Vulval Irritation

“Vulval irritation
is when different products and chemicals
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 different products and chemicals affect the sensitive skin of the vulva”.3

What are vulval irritation symptoms?

In Vulva 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
“Vulval irritation can be caused by many things. Common causes are listed below.

  • Bodily functions…
  • Products…
  • Clothes…
  • Skin conditions…
  • Infections…
  • Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)…
  • Other conditions…
  • 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:

“If you are experiencing 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.

The sooner you seek help, the sooner your symptoms will improve”.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. 10 Embarrassing Questions You Should Ask Your Doctor
  2. 5 Common Problems ‘Down There’ — and Whether They Are Contagious
  3. 9 Tips To Keep Your Vagina and Vulva Healthy
  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 [07 March 2024]
  8. British Society for the Study of Vulval Disease [United Kingdom]
  9. Candidiasis
  10. Care Down There
  11. Douching
  12. Essential Information: Caring for Your Skin Down There
  13. Essential Information: Latex Allergy
  14. Essential Information: See Your Doctor If
  15. FAQs: Disorders of the Vulva: Common Causes of Vulvar Pain, Burning, and Itching
  16. FAQs: Vaginitis
  17. FAQs: Vulvodynia
  18. FAQs: Vulvovaginal Health
  19. Foundationforwomenscancer.org [Foundation for Women’s Cancer, United States]
  20. Genital Care for Women
  21. Genital Herpes
  22. Genital Herpes
  23. Glossary
  24. Gynecologic Cancers
  25. Health Organization for Pudendal Education
  26. Helpful Websites
  27. Hope for Patients With Pudendal Neuralgia and Pudendal Nerve Entrapment
  28. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): Vaginal Oestrogen – Common Questions About Vaginal Oestrogen
  29. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): Vaginal Oestrogen – How and When To Use Vaginal Oestrogen
  30. How Do I Deal With Vaginal Atrophy? — Ask Dr Jean
  31. International Society for the Study of Vulvovaginal Diseases: Patient Handouts
  32. International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health: Find A Provider
  33. Lichen Sclerosis
  34. Lichen Sclerosis and Menopause
  35. Lichen Sclerosus
  36. Maintaining Vulvar, Vaginal and Perineal Health: Clinical Considerations
  37. Managing Common Vulvar Skin Conditions
  38. Medical Advice: Bacterial Vaginosis
  39. Medical Advice: Chronic Thrush (Also Known As Candida)
  40. Medical Advice: Lichen Planus
  41. Medical Advice: Lichen Sclerosus
  42. Medical Advice: Psoriasis
  43. Medical Advice: Treatment
  44. Medical Advice: Vulval Eczema
  45. Medical Advice: Vulval Pain
  46. Menopause: Understanding the Changes and Finding Relief | Dr Susan Davis | The Proof Podcast EP 256
  47. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: How Safe Is This Product or Practice?
  48. National Vulvodynia Association: For Patients: How NVA Can Help You
  49. Navigating Menopause: Expert Insights and Solutions | Dr Susan Davis | The Proof Podcast EP 245
  50. Patty Brisben Foundation for Women’s Sexual Health
  51. Patty Brisben Foundation for Women’s Sexual Health: Guide To Sexual Health Providers
  52. Pelvic Exam
  53. Pelvic Pain Support Network [United Kingdom]
  54. Pelvic Pain Support Network [United Kingdom]: Resources and Clinics
  55. Sexual Problems and Menopause
  56. Think You Have A Vaginal Infection? Here’s What You Need to Know
  57. Tips To Help Manage Menopause Symptoms
  58. Urogenital Problems
  59. Vaginal Dryness
  60. Vaginal Dryness
  61. Vaginal Dryness Alternative Treatments
  62. Vaginal Pain
  63. Vaginal Yeast Infection
  64. Vaginal and Vulval Pain: Know the Different Causes and When To Seek Help
  65. Vaginal and Vulvar Cancers
  66. Video Series-2022: Discussing Sexual Health Concerns With Your Health Care Professional
  67. Video Series-2023: Changes In Sexual Health After Cancer
  68. Video and Podcast Library: Interviews – Video: Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause
  69. Vulva
  70. Vulva [Image]
  71. Vulva and Vagina
  72. Vulval Cancer
  73. Vulval Health
  74. Vulval Irritation
  75. Vulval Irritation: Treatment and Management
  76. Vulval Pain
  77. Vulval Pain
  78. Vulval Pain Society [United Kingdom]
  79. Vulval Self-Checks
  80. Vulval Self-Checks: How To Get To Know Your Vulva and Why You Should
  81. Vulval Self-Examination
  82. Vulval Self-Examination Leaflet for Women At Increased Risk of Vulval Cancer
  83. Vulval and Vaginal Conditions
  84. Vulval and Vaginal Health
  85. Vulvar Anatomy [+ Images]
  86. Vulvar Awareness Day [18 September]
  87. Vulvar Awareness Campaign 2023-2024: HPV Related Vulvar and Vaginal Diseases
  88. Vulvar Cancer
  89. Vulvar Cancer
  90. Vulvar Cancer–Patient Version [+ Image]
  91. Vulvitis
  92. Vulvitis: Management & Treatment
  93. Vulvodynia
  94. Vulvovaginal Pain Log
  95. Vulvovaginitis
  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 Everyone Should Know About Menopause Symptoms
  99. What’s Normal: What Is Normal Vulval & Vaginal Anatomy?
  100. Yeast Infection: Vaginal [Vaginal Candidiasis]

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: 19 January 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: 21 April 2024
  2. Vulval Irritation Last Updated: 19 January 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: 21 April 2024
  3. Vulval Irritation: What Is Vulval Irritation? Last Updated: 19 January 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: 21 April 2024
  4. Vulval Irritation: Symptoms. Last Updated: 19 January 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: 21 April 2024
  5. Vulvitis: Overview – What Is Vulvitis? Last Reviewed: 21 June 2022. Cleveland Clinic https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15175-vulvitis Accessed: 21 April 2024
  6. Vulval Irritation: What Causes Vulval Irritation? Last Updated: 19 January 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: 21 April 2024
  7. Douching: What Is Douching? Page Last Updated: 29 December 2022. Office on Women’s Health, United States Department of Health and Human Services, Womenshealth.gov https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/douching Accessed: 21 April 2024
  8. Douching: What Is Douching? Page Last Updated: 29 December 2022. Office on Women’s Health, United States Department of Health and Human Services, Womenshealth.gov https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/douching Accessed: 21 April 2024
  9. Vulval Irritation: When To See Your Doctor. Last Updated: 19 January 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: 21 April 2024
Topic Last Updated: 12 June 2024 – Topic Last Reviewed: 21 April 2024

Print Friendly, PDF & Email
/by