5 Reasons Your Vagina is Itching and Burning and What You Can Do About it

So you're itching and burning all of a sudden! Is it because you hooked up with that new guy? Before you ghost your new crush, understand that our vulvas and vaginas are extremely sensitive, and anything from the products you use to what wear, can irritate them. Keep reading to learn more about what can cause you to itch and burn down there and what you can do about it.

5 Reasons your Vagina is Itching and Burning:

Yeast Infections

Yeast infections happen because of the overgrowth of the fungus candida. Yeast infections cause itching, burning, and a white clumpy discharge that may smell like bread; sometimes, it may be painful when you pee and have sex or cause your vagina or vulva to swell up. 

Yeast infections can also be caused by wearing tight clothing, douching, pregnancy, obesity, diabetes, antibiotics, and medications that suppress the immune system.

How to reduce or prevent your risk of yeast infections:

• Avoid douching at all costs! Douching wreaks havoc on your vaginal pH and makes you more prone to yeast infections.
• Wear loose clothing and cotton crotch panties; you should also consider going commando at night to give your vagina more room to breathe.
• If you are prone to yeast infections, it's time to ditch the antibiotics and grab a bottle of Kushae's boric acid suppositories! Unlike antibiotics that kill both the 'good' and the 'bad' bacteria in your body, our vaginal suppositories take a more gentle and natural approach to treating yeast infections. And the cherry on top? 95% of women reported immediate symptom relief from bacterial vaginosis (BV) and yeast infections using our natural, mess-free, boric acid capsules.

BV (Bacterial Vaginosis)

BV is also caused by an imbalance of bacteria in the vagina similar to yeast infections. BV can cause vulvovaginal itching, burning, and a greyish discharge that smells fishy. Sex, douching, lube, and even your menstrual cycle can also cause BV.

How to reduce or prevent your risk of BV:

• Limit your sexual partners and use condoms every time you have sex.
• Develop a hygiene routine and practice proper hygiene routines such as wiping from front to back, cleaning your vulva daily, and more.
• Use the Kushae vaginal suppositories to balance your pH before and after sex or anytime your vagina needs a little pick-me-up.

Confused about which Kushae products to try first? Take the Kushae quiz to find a personalized product selection.

Toxic Ingredients or Irritants 

Toxic ingredients and chemical irritants like dioxins, dyes, fragrances, and parabens can cause irritation or allergic reactions to the vulva, which can lead to itchiness, soreness, or a burning sensation on the vulva.

Products that may irritate your vulva:

• Douching products
• Scented tampons or pads
• Scented feminine hygiene products
• Hygiene products that contain alcohol
• Laundry products (detergents, dryer sheets, etc.)
• And more

How to protect your vulva:

• Use non-toxic feminine hygiene products like Kushae; our products are pH-balanced, created by a woman OB/GYN with the highest quality of botanicals to keep your vulvas healthy and happy.
• Avoid using vulva products that contain ingredients like EDTA, SLS, Triclosan, PEG, and more. For a full list of what chemicals to avoid using on your vulva, click here.
• Switch to plant-based and non-scented laundry products; many on the market are hypoallergenic and good for those with sensitive skin. 

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)

Vaginal itching and burning can also happen because of certain STIs like chlamydia, herpes, and trichomoniasis; these STIs can also cause you to experience pain when you urinate, genital sores, and unusual vaginal discharge.

How to prevent STIs:

• Practice abstinence, monogamy, or reduce the number of your sexual partners.
• Always use protection when engaging in sexual activities by using condoms or dental dams.
• Get tested regularly if you are sexually active, especially when having sex with a new partner.
• Click here to learn more about how to protect yourself from STIs.

Menopause

During menopause, there is a decrease of estrogen in the body; this decrease in estrogen can cause the vaginal walls to thin and dry out, which can lead to vaginal dryness, itching, burning, and irritation. Menopause can also cause bleeding after sex and painful intercourse.

How to alleviate vaginal dryness during menopause:

• Use the Kushae Protective Skin Balm to protect and nourish your skin. Made with non-toxic plant-based ingredients, our all-natural Protective Skin Balm melts into your skin to deliver instant hydration and relief for vulvovaginal dryness, itching, chafing, and irritation. 
• Speak to your doctor about your symptoms, as they can determine which treatment is best for you, such as estrogen supplements or hormone therapy.
• In addition, staying hydrated and eating a well-balanced diet with plenty of fruits and veggies can help alleviate symptoms of vaginal dryness. 

When to speak to your doctor

If the itching and burning do not get better on their own, get worse, or come with additional symptoms, consult a doctor immediately.