“Any itching, burning or discomfort of the vulva
is often described as vulval irritation,
which is relatively common in women of all ages”.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:
“Vulva is the name for the external parts of the female genitals (private parts). The vulva is often mistakenly called the vagina, but the vagina is the internal, or inside part of your genitals”.2
Vulval Irritation
What is vulval irritation?
DotS the definition of vulval irritation may vary. In Vulva & Vaginal Irritation: Irritation the JH explain:
Signs and symptoms to watch for include:
- Burning and/or itching
- The feeling of crawling under the skin
- Redness and/or swelling
- Associated vaginal discomfort and/or discharge
- Skin cracking or splitting (fissuring)
- Whitening of skin (leukoplakia)
- Painful sex (dyspareunia)”.3
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:
Cause
What can cause vulval irritation?
In Vulva & Vaginal Irritation: Causes of Vaginal Irritation the JH note:

“Vulval irritation can be caused by many things, including:
- An imbalance in the bacteria and microorganisms that naturally live inside the vagina (known as the vaginal microbiome)
- Sweating and/or discharge from the vagina
- Fungal, bacterial or viral infections such as:
- Candidiasis/‘thrush’…
- Trichomonas/‘trich’…
- Bacterial vaginosis…
- Genital herpes…
- Allergies/adverse reactions to products such as:
- Perfumed products such as ‘feminine’ hygiene sprays…
- Sanitary pads and tampons
- Tight and/or synthetic clothing, tights, or stockings, G-strings
- Chlorine or wet, sandy swimwear that is left on
- Perspiration and other bodily fluids
- Soaps, bath and hair products
- Laundry detergent
- Hair removal and bleaching products
- Condoms, spermicides and lubricants (you can buy non-latex condoms and lubricants made from other ingredients to avoid allergies)
- Nail polish and/or fake nails, hand creams
- Scented or coloured toilet paper or wipes
- Douches (using a vaginal wash or douche is never advised as it disrupts the normal vaginal microbiome)
- Some medications, and local anaesthetic
- Piercings…
- Ingrown hairs…
- Bartholin glands cyst…
- Varicose veins…
- Hormonal changes…
- Skin conditions such as:
- Dermatitis/eczema
- Lichen sclerosis
- Psoriasis
- Lichen planus
- Vulval cancer”.5
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:
Is douching different from washing the outside of your vagina during a bath or shower?
Yes. Womenshealth.gov explain:
Most doctors recommend that women do not douche”.7
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:
Health Topics A-Z
Where may I find Health Topics related to the Vulval Irritation?
In Health Topics A-Z you may find:
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
- 10 Embarrassing Questions You Should Ask Your Doctor
- 5 Common Problems ‘Down There’ — and Whether They Are Contagious
- 9 Tips To Keep Your Vagina and Vulva Healthy
- Advice for Daily Life
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologist: Your Guide To Women’s Health Straight From the Experts
- British Society for the Study of Vulval Disease [United Kingdom]
- British Society for the Study of Vulval Disease [United Kingdom]: Clinic Map
- Care Down There
- Disorders of the Vulva: Common Causes of Vulvar Pain, Burning, and Itching
- Douching
- Essential Information: Caring for Your Skin Down There
- Essential Information: Latex Allergy
- Essential Information: See Your Doctor If
- Further Reading
- Genital Care for Women
- Genital Herpes
- Genital Herpes
- Glossary
- Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month [September, United States]
- Gynecologic Cancers: Vaginal and Vulvar Cancers
- Gynecologic Cancers: What Is Gynecologic Cancer?
- Health Organization for Pudendal Education
- Helpful Websites
- How Do I Deal With Vaginal Atrophy? — Ask Dr Jean
- International Society for the Study of Vulvovaginal Diseases: Patient Handouts
- International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health: Find A Provider
- Let’s Talk About Perimenopause
- Lichen Sclerosis
- Lichen Sclerosis and Menopause
- Lichen Sclerosus
- Managing Common Vulvar Skin Conditions
- Medical Advice: Bacterial Vaginosis
- Medical Advice: Chronic Thrush (Also Known As Candida)
- Medical Advice: Lichen Planus
- Medical Advice: Lichen Sclerosus
- Medical Advice: Psoriasis
- Medical Advice: Treatment
- Medical Advice: Vulval Eczema
- Medical Advice: Vulval Pain
- Menopause: Understanding the Changes and Finding Relief | Dr Susan Davis | The Proof Podcast EP 256
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: How Safe Is This Product or Practice?
