Dealing with Vaginal Irritation and Itching: DIY Home Remedies
No woman is saved from the discomfort of a yeast or vaginal infection. It’s dry, it’s uncomfortable, and it’s a part of life for many women in America. While not all women experience this regularly, for some it’s a common occurrence.
When the vaginal area is too dry, it can cause pain, burning and itching. There’s no ladylike way to relieve the discomfort from this kind of itching, which only serves to make the situation worse.
If you’re thinking of placing a call to your gynecologist, there are a few remedies you can try at home first. These home remedies may help relieve the pain and discomfort, saving you a trip to the doctor.
If they don’t work or the pain grows worse, make an appointment with your women’s doctor right away. Your health is important, and seeing a doctor is part of maintaining that goal.
1. Eat More Yogurt
If you don’t know by now that the probiotics in yogurt are good for your body, it’s time to brush up on your women’s health education. These good bacteria help to decrease the risk of potential yeast infections. Eat one serving per day to prevent infection. Any kind of yogurt will help, making this a delicious remedy.
2. Add Soy to Your Diet
Many medical studies have found that consuming soy helps keep dryness from occurring in the vaginal area due to the phytoestrogens found in soy products. Remember to be careful with soy as it does contain high levels of sodium. Your sodium intake can cause bloating and other health problems, which is why this should only be added to your diet in moderation.
3. Add Garlic to Your Diet
Did you know garlic contains antibacterial properties that fight the dryness and bacteria that can cause vaginal irritation? Eating more garlic can help keep this problem at bay, which is great for you and your health. Unlike soy, garlic is something you can add throughout your diet because it does not contain sodium. The only thing you’ll need worry about with too much garlic is your breath!
4. Wear the Right Underpants
Cotton is the winner when it comes to undergarments. Cotton panties allow the vagina to breathe, helping keep it dry. Wearing other materials is fine on occasion, but they can trap sweat and other moisture. You might ask why you want your vagina to be dry since that can be the problem behind vaginal irritation. The answer is that trapped moisture creates a breeding ground for bacteria.
5. Maintain Good Hygiene
You might think you have great hygiene practices, and you’re probably right. However, if you’re not showering after workouts or you’re not wiping correctly, you might be putting your body at risk. Keeping your vaginal area clean and clear of bacteria is key in preventing infection. If you use toys during your intimate time, make sure to clean them properly before and after use, or you’ll risk contaminating your vagina with bacteria.
6. Try Boric Acid Capsules
This might not sound safe since boric acid sounds toxic, but these capsules are safe and great for women who suffer from vaginal irritation regularly. They can be inserted directly into the vagina at night to help clean the area and treat infection. The only danger is that they aren’t safe for expectant women, so do not use during pregnancy.
Dealing with vaginal itching and irritation isn’t fun, but thankfully it’s not usually more than a common problem and annoyance. These home remedies will hopefully help you clear up and prevent vaginal irritation without too much fanfare.
If you find your vaginal irritation seems to occur frequently, if it’s exceptionally painful, or if it doesn’t get better over time with the use of home remedies, call your doctor. There might be another problem at hand, or you might have an unsafe or unhealthy habit of which you’re unaware.
As a leading provider of compassionate, highly qualified Lake City and Gainesville, FL OB/GYN care, specialists at All About Women Obstetrics and Gynecology offer women and families the best obstetrics and gynecology information and care – whether that be in-person or through outlets such as this website. Helping all women better understand their general health and pregnancy needs is a critical mission of the practice.
Drs. Anthony Agrios, M.D, Joseph lobst, M.D. and their highly capable nurse midwives, nurses and support staff offer Gainesville, Lake City and surrounding areas in Florida the most complete, personal care for women during pregnancy and all stages of life. Everyone from the front-desk assistant to Drs. Agrios and lobst take special care to carefully listen to all of your questions and concerns and make you feel welcome.
In addition to comprehensive pregnancy care, All About Women also offers everything from simple birth control treatment to complex hysterectomy surgery using the most technologically advanced treatment options available, including the innovative DaVinci Robotic surgical system. With offices adjoining a world-class hospital, gynecology specialists at All About Women are capable of offering world class care in a hometown setting.