Vulval Irritation

“Vulval irritation is when infections,
products, clothes and other factors
affect the sensitive skin of the vulva”.1

Umbrella

What may the Vulval Irritation Umbrella include?

Depending on the Source (DotS) this Umbrella may include:

  • Genital Itch
  • Vestibulitis
  • Vestibulodynia
  • Vulva/Vulval/Vulvar Discomfort/Irritation/Pain
  • Vulva/Vulval/Vulvar Skin Conditions
  • Vulvar Itching
  • Vulval Vestibulitis
  • Vulvitis
  • Vulvovaginal Discomfort/Pain

Vulva

What is the vulva?

DotS the definition of the vulva may vary. The (Australian) Jean Hailes for Women’s Health’s (JH) definition is:

“Your vulva is the external part of your female genitals that you can see. Your vagina is inside your body”.2

Vulval Irritation

What is vulval irritation?

DotS the definition of vulval irritation may vary. In Vulva Irritation: What Is Vulval Irritation? the JH explain:

“Vulval irritation is when infections, products, clothes and other factors affect the sensitive skin of the vulva”.3

What are vulval irritation symptoms?

In Vulval Irritation: Symptoms the JH explain:

“Vulval irritation can be associated with other signs and symptoms, including:

  • Burning
  • Itching
  • Redness
  • Swelling
  • Vaginal discomfort
  • Vaginal discharge
  • Skin cracking or splitting (fissuring)
  • Whitening of skin (leukoplakia)
  • Pain during sex (dyspareunia)”.4

Vulvitis

What is vulvitis?

DotS the definition of vulvitis may vary. In Vulvitis: Overview – What Is Vulvitis? the (United States) Cleveland Clinic’s definition is:

“Vulvitis is inflammation in your vulva, or your genitals. Your vulva includes the soft folds of skin that surround your vagina, including your labia majora (the outer folds), labia minora (vaginal lips) and your clitoris. Your vulva may become inflamed because of an infection, allergic reaction or injury that irritates your skin”.5

Cause

What can cause vulval irritation?

In Vulval Irritation: What Causes Vulval Irritation? the JH note:


Vulval Irritation
“Common causes are listed below.

  • Bodily functions…
  • Products…
  • Clothes…
  • Vulval and vaginal yeast infections
  • Bacterial vaginosis
  • Skin conditions…
  • Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)…
  • Bartholin glands cyst…
  • Varicose veins…
  • Hormones…
  • Medicines…
  • Cancer…”.6

Douching

What is douching?

DotS the definition of douching may vary. In Douching: What Is Douching? the Office on Women’s Health, United States Department of Health and Human Services, Womenshealth.gov’s definition is:

“The word “douche” means to wash or soak. Douching is washing or cleaning out the inside of the vagina with water or other mixtures of fluids. Most douches are sold in stores as prepackaged mixes of water and vinegar, baking soda, or iodine. The mixtures usually come in a bottle or bag. You squirt the douche upward through a tube or nozzle into your vagina. The water mixture then comes back out through your vagina”.7

Is douching different from washing the outside of your vagina during a bath or shower?

Yes. Womenshealth.gov explain:

“Douching is different from washing the outside of your vagina during a bath or shower. Rinsing the outside of your vagina with warm water will not harm your vagina. But, douching can lead to many different health problems.

Most doctors recommend that women do not douche”.8

Vulval Clinics

Are there clinics specializing in vulval conditions?

DotC (Depending on the Country) there may be clinics specializing in vulval conditions with gynecologists, dermatologists, physiotherapists and other multidisciplinary staff.

These multidisciplinary clinics may be called:

  • Genito-Urinary Medicine Clinics
  • Multidisciplinary Vulva/Vulval/Vulvar Clinics
  • Vulva/Vulval/Vulvar Clinics
  • Vulvovaginal Clinics

Health Care Provider

What if I think I have vulval irritation?

If you think you have vulval irritation, it may be in your best interest to choose to talk to your health care provider about this. The JH encourage us to seek help and explain:

“You may find it hard to talk about the problem, but if you experience vulval irritation and your symptoms are not getting better, it’s important to see your doctor. They will take your medical history and ask about your symptoms. If they don’t check your vulva, ask for an examination.

