Vulval Irritation

“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:

“Any itching, burning or discomfort of the vulva is often described as vulval irritation, which is relatively common in women of all ages. A small part of the vulva, or sometimes the entire vulva, can be affected.

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:

“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”.4

Cause

What can cause vulval irritation?

In Vulva & Vaginal Irritation: Causes of Vaginal Irritation the JH note:

Vulval Irritation
“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:

“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”.6

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”.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:

“If you are experiencing vulval or vaginal irritation and your symptoms are not getting better, make an appointment with your doctor or qualified health professional. The sooner you see a doctor, the sooner your symptoms will improve”.8

Health Topics A-Z

Where may I find Health Topics 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.

  1. 9 Tips To Keep Your Vagina and Vulva Healthy
  2. Advice for Daily Life
  3. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologist: Your Guide To Women’s Health Straight From the Experts
  4. Australian and New Zealand Vulvovaginal Society: Patient Information About Vulval Diseases
  5. British Society for the Study of Vulval Disease: Clinic Map [United Kingdom]
  6. Candidiasis/Yeast Infection
  7. Caredownthere.com
  8. Causes of Vaginal Itching [+ Images]
  9. Changes In the Vagina and Vulva
  10. Disorders of the Vulva: Common Causes of Vulvar Pain, Burning, and Itching
  11. Douching
  12. Essential Information: Caring for Your Skin Down There
  13. Essential Information: Latex Allergy
  14. Essential Information: See Your Doctor If
  15. Five Things You Didn’t Know About Vaginas & Vulvas — Free Health Article
  16. Further Help: Other Helpful Sites
  17. Further Help: Reading and Resources
  18. General Good Advice
  19. Genital Care for Women
  20. Genital Herpes
  21. Genital Herpes
  22. Genital Itch In Women
  23. Glossary
  24. Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month [September, United States]
    Vulval IrritationVulval Irritation
  25. Gynecologic Cancers: Vaginal and Vulvar Cancers
  26. Gynecologic Cancers: What Is Gynecologic Cancer?
  27. How Do I Deal With Vaginal Atrophy? — Ask Dr Jean
  28. How To Perform Vulval Self-Examination
  29. International Society for the Study of Vulvovaginal Diseases: Patient Handouts
  30. International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health: Find A Provider
  31. Lichen Sclerosus
  32. Lichen Sclerosis and Menopause
  33. Managing Common Vulvar Skin Conditions
  34. Medical Advice: Bacterial Vaginosis
  35. Medical Advice: Chronic Thrush (Also Known As Candida)
  36. Medical Advice: Lichen Planus
  37. Medical Advice: Lichen Sclerosus
  38. Medical Advice: Psoriasis
  39. Medical Advice: Treatment
  40. Medical Advice: Vulval Eczema
  41. Medical Advice: Vulval Pain
  42. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: How Safe Is This Product or Practice?
  43. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Menopausal Symptoms: In Depth
  44. National Vulvodynia Association: For Patients: How NVA Can Help You
  45. National Vulvodynia Association: Patient Stories
  46. Pain In the Vulva or Pelvis
  47. Patty Brisben Foundation for Women’s Sexual Health
  48. Patty Brisben Foundation for Women’s Sexual Health: Guide To Sexual Health Providers
  49. Patty Brisben Foundation for Women’s Sexual Health: New! Sexual Anatomy 101
  50. Pelvic Exam
  51. Pelvicpain.org.uk [Pain Support Network, United Kingdom]
  52. Pelvicpain.org.uk [Pain Support Network, United Kingdom]: Resources and Clinics
  53. Pudendal Neuralgia Symptoms
  54. Pudendalhope.info [Health Organization for Pudendal Education]
  55. Related Topics
  56. Royal College of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists [United Kingdom]
  57. The Normal Vulva
  58. Vulval Irritation The Vulva & Vagina – Fact Sheet
  59. The Vulva: Irritation, Diagnosis & Treatment – Booklet
  60. Uklp.org.uk [Lichen Planus [United Kingdom]
  61. Urogenital Atrophy Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
  62. Urogenital Problems
  63. Vaginal & Vulval Pain: Know the Different Causes and When To Seek Help
  64. Vaginal Dryness
  65. Vaginal Dryness
  66. Vaginal Dryness Alternative Treatments
  67. Vaginal and Vulvar Cancers
  68. Vaginitis
  69. Video Series-2021: Common Issues Surrounding Sexuality and Menopause
  70. Video Series-2021: Treatment Options for Vaginal Dryness and Urinary Issues
  71. Video Series-2021: What Women Need To Know About Hormone Therapies
  72. Video Series-2022: Discussing Sexual Health Concerns With Your Health Care Professional
  73. Vulva & Vaginal Irritation
  74. Vulva & Vaginal Irritation: Management & Treatment [+ Video]
  75. Vulva [Image]
  76. Vulva and Vaginal Health: Getting the Right Advice
  77. Vulva, Vagina, Ovaries & Uterus
  78. Vulva, Vagina, Ovaries & Uterus
  79. Vulval Cancer
  80. Vulval Care Advice
  81. Vulval Pain
  82. Vulval Self-Examination Leaflet for Women At Increased Risk of Vulval Cancer
  83. Vulvalpainsociety.org [Vulval Pain Society, United Kingdom]
  84. ulvar Anatomy [+ Images]
  85. Vulvar Cancer
  86. Vulvar Cancer
  87. Vulvar Cancer–Patient Version [+ Image]
  88. Vulvar Care
  89. Vulvar Disorders
  90. Vulvitis
  91. Vulvitis: Management & Treatment
  92. Vulvodynia
  93. Vulvodynia
  94. Vulvovaginal Health
  95. Vulvovaginal Pain Log
  96. Vulvovaginal Symptoms After Menopause
  97. Vulvovaginitis – Overview
  98. What Causes An Irritated Vulva and How’s It Treated?
  99. What’s Normal: What Is Normal Vulval & Vaginal Anatomy?
  100. Women’s Wellness: Signs and Symptoms of Vaginal Health Problems

Sources

Where may I find the Sources quoted?

You may find the Sources quoted at:

Sources

  1. 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: 01 November 2022
  2. 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: 01 November 2022
  3. 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: 01 November 2022
  4. 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: 01 November 2022
  5. 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: 01 November 2022
  6. Douching: What Is Douching? Page Last Updated: 22 February 2021. Office on Women’s Health, United States Department of Health and Human Services, Womenshealth.gov https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/douching Accessed: 01 November 2022
  7. Douching: What Is Douching? Page Last Updated: 22 February 2021. Office on Women’s Health, United States Department of Health and Human Services, Womenshealth.gov https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/douching Accessed: 01 November 2022
  8. 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: 01 November 2022
Topic Last Updated: 01 November 2022 – Topic Last Reviewed: 01 November 2022

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