origin.
3 out of 4 women experience Vaginal Yeast Infections at least once in their lifetimes. While this mostly causes itching near the vaginal opening, the clitoris can also itch intensely.
Now, this is basic information, but that’s not enough. If you want a better grasp of what itch in the clitoris actually means, knowing more would help you. So, without any delay, let’s dive into the details!
Table of Content
What Is an Itchy Clitoris?
As we know, the vagina is an internal female organ, surrounded by the vulva. This contains the clitoris, which is the most sensitive erogenous organ. When it undergoes some irritation, it is prone to itching.
This sensation can be due to some friction or rubbing in that zone. As the clitoris has over 8,000 nerve endings, any slight irritation can lead to tedious itching. If you have recently brushed the area with soap or applied lotion to keep it clean, it could be the key clue to your pain.
Thus, you need to look out for sources of constant irritation. But that might not be enough to solve it. However, it isn’t often a case of worry unless you experience pain or distress that persists.
But if you’re hanging out with your friends and your business starts to itch, you might be desperate to find a quick solution. To find that treatment, you need to keep an eye on the plausible reasons and their accompanying symptoms.
7 Reasons of Itchy Clitoris and Simple Solutions:
As mentioned above, there are certain reasons behind your itchy clitoris. Most of them are harmless and easily treatable. Take a quick look at their origin and medical care:
Bacterial Vaginosis
Bacterial vaginosis is a common biological condition in females. This develops when the amount of vaginal bacteria is imbalanced. Your vagina is home to a complex biome of bacteria called lactobacillus, that keep the pH of the vaginal tract low, ensuring that other harmful bacteria cannot enter. But this biome of good bacteria may be disturbed or replaced by other pathogenic bacteria that can cause health problems.
This may increase due to the use of tampons, poor hygiene, infections in other parts of the body, having more than one sex partner, etc. Also, a sexually transmitted infection could be the factor.
Symptoms
- Burning while urinating
- Pain in the vagina
- Gray discharge
- Foul odor, just after sex
Treatment
To soothe the symptoms, your doctor may prescribe a vaginal cream or antibiotic. This can help clear out the offending bacteria, restore your natural vaginal flora, and cure the itch!
Yeast Infections
A yeast infection is very common and caused by fungi. Rest assured, this is not the yeast you use for baking your birthday cake. Jokes aside, it is prevalent in individuals suffering from a compromised immune system. Even people with diabetes are at high risk.
This condition is also known as Thrush or Vaginal Candidiasis. 3 out of 4 women experience Vaginal Yeast Infections at least once in their lifetimes. While this mostly causes itching near the vaginal opening, the clitoris can also itch intensely.
Symptoms
- Redness
- Swelling
- Irritation
- Vaginal rash
- Soreness
- Pelvic or lower abdominal pain while sitting
- Burning sensation during sex or urination
- Thick, white vaginal discharge similar to cottage cheese, with no odor
If these are the symptoms you recognize, some treatment options can manage them well.
Treatment
Now, if you think you have a vaginal yeast infection and are unsure about what to do, first of all, get it checked by your healthcare provider. Even in the case of recurring infections, seeing a doctor is always the wisest option.
Lichen sclerosis is a non-contagious disorder, which is fairly common in females aged between 40 to 60.
Sexually Transmitted Infections
Sexually transmitted infections or STIs are diseases that are acquired through sexual contact. These diseases can cause numerous health problems, including an itchy clitoris. Bacteria or viruses that cause these infections may pass among people through modes such as blood, vaginal or other body fluids.
STIs caused by bacteria are plenty, such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, etc. Viruses like HIV, Herpes simplex, and Hepatitis B can potentially be fatal. Similarly, your itching could also be because of scabies and even due to pubic lice.
Symptoms
- Sores or blisters
- Pain during urination
- Higher frequency of urination
- Pain during sex
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding
- Anal bleeding
- Foul vaginal odor
So, we have diagnosed all the symptoms. Now, if you recognize any of them within you, we advise you to seek prompt treatment.
Treatment
Firstly, seeing a doctor is definitely a must. To be on the safe side, avoid sex, and get tested for an STI. Also, persuade your partner to do so too.
If the results are positive, you can usually get cured by proper medication. But the earlier it gets detected, the better. Timely treatment will literally save your skin and help avoid future complications.
Itching is just another tendency of the body which disappears with the correct treatment. So, itching itself shouldn’t be the cause of worry. But in rare cases, this itching near the clitoris may indicate vulvar cancer.
Persistent Genetic Arousal Disorder (PGAD)
Persistent Genital Arousal Disorder (PGAD) is an uncommon condition in females. It is a continuous sensation of genetic arousal. But this has no association with any sexual stimulation.
Though the exact reason is unknown, stress pops up as the prime factor. Besides, people with PGAD may also be among people with restless leg syndrome or conditions such as epilepsy.