You might also need to have a urine test, vulval or vaginal swab, blood test or vulval biopsy. This process will ensure you get the right diagnosis and treatment”.9

Health Topics A-Z

Where may I find Health Topics A-Z related to the Vulval Irritation?

In Health Topics A-Z you may find:

Health Topics A-Z

Where may I find Links related to Vulval Irritation?

Your Country may have Links similar to:

Links

This Links List to third party websites is neither comprehensive nor exhaustive. Inclusion on this Links List does not imply endorsement or recommendation. Non-inclusion on this Links List does not imply non-endorsement or non-recommendation. Third party websites are not under the control of Meno Martha International Menopause Directory. Third party websites may contain explicit medical images and/or sexual references. Please read Meno Martha International Menopause Directory’s Links Policy before proceeding to a Link. Please contact Webmaster if you experience a problem with a Link.

New or Updated

  1. ANZ Vulvovaginal Society: Patient Information [Australian and New Zealand]
  2. A Guide To Vulval Self-Checks [+ Video]
    Vulval Irritation
  3. About the Vulva and Vagina
  4. Advice for Daily Life
  5. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologist: Your Guide To Women’s Health Straight From the Experts
  6. BMS TV: Urogenital Atrophy
  7. Boxers, Briefs and Bacterial Vaginosis: How Your Underwear Can Affect Your Health
  8. British Society for the Study of Vulval Disease [United Kingdom]
  9. Candidiasis
  10. Care Down There
  11. Consumer Video and Podcast Series: 2022 Consumer Videos and Podcasts – Discussing Sexual Health Concerns With Your Health Care Professional
  12. Douching
  13. Essential Information: Caring for Your Skin Down There
  14. Essential Information: Latex Allergy
  15. Essential Information: See Your Doctor If
  16. FAQs: Disorders of the Vulva: Common Causes of Vulvar Pain, Burning, and Itching
  17. FAQs: Vaginitis
  18. FAQs: Vulvodynia
  19. FAQs: Vulvovaginal Health
  20. FDA Expert Panel on Menopause and Hormone Replacement Therapy for Women
  21. Foundationforwomenscancer.org [Foundation for Women’s Cancer, United States]
  22. Genital Care for Women
  23. Genital Herpes
  24. Genital Herpes
  25. Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause
  26. Glossary
  27. Gynecologic Cancers
  28. Health Organization for Pudendal Education
  29. Helpful Websites
  30. Hope for Patients With Pudendal Neuralgia and Pudendal Nerve Entrapment
  31. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): Vaginal Oestrogen – Common Questions About Vaginal Oestrogen
  32. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): Vaginal Oestrogen – How and When To Use Vaginal Oestrogen
  33. International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation, 6 February
    Vulval Irritation
  34. International Society for Sexual Medicine: Public
  35. International Society for the Study of Vulvovaginal Diseases: Patient Handouts
  36. International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health: Find A Provider
  37. Lichen Sclerosis
  38. Lichen Sclerosus
  39. Lichen Sclerosis and Menopause
  40. Lichensclerosusguide.org.uk
  41. Maintaining Vulvar, Vaginal and Perineal Health: Clinical Considerations
  42. Managing Common Vulvar Skin Conditions
  43. Medical Advice: Bacterial Vaginosis
  44. Medical Advice: Chronic Thrush (Also Known As Candida)
  45. Medical Advice: Lichen Planus
  46. Medical Advice: Lichen Sclerosus
  47. Medical Advice: Psoriasis
  48. Medical Advice: Treatment
  49. Medical Advice: Vulval Eczema
  50. Medical Advice: Vulval Pain
  51. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: How Safe Is This Product or Practice?
  52. National Vulvodynia Association: For Patients: How NVA Can Help You
  53. Pelvic Exam
  54. Pelvic Pain Support Network [United Kingdom]
  55. Pelvic Pain Support Network [United Kingdom]: Resources and Clinics
  56. Sexual Problems and Menopause
  57. Think You Have A Vaginal Infection? Here’s What You Need to Know
  58. Tips for Checking Your Vulva: What To Look Out For
    Vulval Irritation
  59. Urogenital Problems
  60. Vaginal Dryness
  61. Vaginal Dryness
  62. Vaginal Dryness Alternative Treatments
  63. Vaginal Pain
  64. Vaginal Yeast Infection
  65. Vaginal and Vulval Pain: Know the Different Causes and When To Seek Help
  66. Vaginal and Vulvar Cancers
  67. Video and Podcast Library: Video: Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause
  68. Videos & Podcasts: Videos – Menopause and Hormone Therapy: Current Perspectives and Controversies
  69. Videos & Podcasts: Videos – Vulvar Diseases, Overview for Aging Women [June 2024]
  70. Vulva
  71. Vulva [Image]
  72. Vulva and Vagina
  73. Vulval Cancer
  74. Vulval Cancer
  75. Vulval Irritation
  76. Vulval Irritation: Treatment and Management
  77. Vulval Pain
  78. Vulval Pain Society [United Kingdom]
  79. Vulval Self-Checks: Learn How To Get To Know Your Vulva
  80. Vulval Self-Examination
  81. Vulval Self-Examination Leaflet for Women At Increased Risk of Vulval Cancer
  82. Vulval and Vaginal Conditions
  83. Vulval and Vaginal Health
  84. Vulval and Vaginal Pain
  85. Vulvar Anatomy [+ Images]
  86. Vulvar Awareness Day Season 2024 – 2025
  87. Vulvar Cancer
  88. Vulvar Cancer
  89. Vulvar Cancer–Patient Version [+ Image]
  90. Vulvar Cancer: What Patients Should Know About
  91. Vulvitis
  92. Vulvitis: Management & Treatment
  93. Vulvodynia
  94. Vulvovaginitis
  95. Webinars: Previous – The Burn, the Itch, the Pain, the Urge: GSM In Women
  96. Webinars: Previous – Pay Attention on Your Way In! The Vulva Is An Important Organ Too
  97. What Causes An Irritated Vulva and How’s It Treated?
  98. What’s Normal: What Is Normal Vulval & Vaginal Anatomy?
  99. Yeast Infection: Vaginal [Vaginal Candidiasis]
  100. World GO Day [World Gynecologic Oncology Day, 20 September 2025]
    Vulval Irritation Vulval Irritation

