Why is my vagina itchy and irritated?
More than half of all women have to deal with the frustrating pains of vaginal irritation at least once in their life. It could spring up on you after sex, or it’s caused by that one skinny jeans that’s just-a-little-bit-too-tight which you just can’t bring yourself to get rid of. Even perfumed tampons, pads or panty liners cause irritation down there. Not that there’s ever any need to make your cooch smell like freshly picked flowers.
The general term for chronic pain or irritation in and around the vulva is called vulvodynia. Pain in the general area of the vulva, the external part of the vagina, is usually paired with pain during sex. In most cases the swelling and redness will fade within a few hours. If this is not the case, you could be experiencing an allergic reaction. An allergic reaction between your legs could have a plethora of causes. It could be an allergic reaction to the latex or rubber in condoms, certain proteins in sperm causing irritation, or perfumed underwear or feminine hygiene products messing up your pH balance.
“Your vaginal irritation could be caused by certain proteins in sperm”
The burning sensation could also be caused by a hormonal imbalance. Your hormonal system keeps the soft tissue that lines the inside of your vagina (in charge of secreting vaginal discharge) soft and elastic. Lots of women experience hormonal imbalances and these imbalances, in turn, influence your vaginal balance. This causes the tissue to become thinner. It should then be no surprise that women experience recurring vaginal irritation during periods of hormonal imbalance, think of times during your period, pregnancy or perimenopause, but even a weakened immune system could affect your vagina. They always say prevention is better than cure and that’s why we’ve listed all the tips on how to reduce chances of vaginal irritation.
Vaginal shower
Never wash your vagina with soap or other supposedly “refreshing” shower gels. Soap disrupts your pH balance, which increases risks of bacteria and fungus setting up camp in your vagina. Why not go for a nice and simple lukewarm shower instead?
Feminine health products
Try to reduce the use of panty liners. Really, your vagina needs to breathe. Wearing panty liners too often prevents that and causes bad smells. Make sure to change your sanitary pads, tampons or panty liners on time. Do you still feel irritation down there during your periods? Go for a 100% cotton hygiene product or a period cup made of 100% medical grade silicone to prevent possible allergic reactions. The cup has the benefit that it only catches the blood and doesn’t absorb the blood together with all the other vaginal fluids. This difference is super noticeable once you’ve tried it.
Skinny jeans
A flattering skinny jeans is great of course, but it’s better to forgo the skinny jeans or tights in your closet for something more breathable when you’re experiencing irritation. If your bottoms fit too tightly, it stops airflow and increases humidity. Synthetic fabrics are a no go as well. It’s best to go for loose-fitting cotton pants to calm the raging storm down there.
Sperm
If sperm disrupts your pH balance you can choose to use condoms. But be careful. If you’re allergic to latex, choose non latex condoms, to prevent further irritation.
Condoms are making a comeback anyway, considering lots of women are becoming more and more critical of the (side) effects of hormonal contraception.
Foreplay
Are you struggling with a burning sensation and swollen labia after the deed? That’s probably an indication that you’re not wet enough during penetration. It’s not a bad idea to take your sweet, sweet time during foreplay (this is probably the most welcome advice in this whole article), or try to find a different way to create enough arousal or stimulation. Do you need some extra tips on how to be creative in the bedroom? Check out this video! Is your vaginal irritation worrying you and do you think you are dealing with a fungal infection or strangely colored discharge? Make sure to contact your doctor or gynecologist.