Symptoms
- A burning sensation
- Itching
- Tingling
- Throbbing
- Increased pressure in the genitals
- Pain
- Lubrication
- Contractions in the vagina
- Orgasms
Treatment
There is no single treatment for PGAD. It all depends on the symptoms you are experiencing.
Hence, some remedies such as topical numbing ointments and lidocaine creams are highly recommended. Besides cognitive behavior therapy, mindfulness therapy and counseling are great solutions. These therapies can help ease your distress.
Lichen Sclerosus
This is another probable cause of your itchy clitoris. Lichen sclerosis is a non-contagious disorder, which is fairly common in females aged between 40 to 60.
Experts believe that lichen sclerosus may also be caused by genetics. Likewise, damage to the skin and mucosa in this area by external injury can also play a role.
Symptoms
- Blisters
- Redness
- Painful sex
- Bleeding or tearing
- Pain or discomfort
Treatment
Lichen sclerosus rarely clears up on its own, so seeking professional help is the smartest thing to do. A doctor will confirm the diagnosis and give you the meds you need. Hence, self-treatment is definitely not recommended in this case.
People diagnosed with lichen sclerosus must check up with their doctor every 6–12 months. Having regular visits will help check any change in the skin, especially if it is benign.
High Sensitivity After Sexual Stimulation
During the body’s normal sexual response, the clitoris swells with increased blood flow. So, due to the increased circulation of blood, the numerous nerve endings in the clitoris get more sensitive. This increased sensitivity may cause itching. But worry not, as the itching usually goes away after a while.
Treatment
Try changing into a pair of cotton underpants that are breathable and loose. This can reduce friction in that area and ease your irritation.
Contact Dermatitis
Contact dermatitis is an allergic reaction caused due to contact with an irritant substance. So, it might be caused by substances like soaps, creams, body washes, and deodorants that you are sensitive to.
Treatment
Using a mild soap to wash the area and avoiding further contact might be the first remedy for this problem. Again, a cool and wet compress is always helpful.
Pay attention to the fabric you are using. If it’s irritating you, consider replacing it with more mild materials.
Eating probiotic foods boost the growth of healthy bacteria in the vagina. Moreover, it can help your body fight off infections that may cause itching.
If these remedies don’t prove of any help, consulting a doctor would be the right choice. Prescription medication may include oral antihistamines or topical creams. This can alleviate itching gradually.
Rare Cases of Concern
Itching is just another tendency of the body which disappears with the correct treatment. So, itching itself shouldn’t be the cause of worry. But in rare cases, this itching near the clitoris may indicate vulvar cancer.
Though the chance of you getting vulva cancer is nearly 1%. But it’s still a chance. So to be sure look for the following symptoms:
Symptoms
- Skin thickening in the vulva area
- Lump or bump in the female external genitalia
- Open sore prolonging over a month
- Unusual bleeding unrelated to your period
In these cases, doctors opt for surgeries or radiation therapies. Also, clitoroplasty could be performed to reduce the size of the clitoris.
Home Remedies and Tips to Reduce Itching
We know how important seeing a doctor is. But seeing the doctor right away is not always possible. In these cases, some home remedies and tips can definitely come in handy. And these are quick too, so you can try them anytime you want!
Take A Baking Soda Bath
This bath is most recommended for itching from yeast infections. Baking soda baths have antifungal properties. It destroys Candida cells, the organism responsible for yeast infections.
Pour 1/4 cup of baking soda into your bath, and soak in it for half an hour. You can also turn it into a paste. Then apply it to the skin to treat the itching.
Use Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is also a great alternative for itching. So, apply a small portion where the itch is, and wear soft underwear. But remember to use coconut oils of high quality.
Consume Probiotic Foods
Eating probiotic foods boost the growth of healthy bacteria in the vagina. Moreover, it can help your body fight off infections that may cause itching.
Hence, always eat probiotic foods like kimchi, miso, soft cheese, and pickles. These foods can help maintain good clitoral health.
Maintain Hygiene
This does not need any explanation, since it is common sense. Just wash your itchy clitoris hood with warm water regularly. But make sure not to over wash it or use scented soaps or gels.
This can cause more itchiness and lead to allergic reactions.
FAQs
Can shaving pubic hair cause itching?
Yes, shaving your pubic hair daily can disturb the skin of your genital area. This causes burning around the vagina. Pubic hair has a protective function against microbes. So, removing it may make you prone to UTIs and vaginal infections.
Can I apply Vaseline if I have an itchy clitoris?
Yes, dabbing a tiny amount of Vaseline on dry skin areas can help ease the itching. It helps seal moisture and can save you from dryness during itching.
Can you scratch the inside of your vagina?
No, even though it feels irritating, this activity can lead to minor cuts and tears. This can even worsen your itching, so it is best to refrain from scratching it.
Final Word
Now we know an itchy clitoris is nothing to get frightened about. Instead, proper education regarding your reproductive health is really important.
We hope this was a helpful and thorough article and proved worthy of your time.
Consult a doctor if the symptoms worry you, and follow the medications as prescribed. The road to better health awaits!