Sources

Where may I find the Sources quoted?

You may find the Sources quoted at:

Sources

  1. Vulval Irritation: What Is Vulval Irritation? Last Updated: 17 June 2025 | Last Reviewed: 02 June 2025. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/vulva-vagina/vulval-irritation Accessed: 10 August 2025
  2. Vulval Irritation Last Updated: 17 June 2025 | Last Reviewed: 02 June 2025. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/vulva-vagina/vulval-irritation Accessed: 10 August 2025
  3. Vulval Irritation: What Is Vulval Irritation? Last Updated: 17 June 2025 | Last Reviewed: 02 June 2025. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/vulva-vagina/vulval-irritation Accessed: 10 August 2025
  4. Vulval Irritation: Symptoms. Last Updated: 17 June 2025 | Last Reviewed: 02 June 2025. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/vulva-vagina/vulval-irritation Accessed: 10 August 2025
  5. Vulvitis: Overview – What Is Vulvitis? Last Reviewed: 21 June 2022. Cleveland Clinic https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15175-vulvitis Accessed: 10 August 2025
  6. Vulval Irritation: What Causes Vulval Irritation? Last Updated: 17 June 2025 | Last Reviewed: 02 June 2025. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/vulva-vagina/vulval-irritation Accessed: 10 August 2025
  7. Douching: What Is Douching? Page Last Updated: 27 February 2025. Office on Women’s Health, United States Department of Health and Human Services, Womenshealth.gov https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/douching Accessed: 10 August 2025
  8. Douching: What Is Douching? Page Last Updated: 27 February 2025. Office on Women’s Health, United States Department of Health and Human Services, Womenshealth.gov https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/douching Accessed: 10 August 2025
  9. Vulval Irritation: When To See Your Doctor. Last Updated: 22 April 2024 | Last Reviewed: 26 April 2023. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/vulva-vagina/vulval-irritation Accessed: 09 January 2025
Topic Last Updated: 22 January 2025 – Topic Last Reviewed: 09 January 2025

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