Vaginal itching Health Article

What to expect at your health care provider's office

Your doctor will examine you, including doing a pelvic exam, and ask questions to help diagnose the cause of your vaginal itching. These questions may include:

• When did the itching begin?
• Have you had it before?
• Is the itching severe?
• Does it limit your activities?
• Where exactly is the itching? On the inside of the vagina or on the outside (vulva) as well?
• How often do you bathe or shower?
• Do you use scented soap, scented or colored toilet paper, or bubble bath?
• Do you frequently swim or participate in water sports? Do you change your clothes soon after such activities?
• Do you wear cotton panties or synthetic ones?
• Do you wear tight pants or tight pantyhose?
• Do you use douches or feminine hygiene spray?
• Are you sexually active? Do you use contraception? What type?
• Does anything make you feel better?
• Does anything make you feel worse?
• Have you tried any over-the-counter creams? Which ones?
• Do you have any other symptoms, such as vaginal bleeding, swelling, rash, or pain on urination?
• Do you have a personal or family history of diabetes?
• What medications do you take?
• What is your menstrual history? How old were you when your periods began? How often do your periods usually come? How long do they generally last?
• Do you have any allergies?

Diagnostic tests that may be performed include:

• Culture and microscopic exam of vaginal discharge
• Pap smear
• Skin biopsies of the vulvar area
• Urine and blood studies (including hormone levels)

The health care provider may prescribe drugs, such as:

• Antibiotics for bacterial vaginal infections, including sexually transmitted diseases
• Antifungal drugs for yeast infections
• Benzodiazepines or antihistamines for nighttime relief
• Ointments containing hormones
• Steroid creams or lotions to reduce inflammation

References

Clark LR, Atendido M. Group B streptococcal vaginitis in postpubertal adolescent girls. J Adolesc Health. 2005;36(5):437-440.

Edwards L. The diagnosis and treatment of infectious vaginitis. Dermatol Ther. 2004;17(1):102-110.

Reid G, Bruce AW. Urogenital infections in women: can probiotics help? Postgrad Med J. 2003;79:428-432.

Katz VL, Lentz GM, Lobo RA, Gershenson DM. Comprehensive Gynecology. 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Mosby Elsevier; 2007.