It’s not uncommon for a woman to experience feminine itching at least once in her life. There are many causes behind this condition, such as contact with detergents, soaps, and bleach; uncontrolled diabetes; dry skin; and more. A visit to your family doctor or gynecologist can help identify the culprit.

Yeast infections are one common cause of feminine itching. A fungus called Candida albicans that exists harmlessly in small numbers in the vagina, mouth, and digestive tract causes most infections. When there is a change in the normal environment of the vagina—like pregnancy, diabetes, obesity, a weakened immune system, poor nutrition, stress, or taking birth control pills, steroids, or antibiotics—there may be an overgrowth of yeast, causing an infection.

To learn more about preventing and curing yeast infection, browse through the gallery below.


(First published as “About an Itch” in the “You Asked Us” section of Good Housekeeping Philippines’ July 2002 issue. Adapted for use in Female Network. Photo by The Hidden Collection via Flickr Creative Commons.)