This Is Why Your Vagina Is So Itchy—And How To Make It Stop

It might not be a yeast infection.

tching down there that just won't go away is uncomfortable to talk about, and even more uncomfortable to deal with. But before you assume you're dealing with yeast infection symptoms (which is likely, but not certain), it's important to know the symptoms of other common conditions and talk to a doctor. Vaginal itching that just won't go away could be something as innocuous as irritation from a dull razor or something that requires immediate treatment like a sexually transmitted disease (STD).

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"In general, I don't recommend people try to treat symptoms at home before they come in, unless they're sure it's something they've had before like a yeast infection," says Mae K. Borchardt, MD, a gynecologist at Houston Methodist Hospital. "If that one treatment doesn't work, don't keep trying over-the-counter products or home remedies. Go to a doctor, and once we know what you're dealing with, there are lots of products you can get over-the-counter and use to treat it at home."

It's important to rule out more serious causes—for instance, vaginal itching may be caused by trichomoniasis, a common STD that requires a powerful antibiotic to treat. (Cases of trichomoniasis are on the rise. Here's what you need to know about the disease.) In rare cases, itching accompanied by a non-healing ulcer may not be a sign of vaginal infection, but rather of vulvar cancer.

However, if your doctor says your itching is a result of one of the following causes, an over-the-counter treatment may be an easy fix. Read on for five things that may be causing you discomfort, and five products with doctor-approved ingredients that could help you stop itching for answers.