This is why vaginal itching gets worse at night
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Are you unable to get sound sleep at night owing to constant itching down there? Call it vaginal itching, a common outcome of infection in women. Numerous women experience vaginal itching from time to time. Besides infection, its common causes include usage of chemical irritants, STDs, menopause, a weakened immune system, excessive stress, and bacteria or yeast infection.
It is a discomforting condition that can leave you feeling irritated, especially at night. Many women complain that itching is more likely to get worse in the vagina at night. Ever wondered why this actually happens? If not, then read what Dr Swati Gaikwad, consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist, Motherhood Hospital, Pune, has to say about it.
Why is vaginal itching worse at night?
Dr Gaikwad tells HealthShots, “Vulvar itching impacts the female genitals, and it can be irritating, embarrassing, annoying, and stressful, especially at night. Though itching can be there during the daytime, you will notice it more during the night time owing to fewer distractions.”
Besides this, there are many causes of vaginal itching and dryness that get worse at night, and that’s why you experience more itching down there when you go to bed.
Causes of vaginal itching
Certain factors like using chemical products down there, wearing nylon underwear, yeast infection, and STIs can lead to itching. Vagina has bacteria and fungi naturally but due to changes in the environment especially vaginal pH change allows them to grow out of control and cause vaginal candida infection or bacterial vaginosis. Which may need treatment and prevention.
Dr Gaikwad pointed out five possible causes of vaginal itching at night:
1. Yeast infections
The vagina tends to have a natural fungus called Candida that may not cause any harm usually. But, it can invite a yeast infection when the change in the environment allows it to grow out of control. This can lead to vulvar itching during nighttime.
2. Bacterial vaginosis
This is the most common type of vaginal infection that women encounter and causes vulvar itching.
3. Chemical products
Did you know that allergens and irritants can lead to vulvar itching? Avoid using perfumes, talcum powder, lubricants, bubble bat, panty liners, chemical soaps, perfumes, and nylon underwear.
4. Sexually transmitted infections (STI)
Sexually transmitted infections and trichomoniasis can also cause itching.
5. Psoriasis
It is an autoimmune condition causing dry, painful, and itchy patches on the vulva and surrounding area, and then one can experience itching.
Takeaway
Vaginal itching could be accompanied by redness, swelling, vaginal discharge, vaginal odour, irritation, and a burning sensation around the vagina or vulva. Furthermore, women with vaginal itching or burning sensation may experience pain during sex or urination. But see a doctor right away if you have vaginal itching with pelvic pain or abnormal vaginal discharge or if itching lasts more than a few days.