Women's healthSexual healthAtopic dermatitis

10 surprising reasons your vagina's itchy

From hormone changes to allergies to STIs, here's your go-to guide for vaginal itching.


LearnWomen's healthVaginal and reproductive health10 surprising reasons your vagina's itchy
Your hormones are shifting
You’re sensitive to everyday products
Your tampons are causing uncomfortable dryness
You’re allergic to latex
You could have a common infection
You have a Yeast infection
You may have a common STI
OR it could be Herpes
Your sex-toys could use a good scrubbing
You’re going through a life transition
When to see your HCP for vaginal itching

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From time to time, it’s common for your vagina to feel a little itchy. This could be due to environmental changes, the products you’re using, or the changing levels of acidity and bacteria inside the vagina.

Sometimes, however, discharge and itching could be a sign that you have an infection that needs to be treated.

If you’re experiencing vaginal discomfort, talk to your healthcare provider (HCP), says Arunachalam Jothivijayarani, MD, a gynecologist at Blake Medical Center in Bradenton, Florida. “Many people don’t discuss vaginal discomfort with their doctor, maybe because they’re a little bit shy,” she adds.

We asked Dr. Jothivijayarani to explain common causes of vaginal itching, and what you can do about it.

Sources: CDC. Bacterial Vaginosis (BV). Last revi... + 3
  1. CDC. Bacterial Vaginosis (BV). Last reviewed February 10, 2020.
  2. CDC. Vaginal candidiasis. Last updated July 13, 2022.
  3. Johns Hopkins Medicine. Yeast infection. Accessed July 11, 2023.
  4. InformerdHealth.org. Vaginal yeast infection (thrush): Overview. Last updated June 19, 2019.
Written by Rose Hayes, MA, RN.
Medically reviewed by Joanne Perron, MD, MPH.December, 2023
Updated onAugust, 2026
Written by Rose Hayes, MA, RN.
Medically reviewed by Joanne Perron, MD, MPH.December, 2023
Updated onAugust, 2026
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