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Menopausal Symptoms: In Depth
- National Vulvodynia Association: For Patients: How NVA Can Help You
- Navigating Menopause: Expert Insights and Solutions | Dr Susan Davis | The Proof Podcast EP 245
- Patty Brisben Foundation for Women’s Sexual Health
Patty Brisben Foundation for Women’s Sexual Health: Guide To Sexual Health Providers
- Patty Brisben Foundation for Women’s Sexual Health: New! Sexual Anatomy 101
- Pelvic Exam
- Pelvic Pain Support Network [United Kingdom]
- Pelvic Pain Support Network [United Kingdom]: Resources and Clinics
- Pudendal Neuralgia Symptoms
- The Vulva & Vagina – Fact Sheet
- The Vulva: Irritation, Diagnosis & Treatment – Booklet
- Tips To Help Manage Menopause Symptoms
- UK Lichen Planus [United Kingdom]
- Urogenital Atrophy Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
Urogenital Problems
- Vaginal & Vulval Pain: Know the Different Causes and When To Seek Help
- Vaginal Candidiasis
- Vaginal Dryness
- Vaginal Dryness
- Vaginal Dryness Alternative Treatments
- Vaginal and Vulvar Cancers
- Vaginitis
- Video Series-2022: Discussing Sexual Health Concerns With Your Health Care Professional
- Video Series-2022: Hormone Therapy: Understanding the Risks and Benefits
- Video Series-2023
- Vulva & Vaginal Irritation
- Vulva & Vaginal Irritation: Management & Treatment [+ Video]
- Vulva [Image]
- Vulva and Vaginal Health: Getting the Right Advice
Vulva, Vagina, Ovaries & Uterus
- Vulva, Vagina, Ovaries & Uterus
- Vulval Cancer
- Vulval Pain
- Vulval Pain Society [United Kingdom]
- Vulval Self-Examination
- Vulval Self-Examination Leaflet for Women At Increased Risk of Vulval Cancer
- Vulvar Anatomy [+ Images]
- Vulvar Cancer
- Vulvar Cancer
- Vulvar Cancer–Patient Version [+ Image]
- Vulvar Care
- Vulvar Disorders
- Vulvitis
- Vulvitis: Management & Treatment
- Vulvodynia
- Vulvodynia
- Vulvovaginal Health
- Vulvovaginal Pain Log
- Vulvovaginitis – Overview
- What Causes An Irritated Vulva and How’s It Treated?
- What Everyone Should Know About Menopause Symptoms
- What’s Normal: What Is Normal Vulval & Vaginal Anatomy?
- Why Didn’t Anyone Tell Me This? Episode 3: Dr Annice Mukherjee: Your Essential Menopause Toolkit
Sources
Where may I find the Sources quoted?
You may find the Sources quoted at:
Sources
- Vulva & Vaginal Irritation: Irritation. Last Updated: 11 October 2022 | Last Reviewed: 09 April 2021. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/vulva-vagina-ovaries-uterus/vulva-vaginal-irritation Accessed: 03 May 2023
- Vulva & Vaginal Irritation: Irritation. Last Updated: 11 October 2022 | Last Reviewed: 09 April 2021. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/vulva-vagina-ovaries-uterus/vulva-vaginal-irritation Accessed: 03 May 2023
- Vulva & Vaginal Irritation: Irritation. Last Updated: 11 October 2022 | Last Reviewed: 09 April 2021. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/vulva-vagina-ovaries-uterus/vulva-vaginal-irritation Accessed: 03 May 2023
- Vulvitis: Overview – What Is Vulvitis? Last Reviewed By A Cleveland Clinic Medical Professional on: 21 June 2022. Cleveland Clinic https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15175-vulvitis Accessed: 03 May 2023
- Vulva & Vaginal Irritation: Causes of Vulval Irritation. Last Updated: 11 October 2022 | Last Reviewed: 09 April 2021. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/vulva-vagina-ovaries-uterus/vulva-vaginal-irritation Accessed: 03 May 2023
- 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: 03 May 2023
- 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: 03 May 2023
- Vulva & Vaginal Irritation: Diagnosis. Last Updated: 11 October 2022 | Last Reviewed: 09 April 2021. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/vulva-vagina-ovaries-uterus/vulva-vaginal-irritation Accessed: 03 May 2023